Kharkiv model V-2

Kharkiv Locomotive Factory (Malyshev Factory)
Industry	Engine manufacturing
Founded	1931
Founder	Konstantin Chelpan and team
Headquarters	Kharkiv, Soviet Union (now Ukraine)
Products	Diesel tank engines, including the V-2 series

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Kharkiv model V-2, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 29 November 2025

Template:Infobox automobile engine

The Kharkiv V-2 (Russian: В-2) is a series of Soviet and Russian diesel-powered tank engines featuring a V-12 layout with a 60° angle between banks. Each bank incorporates dual overhead camshafts and employs four valves per cylinder actuated by bucket tappets, alongside direct fuel injection. Developed at the Kharkiv Locomotive Factory by Konstantin Chelpan and his team, this engine powers tanks such as the BT-7M (BT-8), T-34 tank, Kliment Voroshilov tank, Iosif Stalin tank, and T-10 Heavy Tank (IS-10/T-10). Its use extends to derivative vehicles including the SU-85 and SU-100 tank destroyers based on the T-34 chassis, as well as the ISU-122 and ISU-152 self-propelled artillery units derived from the IS-2 platform. Throughout its service, power output has varied between approximately 450–700 hp (340–520 kW).

Various iterations of the V-2 have been integrated into numerous Soviet and Russian armored vehicles since its inception. Modernized versions continue in production today; for example, the T-90A tank, 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV self-propelled howitzer, and BMPT Terminator armored support vehicle all utilize a 1,000-horsepower V92S2 model. Additionally, enhanced variants such as the V-92S2F producing 1,130 horsepower power the latest T-72B3 and T-90M tanks. The engine is also manufactured under license in multiple countries.

History of development and production

Development of the V-2 engine commenced in 1931 at the diesel division of the Kharkiv Locomotive Works (Malyshev Factory), initially led by Konstantin Chelpan. After his arrest in 1938, project leadership transitioned to his deputy for design work, Yakov Efimovich Vikhman, and Ivan Yakovlevich Trashutin, responsible for experimental and production tasks, who finalized the engine’s development by 1939.

Mass production of the V-2 began on September 1, 1939. That same year, the Red Army adopted three variants of this engine: the standard V-2 rated at 500 hp (370 kW), the more powerful V-2K delivering 600 hp (450 kW) designed for KV-series tanks, and the lower-powered V-2V producing 375 hp (280 kW).

Approaching the close of the twentieth century, Vladimir Ivanovich Butov—the chief designer at Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant’s main design bureau—implemented significant modernization upgrades to the original V-2 design.

Description

Constructed from aluminium, the engine featured a sealed water-cooling system. This system comprised cylinder block water jackets, radiators, a water pump, a centrifugal fan, a T-valve equipped with steam and air valves, along with associated piping. The cooling system held between 90 and 95 liters of coolant. Air was introduced to the radiators through an air valve connected to the external environment. The T-valve served as the filling point for the coolant in the cooling circuit, linking both radiators.

Variants

V-2: The original production model introduced in 1937. It powered the BT-7M (BT-8).
V-2-34: An updated V-2 version from 1939 featuring redesigned hull mounts, improved fuel and cooling connectors, and a refined clutch. This variant was installed in the T-34, SU-85, and SU-100, delivering 500 hp (370 kW) at 1,800 rpm. Attached components included a fuel feed pump, fuel filter, NK-1 fuel pump, high-pressure fuel line, oil pump, oil filter, water pump, and alternator. Engine startup was primarily achieved via the electric starter ST-700, with compressed air from two cylinders in the driver's compartment serving as an alternative method.
V-2K: Introduced in 1939 with increased injection pressure and higher operational speed. It powered the KV-1 and KV-2 models, generating 600 hp (450 kW) at 2,000 rpm.
V-2V: A detuned version of the V-2 designed for lighter vehicles in 1940. It was utilized in the Voroshilovets artillery tractor and produced 375 hp (280 kW).
V-2L/P: Adaptations of the V-2 intended for marine applications; these were not manufactured.
V-2SN (Нагнетатель системы, supercharger systems): A supercharged V-2 variant incorporating a supercharger from the Mikulin AM-38 aircraft engine introduced in 1940. This engine powered the KV-3 and produced 862 hp (643 kW).
V-2-10 (V-2IS): Featuring reinforced cylinders and heads, an enhanced fuel pump, larger radiator and oil cooler, plus modified hull mounts from 1943. This variant was used in the IS-1, IS-2, ISU-122, and ISU-152, delivering 520 hp (390 kW).
V-2-450AV-S3: A version adapted for oil drilling machinery producing 450 hp (340 kW).
V-4: Essentially half of a V-2 engine configured as an inline six-cylinder unit. Installed in the T-50 light tank, it generated 300 hp (220 kW).
V-11: Employed in the IS-3, producing 520 hp (390 kW); it later evolved into the V-44 used in the T-44.
V-12: Used on the IS-4, this supercharged engine delivered 750 hp (560 kW) but saw limited production due to reliability issues.
V-12-5: An improved iteration of the V-12 powering the T-10 with an output of 700 hp (520 kW).
V12-6: Installed in the Object 268, producing 750 hp (560 kW).
V-46: Found in vehicles such as the T-72, T-72M, T-62M-1, and 2K22 Tunguska. It generated 780 hp (580 kW), while a version rated at 710 hp (530 kW) was used specifically in the Tunguska.
V-54: Deployed in the T-54 tank model with an output of 520 hp (390 kW).
V-55: Powering the T-55, this engine produced 580 hp (430 kW).
V-55V: Utilized in the T-62 tank series with power ratings initially at 580 hp, later increased to 620 hp.
V-84: Applied in models including T-72A, T-72B, 2S19 Msta-S, and T-90. It delivered 840 hp (630 kW), while a variant producing 780 hp (580 kW) was fitted to the Msta-S.
V-92: Engine installed in T-90A, 2S35 Koalitsiya-SV, and T-90M vehicles.
V-401: A detuned version of the V-54 used for the AT-T artillery tractor producing 415 hp (309 kW).

Manufacturers

The T-34 tank, powered by the V-2 engine, holds the distinction of being the most widely produced tank during the Second World War and ranks as the second highest in production volume overall, following the T-54/T-55 series which utilized the enhanced V-54 and V-55 engines.

Prior to the outbreak of World War II, production of the V-2 engine was confined exclusively to Engine Plant No. 75, a division of the Kharkov Locomotive Plant. Additional manufacturing responsibilities were assigned to contractors including KhTZ, as well as the Chelyabinsk and Kirov (Leningrad) factories.

Following the commencement of hostilities, manufacturing expanded to include the Stalingrad Tractor Plant and Plant No. 76 located in Sverdlovsk. In October 1941, Plant No. 75 was relocated to Chelyabinsk at the ChTZ facility, with the Kirov plant also transferring there. These facilities were consolidated into a massive industrial complex known as Tankograd. This site became the primary producer of the V-2 engine during the war, delivering approximately 50,000 units, a figure that includes engines manufactured in Kharkov. Subsequently, in 1942, production capabilities were extended to Plant No. 77 in Barnaul.

As of 2022, various iterations of the V-2 engine remain in production at the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant, Barnaultransmash, and the Ural Diesel Engine Plant.

Gallery

V-2
V-54
V-55
V-46
V-92

References

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