Design and improvements of the T-34/85
THE T-34/85 is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic armored vehicles of the Second World War. Combining performance, reliability and simplicity of production, it played an essential role in the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany. This article aims to dissect the details of its design and the improvements that were made during its career.
Origins of the T-34/85 design
The design of the T-34/85 is the result of a particular context. In 1943, the Soviet army found itself faced with increasingly powerful German armor and needed a tank capable of facing this threat. The answer was the T-34/85, a significant improvement on the basic T-34 model.
Improvements to the T-34/85
THE T-34/85 has seen several improvements over time. The main ones are as follows:
- A more powerful cannon: The T-34/85 was equipped with an 85mm cannon, capable of piercing the armor of the majority of German tanks.
- Reinforced armor: The frontal armor was thickened to resist German anti-tank guns.
- Improved ergonomics: The interior space has been redesigned to improve the crew’s working conditions.
In the history of armored vehicles, the T-34/85 occupies a place of choice. Its design and the successive improvements made to it demonstrate its capacity for adaptation and its key role as a pillar of Soviet armored forces during the Second World War.
Technical characteristics of the T-34/85
THE T-34 is a Soviet battle tank, considered one of the most influential of the Second World War. Its improved version, the T-34/85, played a crucial role in changing the course of the war. In this article, its editor Marc Dubois describes the detailed technical characteristics of this remarkable armored vehicle.
Armament
The T-34/85 is equipped with a cannon 85mm D-5T as its main means of attack. The latter offered significantly greater firepower than previous T-34 models.
Shielding
| Part of the tank | Shield thickness (mm) |
| Before the checkout | 45 |
| Body sides | 40 |
| Turret | 90 |
Mobility
The tank relies on a diesel engine V-2-34 of 500 horsepower, which gives it a maximum speed of 55 km/h on road and around 30 km/h off-road.
Crew complement
The T-34/85 requires a crew of 5 men, a significant improvement over the previous version, allowing for a more efficient distribution of tasks inside the tank.
THE T-34/85 is an emblem of the Soviet ability to produce effective and durable armored vehicles in large numbers. Its simple and robust design ensured its performance on the battlefield, making it a formidable adversary and transforming the course of battle. Second World War.
Role of the T-34/85 during World War II
THE T-34/85 is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic tanks of the Second World War. Imposing, robust and powerful, it played a crucial role in the victory of the Soviet Union against Nazi Germany. This article discusses its history, its technical characteristics and the role it played during the Second World War.
Origins and development of the T-34/85
THE T-34/85 is an improvement on the original T-34 tank, which was designed and produced by the Soviet Union beginning in 1940. Following the challenges encountered on the Eastern Front, the need for a more powerful and robust tank quickly became apparent. It was in response to this that the T-34/85 was born.
Technical characteristics of the T-34/85
THE T-34/85 was innovative for its time, with a revolutionary design and impressive technical features. It was faster, more powerful and offered better protection than most of its counterparts.
- Speed: Up to 55 km/h
- Main armament: an 85 mm cannon
- Armor: up to 90mm thick
Role of the T-34/85 during the war
In the fight against Nazi Germany, the T-34/85 has proven to be a formidable tool of war. His agility, firepower and robustness made him a tough opponent for German forces.
THE T-34/85 played a crucial role in several battles, including Operation Bagration and the Battle of Berlin. It was also used extensively during Manchuria and in Manchuria during the Soviet offensive against Japan in August 1945.
In the end, the T-34/85 was a crucial factor in the Soviet Union’s victory in World War II. Its exceptional performance, combined with its mass production, helped change the course of military history.
Influence of the T-34/85 on the outcome of the war
THE T-34/85 is undeniably one of the most emblematic tanks of the Second World War. Offering a combination of armor, firepower and maneuverability, this Soviet tank played a crucial role in toppling Axis forces on the Eastern Front. This article explores the significant impact of the T-34/85 on the outcome of the greatest conflict of the 20th century.
The Appearance of the T-34/85
Faced with the defects of the initial T-34, notably its two-seater turret, the Soviet Union designed the T-34/85. Equipped with a three-seater turret and a new 85mm cannon, it improved the Soviet Army’s ability to engage and destroy enemy tanks.
A Major Strategic Asset
The large-scale production of the T-34/85 was a major turning point. With their thick armor and powerful cannon capable of penetrating German armor, these tanks allowed Soviet forces to regain the advantage on the Eastern Front.
A Decisive Tank on the Field
The T-34/85 distinguished itself during the battles of Kursk and of Berlin. Its mobility, coupled with its firepower, allowed the soviet front to launch decisive offensives, dealing severe blows to the Axis army.
Conclusion: The Role of the T-34/85 in the Allied Victory
Still in service in some countries, the T-34/85 is the symbol of a convergence of design, production and strategy that played a decisive role in the Allied victory. Without the T-34/85, the course of World War II might have been different.