The T-44M upgrade (1960–1961):
In the early 1960s, the USSR began modernizing its remaining T-44 fleet to extend their service life and improve cross-compatibility with T-54 components. This yielded the T-44M variant, which replaced the original 500hp V-44 engine with the 520hp V-54, introduced a new transmission, added three 95-liter external fuel tanks (bringing the total to 785 liters and a maximum range of 440km), and fitted T-54-style running gear.
�� Photo: The T-44MS engine deck during restoration, showing the transverse V-54 engine configuration.
The T-44MS program (1964) – “The Ultimate Form”:
Pushing modernization even further, the USSR converted two T-44M hulls into a pair of specialized testbeds designated T-44MS (Т-44МС). The most significant upgrade was the installation of the STP-2 “Cyclone” (СТП-2“旋风”) two-plane main gun stabilizer – the same advanced stabilization system found on the T-54B and T-55. This allowed the 85mm ZiS-S-53 to be fired accurately on the move, a game-changing capability for Soviet medium tanks at the time. However, the stabilizer’s components occupied internal space, reducing the ammunition load from 58–61 rounds to just 35.
�� Photo: T-44MS gun assembly during restoration, showing the STP-2 “Cyclone” stabilizer mechanism in the turret interior.
�� Photo: Close-up of the 85mm ZiS-S-53 gun barrel and mantlet on the restored T-44MS.
The two prototypes incorporated further refinements:
Specification 1st Prototype 2nd Prototype
Built June 1946 (originally as T-44), converted by March 1964 Converted by June 1964
Vertical Gun Range -3° / +18° -5° / +18°
Night Vision None TKN-1 (commander) + TPN-1 “Moon” (gunner) + OU‑3 searchlight + L‑2 IR lamp
Gunner’s station Standard Additional footrest + improved ergonomics
�� Photo: T-44MS commander’s cupola with the OU-3 infrared searchlight (raised position). The second prototype’s distinctive night vision feature is clearly visible.
�� Photo: T-44MS gunner’s station with TPN-1 “Moon” night sight installed.
Additionally, the second prototype was equipped with TSh-16 telescopic sight and night vision devices. With the stabilizer activated, the gun’s vertical tracking ranged from 0.07 to 4.5 degrees per second, with a maximum horizontal traverse of 15 degrees per second. Armor values remained identical to the standard T-44: 120mm curved turret front, 90mm @ 60° hull front, 75mm hull sides, 90mm @ 20° turret sides.
The T-44MS was never accepted into Soviet service – by the mid-1960s, more advanced tanks like the T-62 and T-64 were already entering production, making further investment in the T-44 platform untenable. Nevertheless, the program served as a valuable testbed for stabilization technology.
One prototype survives to this day: After being stored in the armored vehicle museum‘s reserve collection for decades, the surviving 1st prototype (now located at Moscow’s Kubinka Patriot Park) was restored to running condition in 2014 with active assistance from Gaijin Entertainment – the developers of War Thunder. It made its public debut in February 2015 and continues to participate in museum dynamic demonstrations during events such as “Tankman’s Day”.
�� Photo: The T-44MS undergoing restoration work in 2014, with Gaijin Entertainment sponsorship.
�� Photo: The restored T-44MS moving under its own power during a museum demonstration at Kubinka Patriot Park.
⚙️ Technical Specifications (2nd Prototype)
· Country of Origin: Soviet Union
· Role: Medium Tank / Stabilizer Testbed
· Crew: 4 (Driver, Gunner, Loader, Commander)
· Combat Weight: ~32.5 tons
· Length: ~7.65 m (hull), ~8.55 m (overall with gun forward)
· Width: ~3.15 m
· Height: ~2.45 m (slightly taller than T-44 due to night vision mount on commander’s cupola)
· Engine: V-54 12‑cylinder diesel, 520 hp @ 1900 rpm
· Power-to-weight ratio: ~16 hp/ton
· Maximum road speed: 55–57 km/h
· Operational range: ~440 km (with external fuel tanks)
· Ground clearance: 0.43 m
· Suspension: Independent torsion bar
· Transmission: Mechanical, 5‑speed (synchronized except first gear)
· Main armament: 85 mm ZiS‑S‑53 rifled gun (54.6 calibers long)
· Ammunition capacity: 35 rounds (reduced from 58 due to stabilizer)
· Possible ammunition types: APHE (BR‑365K), APCR, HE‑FRAG, HEAT (access disputed; historically plausible for 1964 period)
· Secondary armament: 2 × 7.62 mm SG‑43 (coaxial and hull-mounted)
· Gun stabilizer: STP‑2 “Cyclone” (two‑plane)
· Elevation range: −5° / +18°
· Turret traverse speed: max 15°/s (horizontal), 0.07–4.5°/s (vertical stabilized)
· Sight: TSh‑16 telescopic sight (4× magnification)
· Commander’s optic: TPKU‑2B (5× magnification) with override mode
· Night vision: Gunner – TPN‑1 “Moon” active‑IR night sight; Commander – TKN‑1 “Pattern” night periscope with OU‑3 infrared searchlight
· Effective night engagement range: ~300 m
�� Photo: Chassis and running gear detail of the T-44MS, showing the T-54-compatible road wheels and tracks installed during modernization.
�� In-Game Performance & Gameplay Role
The T-44MS would fill a unique niche within the Soviet medium tank line. While the tech tree T-44 (6.7) has excellent mobility and decent armor, it suffers from the lack of a stabilizer – one of the biggest handicaps at its battle rating. The T‑44‑100 (7.0) has a powerful 100mm gun but retains the same unstabilized handling. The T‑44MS would bridge this gap by offering the mobility of the T‑44 chassis plus a full two-plane stabilizer (the same STP‑2 system found on the T‑54B and T‑55).
Strengths:
· ✅ Two-plane stabilizer – Allows accurate firing on the move, a massive advantage in close quarters and urban maps
· ✅ Excellent mobility – 520 hp engine delivering ~16 hp/ton, capable of reaching 55–57 km/h, enabling effective flanking and rapid repositioning
· ✅ Good hull armor – 90mm @ 60° upper glacis provides strong protection against conventional APHE rounds when angled
· ✅ Night vision (2nd prototype) – TPN‑1 + TKN‑1 with IR searchlight, offering a unique night‑combat capability at a BR where most vehicles lack such equipment
· ✅ Low profile – Retains the T‑44’s small silhouette, making it hard to spot and hit
Weaknesses:
· ⚠️ Low ammunition capacity – Only 35 rounds, requiring disciplined shot selection
· ⚠️ Slow turret traverse – Only 15°/s maximum, considerably slower than many contemporaries (for reference, T‑44 standard traverses at ~24°/s). This significantly hinders CQB reaction time and requires careful turret pre-positioning
· ⚠️ Mediocre penetration – The 85mm ZiS‑S‑53 struggles against heavy front armor at higher BRs (IS‑3, M103, Conqueror)
· ⚠️ Cramped interior – The stabilizer components reduce internal volume, potentially increasing reload time slightly compared to standard T‑44
· ⚠️ Outdated armor for its BR – At 7.0–7.3, HEAT‑FS and APDS rounds from vehicles like the Leopard 1 (7.3) or M48 (7.3) will easily penetrate the T‑44MS’s frontal armor, demanding careful positioning
Potential ammunition considerations:
While no primary sources explicitly confirm HEAT access for the T‑44MS, several forum discussions have raised this possibility. The 85mm D‑44 gun (a towed antitank variant using the same ammunition family) was known to have HEAT rounds (3BK2 and 3BK2M, offering 300–390mm of penetration). Many Soviet tanks in service during the 1960s were retrofitted with HEAT ammunition. Gaijin could either limit the vehicle to standard APHE/APCR/HE‑FRAG or, for better gameplay viability at 7.3, grant it access to 85mm HEAT.
Ideal BR placement: 7.0 (with standard ammunition) or 7.3 (with HEAT access).
�� Why This Vehicle Should Be Added to War Thunder
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Historical significance – The T‑44MS represents the “ultimate evolution” of the T‑44 platform, integrating 1960s state‑of‑the‑art stabilization and night vision technology into a WWII‑era chassis. It serves as a fascinating case study in Cold War tank modernization programs.
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Gaijin connection – The single surviving T‑44MS was actually restored to running condition in 2014 with direct assistance from Gaijin Entertainment. Including this vehicle in War Thunder would be a fitting tribute to that real‑world collaboration.
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Gameplay variety – The Soviet tech tree currently lacks a stabilized 85mm medium tank at the 7.0–7.3 range. The T‑44MS would offer a distinct playstyle focused on aggressive flanking, snap‑shots on the move, and close‑quarters brawling – a refreshing alternative to the unstabilized T‑44‑100 or the heavy IS‑3 and T‑10A.
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Community interest – Multiple suggestion threads on the War Thunder forum have already advocated for the T‑44MS, receiving positive responses and “passed to developers” on at least one occasion.
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Real‑world preserved vehicle – The T‑44MS exists as a fully restored, operational tank in the Kubinka Patriot Park collection, meeting Gaijin’s criteria for prototype/surviving vehicle inclusion.
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Balanced premium/squadron/event potential – The vehicle’s low production numbers and intermediate battle rating placement relative to tech tree T‑44s make it an ideal candidate for a Rank V premium, squadron vehicle, or battle pass reward, offering a meaningful addition without disrupting tech tree progression.
�� Photo: Rear view of the T-44MS, showing the external fuel tanks and exhaust arrangement.
�� Sources & Further Reading
· Mikhail Baryatinsky, Medium Tank T‑44: The Best Tank of WWII That Never Fought (technical history)
· Tank Encyclopedia – T‑44MS (Soviet Union, 1964)
· War Thunder Forum – T‑44MS (1964): Updating the Outdated
· Dzen.ru – Restoration article on the preserved T‑44MS
· GlobalSecurity.org – T‑44 Medium Tank
· MiniArt Models – T‑44M technical specifications
· Gaijin Entertainment official restoration documentation (2014–2015)
❓ Poll
Do you want to see the T‑44MS added to War Thunder?
· ✅ Yes – I support adding this vehicle as a Rank V Premium / Squadron / Event vehicle
· ❌ No – I do not support adding this vehicle
Thank you for considering this suggestion! o7