The 2A3 Kondensator self propelled howitzer is probably one of the most visually impressive vehicles in Military History, but unfortunately, its qualities did not accompany such a formidable look.The howitzer was pointed back mounted on the vehicle that carried it, which was a derivative of the T-10 heavy tank chassis suitably reinforced to support such a weight.The vehicle carried 1 projectile and two powder cartridges for immediate use. The howitzer could only be loaded horizontally and the reloading operation lasted around 5 minutes.The 700hp engine was not powerful enough for the enormous weight of Kondensator and did not get speeds higher than about 30 km/h.Kondensator was designed in response to the US Army’s M-65 Atomic Cannon, smaller in caliber, only 280mm, but more mobile and with greater range.The four 2A3 Kondensator were attached to the Artillery High Command Reserve, where they were in service until the mid-1960s.The gigantic vehicle measured about 20m long, which was a huge problem when it had to be deployed. It is known that they were always heavily guarded by the Western forces.Due to the immense logistical problems that Kondensator supposed, the production was minimal, and its effectiveness was seriously diminished.Its range was only 28km for its 570kg projectile, in comparison, the 406mm guns of the American Iowa class battleships reached 38km and the British Nelson class reached 35km.
