Would you like to see KPz T-34-85M in-game?
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How would you like to see KPz T-34-85M in-game?
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“KPz T-34-85M”
** T-34 Short History **
Spoiler
The development of the T-34 began in the late 1930s as the Soviet Union sought a modern, well-armored, and mobile tank to replace its aging fleet of light and fast tanks. The design evolved from the BT series, particularly the BT-7M, which tested sloped armor and a new diesel engine, concepts that would define the T-34’s success. This led to a series of prototypes: the A-20, a lightly armored 4-roadwheel vehicle; followed by the A-32, which featured 5 road wheels, thicker armor, and a 76.2 mm gun. The final prototype, the A-34, successfully passed trials in 1939 and was adopted as the T-34 Model 1940.
The T-34 evolved rapidly during World War II, receiving numerous improvements in protection, firepower, and crew ergonomics. This culminated in the introduction of the T-34-85 in 1944, which featured a larger turret and an 85 mm ZiS-S-53 gun to effectively combat newer German armor. After the war, the T-34-85 remained in widespread service and underwent several key refinements to enhance its battlefield performance and crew efficiency. The Model 1945 introduced an electrically powered turret traverse motor, a much-needed improvement over the earlier manual system. It also featured an enlarged commander’s cupola with a one-piece hatch for better visibility and access, squared-off front fenders, and the TDP (Tankovoy Dymoviy Pribor) smoke system, which utilized electrically detonated MDSh canisters mounted at the rear for creating smoke screens during combat. This was followed by the Model 1946, which incorporated the improved V-2-34M diesel engine, new road wheels, and several other minor mechanical and structural enhancements.
Clarification
The KPz T-34-85M we’ll be focusing on in the context of the East German T-34-85 incorporated these 1945 - 1946 cumulative upgrades, however was also equipped with a V2-54 engine of the T-54. These postwar upgrades are often collectively, and somewhat loosely, referred to as the T-34-85M, a general designation that encompasses a range of national and factory-level modernization programs. This classification is supported to some extent by researchers like Przemysław Skulski, who notes in his publications that in some countries (Vietnam, for instance) these post-war modifications were called T-34-85M. These “some others” that adopted this naming convention include Poland that specifically had tanks named T-34-85M1 and M2 respectively. According to Adie Roberts, the East Germans had a tank specifically called the T-34-85M. So, while it may not be technically precise, referring to this vehicle as the “T-34-85M”, in the context of East German service is not inaccurate. In his work, Steven Zaloga acknowledges that the modernized Cold War-era T-34-85s often lacked full uniformity in their upgrades.
KPz T-34-85M Visual Features:
- Rear mounted fuel drums mounted above smoke canisters
- Rear mounted smoke canisters mounted below the fuel drums
- Storage box mounted to the rear of the turret
- Left side mounted fuel pump box
- Improved commander’s hatch
- Squared front fenders
- Headlight covered with blackout in a cage to the left of the driver’s hatch
- Regular headlight mounted further to the left on the hull slope inside a cage
- Traffic light mount below the left rear fuel drum on the side slope
- “Full Spider” road wheels or older “Dish” road wheels (or both)
- Wooden splash guard
I am not too sure what is inside the cage next to the driver’s hatch. I assume it is some type of an IR projector.
Early History of East Germany (Post-WWII Context)
Following World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones controlled by the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union. The Soviet zone, encompassing the eastern part of Germany, eventually became the German Democratic Republic (GDR), commonly known as East Germany, officially established on October 7, 1949. The GDR aligned itself with the Eastern Bloc under Soviet influence, adopting socialist policies and integrating into the Warsaw Pact alliance.
T-34-85 Tanks in East Germany
In the early 1950s, as East Germany sought to build its own military forces, it formed the Kasernierte Volkspolizei (KVP), or “Barracked People’s Police,” a paramilitary organization that served as a precursor to a formal army. The KVP was equipped primarily with Soviet military hardware to ensure compatibility with Warsaw Pact forces. Among the equipment supplied by the Soviet Union were T-34-85 tanks, which had been the backbone of Soviet armored forces during the latter part of World War II. These tanks were provided to bolster the GDR’s defensive capabilities and to standardize equipment among Eastern Bloc allies.
Service of the T-34-85 in East Germany
With the official establishment of the Nationale Volksarmee (NVA) on March 1, 1956, the T-34-85 became the primary battle tank of East Germany’s armored units. Initially, the NVA’s armored regiments were equipped with these tanks, reflecting the Soviet influence on East German military organization and doctrine.
Throughout their service in the NVA, some T-34-85s underwent modernization to meet the T-34-85M standards. Additionally, East Germany developed its own variants, including armored recovery vehicles based on the T-34 chassis. These adaptations showcased the NVA’s efforts to maintain and enhance the operational effectiveness of their armored forces.
As more advanced tanks like the T-54 and T-55 became available, the T-34-85s were gradually phased out of frontline service. By 1964, the T-34/76 models had been retired, and the remaining T-34-85s were relegated to reserve status or used as training vehicles. Some were also employed as static defensive positions or targets on training ranges. Remarkably, a number of these tanks (exclusively T-34T (Turretless Armored Recovery Vehicles)) remained in the NVA’s inventory until as late as 1988, underscoring their durability and the pragmatic approach of the East German military in utilizing available resources.
Image shows a T-34T Armored Recovery Vehicle. The last functioning T-34s in East Germany. Image provided for demonstration purposes only.
Regarding Modifications and Fuel Drums
According to Steven Zaloga, the drum and smoke canister layout used by the East Germans was of what he refers to as a “Soviet configuration,” where the smoke canisters are mounted below the fuel drums on the rear of the tank. However, this raises questions, as visual evidence of Soviet T-34s from the 1960s using this exact configuration is scarce. In most cases, Soviet tanks either mounted smoke canisters on the left side of the hull, or if placed on the rear, they typically did not have the 200L fuel drum mounts on the tank. The Polish configuration, on the other hand, clearly featured both rear-mounted smoke canisters and fuel drums together, but with the canisters mounted above the drums. This arrangement appears more functional, as it allowed for full 360-degree turret rotation without obstruction, even with both elements present. The East German layout, by contrast, with smoke canisters mounted below the fuel drums, would likely obstruct turret rotation to the rear unless the fuel drums were removed, making it less practical from a combat standpoint. It’s also unclear how the Polish-mounted canisters were meant to deploy, possibly intended to burn in place rather than be dropped, but the German setup does seem designed to allow the canisters to fall freely, which would better align with traditional smoke canister deployment seen in War Thunder.
When it comes to the projector configuration seen on this particular East German T-34-85M, it’s possible that it may be of Polish origin, as similar installations have been observed on both Polish and Czechoslovak T-34-85s. There is photographic evidence showing both nations mounting IR projectors or night-fighting lights on the front hull slope, typically to the left of the driver’s hatch. However, despite those similarities, I have yet to come across a photo showing either Polish or Czech tanks mounting the projector in the exact same position or manner as seen on this German T-34-85M. This suggests that while the modification may have been influenced by or derived from Polish practice, the specific placement and mounting style used by the East Germans appears to be a localized adaptation, setting it apart from other Warsaw Pact configurations.
Of course, as previously mentioned, Cold War-era T-34-85s lacked uniformity, with numerous national and even unit-level variations in equipment, fittings, and field modifications. Many East German T-34-85s did not come equipped with 200L rear-mounted fuel drums, smoke canisters, or any standardized headlight configuration. This suggestion focuses on one specific T-34-85M variant, as seen in the provided reference images, to ensure it doesn’t end up as yet another “copy-paste” tank in War Thunder.
Implementation
If implemented into War Thunder, this East German T-34-85M would easily rank among the most capable T-34-85s in the game. It would feature a number of quality-of-life and battlefield enhancements, such as an electric turret traverse system for faster gun handling, more powerful engine for higher top speed, the ability to deploy smoke screens via rear-mounted MDSh canisters, and possibly even access to Soviet post-war HEAT shells developed for the ZiS-S-53, assuming Gaijin decides to include them. Visually, it would also stand out thanks to its distinctive rear-mounted fuel barrels and smoke launchers, provided if Gaijin decides to keep the barrels instead of leaving empty mounts. Altogether, it would offer a unique and historically grounded addition to the game, blending improved functionality with Cold War-era aesthetics.
At the time of writing, Germany lacks any T-34-85 tanks in its tech tree, a noticeable gap, especially given the historical use of these vehicles by East Germany (NVA). Since East German vehicles are already represented in the German tree, the addition of the KPz T-34-85M would be historically appropriate. It would fill this void while offering a unique take on the classic Soviet design, showcasing the post-war upgrades implemented by Warsaw Pact nations. Whether added as a tech tree vehicle, premium, or event reward, it would make a fine addition to Germany’s Cold War lineup.
Photograph shows a basic T-34-85 Model 1945 in East Germany. Image provided for demonstration purposes only.
Disclaimer: All aspects of this suggestion are ultimately up to Gaijin’s discretion to decide and implement. This includes the vehicle’s battle rating (BR) , available ammunition types , and visual features.
Specifications:
Spoiler
KPz T-34-85M with V-2-54 Engine – Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Designation | T-34-85 Model 1946 (with V-2-54 engine) |
| Origin | Soviet Union |
| Crew | 5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio Operator/Bow MG) |
| Combat Weight | ~32 metric tons |
Dimensions
- Length (with gun forward): ~8.15 m
- Hull Length: ~6.68 m
- Width: 3.00 m
- Height: 2.45 m
Mobility
| Engine | V-2-54 V12 Diesel (T-54 engine) |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | ~520 hp @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Top Speed (Road): | ~60 km/h (improved throttle response) |
| Operational Range: | ~400–450 km (with external fuel drums) |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | ~16.25 hp/ton |
| Suspension: | Christie |
| Tracks: | T-34 standard tracks |
Armament
Main Gun: 85 mm ZiS-S-53 L/54.6
Ammunition Types: AP, APBC, HE, APCR (BR-367P), potentially HEAT
Turret Rotation Speed: 21.2°/s
Vertical Guidance: -0.5/25.0°
Ammo Capacity: ~55–60 rounds
Coaxial MG: 7.62 mm DT
Hull MG: 7.62 mm DT
Armor Protection
Hull Front (Upper Glacis): 45 mm @ 60° (~90 mm effective)
Turret Front: 75–90 mm (cast)
Hull Sides: 45 mm (vertical)
Turret Sides: 75 mm
Rear Armor: 40–52 mm
Roof/Floor: 20 mm / 15–20 mm
Sources:
Skulski, P. (2015). T-34-85 After WW2: Camouflage and Markings 1946 - 2016. Mushroom Model Publications.
Zaloga, S., Kinnear, J. (1996). T-34-85 Medium Tank 1944 - 1994. Osprey Publishing. Available at: https://prussia.online/Data/Book/t-/t-34-85-medium-tank-1944-94/Osprey%20NV%20020%20-%20[20c]%20-%20T-34-85%20Medium%20Tank%201944-94.pdf?utm_source
