Difference between revisions of "T-54 (1951)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_54_1951}}
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{{About
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| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = T-54/55 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=ussr_t_54_1951
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage3_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!-- In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about. -->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}.
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The '''T-54 Model 1951''' is the third variant of the [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54 main battle tank family]]. Produced from 1952 to 1954, the Model 1951 replaced the fully egg-shaped turret from the [[T-54 (1949)|Model 1949]] with a new hemispherical turret. However, it features a new TSh-2-22 telescopic gunner's sight instead of the old TSh-20 telescopic gunner's sight. It also has an engine exhaust smoke system that creates a temporary smokescreen by injecting vaporized diesel fuel into the exhaust system. This feature was carried over to the T-54, [[T-55 (Family)|T-55]], and [[T-62 (Family)|T-62]] main battle tank families.
  
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In 1951, a new hemispherical turret with improved ballistic shaping was introduced for the T-54 medium tank. This turret eliminated the turret shot-traps of earlier models and became the definitive one for all T-54 and T-55 variants that followed. A new telescopic gunsight was also introduced.
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Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the T-54 Model 1951 is nearly identical to the previous variant, with the addition of new high-explosive anti-tank fin-stabilized (HEATFS) ammunition capable of penetrating 380 mm of armour. However, since the post-penetration damage is insufficient, it should not be used as the primary ammunition for engagement. The playstyle is very similar to the Model 1949 variant.
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Ingame, the 1951 model plays similarly to the 1949 model. It has the same reduced hull armour compared to the 1947 model but makes up for this with its better mobility and turret, which is not vulnerable to shot-traps like the 1947 and 1949 models are. The 1951 model also has access to a powerful HEAT-FS round.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
The armour of the T-54 leaves nothing to be desired. While it does not get the 120 mm frontal plate of the [[T-54 (1947)]], it is one of the strongest frontal plates seen in an early MBT and is able to withstand full calibre solid shots from all nations (Obus de rupture for example, the French solid shot seen in most post war designs such as the [[Lorraine 40t]], [[AMX-50 (Family)|AMX-50]], etc). However, the armour is nonexistent for HEAT and ATGM which are the main ammunition used in 7.7 to 8.7. The tank is practically immune to low calibre autocannon fire with exception of APDS rounds to the sides (seen in [[Warrior]] and [[AMX-30 DCA]]).
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Gun mantlet)
  
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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
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{| class="wikitable"
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! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
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|-
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| Hull || 100 mm (60°) ''Front glacis'' <br>100 mm (54°) ''Lower glacis'' || 80 mm || 45 mm (16°) ''Upper'' <br>30 mm (72°) ''Lower'' || 30 mm ''Front''<br>20 mm ''Back''
 +
|-
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| Turret || 160 mm (14-39°) ''Turret front'' <br>200 mm (4-78°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 115 mm (45-50°) ''Upper''<br>155 mm (10-30°) ''Lower'' || 65 mm (9-35°) || 30 mm
 +
|-
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|}
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'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=806|rbMinHp=460}}
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As a relatively heavily armoured tank and part of the Soviet doctrine, the mobility of the T-54 leaves much to be desired. Not only is top speed the lacklustre, but turn rate is not great and reverse speed is mediocre. Overall, the mobility is not the best and should not be relied on to be used to play as a fast paced vehicle. However, the power-to-weight ratio on the T-54 is impressive and is able to climb and move through rough territory with ease as well as push and pull tanks.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
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It's a priority to research Parts and FPE. After that, the player should focus on mobility upgrades or the Horizontal Drive modification, since both mobility and turret rotation are limited when the tank is stock. Also, the 3BK-5 HEATFS shell greatly increases the tank's damage output, and should be considered quite important as well. When grinding the first modifications, Arcade Battles might be more fun, because of faster-paced gameplay and the ability to see all threats. It may also be a good idea to activate 3-5 universal vehicle back-ups to be able to respawn twice in one match. General tips for the stock grind are the same as those for the [[T-54 (1947)]], read that article.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
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{{main|D-10T (100 mm)}}
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The T-54 has access to the powerful D-10T. As seen in prior vehicles and other vehicles in the tree, the 100 mm is a reliable calibre for all situations with amazing ammunition for all cases. The T-54 (1951) also has access to APDS and HEATFS ammunition for use against everything. Both are impressive ammunition which require little to no practice in terms of use but they do require more trigger discipline and accurate aiming as they make much less spalling that the BR-412D. Despite not having great penetration which will be sort of required when facing heavily armoured targets like the Tiger II, it is able to decimate every vehicle it sees from all angles due to the explosive power. At 7.7 and above, the threats that will be seen (especially Europeans) have little to no armour, able to be easily penetrated by even the BR-412. However, some of the frontal plates of said vehicles are meant to stop the ammunition at certain distances (AMX-30 can stop BR-412 at past 500 m). Using 3BM-8 and 3BK-5 makes frontal engagements easier and with greater results due to the increased armour penetration. But again, they barely cause spalling and will most likely take more than one shot to fully disable and destroy an enemy tank.
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | [[D-10T (100 mm)|100 mm D-10T]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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|-
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! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|-
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! ''Arcade''
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| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+17° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 9.5 || 13.2 || 16.0 || 17.7 || 18.8 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
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|-
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! ''Realistic''
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| 5.9 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
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|-
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|}
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 +
==== Ammunition ====
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{{:D-10T (100 mm)/Ammunition|BR-412, BR-412B, BR-412D, BR-412P, 3BM-8, 3BK-5, OF-412, 3D3}}
  
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=== Additional armament ===
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
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[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
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<!-- '''Last updated: 2.13.0.180''' -->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
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! Full<br>ammo
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! 1st<br>rack empty
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! 2nd<br>rack empty
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! 3rd<br>rack empty
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! 4th<br>rack empty
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! 5th<br>rack empty
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! 6th<br>rack empty
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
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|-
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| '''34''' || 33&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 28&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+10)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 21&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+33)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
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'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 20 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
** This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
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** Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 6. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
 +
** Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
 +
* If you pack 28&nbsp;''(+6)'' shells, it will keep the turret empty of ammo.
 +
* If you pack 21&nbsp;''(+13)'' shells, it will fill only the frontal ready rack.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
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<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
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{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)|SGMT (7.62 mm)}}
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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<!-- Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB). -->
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|-
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The T-54 '51 is practically the same tank as the [[T-54 (1949)|T-54 '49]], it has the same armour as the T-54 '49 and the only difference is the addition of the new HEAT-FS round capable of going through 380mm of armour (the War Thunder community generally accepts the T-54 '51 as having the best ammunition overall). Again, the new round should be taken as a back-up option for the most armoured enemies, while BR-412D should remain the main round.
+
! colspan="5" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]]
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|-
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
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| Pintle || 250 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
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|-
 +
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
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! colspan="5" | [[SGMT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm SGMT]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 600 || - || -
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== General Playstyle ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
The T-54 '51 is simply the better tank than the T-54 '49, because it has the same armour, and the only difference is the addition of HEAT-FS round, which penetrates through 380mm. (Read the [[T-54 (1947)|T-54 '47]] and the [[T-54 (1949)|T-54 '49]] articles, as they cover the T-54 playstyle).
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The T-54 (1951) is practically the same tank as the [[T-54 (1949)]], it has the same armour as the T-54 (1949) and the only difference is the addition of the new HEATFS round capable of going through 380 mm of armour (the War Thunder community generally accepts the T-54 (1951) as having the best ammunition overall). Again, the new round should be taken as a back-up option for the most armoured enemies, while the BR-412D should remain the main round.
  
−
'''Major Gameplay Differences from the T-54 '49 (Read the [[T-54 (1947)|T-54 '47]] and the [[T-54 (1949)|T-54 '49]] articles prior to reading this!)'''
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The T-54 (1951) is simply the better tank than the T-54 (1949), because it has the same armour, and the only difference is the addition of HEATFS round, which penetrates through 380 mm. (Read the [[T-54 (1947)]] and the [[T-54 (1949)]] articles, as they cover the T-54 playstyle).
 +
 
 +
Major gameplay differences from the T-54 (1949) (Read the [[T-54 (1947)]] and the [[T-54 (1949)]] articles prior to reading this!)
  
 
* You can now penetrate all vehicles that you can see.
 
* You can now penetrate all vehicles that you can see.
−
* If the map is very big, and you are forced to snipe, you may prefer to take APDS ammunition, because it's much easier to aim.
+
* If the map is very big, and you are forced to snipe, you may prefer to take APDS ammunition because it's much easier to aim.
−
 
 
−
=== The Stock Grind ===
 
−
When grinding the first modifications, Arcade Battles might be more fun, because of faster paced gameplay and the ability to see all threats. Now, it's '''a priority to research Parts and FPE,''' and it may also be a good idea '''to''' '''activate 3-5 universal vehicle back-ups''' to be able to respawn twice in one match. In this case it's worth it, because the T-54 '51 is a grinder for rank V and first rank VI vehicles - the faster you spade it, the faster you can grind!
 
−
 
 
−
General tips for the stock grind are the same as those for the [[T-54 (1947)|T-54 '47]], read that article.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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<!-- Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective". -->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Improved turret shape and armour thickness, with no shot-traps (Same turret as the T-54 '49)
+
* Improved turret shape and armour thickness, with no shot-traps (Same turret as the T-54 (1949))
 
* Lighter than the 1947 model, with improved mobility
 
* Lighter than the 1947 model, with improved mobility
−
* Wide ammunition selection, including 380 mm penetration 3BK-5 HEAT-FS and powerful APHE rounds
+
* Wide ammunition selection, including 380 mm penetration 3BK-5 HEATFS and powerful APHE rounds
 
* Well-sloped hull glacis plate, resistant to most full-bore AP rounds
 
* Well-sloped hull glacis plate, resistant to most full-bore AP rounds
−
* Roof mounted DShK heavy machine gun for use against aircraft or light vehicles
+
* Roof-mounted DShK heavy machine gun for use against aircraft or light vehicles
−
 
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Unstabilised main gun and very slow turret traverse make it vulnerable to being flanked in close combat
 
* Unstabilised main gun and very slow turret traverse make it vulnerable to being flanked in close combat
−
* Relatively low rate-of-fire
+
* Relatively low rate of fire
 
* Small magazine size of the DShK heavy machine gun
 
* Small magazine size of the DShK heavy machine gun
 
* Weaker hull armour than the 1947 model
 
* Weaker hull armour than the 1947 model
 
* Poor penetration with APHE rounds
 
* Poor penetration with APHE rounds
  
 +
== History ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
== History ==
+
The T-54 mod. 1951 was the final product of the T-54 family and the transition to early T-55 models. It featured the exact same hull, gun, NBC systems and fire control systems of the previous T-54 but with the TSh-2-22 telescopic gunner's sight. The mod. 1951 featured a turret redesign which removed the turret side undercuts, replaced radio with a new R-113 radio, reduced weight as the extra 20 mm has been removed, additional fuel tanks and fume extractor.
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
 
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
"The new 1951 tank model received a cast semi-spherical turret without shot traps and with improved traverse sealing and an apparatus for attaching a minesweeper. Its two SG-43 machine guns were replaced with a 7.62 mm SGMT machine gun. The T-54's main armament remained as before - a 100 mm D-10T cannon with a 56 calibre barrel length. This weapon was developed in the No. 9 artillery factory's design bureau under the direction of F.F. Petrov. The 100 mm cannon's armour-piercing round was able to penetrate a 125 mm thick vertical armour plate at a range of 2,000 m. After the Second World War, improved variants of this tank served for forty years after the basic model was developed. From 1946, all the characteristics of the T-54 and its variants surpassed those of foreign medium tanks, and its weapon had the best armour-piercing properties.
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The new 1951 tank model received a cast semi-spherical turret without shot traps and with improved traverse sealing and an apparatus for attaching a minesweeper. Its two SG-43 machine guns were replaced with a 7.62 mm SGMT machine gun. The T-54's main armament remained as before - a 100 mm D-10T cannon with a 56 calibre barrel length. This weapon was developed in the No. 9 artillery factory's design bureau under the direction of F.F. Petrov. The 100 mm cannon's armour-piercing round was able to penetrate a 125 mm thick vertical armour plate at a range of 2,000 m. After the Second World War, improved variants of this tank served for forty years after the basic model was developed. From 1946, all the characteristics of the T-54 and its variants surpassed those of foreign medium tanks, and its weapon had the best armour-piercing properties.
  
 
In total, 7,009 of them were made between 1952 and 1955.The T54 Mod. 1951 became widespread outside the USSR's borders and was licensed for production in Poland, Czechoslovakia and China. Its Chinese variant was designated Type 59.
 
In total, 7,009 of them were made between 1952 and 1955.The T54 Mod. 1951 became widespread outside the USSR's borders and was licensed for production in Poland, Czechoslovakia and China. Its Chinese variant was designated Type 59.
 +
 
Tanks of this type were used in a multitude of armed conflicts in the 20th century. These vehicles are still in service in many countries in Asia and the Middle East.
 
Tanks of this type were used in a multitude of armed conflicts in the 20th century. These vehicles are still in service in many countries in Asia and the Middle East.
  
−
A disadvantage of the tank was the hull layout it inherited from the T-44. It ensured the Soviet tank's advantages over its foreign counterparts, but also restricted opportunities for further increasing the tank's defences, particularly against the new 90 and 105 mm high-explosive anti-tank warheads and armour-piercing subcalibre rounds. The unstabilised tank cannon's accuracy and rate of fire were too low when firing on the move. The T-54's transmission and undercarriage restricted opportunities to increase its mobility after installing a more powerful weapon or increasing its armour."
+
A disadvantage of the tank was the hull layout it inherited from the T-44. It ensured the Soviet tank's advantages over its foreign counterparts, but also restricted opportunities for further increasing the tank's defences, particularly against the new 90 and 105 mm high-explosive anti-tank warheads and armour-piercing subcalibre rounds. The unstabilised tank cannon's accuracy and rate of fire were too low when firing on the move. The T-54's transmission and undercarriage restricted opportunities to increase its mobility after installing a more powerful weapon or increasing its armour.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:ArtImage T-54 (1951).png|<small>A Polish People's Republic T-54 (1951)</small>
 +
File:ArtImage2 T-54 (1951).png|<small>A Soviet T-54 (1951) in [[Carpathians]]</small>
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_54_1951 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|KUSnuNXASxE|'''Most produced tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:38 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
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== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
−
''ETC.''
+
== External links ==
−
 
 
−
== Sources ==
 
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{TankManufacturer Morozov}}
 +
{{USSR medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 19:54, 28 June 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Soviet medium tank T-54 (1951). For other versions, see T-54/55 (Family).
T-54 (1951)
ussr_t_54_1951.png
GarageImage T-54 (1951).jpg
ArtImage3 T-54 (1951).png
T-54 (1951)
USSR flag.png USSR
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.0 8.0 8.0
Class:
Research:61 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:340 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The T-54 Model 1951 is the third variant of the T-54 main battle tank family. Produced from 1952 to 1954, the Model 1951 replaced the fully egg-shaped turret from the Model 1949 with a new hemispherical turret. However, it features a new TSh-2-22 telescopic gunner's sight instead of the old TSh-20 telescopic gunner's sight. It also has an engine exhaust smoke system that creates a temporary smokescreen by injecting vaporized diesel fuel into the exhaust system. This feature was carried over to the T-54, T-55, and T-62 main battle tank families.

Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the T-54 Model 1951 is nearly identical to the previous variant, with the addition of new high-explosive anti-tank fin-stabilized (HEATFS) ammunition capable of penetrating 380 mm of armour. However, since the post-penetration damage is insufficient, it should not be used as the primary ammunition for engagement. The playstyle is very similar to the Model 1949 variant.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull100 / 80 / 45
Turret200 / 160 / 65
Crew4 people
Visibility83 %

The armour of the T-54 leaves nothing to be desired. While it does not get the 120 mm frontal plate of the T-54 (1947), it is one of the strongest frontal plates seen in an early MBT and is able to withstand full calibre solid shots from all nations (Obus de rupture for example, the French solid shot seen in most post war designs such as the Lorraine 40t, AMX-50, etc). However, the armour is nonexistent for HEAT and ATGM which are the main ammunition used in 7.7 to 8.7. The tank is practically immune to low calibre autocannon fire with exception of APDS rounds to the sides (seen in Warrior and AMX-30 DCA).

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Gun mantlet)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 100 mm (60°) Front glacis
100 mm (54°) Lower glacis 		80 mm 45 mm (16°) Upper
30 mm (72°) Lower 		30 mm Front
20 mm Back
Turret 160 mm (14-39°) Turret front
200 mm (4-78°) Gun mantlet 		115 mm (45-50°) Upper
155 mm (10-30°) Lower 		65 mm (9-35°) 30 mm

Notes:

  • Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB56 / 9 km/h
RB and SB51 / 8 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight35.5 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB27.9 hp/t
RB and SB14.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 56 9 35.5 806 992 22.7 27.94
Realistic 51 8 460 520 12.96 14.65

As a relatively heavily armoured tank and part of the Soviet doctrine, the mobility of the T-54 leaves much to be desired. Not only is top speed the lacklustre, but turn rate is not great and reverse speed is mediocre. Overall, the mobility is not the best and should not be relied on to be used to play as a fast paced vehicle. However, the power-to-weight ratio on the T-54 is impressive and is able to climb and move through rough territory with ease as well as push and pull tanks.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 271 → 5 778 Sl icon.png
RB4 757 → 6 436 Sl icon.png
SB6 745 → 9 125 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications99 000 Rp icon.png
166 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training98 000 Sl icon.png
Experts340 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 300 Ge icon.png
Research Aces780 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 240 % Sl icon.png
202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APHE_ammo_pack
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
4 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 400 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APCBC_ammo_pack
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_ussr_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
6 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png

It's a priority to research Parts and FPE. After that, the player should focus on mobility upgrades or the Horizontal Drive modification, since both mobility and turret rotation are limited when the tank is stock. Also, the 3BK-5 HEATFS shell greatly increases the tank's damage output, and should be considered quite important as well. When grinding the first modifications, Arcade Battles might be more fun, because of faster-paced gameplay and the ability to see all threats. It may also be a good idea to activate 3-5 universal vehicle back-ups to be able to respawn twice in one match. General tips for the stock grind are the same as those for the T-54 (1947), read that article.

Armaments

Main armament

100 mm D-10T cannon
Ammunition34 rounds
First-order20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-4° / 17°
Main article: D-10T (100 mm)

The T-54 has access to the powerful D-10T. As seen in prior vehicles and other vehicles in the tree, the 100 mm is a reliable calibre for all situations with amazing ammunition for all cases. The T-54 (1951) also has access to APDS and HEATFS ammunition for use against everything. Both are impressive ammunition which require little to no practice in terms of use but they do require more trigger discipline and accurate aiming as they make much less spalling that the BR-412D. Despite not having great penetration which will be sort of required when facing heavily armoured targets like the Tiger II, it is able to decimate every vehicle it sees from all angles due to the explosive power. At 7.7 and above, the threats that will be seen (especially Europeans) have little to no armour, able to be easily penetrated by even the BR-412. However, some of the frontal plates of said vehicles are meant to stop the ammunition at certain distances (AMX-30 can stop BR-412 at past 500 m). Using 3BM-8 and 3BK-5 makes frontal engagements easier and with greater results due to the increased armour penetration. But again, they barely cause spalling and will most likely take more than one shot to fully disable and destroy an enemy tank.

100 mm D-10T Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 34 -4°/+17° ±180° - 9.5 13.2 16.0 17.7 18.8 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 5.9 7.0 8.5 9.4 10.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
BR-412 APHE 218 212 189 164 142 124
BR-412B APHEBC 218 215 201 184 169 155
BR-412D APCBC 239 236 220 202 185 170
BR-412P APCR 224 216 186 153 127 105
3BM-8 APDS 336 332 317 299 282 265
3BK-5 HEATFS 380 380 380 380 380 380
OF-412 HE 27 27 26 24 23 21
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
BR-412 APHE 895 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 47° 60° 65°
BR-412B APHEBC 895 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 48° 63° 71°
BR-412D APCBC 887 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 48° 63° 71°
BR-412P APCR 1,050 8.53 - - - 66° 70° 72°
3BM-8 APDS 1,415 4.13 - - - 75° 78° 80°
3BK-5 HEATFS 900 12.38 0.05 0.1 1,240 65° 72° 77°
OF-412 HE 900 15.6 0.2 0.1 1,460 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
3D3 880 15.6 16 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the T-54 (1951)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
34 33 (+1) 28 (+6) 24 (+10) 23 (+11) 21 (+13) 1 (+33) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Rack 6 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 20 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
    • This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 6 - 1 - 2 - etc. until 5.
    • Full reload speed will be realized as long as shells are available in the ready rack 6. If the ready rack is empty, a penalty to reload speed will occur.
    • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-5 into rack 6. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  • If you pack 28 (+6) shells, it will keep the turret empty of ammo.
  • If you pack 21 (+13) shells, it will fill only the frontal ready rack.

Machine guns

12.7 mm DShK machine gun
Ammunition250 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-4° / 82°
7.62 mm SGMT machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main articles: DShK (12.7 mm), SGMT (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm DShK
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 250 (50) 600 -4°/+82° ±180°
7.62 mm SGMT
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,500 (250) 600 - -

Usage in battles

The T-54 (1951) is practically the same tank as the T-54 (1949), it has the same armour as the T-54 (1949) and the only difference is the addition of the new HEATFS round capable of going through 380 mm of armour (the War Thunder community generally accepts the T-54 (1951) as having the best ammunition overall). Again, the new round should be taken as a back-up option for the most armoured enemies, while the BR-412D should remain the main round.

The T-54 (1951) is simply the better tank than the T-54 (1949), because it has the same armour, and the only difference is the addition of HEATFS round, which penetrates through 380 mm. (Read the T-54 (1947) and the T-54 (1949) articles, as they cover the T-54 playstyle).

Major gameplay differences from the T-54 (1949) (Read the T-54 (1947) and the T-54 (1949) articles prior to reading this!)

  • You can now penetrate all vehicles that you can see.
  • If the map is very big, and you are forced to snipe, you may prefer to take APDS ammunition because it's much easier to aim.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Improved turret shape and armour thickness, with no shot-traps (Same turret as the T-54 (1949))
  • Lighter than the 1947 model, with improved mobility
  • Wide ammunition selection, including 380 mm penetration 3BK-5 HEATFS and powerful APHE rounds
  • Well-sloped hull glacis plate, resistant to most full-bore AP rounds
  • Roof-mounted DShK heavy machine gun for use against aircraft or light vehicles

Cons:

  • Unstabilised main gun and very slow turret traverse make it vulnerable to being flanked in close combat
  • Relatively low rate of fire
  • Small magazine size of the DShK heavy machine gun
  • Weaker hull armour than the 1947 model
  • Poor penetration with APHE rounds

History

The T-54 mod. 1951 was the final product of the T-54 family and the transition to early T-55 models. It featured the exact same hull, gun, NBC systems and fire control systems of the previous T-54 but with the TSh-2-22 telescopic gunner's sight. The mod. 1951 featured a turret redesign which removed the turret side undercuts, replaced radio with a new R-113 radio, reduced weight as the extra 20 mm has been removed, additional fuel tanks and fume extractor.


Archive of the in-game description

The new 1951 tank model received a cast semi-spherical turret without shot traps and with improved traverse sealing and an apparatus for attaching a minesweeper. Its two SG-43 machine guns were replaced with a 7.62 mm SGMT machine gun. The T-54's main armament remained as before - a 100 mm D-10T cannon with a 56 calibre barrel length. This weapon was developed in the No. 9 artillery factory's design bureau under the direction of F.F. Petrov. The 100 mm cannon's armour-piercing round was able to penetrate a 125 mm thick vertical armour plate at a range of 2,000 m. After the Second World War, improved variants of this tank served for forty years after the basic model was developed. From 1946, all the characteristics of the T-54 and its variants surpassed those of foreign medium tanks, and its weapon had the best armour-piercing properties.

In total, 7,009 of them were made between 1952 and 1955.The T54 Mod. 1951 became widespread outside the USSR's borders and was licensed for production in Poland, Czechoslovakia and China. Its Chinese variant was designated Type 59.

Tanks of this type were used in a multitude of armed conflicts in the 20th century. These vehicles are still in service in many countries in Asia and the Middle East.

A disadvantage of the tank was the hull layout it inherited from the T-44. It ensured the Soviet tank's advantages over its foreign counterparts, but also restricted opportunities for further increasing the tank's defences, particularly against the new 90 and 105 mm high-explosive anti-tank warheads and armour-piercing subcalibre rounds. The unstabilised tank cannon's accuracy and rate of fire were too low when firing on the move. The T-54's transmission and undercarriage restricted opportunities to increase its mobility after installing a more powerful weapon or increasing its armour.


Media

Images

  • A Polish People's Republic T-54 (1951)

  • A Soviet T-54 (1951) in Carpathians

Skins
Videos
T-54/T-55 family discusses the T-54 (1951) at 4:19 - War Thunder Official Channel
Most produced tanks discusses the T-54 (1951) at 4:38 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Kharkov Design Bureau for Mechanical Engineering named after A. A. Morozov
Light Tanks 
BT-5  BT-5 · RBT-5
BT-7  BT-7 · BT-7M · BT-7A (F-32)
Medium Tanks 
T-34-76  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1940) · T-34 (1941) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34 (1942) · T-34E STZ · T-34E
T-34-57  T-34-57 · T-34-57 (1943)
T-34-85  T-34-85 (D-5T) · T-34-85 · T-34-85E
T-34-100  T-34-100
T-44  T-44 · T-44-100 · T-44-122
Main Battle Tanks 
T-54  T-54 (1947) · T-54 (1949) · T-54 (1951)
T-64  T-64A (1971) · T-64B
Export/Captured 
T-34  ▀T 34 747 (r) · ▄T-34 · ▄T-34-85 · ␗T-34 (1943) · ␗Т-34-85 (S-53)
T-54  ▄T-54
See Also  Uralmashzavod · Uralvagonzavod

USSR medium tanks
T-28  T-28 (1938) · T-28 · T-28E
T-34-76  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1940) · T-34 (1941) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34 (1942) · T-34E STZ · T-34E
T-34-57  T-34-57 · T-34-57 (1943)
T-34-85  T-34-85 (D-5T) · T-34-85 · T-34-85E
T-34-100  T-34-100
T-44  T-44 · T-44-100 · T-44-122
T-54  T-54 (1947) · T-54 (1949) · T-54 (1951)
T-55  TO-55 · T-55A · T-55AM-1 · T-55AMD-1
T-62  T-62 · T-62M-1
T-64  Object 435 · T-64A (1971) · T-64B
T-72  T-72A · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-72B · T-72B (1989) · T-72B3 · T-72M2 Moderna
T-80  T-80B · T-80U · T-80UD · T-80UK · T-80UM2 · Т-80U-Е1 · T-80BVM · Object 292
T-90  Т-90А · T-90M
Trophies/Lend-Lease 
Germany  ▂T-III · ▂T-V
Great Britain  ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
USA  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2

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