The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank produced from 1940 to 1958. Although its armour and armament were surpassed by later tanks of the era, it has been often credited as the most effective, efficient and influential design of World War II. First produced at the KhPZ factory in Kharkov (Kharkiv, Ukraine), it was the mainstay of Soviet armoured forces throughout World War II, and widely exported afterward. It was the most-produced tank of the war, and the second most-produced tank of all time, after its successor, the T-54/55 series. In 1996, the T-34 was still in service in at least twenty-seven countries.
The T-34 (German designation: T-34/76) was the original tank with a 76.2 mm gun.
Model 1940 (T-34/76A) — Early production run with interim L-11 76.2 mm tank gun in a two-man turret
Model 1941 (T-34/76B) — Main production with heavier armour and the superior F-34 76.2 mm gun
Model 1942 (T-34/76C) — Many minor manufacturing improvements
Model 1943 (T-34/76D, E, and F) — New cast hexagonal turret, nicknamed "Mickey Mouse" by the Germans because of its appearance with the twin, round turret-roof hatches open. Main production had a new commander's cupola |
