Trumpeter 01588 Russian ASU-85 airborne self-propelled gun Mod.1956

The first prototypes of the ASU-85 self-propelled gun were created in 1959. Serial production started around 1960 and only lasted until 1966. The ASU-85 was officially withdrawn from service with the Russian Army in 1993. The ASU-85 was powered by a single 210 HP YAMZ-206V engine. The basic armament of the vehicle is the 85mm D70 cannon. and 1 PKT or SGMT machine gun cal .: 7.62 mm.

The ASU-85 self-propelled gun was developed specifically for the Soviet Airborne Forces to replace the older ASU-57. Compared to its predecessor, it differed in almost everything: much greater weight (15.5 tons compared to about 3.5 tons), new main armament, much thicker armor reaching 45 mm. and a more powerful engine. However, all these design improvements, allowing for increased survivability on the battlefield, prevented the ASU-85 from being parachuted and determined its air transport by heavy transport aircraft, especially AN-22. This called into question its combat usefulness in a full-scale conflict with NATO countries. However, in the asymmetric conflict (the war in Afghanistan), the ASU-85 worked quite well. It was also used in the Polish People's Army in the 6th Pomeranian Airborne Division and in Vietnam.