T-34-85 Medium Tank

The T-34-85 was a Soviet medium tank introduced during World War II as an upgraded version of the earlier T-34, one of the most influential tanks of the war. Entering service in 1944, the T-34-85 featured significant improvements that allowed it to remain competitive against the more advanced German tanks of the later stages of the war. Known for its balance of firepower, protection, mobility, and simplicity, the T-34-85 became one of the most iconic and effective tanks in military history. The T-34-85 was armed with an 85mm ZiS-S-53 cannon, a substantial upgrade from the 76.2mm gun of the earlier T-34 models. This new gun provided superior armor penetration capabilities, allowing it to engage and destroy heavier German tanks like the Panther and the Tiger at greater ranges.  The T-34-85 played a crucial role in many major battles during the later stages of World War II, such as the Battle of Kursk and the push into Germany. Its combination of firepower, protection, and mobility made it a formidable opponent on the battlefield and a key factor in the Red Army’s armored successes.