ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

**T-34-85**
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The T-34-85 is the military designation of the last mass modification of the Soviet T-34 medium tank with an 85 mm gun.

**Development and Adoption**
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The T-34-85 was designed on the basis of the serial tank T-34 model 1942. The installation of the 85 mm gun, combined with design improvements, significantly increased the combat effectiveness of the T-34-85 tank compared to its predecessor, the T-34-76.

**Design and Features**
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The new turret of the T-34-85 is structurally similar to the turret of the T-43 prototype. The overall protection of the crew (5 people) has been increased, with improved conditions for functional interaction between crew members. However, the mobility indicators of the T-34-85 tank decreased slightly due to an increase in its combat weight.

**Armament and Fire Control**
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The T-34-85 is equipped with an 85 mm gun, which was tested with a stabilizer in the vertical plane in the spring and summer of 1944. This development was carried out by a special design bureau of the People's Commissariat for Tank Industry.

**Production and Service History**
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The T-34-85 was adopted by the Red Army by GKO Resolution No. 5021 on January 23, 1944. It saw service during World War II, but its armor protection proved insufficient compared to heavy opponent tanks in 1944, such as the Panther and Tiger.

**Specifications**
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* Crew: 5 people
* Main armament: 85 mm gun
* Turret design: Similar to T-43 prototype
* Armor protection: Increased compared to T-34-76
* Mobility indicators: Slightly decreased due to increased combat weight