The KV-1’s transmission, which Kotin borrowed from a U.S.-made tractor, simply sucked. But one of the tank’s biggest problems was the fact the crew could barely see out of damn thing.

The KV-1’s transmission, which Kotin borrowed from a U.S.-made tractor, simply sucked. But one of the tank’s biggest problems was the fact the crew could barely see out of damn thing.

An 85-mm gun was later fitted with a turret from the new IS-1 heavy tank to produce the KV-85. At the time of its launch in August 1943, however, the KV-85 was far inferior to the German heavy tanks.