T34/85 obr 1944

In 1941, the Soviets initiated a project to enhance the T-34, focusing on armor, suspension, and crew ergonomics. However, the emergence of the Panther and increased numbers of Tiger tanks at Kursk revealed the T-34's limitations. The F-34 76.2mm gun proved ineffective against their heavy front armor. The T-43 replacement was shelved due to weight issues with an 85mm gun. Instead, a 85mm gun-armed turret was fitted to the basic T-34 chassis. The robust T-34 handled the heavier turret and more powerful gun well. In early 1944, the first model, armed with the 85mm D-5T gun, rolled off the line after the initial 85mm S-53 gun required modifications. Around 800 T-34/85 obr 1943 were produced at Gorkiy. The T-34/85 obr 1944 (SU056) features square fenders and the Zavod #112 turret.

• Early 1944 Production (SU055): Brief run with 85mm D-5T gun
• Primary Production (SU056): Simplified 85mm ZIS-S-53 gun, improved turret layout, new gunner's sight
• Later Models: Often featured simplified square fenders
• Design Evolution: Larger commander's cupola introduced