Originally designed as an anti-tank weapon, the SU-76 lost the edge with its Zis-3 L/41 main gun as German tank armor protection increased. The decision was then made to change her battlefield role to direct-fire support for Soviet troops. The most popular variant became the SU-76M, this model having an open top. As a close-support vehicle, the open-topped SU-76M naturally developed problems with its lack of crew protection. However, this design element was with its advantages in that it allowed for better on-field communications through the use of hand signals with infantry and other SU-76M systems. The open top also reduced the SU-76M's combat weight and directly led to an increase in her top speed.
Both SU-76 variants became effective against the light- and medium-class of German tanks and vehicles and could even knock out the fearsome Panther tank with a flank shot. Late in the war some SU-76s had their main guns completely removed and the vehicle was then used as an ammunition carrier and as a battlefield recovery vehicle. Some even became artillery tractors, pulling the tried-and-true 76.2mm Model 1942 field guns.
Other variants included the limited-production SU-76B featuring an enclosed crew compartment and the ZSU-37, a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
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