ASU-57

Infobox Weapon
name=ASU-57


caption=
origin=USSR
type=Airborne Tank Destroyer / Assault Gun
is_vehicle=yes
service= 1951
used_by=USSR, Egypt, Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Poland
wars=1967 in Egypt
designer=uncertain
design_date=
manufacturer=uncertain
unit_cost=
production_date=1951-1962
number=
variants=
crew=3+6
length=3.48m (5.75 with gun)
width=2.8 m
height=1.18 m (1.46 shield up)
weight=3.4 tonnes
armour=6 mm
primary_armament=1x Ch-51 or Ch-51M L/73 57mm Gun
secondary_armament=
engine=4 cylinder water cooled gasoline
engine_power=50hp (55hp with later engine)
transmission=
fuel_capacity=140 liters
suspension=
speed=45 km/h
pw_ratio=
vehicle_range=250 kmThe ASU-57 was a Soviet assault gun that could be deployed by parachute. It was lightly armored and armed with a 57mm gun. The ASU-57 saw service with Soviet airborne divisions and was replaced by the ASU-85. The ASU-57 was developed in the 1950s specifically for use by the Soviet airborne divisions (54 vehicles per division) and was designed to be parachuted with the troops, using pallets fitted with retrorocket systems to soften the impact on landing.

One main drawback is that its welded aluminum hull offers little protection for the crew. However for airborne troops such vehicles are invaluable, giving lightly armed soldiers, who are isolated behind enemy lines, mobile artillery support on the battlefield.

External links

* [http://www.russianwarrior.com/STMMain.htm?1947vec_ASU57.htm&1 Sword of the Motherland Foundation]