Osprey - IS-2 Heavy Tank 1944-73

By Steven J. Zaloga

Zaloga describes the events that led to the Soviet Union's need to create the new series. Especially referencing the unsuccessful KV series. 

Popularly called 'Victory Tanks', the losef Stalin tanks were the ultimate heavy tanks create by the Soviet Union. They played a crucial role during the Second World War, named the victory tanks due to their close association with the defeat of Germany in 1945. However, they had a troubled start to production. Although glorious in 1944 and 1945, they disappeared after 1960.