Difference between revisions of "TO-55"

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(Pros and cons)
(More detailed differences, advantages over the T-54 series and flamethrower usage)
 
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{{About
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| about = premium Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = T-54/55 (Family)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_to_55
 
|code=ussr_to_55
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
The '''TO-55''' is the flamethrower modification of the T-55, which is the first variant of the [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-55 main battle tank family]]. The ATO-200 flame projector is installed in this specially modified tank. Pyrotechnic charges ignite the flame thrower, with a basic load of 12 charges. The stowage tank, which replaces the hull ammunition rack on the opposite side of the driver, holds 460 litres of flammable liquid, with each burst consuming an average of 36 litres. The system's maximum effective range is 200 meters, with an initial muzzle velocity of about 100 meters per second.
+
The '''TO-55''' was a modification of the [[T-55A|T-55]] fitted with a flamethrower, intended to assist infantry in pushing against enemy defensive positions during battle, while allowing for increased survivability of such a weapon system when compared to flamethrowers carried by infantry. The original tank turret was modified by incorporating an ATO-200 flamethrower coaxial with the main armament. The standard ammunition stowage in the bow next to the driver was modified to accommodate a flammable liquid tank with a capacity of 460 litres. The flamethrower was aimed by rotating the entire turret, and ignited by pyrotechnic charges. Instead of being manually controlled, the rate of fuel consumption was standard, averaging 36 litres per burst of flame. The flamethrower had a maximum effective range of about 200 metres and an initial muzzle velocity of about 100 meters per second.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the TO-55 resembles the standard T-55 variant in appearance, but its coaxial armament has been replaced by a flame projector. The flamethrower, while appealing, has a very limited range and is only useful for open/lightly armoured vehicles, making it a very situational armament. However, being built on the basis of the T-55, the TO-55 is a tried-and-true platform with dependable armour and adequate firepower, and can still shine in the right hands with good tactics and careful planning.
 +
 
 +
The TO-55 is much like the [[T-54 (1951)]] and [[T-55A]] sharing the same ammo. However, it is basically a better T-54 whilst being at the same BR. It can be considered as a direct upgrade, since the TO-55 is really just the T-55A with T-54 (1951) ammo. This brings some advantages compared to the T-54, for example, the T-55 series carries the D-10T2S compared to the T-54's D-10T. The biggest difference is that is has a two-plane stabilizer, giving it a good advantage when shooting on the move. It also has ESS capabilities and the 3D3 smoke shell, allowing it to confuse enemies or create a smokescreen. Another advantage it has is the V-55V diesel engine, which has more horsepower over the T-54's V-54 engine. The last difference is the addition of a NVD.
  
Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the TO-55 resembles the standard T-55 variant in appearance, but its coaxial armament has been replaced by a flame projector. The flame projector, while appealing, has a very limited range and is only useful for open/lightly armoured vehicles, making it a very situational armament. However, being built on the basis of the T-55, the TO-55 is a tried-and-true platform with dependable armour and adequate firepower, and can still shine in the right hands with good tactics and careful planning.
+
The only advantage the T-54 has over the TO-55 is a higher ammo capacity (34 > 25) and a larger ready rack (20 > 7) so keep in mind. However, with the potent D-10T2S cannon, ammo should not be too much of an issue. The flamethrower also replaces the PKT machine gun, but it is barely an issue.
 +
[[File:TO-55 Frontal View.png|thumb|The front of the TO-55. Note the flamethrower module on the left side, which looks like a circle.]]
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 120: Line 130:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
''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 TO-55 is basically a better version of the T-54 (1951) by having a stabilizer, smoke screen options. So, it is generally best to use it [[T-54 (1951)|as described in the tank's page.]] The added 3D3 smoke shell can prove useful in situations where repositioning or stealth is required.
 +
 
 +
The main highlight of the TO-55 is the flamethrower. With 800 units of incendiary mixture/napalm, the TO-55's flamethrower can coat an entire area in flames. It has a maximum range of about '''≈''' 200-225 meters. It is a very situational but deadly weapon, depending on the enemy's armor. It is similar to the [[Churchill Crocodile]] but is coaxially mounted instead of having a dedicated flamethrower port
 +
 
 +
Against vehicles with any semblance of all around armor, (even 3mm thick), the flamethrower will not do anything at all except coat the tank in fire. It could prove useful against an enemy by blinding them with the flamethrower, but is otherwise useless. However, it will absolutely shred open-topped vehicles to a crisp. Even one unit of incendiary mixture against an open top will set it on fire and destroy it in less than 10 seconds. The incendiary mixture also damages crew on a direct hit, and when the TO-55 can spit around 15 incendiary mixtures per second, it is practically impossible for an open top to survive the flamethrower.  
 +
 
 +
Common open topped enemies such as exported [[ZSU-57-2 (Family)|ZSU-57-2]]<nowiki/>s, the [[M113A1 (TOW)]], [[M163]], [[M56]] aswell as other occasional lower tier open tops are basically signing their death sentence once they are within close range to you. The flamethrower, when fully elevated, can arc over hills and obstacles and hit enemies behind cover, almost literally "raining fire". The most common enemy that you will probably fight is the ZSU-57-2. It is very deadly on a flank and must be dealt with before it can unleash havoc. However, if you are aware of one's presence, you can spray the flamethrower on the ground, walls or even above. This will likely trap the enemy or just burn them down to a crisp entirely.
 +
 
 +
In general, treat the TO-55 as a T-54 (1951) with the capability to shoot on the move and cause total area denial against open tops.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
* Wonderful APHECBC shell to one-shot enemies while flanking
+
 
* Have stabilizer which help you aim the gun faster, Uueful corner peaking
+
* Wonderful APHECBC shell; one-shots enemies while flanking
 +
* Has a stabilizer which helps you aim the gun faster and on the move. Good for corner peeking
 
* Various smoke options, with ESS that can be used when retreating and smoke shells to capture points in the open
 
* Various smoke options, with ESS that can be used when retreating and smoke shells to capture points in the open
* Better engine power than T-54
+
* Better engine power than the basic T-54s
* Flamethrower can help blind enemy if you miss your shot in a fight
+
* Flamethrower can blind enemies in close combat
* Flamethrower model can help block some shot to the turret
+
* Flamethrower is extremely lethal against open-tops
  
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Low main gun ammunition
+
 
* First stage ammo rack gets moved to the turret, thus most of the time there will be ammo in the turret which increases the chance to be destroy when hit even when you hull down.
+
* Low main gun ammo storage and ready rack compared to other T-54/T-55s
 +
* First stage ammo rack gets moved to the turret, thus most of the time there will be ammo in the turret which increases the chance to be destroyed when hit even when you're hull down.
 
* APHECBC have hard time penetrating other MBTs from the front, requiring targeting of weak points.
 
* APHECBC have hard time penetrating other MBTs from the front, requiring targeting of weak points.
 
* Subpar turret rotation
 
* Subpar turret rotation
 +
* Slightly weaker ammo compared to some Western tanks
 +
* Low gun depression
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_to_55 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 154: Line 179:
 
* ''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.'' -->
''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;''
+
;Related development
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[T-54/55 (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/8418-development-to-55-the-scorched-land-en|[Devblog] TO-55: the Scorched Land]]
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{USSR premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 01:00, 11 August 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the premium Soviet medium tank TO-55. For other versions, see T-54/55 (Family).
TO-55
ussr_to_55.png
GarageImage TO-55.jpg
TO-55
AB RB SB
8.0 8.0 8.0
Purchase:8 380 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The TO-55 was a modification of the T-55 fitted with a flamethrower, intended to assist infantry in pushing against enemy defensive positions during battle, while allowing for increased survivability of such a weapon system when compared to flamethrowers carried by infantry. The original tank turret was modified by incorporating an ATO-200 flamethrower coaxial with the main armament. The standard ammunition stowage in the bow next to the driver was modified to accommodate a flammable liquid tank with a capacity of 460 litres. The flamethrower was aimed by rotating the entire turret, and ignited by pyrotechnic charges. Instead of being manually controlled, the rate of fuel consumption was standard, averaging 36 litres per burst of flame. The flamethrower had a maximum effective range of about 200 metres and an initial muzzle velocity of about 100 meters per second.

Introduced in Update "Sons of Attila", the TO-55 resembles the standard T-55 variant in appearance, but its coaxial armament has been replaced by a flame projector. The flamethrower, while appealing, has a very limited range and is only useful for open/lightly armoured vehicles, making it a very situational armament. However, being built on the basis of the T-55, the TO-55 is a tried-and-true platform with dependable armour and adequate firepower, and can still shine in the right hands with good tactics and careful planning.

The TO-55 is much like the T-54 (1951) and T-55A sharing the same ammo. However, it is basically a better T-54 whilst being at the same BR. It can be considered as a direct upgrade, since the TO-55 is really just the T-55A with T-54 (1951) ammo. This brings some advantages compared to the T-54, for example, the T-55 series carries the D-10T2S compared to the T-54's D-10T. The biggest difference is that is has a two-plane stabilizer, giving it a good advantage when shooting on the move. It also has ESS capabilities and the 3D3 smoke shell, allowing it to confuse enemies or create a smokescreen. Another advantage it has is the V-55V diesel engine, which has more horsepower over the T-54's V-54 engine. The last difference is the addition of a NVD.

The only advantage the T-54 has over the TO-55 is a higher ammo capacity (34 > 25) and a larger ready rack (20 > 7) so keep in mind. However, with the potent D-10T2S cannon, ammo should not be too much of an issue. The flamethrower also replaces the PKT machine gun, but it is barely an issue.

The front of the TO-55. Note the flamethrower module on the left side, which looks like a circle.

General info

Survivability and armour

ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull100 / 80 / 45
Turret200 / 160 / 66
Crew4 people
Visibility83 %

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.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom
___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet
___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB56 / 9 km/h
RB and SB51 / 8 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight36.0 t
Engine power
AB1 107 hp
RB and SB580 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB30.8 hp/t
RB and SB16.1 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 36 899 1,107 24.97 30.75
Realistic 51 8 513 580 14.25 16.11

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 904 Sl icon.png
RB3 180 Sl icon.png
SB4 350 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts550 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 300 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 550 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 200 / 240 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement ussr.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_APDS_ammo_pack
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_ussr_Smoke_ammo_pack
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods tank ammo.png
100mm_HEAT_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

100 mm D-10T2S cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition25 rounds
First-order7 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.7 → 7.5 s
Vertical guidance-5° / 18°
Main article: D-10T2S (100 mm)
100 mm D-10T2S Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 25 -5°/+18° ±180° Two-plane 14.3 19.8 24.0 26.5 28.2 9.75 8.63 7.95 7.50
Realistic 8.9 10.5 12.8 14.1 15.0

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-412D APCBC 239 236 220 202 185 170
OF-412 HE 27 27 26 24 23 21
3BM-8 APDS 336 332 317 299 282 265
3BK-5 HEATFS 380 380 380 380 380 380
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-412D APCBC 887 15.88 1.2 19 100.1 48° 63° 71°
OF-412 HE 900 15.6 0.2 0.1 1,460 79° 80° 81°
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°
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

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
25 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Additional armament

Flamethrower
Ammunition800 rounds
Belt capacity800 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Vertical guidance-3° / 16°
Main article: Flamethrower
Flamethrower
Capacity (Belt) Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer
800 (800) -3°/+16° - -

Machine guns

Ammunition300 rounds
Belt capacity50 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 60°
Main article: DShK (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm DShK
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 300 (50) 600 -10°/+60° ±180°

Usage in battles

The TO-55 is basically a better version of the T-54 (1951) by having a stabilizer, smoke screen options. So, it is generally best to use it as described in the tank's page. The added 3D3 smoke shell can prove useful in situations where repositioning or stealth is required.

The main highlight of the TO-55 is the flamethrower. With 800 units of incendiary mixture/napalm, the TO-55's flamethrower can coat an entire area in flames. It has a maximum range of about  200-225 meters. It is a very situational but deadly weapon, depending on the enemy's armor. It is similar to the Churchill Crocodile but is coaxially mounted instead of having a dedicated flamethrower port

Against vehicles with any semblance of all around armor, (even 3mm thick), the flamethrower will not do anything at all except coat the tank in fire. It could prove useful against an enemy by blinding them with the flamethrower, but is otherwise useless. However, it will absolutely shred open-topped vehicles to a crisp. Even one unit of incendiary mixture against an open top will set it on fire and destroy it in less than 10 seconds. The incendiary mixture also damages crew on a direct hit, and when the TO-55 can spit around 15 incendiary mixtures per second, it is practically impossible for an open top to survive the flamethrower.

Common open topped enemies such as exported ZSU-57-2s, the M113A1 (TOW), M163, M56 aswell as other occasional lower tier open tops are basically signing their death sentence once they are within close range to you. The flamethrower, when fully elevated, can arc over hills and obstacles and hit enemies behind cover, almost literally "raining fire". The most common enemy that you will probably fight is the ZSU-57-2. It is very deadly on a flank and must be dealt with before it can unleash havoc. However, if you are aware of one's presence, you can spray the flamethrower on the ground, walls or even above. This will likely trap the enemy or just burn them down to a crisp entirely.

In general, treat the TO-55 as a T-54 (1951) with the capability to shoot on the move and cause total area denial against open tops.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Wonderful APHECBC shell; one-shots enemies while flanking
  • Has a stabilizer which helps you aim the gun faster and on the move. Good for corner peeking
  • Various smoke options, with ESS that can be used when retreating and smoke shells to capture points in the open
  • Better engine power than the basic T-54s
  • Flamethrower can blind enemies in close combat
  • Flamethrower is extremely lethal against open-tops


Cons:

  • Low main gun ammo storage and ready rack compared to other T-54/T-55s
  • First stage ammo rack gets moved to the turret, thus most of the time there will be ammo in the turret which increases the chance to be destroyed when hit even when you're hull down.
  • APHECBC have hard time penetrating other MBTs from the front, requiring targeting of weak points.
  • Subpar turret rotation
  • Slightly weaker ammo compared to some Western tanks
  • Low gun depression

History

The predecessor of the Soviet TO-55 was the TO-54 tank, developed on the basis of the T-54 medium tank at the Malyshev Factory. In 1957, a new flamethrower tank was developed on the chassis of the T-55 tank, which used the more advanced ATO-200 flamethrower. TO-55 successfully passed the tests and was put into service in 1960. The tank was mass-produced in Omsk and Kharkov, a total of 830 TO-55 units were produced. The flamethrower tank was in service with the army until 1997.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


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

USSR premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  BA-11 · RBT-5 · BT-7A (F-32) · T-26 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-26E · T-126 · PT-76-57 · 2S38
Medium tanks  T-34 (Prototype) · T-34 (1st Gv.T.Br.) · T-34E · T-34-57 (1943) · T-34-85E · T-34-100 · T-44-122 · TO-55 · T-55AM-1 · T-72AV (TURMS-T) · T-80UD · Т-80U-Е1
  ▂M3 Medium · ▂M4A2 · ▂T-III · ▂T-V · ▂МК-IX "Valentine"
Heavy tanks  SMK · T-35 · ▂MK-II "Matilda" · KV-1E · KV-2 (1940) · KV-2 (ZiS-6) · KV-122 · KV-220 · IS-2 "Revenge" · Object 248 · IS-6 · T-10A
Tank destroyers  BM-8-24 · BM-13N · BM-31-12
  SU-57 · SU-76D · SU-76M (5th Gv.Kav.Corps) · SU-85A · SU-100Y · SU-122P · Object 120
SPAA  ▂Phòng không T-34 · ZUT-37