Combat vehicles / Main battle tanks / T-34

T-34

General Facts

  • TYPE
    Main battle tank

  • ORIGIN
    USSR

  • NICKNAMES
    -

  • DESIGNED
    1937 - 1940

  • DESIGNER
    Kharkiv Morozov machine building design bureau

  • PRODUCTION
    1940 - 1958

  • PRODUCERS
    China
    Czechoslovakia (1951 - 1958)
    Poland (1951 - 1955)
    USSR - Gorki tank plant
    USSR - UTZ

  • QUANTITY
    84.070

  • UNIT COST
    270.000 rubles for a T-34/76 in 1941
    135 .000 rubles for a T-34/76 in 1943
    164.000 rubles for a T-34/85 in 1943
    142.000 rubles for a T-34/85 in 1945

  • CHARACTERISTICS
    Low production costs
    Good mobility
    Sloped armor
    Good firepower in T-34/85 models
    Soon outclassed by post war designs
    Lot of engine maintainance required

Introduction

The T-34 is a main battle tank of Soviet origin and is one of the most iconic tanks ever produced. The T-34 was designed shortly before World War to and was used in enormous quantities during the war. Even after the war the T-34 with 85mm gun was used for many years, mainly by export customers since it was soon replaced by the T-55 in Soviet service. The T-34 was not the best tank in World War 2 but due to its qualities combined with low production cost it became the most influential one and the T-34 influenced tank design around the world.

Layout

The T-34 has a conventional layout and is characterized by its angular hull and Christie suspension. The driver and bow gunner are seated side by side in the front of the hull and the rest of the crew in the turret. Then engine is located at the rear and often external fuel tanks are carried at the rear hull. The original models with 76mm cannon featured a smaller two man turret. The models with 85mm gun required a loader for the main gun and therefore needed a larger turret.

Firepower

The very first models featured the short barrel 76mm F-22 cannon which was quickly replaced by the far more capable 76mm F-34 cannon. The 85mm models are fitted with the formidable D-5T or ZiS-S-53 cannon, for which 56 rounds are carried. After World War 2 the 85mm cannon was of limited use against post war tanks but remained capable of destroying any other armored fighting vehicle. Due to low quality sights, lack of stabilization and low quality ammunition the accuracy was limited throughout its whole service life.

Protection

For its weight the T-34 has a good level of protection, mainly due to the use of sloped armor. Althought the protection level was continuously increased the T-34 remain vulnerable against German 75mm or larger caliber weapons throughout World War 2. After World War 2 any tank and light tank was capable of destroying the T-34. Anti-tank weapons such as the M20 Super Bazooka or recoilless rifles proved lethal as well. There are no NBC system or smoke grenade dischargers.

Mobility

For a World War 2 era tank the T-34 has a very good mobility. The power to weight ratio is reasonable and the road and cross country speeds are good. The downsides are the limited reliability of the automotive parts and tracks that would easily break.

Users

The main user of the T-34 was the Soviet Union. After World War 2 large quantities remained. Since tank development continued at a very fast pace the T-34 was soon replaced by the T-54 and T-55 in Soviet service. Large quantities of T-34's were exported and small quantities remain in use in the Middle East and Africa, albeit mostly in reserve service or storage.

Variants

T-34/76

The T-34/76, known simply as T-34 in Russia, is a designation for all T-34 models with a 76mm cannon. The 76mm versions were produced during the first years of World War 2 and only a limited amount was used after the war. Since 1943 the 76mm models were replaced by the 85mm models.
T-34/76 Model 1940: The Model 1940 was the first production model and had a 76mm L-11 cannon.
T-34/76 Model 1941: The Model 1941 was fitted with the superior 76mm F-34 cannon.
T-34/76 Model 1942: The Model 1942 has a hexagonal turret and is the most common variant.
T-34/57: The T-34/57 is fitted with the high velocity 57mm ZiS-4 cannon that has a better performance against tanks but reduced performance against other targets.
OT-34: Some Model 1941 and Model 1942 tanks were fitted with a flamethrower instead of a bow machine gun and were known as OT-34.

TypeMain battle tank
Crew4 (commander, driver, gunner, radio operator)
Length5.92 m (hull)
Width3.0 m
Height2.41 m
Ground clearance0.4 m
Weight26.0 t combat load
Ground pressure0.64 kg/cm2
WheelbaseTracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.72 m length, 0.55 m width
Turn radius7.6 m
EngineV-2-34 V12 diesel
500 hp at 1.800 rpm
Power ratio19.2 hp/t
Transmission4 forward, 1 reverse
Speed55 km/h on road, 40 km/h off road
Fuel420 L + 140 L external
Range300 km on road, 225 km off road
Wall0.8 m
Trench2.5 m
Gradient35% gradient
Fording1.3 m
ArmorSteel
45mm hull front, sides and rear
45mm turret front, sides and rear
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks-
Armament76.2mm L-11 cannon
7.62mm DT coaxial machine gun
7.62mm DT bow machine gun
Weapon176.2mm F-34 cannon in turret
77 rounds
-5 to +29° elevation, manual, 360° traverse, 36°/s powered
non-stabilized
Weapon27.62mm DT coaxial machine gun
4.725 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon37.62mm DT bow machine gun
4.725 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation over forward arc
non-stabilized
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-
TypeMain battle tank
Crew4 (commander, driver, gunner, radio operator)
Length5.92 m (hull), 6.68 m (gun forward)
Width3.0 m
Height2.45 m
Ground clearance0.4 m
Weight28.0 t combat load
Ground pressure0.68 or 0.75 kg/cm2 (depending on track width)
WheelbaseTracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.72 m length, 0.50 or 0.55 m width
Turn radius7.6 m
EngineV-2-34 V12 diesel
500 hp at 1.800 rpm
Power ratio17.9 hp/t
Transmission5 forward, 1 reverse
Speed55 km/h on road, 40 km/h off road
Fuel420 L + 140 L external
Range300 km on road, 210 km off road
Wall0.8 m
Trench2.5 m
Gradient35% gradient
Fording1.3 m
ArmorSteel
45mm hull front, sides and rear
52mm turret front, sides and rear
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks-
Armament76.2mm F-34 cannon
7.62mm DT coaxial machine gun
7.62mm DT bow machine gun
Weapon176.2mm F-34 cannon in turret
77 rounds
-5 to +29° elevation, manual, 360° traverse, 36°/s powered
non-stabilized
Weapon27.62mm DT coaxial machine gun
4.725 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon37.62mm DT bow machine gun
4.725 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation over forward arc
non-stabilized
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-
TypeMain battle tank
Crew4 (commander, driver, gunner, radio operator)
Length5.92 m (hull), 6.75 m (gun forward)
Width3.0 m
Height2.45 m
Ground clearance0.4 m
Weight30.0 t combat load
Ground pressure0.73 kg/cm2
WheelbaseTracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.72 m length, 0.55 m width
Turn radius7.6 m
EngineV-2-34 V12 diesel
500 hp at 1.800 rpm
Power ratio16.7 hp/t
Transmission5 forward, 1 reverse
Speed55 km/h on road, 40 km/h off road
Fuel420 L + 140 L external
Range280 km on road, 180 km off road
Wall0.8 m
Trench2.5 m
Gradient35% gradient
Fording1.3 m
ArmorSteel
45mm hull front, sides and rear
70mm turret front
52mm turret sides and rear
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks-
Armament76.2mm F-34 cannon
7.62mm DT coaxial machine gun
7.62mm DT bow machine gun
Weapon176.2mm F-34 cannon in turret
100 rounds
-5 to +29° elevation, manual, 360° traverse, 26°/s powered
non-stabilized
Weapon27.62mm DT coaxial machine gun
3.150 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon37.62mm DT bow machine gun
3.150 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation over forward arc
non-stabilized
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-

T-34/85

The T-34/85, known as T-34-85 in Russia, features a more powerful 85mm cannon in a larger turret. The 85mm models are by far the most common post war models.
T-34/85 Model 1943: The Model 1943 was the first in the T-34/85 lineup and features the D-5T cannon.
T-34/85 Model 1944: The Model 1944 has a simpler ZiS-S-53 gun and features serveral other changes that include an improved internal layout and new gunner's sight.
T-34/85 Model 1945: The Model 1945 features an electric traverse motor and a smoke system.
T-34/85 Model 1946: The latest model to be produced in the USSR was the Model 1946 that featured and improved engine and new roadwheels.

TypeMain battle tank
Crew5 (commander, driver, gunner, loader, radio operator)
Length6.10 m (hull), 8.15 m (gun forward)
Width3.00 m
Height2.72 m
Ground clearance0.4 m
Weight32.0 t combat load
Ground pressure0.78 kg/cm2
WheelbaseTracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.72 m length, 0.55 m width
Turn radius7.6 m
EngineV-2-34 V12 diesel
500 hp at 1.800 rpm
Power ratio15.6 hp/t
Transmission5 forward, 1 reverse
Speed55 km/h on road, 40 km/h off road
Fuel540 L + 180 L external
Range340 km on road, 200 km off road
Wall0.8 m
Trench2.5 m
Gradient35% gradient
Fording1.3 m
ArmorSteel
45mm hull front, sides and rear
90mm turret front
75mm turret sides
52mm turret rear
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks-
Armament85mm D-5T cannon
7.62mm DTM coaxial machine gun
7.62mm DTM bow machine gun
Weapon185mm D-5T cannon in turret
56 rounds
-5 to +22° elevation, manual, 360° traverse, 17°/s powered
non-stabilized
Weapon27.62mm DTM coaxial machine gun
1.890 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon37.62mm DTM bow machine gun
1.890 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation over forward arc
non-stabilized
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-
TypeMain battle tank
Crew5 (commander, driver, gunner, loader, radio operator)
Length6.10 m (hull), 8.15 m (gun forward)
Width3.00 m
Height2.72 m
Ground clearance0.4 m
Weight32.0 t combat load
Ground pressure0.78 kg/cm2
WheelbaseTracked chassis, 5 roadwheels, idler front, drive sprocket rear, 3.72 m length, 0.55 m width
Turn radius7.6 m
EngineV-2-34M V12 diesel
520 hp at 1.800 rpm
Power ratio16.3 hp/t
Transmission5 forward, 1 reverse
Speed55 km/h on road, 30 km/h off road
Fuel540 L + 180 L external
Range300 km on road, 180 km off road
Wall0.8 m
Trench2.5 m
Gradient35% gradient
Fording1.3 m
ArmorSteel
45mm hull front, sides and rear
90mm turret front
75mm turret sides
52mm turret rear
NBC equipmentNo
Night visionNo
SmokeNo
Remarks-
Armament85mm ZiS-S-53 cannon
7.62mm DTM coaxial machine gun
7.62mm DTM bow machine gun
Weapon185mm ZiS-S-53 cannon in turret
60 rounds
-5 to +22° elevation, manual, 360° traverse, 17°/s powered
non-stabilized
Weapon27.62mm DTM coaxial machine gun
1.890 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
traverse and elevation as main armament
Weapon37.62mm DTM bow machine gun
1.890 rounds in total, 47 ready to fire
manual traverse and elevation over forward arc
non-stabilized
Weapon4-
Weapon5-
Weapon6-

SPK-5

A limited amount of T-34's have been used as a support vehicle.
T-34-T: The T-34-T was the earliest support vehicle based on the T-34 design. Damaged T-34's were converted to an artillery tractor by removing the turret and having the turret ring plated over.
SPK-5: The SPK-5 was introduced in 1955 and is a T-34 with the turret removed and a 10 t crane mounted on the turret ring.

Type 58

The Type 58 is a license produced version of the T-34/85 produced in China.
Type 58: The Type 58 is the Chinese production version of the T-34/85 and is fitted with sights used on the Type 59.
Type 58-I: The Type 58-I has a redesigned commander's hatch and has a heavy machine gun on the turret roof.
Type 58-II: The Type 58-II features a second cupola with heavy machine gun mount.

T-100

The T-100 is an Egyptian conversion of the T-34 tank that mounts the ordnance of the 100mm BS-3 fieldgun. The turret has been increased in size by welded metal plates and a recoil buffer is installed under the main armament. The 100mm BS-3 has a much better performance against armored vehicles compared to the original armament. It is believed only a small amount of T-34's have been converted to the T-100.

T-122

The T-122 is an Egyptian modification of the T-34 that mounts the ordnance of the D-30 howitzer in a much modified T-34 turret. The size of the turret has been significantly inmproved by welded metal plates. Unlike the T-100 conversion the D-30 ordnance has been mounted at the rear of the original T-34 turret. Compared to the T-100 the T-122 has a reduced performance against vehicles but does better against infantry. It is believed that only a small number, perhaps a dozen, have been built.

T-34/122

The T-34/122 is a Syrian modification that combines the T-34 chassis with a the D-30 towed howitzer. The T-34 has its turret removed and a D-30 howitzer without its trails is mounted at the front of the vehicle facing rearwards. A folding platform is attached which is locked in place horizontally when in the firing position. The D-30 howitzer has the same performance as when used on the ground, but has the added benefit of a much improved cross country mobility.

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