T-34/85

History

The T-34/85 is basically classified as an "upgraded version" of the successful T-34 base medium tank, heavily designed and built by the Soviet Union during World War II. The Germans invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941, and so far, the Panzer III and Panzer IV series have been the workhorse of their armored assault.

However, things soon changed and the Soviets released their heavily armored and armed T-34 medium tanks alongside their KV-1 and KV-2 series of heavy tanks.

The basic T-34 was armed with a powerful 76mm main gun, which proved effective against the Panzer III and Panzer IV series that the Germans used heavily in the war. In response, the Germans provided larger guns and heavier armor for their Panther and Tiger series of tanks. Thus, the T-34/85 came at a time when the Soviet authorities were looking for larger tank gun options to compete with the German 75mm and 88mm offerings - two tank killers themselves recognized tank killers.

The T34/85 also features an all-new five-speed gearbox, a new three-person turret design for extra crew, electric turret rotation for faster gun response, and a cupola useful for tank commanders. These additions -- at the expense of a little speed -- benefited an already excellent base design, especially when the T-34 was most effective in heavy combat with the Germans.

The original design of the T-34/85 called for a hard-penetrating main gun platform with adequate maneuverability and good armor protection. At that time, an 85mm anti-aircraft gun was already being tested on the tank chassis of the KV-85 heavy tank, so the decision to use the same weapon on the new T-34 was logical. The new T-34/85 will also be equipped with two DT general purpose machine guns with limited travel one coaxially mounted on the turret and the other on the right front hull (bow) section of the tank. The turret itself is a new addition to the T-34 series, developed from the turret used in the KV-85.

The T-34 chassis has proven to be very adaptable in general, ideal for turning medium tanks into other production variants such as improvised tank destroyers and anti-mine vehicles. The vehicle was piloted by a crew of five, including the driver, commander, loader, gunner, and radio operator, who was also the bow gunner. The range can be extended by using external fuel barrels. Power comes from a 500 hp W-2-34 V12 diesel engine.

Top speed is 34 mph and the vehicle weighs 32 tons.

The T-34-85 was first delivered in late 1943 and early 1944 in a brief initial series to Soviet tank crews - the Guards. An early form used the 85mm D-5T cannon system, known as the "Type 1943". A follow-up version was soon released and put into production, referred to simply as the "Type 1944". This became the final T34-85 mount and was fitted with the ZiS-S-53 series 85mm main gun - a weapon that was easier to mass produce for the Soviet war.

On these models, the radio system was also moved from the bow to the turret, and a new aiming device was installed for the gunner. By the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, some 12,000 T-34/85 prototypes had been delivered, and captured prototypes were put into service by desperate German forces.

Even after WWII, T-34/85s were in abundance and supplied to some pro-Soviet countries - North Korea and China were the main recipients given the impending Korean War (1950-1953). North Korea itself fielded around 150 T-34/85 variants at the start of the Korean War, and several T-34/85s are believed to be still in frontline service today, a testament to the success of both the overall design of the T-34 and the North Koreans Lack of vision.

By the end of production, a total of more than 55,000 T-34/85s had been built, with a significant portion (about 40,000) produced during the war years alone. Nonetheless, the tank system proved to be the most successful Soviet tank design to date and set the design stage for Cold War tank influences that continue to this day. Basically, the T-34 is very efficient to manufacture and easy to maintain after service.

Their use of sloping armor, large wheels and powerful main guns has proven to be a collectively efficient end product over the decades - and their actions in WWII proved their worth.

The T34/85 was followed by major modernization programs in 1960 and 1969 during the Cold War. Despite the changes, many retain their basic appearance and are recognizable only by specialists of the T-34 series.

Czechoslovakia mass-produced the T-34/85 and distributed it widely throughout the Soviet Union.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

55x85mm projectile.

2,394x7.62mm ammo.

Changes