Why was the T34 so bad?

Exacerbating this was the fact that the T-34/76 had relatively poor main gun optics quality, no turret basket, a very cramped and low turret (the gun could not depress more than three degrees severely restricting use on a reverse slope or at close range), poor turret drive reliability, no radios, and generally poor …

Were t 34s reliable?

In that sense the T-34 was indeed ‘reliable’ because it was destroyed before it had a chance to break down on its own! Still there are examples of T-34’s breaking down during assaults even late in the war (19).

How many T34 tanks were destroyed?

Replacing many light and medium tanks in Red Army service, it was the most-produced tank of the war, as well as the second most-produced tank of all time (after its successor, the T-54/T-55 series). With 44,900 lost during the war, it also suffered the most tank losses ever.

When did the T 34 85 enter service?

The T-34-85 was first delivered to Soviet tank crews – namely guard units – in late 1943 and early 1944 through a short initial production batch run. Early forms fielded the D-5T 85mm gun system and were known under the designation of “Model 1943”.

When did T-34 85 release?

What happened to the Christie suspension?

The Christie suspension was good, but didn’t deal well with the weight of mid to late war tanks. The VVSS was quickly pushed aside for the same reason, eventually being replaced by HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension). That is turn was pushed aside also.

What was so special about the Soviet T-34?

The T-34, a Soviet medium tank, had a profound and lasting effect on the field of tank design. At its introduction in 1940, the T-34 possessed an unprecedented combination of firepower, mobility, protection and ruggedness.

What is the history of the Horstmann suspension?

The Horstmann suspension had been around since the very early 1920’s and had undergone several improvements over that time. IIRC, the American HVSS was a variation of Horstmann’s design. France adopted the Christie suspension? The Germans adopted the Christie suspension? The Pershing had a Christie suspension?

What is the difference between a T-34 and a t34/76?

The T-34 (German designation: T-34/76) was the original tank with a 76.2 mm gun in a two-man turret. Model 1940 (T-34/76A): Early, small production run (about 400 built) with the L-11 76.2 mm tank gun. Model 1941 (T-34/76B): Main production with thicker armour and the superior F-34 76.2 mm gun.