BM-13 Katyusha (Studebaker US6)

The BM-13 fighting vehicle was a source of pride for Soviet soldiers and a nightmare for the Soviet Union’s enemies. Once development of 132 mm high-explosive fragmentation rockets, later called M-13, was completed in 1938, work began on a mobile artillery platform for them. Assembly of the first launchers began on 10 July 1941. At the front they became known as Katyusha, a name often linked to the popular song by M. Isakovsky and M. Blanter.

By November 1941, 733 launchers had been built on ZiS-6, ZiS-5 and other chassis. Carriers included the American Lend-Lease Studebaker US6. This 6×6 truck had a carburetted Hercules JXD engine producing 95 hp and could reach 70 km/h on the road.

Crew: 7; loaded launcher weight: 6.2 tonnes; salvo weight: 680 kg. Armament: the launcher assembly and 132 mm M-13 rockets. Ammunition: 16 rounds; salvo duration: 8–10 seconds; range: up to 8,470 m.