T-34 Medium Tank

[David]

The T-34 series of medium tanks was arguable the sole reason that the tide on the Western Front changed in favor of the Soviets. Like the American-made M4 Sherman series, the T-34 tank became the stuff of World War 2 legend. When Germany ultimately invaded Russia in Operation Barbarossa, the Soviets were equipped with a few (about 1,100) available - but still caused a surprising shock to the invaders as a tank that could stand up to the ultimate Panzers. The T34 would go on to provide a battlefield challenge to even the most stout Panzer units as a well-designed and economical mass-produced tank. Some T-34s were even left unpainted with unfinished interior comforts in an effort to roll them into combat.
The T-34 began life as a derrivative of the old BT-series of tanks. The BT series were light on armor, under-gunned but maintained a well-designed Christie suspension system that carried over well to te T-34. With additional armor added to the BT, the T-34 began to take shape. The T-34 utilized a total of ten road wheels (five on a side) and a welded hull. It was actually contemplated that tank treads not be used in favor of the 10 free-roaming wheels - but the idea was dropped in favor of a tracked version. The hull was also designed with slopes (again based on the BT series) to further enhance crew protection and lower the visibility of the weapon system. Areas of the armor were as think as 2.36 inches in some areas.
Early T-34 models did not have a commander's cuppola, exposing them to enemy fire when they would stand out of the turret for a better look at the battlefield. Later models such as the T-34/76E corrected this shortfall by introducing the cuppola and multiple hatches for commander and crew.
Total production of the T-34 remains unknown. The Battle of Kursk remains as the T-34's greatest victory over the Germans and proved the weapon system's mettle. It was not a better system than the German Panzer Tiger tanks but did maintain the ability to destroy them at close ranges. As production continued, more and more T-34 tanks entered the battledfield, overwhelming the short-handed Germans. The T-34 would go on to influence tank designs in the Soviet Union for decades to come.
The T-34/75B showcase a rolled-plate turrent while the T-34/85 was an up-gunned tank model with an all new turrest design. It fielded the 85-mm main gun that could penetrate up to 3.74 inches of armor at about 2,998 feet. Some versions of the T-34/85 are still in service with some military parties to this day.
Many versions became available, from reconnaissance variants to engineering vehicles.
Specifications for the T-34-85 Medium Tank:

Designation: T-34
Classification: Medium Tank
Service Date: 1941
Weight: 27.56 tons
Length: 21 feet, 1 inches
Height: 8 feet
Armor: 0.63 - 1.85 inches
Maximum Speed: 32 mph
Maximum Range: 188 miles
Engine: V-2-34 V-12 diesel generating 500 horsepower
Crew: 4
Armament: 76.2-mm M40 L/41.2 main gun; 2 x .30 caliber (7.62mm) machine guns.
Ammunition: 77 rounds (75mm gun); 2,394 rounds (Machine guns)