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The SU-100 represented a unique design concept that was successfully used by a number of countries during and after WWII. One of the biggest problems with the use of tanks in warfare is their high cost of manufacture, both in time and money. The massive turrets require precise machining and close tolerances for accuracy. However, the tank destroyers, like the SU-100, utilized a massive, high-power gun mounted on a standard tank chassis, without a turret. The gun usually has limited traversing capabilities, allowing only 20 degrees or so of deflection. These tanks can be turned out at a much higher rate than comparable tanks. In the field they are usually employed from fixed positions, where they lie in ambush for the enemy's expensive tanks.
The SU-100 utilized a 100 mm D-10S L/60 gun built on a naval design for high penetration power, and it was able to utilize HE (high explosive) and AP (Armor Piercing) shells to great effect against the Tiger and Panther tanks. Its raised commander's cupola improved the commander's visibility, but it lacked any machine gun weapons, which made it vulnerable to close-in infantry assault.
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