Soviet T-34-85
description Soviet T-34-85 Overview
The T-34-85 was a crucial tank for the Soviet Union during World War II, renowned for its mass production and battlefield versatility. Upgraded from the earlier T-34, it featured a more powerful 85mm gun, significantly improving its firepower. Its sloped armor provided good protection, and its relatively simple design ensured high reliability and ease of maintenance. Produced in enormous numbers, the T-34-85 played a pivotal role in the Soviet victory, proving that quantity and adaptability could overcome technological superiority.
info Soviet T-34-85 Specifications
| Crew | 5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, radio operator) |
| Width | 3.0 meters |
| Engine | V-2-34 V12 diesel (500 hp) |
| Height | 2.73 meters |
| Length | 8.15 meters |
| Weight | 32.2 metric tons |
| Turret Armor | 45-52mm |
| Main Armament | ZiS-S-53 85mm gun (58 caliber) |
| Maximum Range | 300-400 km |
| Maximum Speed | 55 km/h (road) |
| Total Produced | Approximately 35,000 units |
| Production Period | 1944-1945 |
| Frontal Hull Armor | 45mm at 60 degrees |
| Secondary Armament | 2x 7.62mm DT machine guns |
balance Soviet T-34-85 Pros & Cons
- Revolutionary sloped armor design provided exceptional protection for its era and influenced global tank development
- Powerful 85mm gun offered significantly improved firepower over the earlier 76mm variant, capable of engaging most German tanks
- Robust and reliable V-2 diesel engine delivered strong reliability and fuel efficiency across diverse terrain
- Mass production exceeding 35,000 units made it the most produced tank of WWII, ensuring Soviet numerical superiority
- Excellent cross-country mobility with wide tracks reduced ground pressure and improved performance in mud and snow
- Limited ammunition storage capacity of around 55-60 rounds restricted sustained combat endurance
- Poor crew ergonomics with a cramped fighting compartment reduced crew effectiveness in prolonged engagements
- Manual turret traverse mechanism was slow and tiring for the gunner during combat
- Early production models lacked radios, severely limiting coordination between units in the field
- Vulnerability to newer German tanks like the Panther and Tiger I with their superior long-barreled guns
help Soviet T-34-85 FAQ
What was the main armament of the T-34-85?
The T-34-85 was equipped with a ZiS-S-53 85mm gun capable of firing various ammunition types including armor-piercing, high-explosive, and sub-caliber rounds with a maximum range of approximately 1,500 meters.
How many T-34-85 tanks were produced during WWII?
Approximately 35,000 T-34-85 tanks were manufactured between 1944 and 1945, making it the most mass-produced Soviet tank and one of the most produced tanks in military history.
What advantages did the sloped armor provide?
The T-34-85 featured 45mm frontal hull armor sloped at 60 degrees, effectively increasing effective thickness to about 90mm. This design deflected many incoming projectiles and became a standard feature in post-war tank design worldwide.
How did the T-34-85 compare to the earlier T-34?
The T-34-85 featured a new three-man turret replacing the earlier two-man design, allowing the commander to focus on targets rather than loading, while the 85mm gun provided roughly 40% greater muzzle velocity than the original 76mm weapon.
What was the maximum speed and range of the T-34-85?
The T-34-85 could reach speeds of approximately 55 km/h on roads and 25-30 km/h cross-country, with a operational range of around 300-400 km depending on terrain and fuel load.
What is Soviet T-34-85?
How good is Soviet T-34-85?
What are the best alternatives to Soviet T-34-85?
What is Soviet T-34-85 best for?
Museums, historical collectors, WWII military history enthusiasts, and educators seeking to preserve and study Soviet armored warfare doctrine from 1944-1945.
How does Soviet T-34-85 compare to American M4 Sherman?
Is Soviet T-34-85 worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Soviet T-34-85?
- Crew: 5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, radio operator)
- Width: 3.0 meters
- Engine: V-2-34 V12 diesel (500 hp)
- Height: 2.73 meters
- Length: 8.15 meters
- Weight: 32.2 metric tons
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