T-62

About the Model

• Build in 1:45 Scale
• Skill: 4/5   
• Contains 367 LEGO® and CustomBricks® elements
• PDF Instructions automatically send via E-Mail after purchase 
• Turret is turnable by 360°

History

The T-62, introduced by the Soviet Union in 1961, was a significant advancement in Cold War-era tank design, marking a leap from its predecessor, the T-55. It was the first mass-produced tank to feature a smoothbore 115 mm gun, offering improved armor-piercing capabilities over the rifled guns of earlier tanks. The T-62’s U-5TS smoothbore cannon, capable of firing advanced APFSDS rounds, gave it an edge against contemporary armored vehicles. Additionally, it was equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7 mm DShK heavy machine gun for anti-aircraft defense. Powered by a V-55 diesel engine producing 580 horsepower, the T-62 could reach a top speed of 50 km/h with a range of 500 km.

The T-62 featured composite armor and sloped surfaces for enhanced protection against enemy fire, though its effectiveness declined as armor-piercing technology advanced. It was widely used by Soviet forces and became a central part of the Warsaw Pact’s military inventory, seeing action in conflicts like the Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, and the Iran-Iraq War. The tank’s design influenced future Soviet models, especially the T-72. Its versatility, with variants like command tanks and recovery vehicles, and its continued service in various conflicts, highlight its enduring legacy. The T-62 remains a significant example of Cold War armored warfare, influencing tank development for decades.