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The 'ASU-57' was a Soviet assault gun that could be deployed by parachute. It was lightly armored and armed with a 57mm gun. The ASU-57 saw service with Soviet airborne divisions and was replaced by the ASU-85.The ASU-57 was developed in he 1950's specificaly for use by the Soviet airborne divisions (54 vehicles per division) and was designed to be parachuted with the troops, using pallets fitted with retro-rocket systems to soften the impact on landing.
One main drawback is that its welded aluminum hull offers little protection for the crew. However for airborne troops such vehicles are invaluble, giving lightly armed soldiers, who are isolated behind enemy lines, mobile artillery support on the battlefield.