T-34-85

The Soviet T-34 was the most-produced armored vehicle of WWII, with 84,070 built between 1940 and 1945. It also suffered the most losses of any type during the war, at 44,900 units lost. In every respect, the T-34 epitomized the Soviet doctrine to produce inexpensively a tank combining firepower, protection, and mobility. After experiencing some early design shortcomings, the T-34 was the mainstay of Soviet armoured forces throughout the war. Its general specifications remained nearly unchanged until early 1944, when it received a firepower upgrade with the introduction of the greatly improved T-34/85 variant. Soviet industry continuously refined and simplified production methods, making the T-34 quicker and cheaper to produce as the war progressed. The T-34 chassis served as the foundation for a few other armored vehicles, including the SU-122 self-propelled howitzer and SU-85 and SU-100 tank destroyers.T-34 variants weighed between 26.5 and 31 tonnes and had a maximum speed of 33 mph. The Soviets produced 48,950 up-gunned T-34-85 variants beginning in early 1944, which carried a crew of five and featured improved 85 mm L/55 main guns (either the ZiS-S-53 or D-5T) in an enlarged turret, as well as two 7.62 mm DT machine guns (one coaxial in the turret, the other in the hull). While maintaining the earlier T-34s protection and mobility, the 85 mm gun greatly enhanced its firepower: It could penetrate any early German tank's armour at normal combat ranges.