Overall dimensions of the T 34 tank. History of creation

Legendary Soviet, covered in military glory medium tank The T-34 has been in service with the Red Army since December 1939. Its design marked a qualitative leap in tank building. It organically combined projectile-proof armor with powerful weapons and a reliable chassis. High protective properties were ensured by the use of armored thick rolled sheets and their rational inclination. In terms of armament, this tank corresponded to the best examples of heavy tanks. High mobility was ensured by a specially designed powerful diesel engine and wide tracks.

During the Great Patriotic War Simultaneously with the increase in the production of tanks for the warring army, intensive work was carried out to improve the design of the tank and simplify the technology of its manufacture. The original welded turret was replaced with a more efficient cast hexagonal turret. Engine life has been extended by using new air cleaners and lubrication, as well as an all-mode regulator. A more advanced main clutch and the introduction of a five-speed gearbox significantly increased the tank's speed.

The first samples of T-34 tanks, produced in 1940, had the following technical characteristics:

• Assembled weight – 26 tons.
• The crew size is 4 people.
• Frontal armor - 45 mm, slope - 30o, turret - 52 mm with a slope of 60o, sides and rear respectively 45 mm and 45o, roof and bottom - 20 mm.
• Power unit – V-2-34 diesel engine, power 500 hp.
• Number of high-speed gears – 5.
• Fuel tank capacity – 450 l.
• Armament: L-11 76.2 mm cannon, two DT 7.62 mm machine guns. Ammunition - 77 rounds and 3906 rounds.
• Dimensions: length – 5920 mm, width – 3000 mm, height – 2410 mm.
• Cruising range on rough terrain – 225 km.

In the year of production, 1941, the gun was replaced with an F-34 of the same caliber, but much more powerful. In the year of production 1942, taking into account the shortcomings of previous models, the thickness of the hull and turret armor was increased to 60 mm, and additional fuel tanks were installed. Weak spots were taken into account and in the year of production 1943 they used a hexagonal turret with 70 mm thick armor and a commander’s cupola. In the year of production 1944, the name of the tank changed - T-34-85. Its turret was enlarged to accommodate 3 people, its armor was increased to 90 mm thick, and new DTM machine guns were installed.

From the very beginning, the tank was designed according to the classical scheme: the front part was the fighting compartment, including the turret, the rear part was the engine-transmission compartment and drive wheels.

The main parts of the T-34 tank design were:

• The body is divided into functional zones.
• Power plant with transmission.
• Weapons complex.
• Surveillance tools.
• Chassis.
• Electrical equipment.
• Means of communication.
• Tank body.

It was welded from rolled armored plates. The stern upper plate was fastened with two hinges and also with bolts to the lower stern and side plates. With the bolts removed, it could be tilted back, which provided access to the engine. There was a hatch in the upper frontal plate for the driver, and on the right there was a ball mount for a machine gun. The upper side slabs had a slope of 45°, the lower ones were installed vertically. Four holes were provided for the balancing axes of the road wheels.

The bottom of the hull was usually made of two sheets, which were butt welded with an overlay on the seam. On the right, in the front part of the bottom, in front of the machine gunner’s location, there was a hatch for an emergency exit. Hatches were also cut through which fuel was drained from the tanks and oil from the gearbox and engine. Painting the tank ensured its camouflage on the ground.

Inside the hull, the T-34 tank was divided into functional zones. The control compartment was located in front. It contained a driver mechanic and a machine gunner. Pedals and levers of control drives, sensors, control and measuring instruments were also installed here. Behind the control compartment was the combat compartment, including the turret, in which the crew commander and gunner were located, and in the T-34-85 also the loader.

Powerplant with transmission

This is the next functional area. It was separated from the fighting compartment by a steel removable partition. An engine was installed in the center of the power zone. On the sides are oil tanks, water radiators and batteries. A hatch with an armored cover was cut out in the roof, through which access to the engine was provided. There were oblong slits on the sides for air flow. They were closed with armored blinds.

In the stern there was a transmission or power train compartment. This is a set of mechanisms that transmit torque on the engine crankshaft to the drive wheels. As a result, the tank's speed and traction forces change over a wider range than the engine allows. When moving from a standstill, the main clutch smoothly transfers the load to the engine, smoothing out sudden changes the number of revolutions of the crankshaft and the speed of the tank. Its other function is to disconnect the engine from the gearbox when changing gears.

The gearbox is mechanical, five-speed - four gears for forward movement and one for reverse. Switching is via a control drive. In order for the T-34 tank to turn, it was necessary to slow down the track in the direction in which the turn was being made. The braking system was based on floating band brakes. They can be activated from the control department. To do this, on the sides of the driver there are right and left levers, as well as foot drives.

In addition to the main clutch, gearbox, final drives and brakes, the transmission compartment also included an electric starter, fuel tanks and air cleaners. In the roof of the compartment there was a rectangular air duct hatch, closed with a metal mesh. Below it were adjustable armored blinds. The exhaust pipe caps and two brackets for installing smoke bombs were fixed in the aft plate.

Weapons installed on the T-43 medium tank

The main armament of the T-34 tank was initially a semi-automatic 76-mm L-11 cannon manufactured in 1939 with a wedge-mounted vertical breech. In 1941, it was replaced with an F-32 cannon of the same caliber. Later, the T-34-85 tank received an 85-mm D-5T cannon, and then a ZIS-S-53. The turret had the ability to rotate, so the cannon and the coaxial machine gun could fire in a circular manner. The telescopic sight provided a direct fire range of almost 4 km, and from a closed position – up to 13.6 km. The range of destruction by a direct shot with an armor-piercing projectile reached 900 m. The turret rotated using a manual or electric drive. It was installed on the wall near the gun. The maximum rotation speed from the electric motor reached 30 degrees per second. Vertical aiming was done manually using a sector lifting mechanism, which was also located on the left side of the gun.

Shooting could be carried out either by mechanical or electric trigger. The ammunition consisted of 77 rounds. It was located in the aft area, on racks, as well as in clamps on the starboard side and in boxes at the bottom of the fighting compartment. The machine guns were equipped with 31 magazines with 63 rounds of ammunition each. In addition to the main ammunition, tankers were provided with cartridges in boxes, pistols, machine guns and grenades.

Chassis

The chassis of the T-34 tank consisted of a tracked propulsion unit with suspension. They provided high cross-country ability. It has two track chains, two drive and guide wheels and 10 rollers. The track chain has 72 tracks with a pitch of 172 mm and a width of 500 mm. The weight of one caterpillar is 1070 kg. Cast drive wheels served to rewind the tracks and tension them.

The suspension in the T-34 tank was with coil springs. The front roller has a double spring. It was located vertically in the bow and was protected by shields. For the remaining rollers, the suspension was placed obliquely in the shafts of the tank hull. The track rollers were mounted on axles with bearings pressed into the balancers. All rollers are double rollers with rubber tires.

Electrical equipment

The electrical equipment of the T-34 tank included both sources and consumers of electricity, including:

• Electric starter.
• Electric motor for turning the tower.
• Cooling fans.
• Electric trigger of the cannon, as well as the coaxial machine gun.
• Electric motors for the heater (it was installed in post-war tank models) and the oil pump.
• Signaling and lighting devices.
• Sight heater.
• Radio station.
• Intercom.
• Electricity sources included a generator and 4 batteries in pairs on both sides of the engine. System voltage is 24 V, generator power is 1 kW.

Means of communication

A telephone and telegraph radio station provided two-way communication between the tank and other objects. The range depended on the time of year and day. It was greatest on a telephone with a four-meter whip antenna in winter. In the summer, especially at night, the level of interference increased, which reduced the communication range.

The transceiver and its power supply were attached with brackets to the rear and left sheets of the turret behind the tank commander's seat. In 1952, a radio station was installed that operated by telegraph both for reception and transmission. The intercom in the tank has been updated. Now it consisted of several devices - for the commander, gunner and driver. The device provided communication between crew members and, for the gunner and commander, also with external respondents.

Organizing the work of the tank crew

The optimal option for the composition of the crew of the T-34-85 tank is five people:

• Tank commander.
• Driver mechanic.
• Machine gunner.
• Gunner.
• Charging.

The tank commander is seated behind the gunner, to the left of the gun. For convenience, he has a commander's cupola with observation devices. The commander's tasks: overview and control of the battlefield, instructions to the gunner, work with the radio station, general crew management.

The driver sits on a seat that can be adjusted in height. In the front plate in front of it there is a hatch with an armored cover. Two periscopes are permanently installed in it. Their prisms are closed from below protective glasses, which protect the driver’s eyes from fragments. Soft forehead protectors are placed over the periscopes to protect the driver’s head from possible bruises. Instruments and mechanisms for the driver:

• Control levers.
• Backstage from the gearbox.
• Manual fuel supply.
• Brake.
• Main clutch pedal.
• Indicator panel of control devices.
• Two cylinders of compressed air used for air starting of the engine.
• Electrical panel.
• Tachometer.
• Starter button.
• Speedometer.
• Fire extinguisher.

The machine gunner is located to the right of the driver. Its task is to fire from a machine gun inserted into the ball of the upper frontal sheet of the hull. A special telescopic sight is used to aim at the target. Shooting is carried out by pressing the trigger, several shots in bursts from a distance of up to 800 m. The machine gun is equipped with automatic equipment that runs on the energy of powder gases.

The gunner is located in the turret, on the left side. At the direction of the commander or by choosing a target himself, he points the cannon and coaxial machine gun at the target. Then it fires a shot using the trigger mechanism or using an electric trigger. The gunner has a periscope sight at his disposal, providing fourfold magnification. The cannon with a coaxial machine gun is aimed at the target by the turret rotation mechanism, as well as by raising the cannon.

The loader is located on the right side of the gun. At the direction of the commander, he selects the type of shot, how to load the cannon, reload the coaxial machine gun, and observes the progress of the battle. His seat is suspended by three straps - two from the turret shoulder strap, the third from the gun cradle. By changing the position of the belts, the seat height is adjusted.

To ensure urgent repairs and necessary measures For safety purposes, two carbon dioxide fire extinguisher cylinders are installed inside the tank. Sets of spare parts, accessories and tools are located not only inside the tank, but also outside. These include, but are not limited to: tow rope, tarpaulin, gun spare parts, backup tracks, with and without ridges, track pins, entrenching tools. Smoke bombs are installed at the stern.

Service of the T-34 tank after the Second World War

After the Second World War, foreign-made tanks were used in Yugoslavia, including the Russian T-34, transferred by our country in 1945. They were distributed over two tank brigades. The Yugoslav leadership made attempts to master the production of T-34-85 tanks. The goal was to increase the service life of the machine. Many changes to the design were planned. For example, they suggested installing a different diesel engine with an improved transmission, adjusting the hull and turret. This made it possible to reduce the area frontal surface tank and reduce the risk of being hit from the front.

In the 40s, Poland, followed by Czechoslovakia, also decided to organize the production of T-34 tanks. We received technical documentation, written technology and specialists from manufacturers. First serial tanks appeared here in 1951. They were the same size, but the shape of the turret was changed, the engine was adapted to different kinds fuel, had easier starting in winter. Additional fuel tanks increased the range to 650 km. Night vision devices for the driver were installed. New radio stations, TPU-47 intercoms, and special commander observation devices were used. Increased the speed at which the tower rotates.

The production of T-34 tanks in these countries continued for five years. From here they entered the armies of many states, including the Warsaw Pact, the DPRK and the People's Republic of China. To one degree or another they participated in many military conflicts that took place in the second half of the 20th century. They fought successfully in Korea, Pakistan and Vietnam. The traditions laid down by the first designers and creators of the T-34 medium tank are being developed in new generations of combat vehicles.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

It is rightfully considered a weapon of Victory.

The history of the T-34

The appearance of the Soviet T-34 was caused by the need for a tank equipped with projectile-proof armor, a powerful engine and weapons - which the leadership was well aware of Soviet country at the end of the 30s of the last century. The history of the birth of the T-34 is interesting and complex; many books have been written about it. In short, the tank, known throughout the world as the T-34, was put into service on December 19, 1939.

In 1940, mass production of this machine began. By the beginning of the war with Nazi Germany, the USSR had 1225 T-34s, of which more than nine hundred were in the western districts. The T-34 was originally conceived as a medium tank with shell-resistant armor and a powerful gun capable of penetrating the armor of any tank.

To say that the appearance of the T-34 was a big surprise for the Nazis is to say nothing. The Russian tank was superior to everything the Wehrmacht had at that time. None of the German anti-tank guns did not penetrate the frontal armor of a Russian tank; to combat it it was necessary to use an 88-mm anti-aircraft gun. They could not penetrate the armor of the "thirty-four" and German tanks, and the 76-mm cannon of the Soviet tank destroyed the armor of any German armored vehicle.

However, back in November-December 1940, during testing of the first production T-34 vehicles, many shortcomings of this tank were noted. First of all, they noted the crampedness and inconvenience of the fighting compartment. The T-34 tank also suffered from “blindness”, that is, it had very poor visibility. The tank's observation devices and sights were of poor quality and inconveniently located.

At the beginning of 1941 it was created new modification T-34 M, in which it was possible to get rid of most of the shortcomings of the T-34, but after the start of the war all work on the T-34 M was curtailed. The manufacturing plants were given the only task - to maximize the production of tanks for the front and not be distracted by modifications.

Reasons for modernization

They returned to the issue of modernizing the T-34 already in 1942, having experience behind them practical use tank. Moreover, the Germans modified their main tank Pz.IV - a 75-mm long-barreled gun was installed on it and the armor protection was seriously strengthened. In addition, in 1943, Germany began mass-producing medium and heavy tanks Pz. VI "Tiger" and Pz. V "Panther", which had serious armor, significant firepower and in many ways superior soviet tank.

Soviet tanks had to approach the German vehicles at a minimum distance, and only in this case the T-34 gun had a chance to penetrate the armor of the Panther or Tiger. It became obvious that the T-34 urgently needs modernization - and quite deep.

Modification T-34-85

The T-34-85 model became just such a modernized version, in which a number of innovations were applied that significantly increased the performance characteristics of the vehicle. First of all, the main drawback of the T-34 of previous modifications was eliminated - the cramped turret. Because of this, the crew of previous T-34 models consisted of four people, and the tank commander also served as a gunner. The visibility from inside the car has been improved.

T-34-85 received new tower, inside which three tankers could already fit. Its ergonomics have become more comfortable. The turret of the T-34-85 tank was enlarged, including due to the expansion of the turret ring, but no significant changes were made either to the hull or to the layout of the tank itself. The weight of the tank increased to 32 tons. It was equipped with an S-53 cannon, 85 mm caliber, which allowed the modernized T-34 to successfully fight new German tanks.

After the T-34-85 was adopted, all earlier models of this tank received the designation T-34-76. The layout of the new vehicle was not fundamentally different from its predecessors.

The armor was strengthened, which increased the weight of the tank. A cylindrical commander's cupola appeared on the roof of the tower. The crew received more advanced surveillance devices, which provided improved visibility.

However, during the war, they did not dare to completely modernize the tank with a profound change in its layout. The suspension design did not change, nor did they change the position of the engine, which would have made it possible to increase the tank's fighting compartment and move the turret back.

The turret shoulder strap has become maximum, that is, install even more on it a large tower it became impossible for a more powerful gun. In other words, in terms of armament, this tank has reached its limit.

Main performance characteristics of the T-34-85 tank

Total information

• Tank weight, t – 32.2
• Layout – classic
• Crew, people - 5
• Production time – 1943-1958
• The total number of tanks produced is 35,000.

Tank dimensions

• Case length – 8600 mm
• Case width – 3000 mm
• Case height – 2700 mm
• Ground clearance – 400 mm

Video: T-34 85 in action

Armament

Armor

Travel speed

Engine

Chassis

T 34 85 appeared at the front at the beginning of 1944. The car passed everything major battles 1944-1945 and took part in the war with Japan.

Despite some shortcomings, the T-34-85 tank is the most advanced modification of the famous T-34. It was this tank that became a symbol of victory. It had excellent maneuverability, decent armor protection, and its powerful cannon allowed it to stand up for itself in battle. In addition, the tank had a simple design, was cheap to manufacture and had excellent maintainability.

Video: history of T-34 85

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

20-01-2017, 23:45

Good day and welcome to the site! Today we will talk about a truly legendary and very popular vehicle, the sixth level Soviet medium tank, in front of you T-34-85 guide.

The fact is that this ST was in the hangar of a very large quantity tankers, since he is part of one of the most popular branches of our game. In addition, collectively their TTX T-34-85 WoT is a classic medium tank. It is moderately fast, moderately armored, and also has a moderately good weapon, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

TTX T-34-85

As always, we will start with the general parameters. Each owner of this device should understand that he has at his disposal a rather modest safety margin by ST-6 standards, as well as a small visibility with a radius of 360 meters, which will definitely need to be improved.

If we consider T-34-85 characteristics reservations, as mentioned earlier, are all moderately good, that is, there are both positive points, and negative. Let's start with the good and first of all it should be noted that the strongest part of the tank is the turret. It has the correct shape, there are many bevels, so in the forehead we have 90, 115, and in some places even more than 200 millimeters of reduced armor. That is, a tower medium tank T-34-85 can tank and often catch ricochets, and with a certain amount of luck, even tanks of the eighth level will not penetrate us (the latter happens rarely).

The same cannot be said about the frontal projection of the hull. In this part we are much more vulnerable, even taking into account a good slope, the VLD has no more than 90 millimeters of reduced armor. Of course, here T-34-85 World of Tanks They even penetrate the fifth levels, and what’s even more offensive is that frequent concussions of the gunner and driver occur.

The side projection is, as always, more vulnerable, but it's not that bad. The fact is that the sides of the turret also often ricochet, if you do not place it at a right angle, and even if you turn the hull in a timely manner or if it is simply positioned T-34-85 WoT diamond shape, you can also hear the sound of a ricochet.

Summing up the booking, I would like to say that our Soviet vehicle quite often forgives mistakes, it has ricochet armor, and this is especially true for the turret. However T-34-85 tank It’s still average, it’s not designed for tanking and you need to play it carefully, you won’t always be lucky.

If we talk about the driving performance of this car, they are quite good. We have a good one maximum speed, not very large, but overall a decent amount Horse power per ton, and maneuverability T-34-85 World of Tanks good. In other words, you can drive fast, carousel around weakly moving opponents, change flanks, and so on, but you won’t be able to accelerate at lightning speed or quickly climb a hill.

gun

The armament of each tank deserves special attention, and in our case this aspect is worthy of respect; compared to other ST-6s, our gun is truly remarkable.

To start, T-34-85 gun has a good alpha strike by the standards of its classmates, but the rate of fire leaves much to be desired, like 1800 units of damage per minute, this parameter will need to be raised.

From the point of view of penetration, everything is very worthy. There are enough armor-piercing shells to feel comfortable in battles against the sixth and seventh levels, but for eights T-34-85 tank You must definitely carry 10-15 gold sub-calibers with you.

Our accuracy situation is average, that is, not bad, but not even good. The spread is large, but not critical, the aiming speed is the same as that of most classmates, but the stabilization is low, which is why before firing T-34-85 World of Tanks should stand for a while and settle down.

Besides all that has been said, all that remains is to draw your attention to the vertical aiming angles. Our gun bends down 7 degrees, of course, this is not ideal, but often these parameters T-34-85 WoT enough, you definitely can’t call them bad UVNs.

Advantages and disadvantages

As was already said at the very beginning, our tank can be called balanced. However, highlight the most important weak and strengths necessary, because this way it will be easier for you to understand what can be done in battle and what is best avoided.
Pros:
Decent turret armor;
Good mobility;
Quite a powerful alphastrike by ST-6 standards;
Decent penetration;
Not bad accuracy.
Minuses:
Poor housing security;
Frequent crits of crew members;
Poor review;
Mediocre stabilization.

Equipment for T-34-85

Obviously, this Soviet tank has many average characteristics that can be called quite good, but they fall short of being considered good. Thus, for T-34-85 equipment need to be selected taking into account to improve the existing advantages, so the equipment will be as follows:
1. – you already know that our DPM is far from perfect, such a choice is necessary to improve the damage caused.
2. – the tank’s accuracy is not bad, as is the aiming time, but for a comfortable game these parameters need to be boosted.
3. – standard choice for a mobile tank with not very good review, which will allow you to feel more confident in battle.

A good alternative to the second or third point can be considered. If you want to make your DPM even better, you'll have to choose between lowering your vision or worsening your aiming time, but that's a choice everyone has to make for themselves.

Crew training

Thanks to the rational distribution of skills between the tankers sitting in the tank, even greater comfort in playing the vehicle is achieved. In our case, the undoubted advantage is the universal composition of the crew, and to make it easier for you in battle, tank T-34-85 perks we teach the following:
Commander - , , , .
Gunner – , , , .
Driver mechanic - , , , .
Radio operator - , , , .
Loader – , , , .

Equipment for T-34-85

The situation with the choice and purchase of consumables remains unchanged; as before, if you do not have large reserves of silver, it is better to take, ,. But remembering the very frequent concussions of crew members, and simply in order to increase safety, it is better to transport T-34-85 equipment as , , . Oh, by the way, our tank rarely catches fire, so the fire extinguisher can be replaced with one.

Tactics of playing on the T-34-85

Oddly enough, this device can be called universal, but there are certain limitations and nuances that you need to be aware of. First of all, playing on T-34-85 World of Tanks you need to remember about the vulnerable hull and when entering battle, it is better to hide it, playing away from the tower.

If you are forced into close combat and there is no way to hide your body, try to become a diamond to increase the given armor values ​​and do not stand still. You always need to move, making it difficult for the enemy to target. And if the opponent has weak mobility, medium tank T-34-85 WoT can use its mobility to carousel the enemy.

However, a lot depends on what kind of battle we find ourselves in. Being at the top or middle of the list, we represent a good force; here you can really use different tactics, get closer or distance yourself, depending on the current situation. But at the bottom of the list for T-34-85 tactics Conducting combat always implies maximum caution. In such situations, we turn into a support tank and there are two ways out: either try to inflict damage at a distance, or hide behind stronger allies and help them push through directions.

Otherwise, try to always bring maximum benefit to the team. Sometimes you need to highlight, sometimes it’s better to stand on the second line. But in any case, T-34-85 tank must always keep an eye on the mini-map and, even with good armor, behave carefully, we are still not heavy and it is much better to rely on our mobility.

From the T-34 we got a weakly armored hull, but we got a new turret, which allows the use of more powerful weapons and is better armored.

Leveling up

• Researching the T-34-85 requires 27,825 experience points. Previous tank - T-34;
• Everything that can be installed on a tank is installed on the stock chassis;
• First of all, we improve the firepower of the tank and examine the 85 mm S-53 gun. Although it is a walk-through, it is necessary to explore the tower;
• We are studying the top T-34-85 extended turret. This will increase visibility and strength, and will also allow for the installation of better weapons;
• The 85 mm D-5T-85BM gun has good armor penetration and rate of fire;
• We install a pre-top engine to improve dynamic characteristics;
• We study the top-end V-54K engine and get an increase in speed;
• Let's examine the chassis of the T-34-85-60. This will improve dynamics and maneuverability;
• We purchase a 9RM radio station;
• Lastly, we study the 122 mm U-11 gun;
• To research the T-43, 53,000 experience is required;
• To research the KV-13, 65,300 experience is required.

Top equipment

Review

Advantages

• Excellent penetration
• Good rate of fire
• High speed
• Armor at a rational angle

Flaws

• Weak armor
• Low view

Crew skills and abilities

Equipment and equipment

Tactics

In battle, as with any other medium tank, you need to remember that a stationary medium tank is already half dead. The T-34-85, thanks to its fairly high mobility, is designed for lightning-fast passages along the flanks and the destruction of enemy artillery.

You can also help your older brothers, heavy tanks, in battle with enemy medium and light tanks. This is the classic role of medium tanks. But other tactics are also possible.

Excellent armor penetration allows you to effectively fight high-level enemies, but shooting on the move is difficult due to the huge dispersion when moving. The optimal combat distance is medium.

The T-34-85 armor does not give frequent ricochets; if you cannot escape enemy fire, it is advisable to “dance” while the gun is reloading: this will increase the chance of staying alive and striking back, or it is recommended to stand in a diamond shape, but this is more difficult.

You need to choose the moment until the enemy shoots and at this time slightly turn the body to a larger angle. (this option is more suitable for experienced players).

In battles with high-level opponents, it is best (if you have camouflage) to stay in the shadows and help your teammates by shooting at the sides and stern of the enemy.

You can also shoot at the enemy while driving out from behind allied tanks, but you definitely need to carry a couple of sub-caliber shells with you, because not all level 8 TTs are capable of penetrating 85 mm D-5T-85BM head-on.

Plus, you need to wait until the enemy discharges into your ally’s tank, otherwise your tank will become a tasty frag and you will quickly go to the hangar.

Historical reference

In 1943, due to the massive appearance of new models of armored vehicles with enhanced armor among the Germans, the effectiveness of 76.2 mm guns became sharply insufficient. This forced us to look for ways to improve the combat qualities of the T-34.

After developing several options, the T-34-85 was launched into mass production in 1944, armed with a new 85 mm cannon. The crew increased from 4 to 5 people, the tank received a new turret with reinforced armor and more convenient for the crew and commander.

As a result, the weight increased by several tons, which led to a slight decrease in dynamic characteristics.

With the installation of a new cast turret with an 85 mm cannon.

The first production vehicles were equipped with an 85-mm D-5T cannon, which was later replaced by a ZIS-S-53 cannon of the same caliber. Its armor-piercing projectile weighing 9.2 kg from a distance of 500 and 1000 meters penetrated 111-mm and 102-mm armor, respectively, and a sub-caliber projectile from a distance of 500 meters penetrated armor 138-mm thick. (The armor thickness of the Panther was 80-110 mm, and that of the Tiger was 100 mm.) A fixed commander’s cupola with observation devices was installed on the roof of the tower. All vehicles were equipped with a 9RS radio station, a TSh-16 sight, and means for setting up smoke screens. Although, due to the installation of a more powerful gun and increased armor protection, the tank's weight increased slightly, thanks to the powerful diesel engine, the tank's mobility did not decrease. The tank was widely used in all battles of the final stage of the war.

Description of the design of the T-34-85 tank

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION.
The T-34-85 tank was equipped with a 12-cylinder four-stroke uncompressor diesel engine V-2-34. The rated engine power was 450 hp. at 1750 rpm, operational - 400 hp. at 1700 rpm, maximum - 500 hp. at 1800 rpm. The weight of a dry engine with an electric generator without exhaust manifolds is 750 kg.
Fuel - diesel, DT grade. Fuel tank capacity 545 l. Outside, on the sides of the hull, two fuel tanks of 90 liters each were installed. External fuel tanks were not connected to the engine power system. The fuel supply is forced, using the NK-1 fuel pump.

The cooling system is liquid, closed, with forced circulation. There are two tubular radiators, installed on both sides of the engine and tilted towards it. Radiator capacity 95 l. To clean the air entering the engine cylinders, two Multicyclone air cleaners were installed. The engine was started by an electric starter or compressed air (two cylinders were installed in the control compartment).

The transmission consisted of a multi-disc main dry friction clutch (steel on steel), a gearbox, final clutches, brakes and final drives. The gearbox is five-speed.

CHASSIS.
In relation to one side, it consisted of five double rubber-coated road wheels with a diameter of 830 mm. Suspension - individual, spring. The rear drive wheels had six rollers for engagement with the ridges of the track tracks. The guide wheels are cast, with a crank mechanism for tensioning the tracks. The tracks are steel, fine-linked, with ridge gearing, 72 tracks each (36 with a ridge and 36 without a ridge). The track width is 500 mm, the track pitch is 172 mm. The weight of one caterpillar is 1150 kg.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.
Made according to a single-wire circuit. Voltage 24 and 12 V. Consumers: electric starter ST-700, electric motor of the tower turning mechanism, electric fan motors, control devices, external and internal lighting equipment, electrical signal, radio station umformer and TPU lamps.

MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
The T-34-85 was equipped with a short-wave transceiver simplex telephone radio station 9-RS and an internal tank intercom TPU-3-bisF.

From the history of the creation (modernization) of the T-34-85 medium tank

Production of the T-34 tank, armed with an 85-mm cannon, began in the fall of 1943 at plant No. 112 "Krasnoye Sormovo". In a cast triple turret new form an 85-mm D-5T cannon designed by F. F. Petrov and a coaxial DT machine gun were installed. The diameter of the turret ring was increased from 1420 mm to 1600 mm. On the roof of the tower there was a commander's cupola, the double-leaf lid of which rotated on a ball bearing. An MK-4 periscope viewing device was fixed in the lid, which made it possible to conduct a circular view. For firing from a cannon and a coaxial machine gun, a telescopic articulated sight and a PTK-5 panorama were installed. The ammunition consisted of 56 rounds and 1953 rounds of ammunition. The radio station was located in the hull, and the output of its antenna was on the starboard side - just like the T-34-76. The power plant, transmission and chassis have undergone virtually no changes.

All changes to the design of the T-34 tank could only be made with the consent of two authorities - the Office of the Commander of Armored and Mechanized Troops of the Red Army and the Main Design Bureau (GKB-34) at Plant No. 183 in Nizhny Tagil.

Layout of the T-34-85 medium tank.

1 - ZIS-S-53 gun; 2 - armored mask; 3 - telescopic sight TSh-16; 4 - gun lifting mechanism; 5 - loader MK-4 observation device; 6 - fixed gun fence; 7 - commander’s MK-4 observation device; 8 - glass block; 9 - folding fence (gilzoulavtvatep); 10 - armored fan cap; 11 - rack ammunition storage in the turret niche; 12 - covering tarpaulin; 13 - clamp installation for two artillery rounds; 14 - engine; 15 - main clutch; 16- air purifier "Multicyclone"; 17- starter; 18 - smoke bomb BDSh; 19 - gearbox; 20 - final drive; 21 - batteries; 22 - stacking shots on the floor of the fighting compartment; 23 - gunner's seat; 24 - VKU; 25 - suspension shaft; 26 - driver's seat; 27 - stacking of machine gun magazines in the control compartment; 28 - side clutch lever; 29 - main clutch pedal; 30 - compressed air cylinders; 31 - driver's hatch cover; 32 - DT machine gun; 33 - clamp stacking of shots in the control compartment.

The TsAKB (Central Artillery Design Bureau), led by V.G. Grabin, and the design bureau of plant No. 92 in Gorky proposed their own versions of the 85-mm tank gun. The first developed the S-53 gun. V. G. Grabin made an attempt to install the S-53 cannon in the T-34 turret of the 1942 model without widening the turret ring, for which the front part of the turret was completely redone: the cannon trunnions had to be moved forward by 200 mm. Firing tests at the Gorokhovets training ground showed the complete failure of this installation. In addition, tests revealed design flaws in both the S-53 and LB-85 guns. As a result, a synthesized version, the ZIS-S-53 cannon, was adopted for service and into mass production. Her ballistic characteristics were identical to the D-5T cannon. But the latter was already in mass production and, in addition to the T-34, was installed in the KV-85, IS-1 and in the D-5S version in the SU-85.

By Decree of the State Defense Committee of January 23, 1944 tank The T-34-85 with the ZIS-S-53 cannon was adopted by the Red Army. In March, the first cars began to roll off the assembly line of plant 183. On them, the commander's cupola was moved closer to the rear of the tower, which eliminated the need for the gunner to sit literally in the commander's lap. The electric drive of the turret rotation mechanism with two speed levels was replaced by an electric drive with commander control, ensuring rotation of the turret from both the gunner and the crew commander. The radio station was moved from the building to the tower. Viewing devices began to be installed only of a new type - MK-4. The commander's panorama of PTK-5 was confiscated. The remaining units and systems remained largely unchanged.

The turret of a tank produced by the Krasnoye Sormovo plant.

1 - loader hatch cover; 2 - caps over fans; 3 - hole for installing the tank commander's observation device; 4 - commander's cupola hatch cover; 5 - commander's cupola; 6 - viewing slot; 7 - antenna input glass; 8 - handrail; 9 - hole for installing a gunner's observation device; 10 - hole for firing from personal weapons; 11 - eye; 12 - sight embrasure; 13 - visor; 14 - axle tide; 15 - machine gun embrasure; 16 - hole for installing a loader observation device.

The chassis of the tank consisted of five rubberized road wheels on board, a rear drive wheel with ridge gearing, and a idler wheel with a tensioning mechanism. The road wheels were individually suspended on cylindrical coil springs. The transmission included: a multi-disc main dry friction clutch, a five-speed gearbox, final clutches and final drives.

In 1945, the double-leaf hatch cover of the commander's cupola was replaced with a single-leaf one. One of two fans. installed in the rear part of the tower, were moved to its central part, which contributed to better ventilation fighting compartment.

The T-34-85 tank was produced at three factories: No. 183 in Nizhny Tagil, No. 112 Krasnoye Sormovo and No. 174 in Omsk. In just three quarters of 1945 (that is, until the end of World War II), 21,048 tanks of this type were built, including the flamethrower version T-034-85. Some combat vehicles were equipped with a PT-3 roller mine sweeper.

General production of T-34-85 tanks