Difference between revisions of "T-34E STZ"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_34E_STZ}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_t_34E_STZ}}
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{{About
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| about = Soviet medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other uses
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| link = T-34 (Family)
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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[[File:GarageImage_T-34E STZ.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_T-34E STZ.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating|3}}. It was introduced in Update 1.49 (1.70.1945) "Weapons of Victory". An up-armoured version of the [[T-34 1941]] tank, the T-34E STZ utilizes much improved frontal hull armour in comparison to the standard T-34 tank.
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The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"|Update 1.49 (1.70.1945) "Weapons of Victory"]]. An up-armoured version of the [[T-34 (1941)]] tank, the T-34E STZ utilizes much improved frontal hull armour in comparison to the standard T-34 tank.
  
This tank has great front protection and while not invulnerable, many enemy tanks will have difficulty knocking it out. The rest of the tanks armour is decent, but nothing that is too difficult to penetrate. While the extra armour of the T-34E STZ greatly increases frontal protection it does slow the tank down. This combined with a great gun and a large selection of ammunition types make this tank a jack of all trades.
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This tank has great front protection and while not invulnerable, many enemy tanks will have difficulty knocking it out. The rest of the armour of the tank is decent, but nothing that is too difficult to penetrate. While the extra armour of the T-34E STZ greatly increases frontal protection it does slow the tank down. This combined with a great gun and a large selection of ammunition types makes this tank a jack of all trades.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--''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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
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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.''-->
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
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* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Machine gun port)
 
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Machine gun port)
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{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
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|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
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* Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 
* Parts of the front armour have increased armour such as the machine gun port (60 mm) and driver's hatch (75 mm)
 
* Parts of the front armour have increased armour such as the machine gun port (60 mm) and driver's hatch (75 mm)
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
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! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (tons)
 
! Weight (tons)
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
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! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
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! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
|rowspan="2" | 29.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 54 (AB)  
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| rowspan="2" | 29.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 54 (AB)  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|49 (RB/SB)
 
|49 (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
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! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="1" | Mode
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! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
!Upgraded
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|500
 
|500
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
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! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 
|-
 
|-
!colspan="1" | Mode
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! colspan="1" | Mode
 
!Stock
 
!Stock
 
!Upgraded
 
!Upgraded
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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 flexibilty 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.''-->
 
<!--''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 flexibilty 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.''-->
 
{{main|F-34 (76 mm)}}
 
{{main|F-34 (76 mm)}}
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The T-34E STZ has the same gun and ammunition selection as the preceding [[T-34 (1942)]]. The BR-350B APHEBC shell should be the main round of choice due to its good penetration and explosive filler. The others are more situational but can still be nice to have.
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* BR-350SP APBC has better penetration and can be useful when facing slightly more resilient targets like welded hull Shermans and uparmored Panzer IVs, which are less consistently penetrated by the BR-350B shell at medium ranges, though its lack of explosive filler means that follow up shots may be required.
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* BR-350P APCR shell is helpful for attacking heavily armored targets but has poor post-penetration damage and is nearly useless against sloped or angled armor.
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* OF-350M HE shell can be used to hull-break light targets such as SPAAs and armored cars.
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* Sh-354T shrapnel shell has limited utility; it may be useful against thinly-armored targets resistant to hull-break, but most of the time the APHEBC shells are effective enough in these situations.
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* BP-350A HEAT shell has poor ballistics and mediocre penetration, but actually has more explosive filler than the HE shell — better for hull-breaking if you can make your shots connect.
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Lastly the D-350A smoke shell is available. Since the T-34 series lacks smoke grenade launchers, it is good to carry a few of these for covering advances and blinding entrenched enemies.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! 2000m
 
! 2000m
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350A || APHEBC || 80 || 78 || 71 || 63 || 56 || 50
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| BR-350A || APHEBC ||86||85||76||67||59||52
 
|-
 
|-
| OF-350M || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
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| OF-350M || HE ||10||10||10||10||10||10
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 37 || 35 || 29 || 25 || 20 || 17  
 
| Sh-354T || Shrapnel || 37 || 35 || 29 || 25 || 20 || 17  
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350SP || APBC || 105 || 104 || 85 || 69 || 57 || 46
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| BR-350SP || APBC ||102||100||91||81||72||64
 
|-
 
|-
| BR-350B || APHEBC || 98 || 95 || 87 || 77 || 68 || 60 
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| BR-350B || APHEBC ||94||92||83||73||65||57
 
|-
 
|-
 
| BR-350P || APCR || 135 || 130 || 92 || 60 || 39 || 26  
 
| BR-350P || APCR || 135 || 130 || 92 || 60 || 39 || 26  
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=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
<!--''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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<!--''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.''-->
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the 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 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 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).''-->
There are two main ways to utilize this tank. The first is by staying at long range, and using the frontal armour and good gun to pick off enemies. When at long range remember that the front turret is the greatest weakness of this tank so try to not look directly at enemy during reloading. The second is as a close range brawler, when using the tank in this manner make sure to watch your flanks. Both of these methods are equally viable, close range seems to be where this tank does a little better.
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There are two main ways to utilize this tank. The first is by staying at long range, and using the frontal armour and good gun to pick off enemies. When at long range remember that the front turret is the greatest weakness of this tank so try to not look directly at the enemy during reloading. The second is as a close-range brawler when using the tank in this manner make sure to watch the flanks. Both of these methods are equally viable, at close range seems to be where this tank does a little better.
  
The first option is to go straight for a cap point and find a good position just outside or just inside the point. Any position that has a good overwatch of the cap point or the approaches to the cap point will do. Once in position try to knock out any tank that tries to approach the point, make sure to properly angle your armour to maximize protection. Since you know where the enemy is coming from it is easy to maximize your protection and engage enemies on your terms. Always engage in the most favorable conditions, this means don't hesitant to retreat behind your lines if you start getting overwhelmed. If the enemy follows you when you retreat they will run straight into your team mates.
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The first option is to go straight for a cap point and find a good position just outside or just inside the point. Any position that has a good overwatch of the cap point or the approaches to the cap point will do. Once in position try to knock out any tank that tries to approach the point, make sure to properly angle the armour to maximize protection. If aware of where the enemy is coming from, it is easy to maximize the armour protection and engage enemies with an advantage. Always engage in the most favourable conditions, these means don't hesitate to retreat if starting to get overwhelmed. If the enemy follows through while retreating, they could expose themselves to allies to take them out.
  
The second option is to try to flank around the and approach the enemy from an angle they might not expect. When doing this try to make sure you have a good knowledge of the terrain, since choosing the wrong path means a quick death. A good path is one where you can control where enemies can appear and allows for disengagements with easy. Ideal paths Have a hill between you and the enemy allowing you to slowly round the hill until you see an enemy. Once you see the enemy you can engage him and if more appear then you can handle you can fight a fighting retreat using the hill as cover. However remember you will not be retreating into friendly lines so don't count on support or help.
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The second option is to try to flank around them and approach the enemy from an angle they might not expect. When doing this try to make sure to have a good knowledge of the terrain, since choosing the wrong path means a bad encounter and demise. A good path is one where enemies appear in a predictable location and allow for disengagements with easy withdrawal. Ideal paths have a hill between the T-34E and the enemy, allowing the T-34E to manoeuvre slowly around the hill until the enemy is in sight. Once the enemy is sighted, engage if applicable. If the enemy starts charging, fight a fighting retreat using the hill as cover. However remember if moving around the flanks, it will be harder to receive team support if away from the main body of allies.
  
 
*'''Urban'''<br>
 
*'''Urban'''<br>
Urban settings can be challenging for the T-34E STZ. The reason for this is while the frontal armour is great, in the chaos of urban combat means that you never know where to aim it.  Another problem; while the front armour is good it does have a number of weak spots which can be easily targeted at point blank range. With that in mind play the STZ as you would a 1941 or 1942, and do not really on your armour as you would in a KV-1. Try to use the flanks and side streets to get into firing position where you can control where the enemy is. This will allow you to use the mobility and protection of the STZ to the fullest. Your agility is your main defense in these settings.
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 +
Urban settings can be challenging for the T-34E STZ. The reason for this is while the frontal armour is great, in the chaos of urban combat means that no one may know where the enemy is at.  Another problem; while the front armour is good it does have a number of weak spots which can be easily targeted at point blank range. With that in mind, play the STZ as in a 1941 or 1942, and do not rely on the armour as with a KV-1. Try to use the flanks and side streets to get into firing position where enemies can come from a predictable path. This will allow maximum usage of the T-34E's mobility and protection to the fullest. The T-34E's agility is its main defence in these settings.
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*'''Open Field'''<br>
 
*'''Open Field'''<br>
In this type of environment, tank destroyers will always reign supreme. Their combinations of high-power guns, low profile, and tough frontal armour makes them great long range combatants. However, your armour allows you to play along, but always remember that you not invulnerable, and while your gun can not match theirs it can still get the job done. This means that you should not position yourself in the open and take shots, try to find a location where you are protected from most angles and focus on one enemy at a time. By focusing on one tank at a time you minimize the odds of a lucky shot hitting one of your weak spots.
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 +
In this type of environment, tank destroyers will always reign supreme. Their combinations of high-power guns, low profile, and tough frontal armour make them great long range combatants. However, the T-34E's armour allows the tank to play along, but always remember that it is not invulnerable, and while the F-34 gun cannot match those of tank destroyers', it can still get the job done. This means that the T-34E should not position itself in the open and take shots, try to find a location where the tank is protected from most angles and focus on one enemy at a time. By focusing on one tank at a time, it will minimize the odds of a lucky shot hitting weak spots.
 +
 
 
*'''Hill Country'''<br>
 
*'''Hill Country'''<br>
This is the type of environment where T-34 STZ can really shine. The reason for this is that unlike in urban environments flaking can be a little more difficult. The average distance of engagement is longer, meaning your armour can do more than in urban environments. The more open nature allows you to make full use of the tanks mobility. When in this environment you have a range of options.
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 +
This is the type of environment where T-34 STZ can really shine. The reason for this is that unlike in urban environments flaking can be a little more difficult. The average distance of engagement is longer, meaning the enhanced armour can do more than in urban environments. The more open nature allows the T-34E to make full use of the tank's mobility. When in this environment, there is a range of options and tactics to take on the enemy.
  
 
Some enemies to be concerned about:
 
Some enemies to be concerned about:
*[[Assault Tank M4A3E2 Jumbo|M4A3E2 Jumbo]] - The frontal armour on the Jumbo is difficult to penetrate even with APCR shells, and its gun is quite capable of penetrating your frontal armour even when angled. If encountered, get out of its line of sight and try to flank it if possible. Its left side has a very large ammo rack that will send the Jumbo back to the garage if hit. Aim for the centre of the left side of the hull.
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*[[Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F2|Pz. IV F2]] - Despite its thin armour, the Pz. IV F2 has a gun fully capable of penetrating your armour and killing you. If encountered, move to a safe position where you can still see it. Wait until it is not facing you, then shoot it in the main hull. Often one shot is all it takes to kill. Alternatively, if you're feeling lucky, try to get the first shot off into the front of the tank. It should, if not OHK, at least disable a few crucial crew members and/or modules.
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*[[M4A3E2|M4A3E2 Jumbo]] - The frontal armour on the Jumbo is difficult to penetrate even with APCR shells, the only weak point being the machine gun port. If encountered, get out of its line of sight and try to flank it if possible. A good location to target is the lower hull side, behind the tracks. This section has not been uparmored and a good shot below the crew compartment can detonate the ammo racks and send the Jumbo back to the hangar.
*[[3-inch Gun Motor Carriage M10|M10]] - This tank destroyer will comfortably OHK you if it gets a chance to. Treat it like the Pz. IV F2, fragile but powerful. Make sure it isn't looking your way, then shoot it in the main hull and it will, at the very least, fatally incapacitate it.
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*[[Pz.IV F2|Pz. IV F2]] - Despite its thin armour, the Pz. IV F2 has a gun fully capable of penetrating the T-34E's armour easily. If encountered, move to a safe position where it is still observable. Wait until it is not targeting directly at the T-34E, then shoot it in the main hull. Often one shot is all it takes. Alternatively, if feeling lucky, try to get the first shot off into the front of the tank. It should, if not an instant knock-out, at least disable a few crucial crew members and/or modules.
*[[M18 Gun Motor Carriage|M18 GMC]] - Fight exactly the same way as an M10 or Pz. IV F2.
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*[[M10 GMC|M10]] - This tank destroyer will comfortably destroy the T-34E with the 3-inch gun if it gets a chance to. Treat it like the Pz. IV F2, fragile but powerful. Make sure it isn't looking towards the T-34E's way, then shoot it in the main hull and it will, at the very least, fatally incapacitate it.
*[[M10 Achilles]] - An M10 with a more powerful gun. Treat like the M10, except more carefully. However, the poor turret traverse and long reload mean that if it's facing in a different direction or it's just fired, you can afford to risk exposing yourself and taking a shot into the main hull.
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*[[M18 GMC|M18 GMC]] - Fight similarly to the M10 or Pz. IV F2. Be wary of close quarters engagements due to their outstanding mobility. Vulnerable to hull break, consider using HE or HEAT rounds.
*[[Sherman VC Firefly|Sherman Firefly]] - A Sherman with a more powerful gun. Its frontal armour, like all Shermans, is difficult for you to penetrate. Its gun is also more powerful than the traditional Sherman, making it even more problematic to deal with. If possible, engage from the side and fire into it. Otherwise, treat like the Jumbo and avoid entirely.
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*[[Achilles]] - An M10 with a more powerful gun. Treat like the M10, except more carefully. However, the poor turret traverse and long reload mean that if it's facing in a different direction or if it just fired, there is the possible risk of exposing the T-34E STZ and taking a shot into the main hull.
*[[Medium Tank M4A3 (105) HVSS Sherman|M4A3(105)]] - Treat like a Sherman Firefly, an up-gunned Sherman. Avoid getting hit, as its 105 mm shells can cause major damage and perhaps send you back to the garage. Try hitting the side or the gun mantlet to OHK or disable the gun respectively.
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*[[Sherman Firefly|Sherman Firefly]] - A Sherman with a more powerful gun. Its frontal armour, like all Shermans, is difficult for the F-34 gun to penetrate. Its gun is also more powerful than the traditional Sherman, making it even more problematic to deal with. If possible, engage from the side and fire into it. Otherwise, treat like the Jumbo and avoid entirely.
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*[[M4A3 (105)|M4A3(105)]] - Treat like a Sherman Firefly, an up-gunned Sherman. Avoid getting hit, as its 105 mm shells can cause major damage and perhaps send the player back to the garage. Try hitting the side or the gun mantlet to OHK or disable the gun respectively.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!--''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".''-->
 
<!--''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".''-->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
* A smaller turret than previous T-34 (More difficult to hit flat parts)
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* Better front armour (60mm) than previous T-34
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* A smaller turret than the [[T-34 (1942) | previous T-34]] (More difficult to hit flat parts)
* Good Gun
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* Turret cheeks have a relatively flat and angled edge compared to the pronounced curve of the 1940/1941 T-34 variants, slightly harder to penetrate
* Good rate of fire
+
* Better front armour (60mm) than the previous T-34
 +
* Good gun
 
* Lots of ammunition variety
 
* Lots of ammunition variety
 
* Good mobility
 
* Good mobility
 +
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* The added armour does not cover all the front armour
+
 
 +
* The added armour does not cover all the front armour, machine gun port is still a large weak spot in close quarters engagements
 
* Turret armour, especially the cheeks, are still big weak points
 
* Turret armour, especially the cheeks, are still big weak points
 
* Weak side armour
 
* Weak side armour
* Large target
+
* Slower reload than the 1942 variant
 
* Bad gun depression
 
* Bad gun depression
* Gun is starting to show its weaknesses at this BR. You can come up against vehicles that you will struggle to penetrate, even with APCR.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!--''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.''-->
 
<!--''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.''-->
The '''[[T-34 1941|T-34]]''' was beginning to become the main tank of the Soviet Army by 1941, however the initiation of Operation Barbarossa by the Germans postponed most manufacturing deadlines due to the relocation of various factories to the Ural Mountains to keep them safe from the Germans. During the movement, only the Dzherzhinski Tractor Factory in Stalingrad (STZ) stayed in production and produced most of the T-34s during the reloacation.
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The '''[[T-34 (1941)|T-34]]''' was beginning to become the main tank of the Soviet Army by 1941, however, the initiation of Operation Barbarossa by the Germans postponed most manufacturing deadlines due to the relocation of various factories to the Ural Mountains to keep them safe from the Germans. During the movement, only the Dzherzhinski Tractor Factory in Stalingrad (STZ) stayed in production and produced most of the T-34s during the relocation.
 +
 
 +
To increase the survivability of the tanks, the T-34 design in the STZ factory was up-armoured by use of applique armour plates. These applique armour variants of the T-34 were called '''[[T-34E]]''', with "E" meaning ''ekranami'' translates to "with screens" in Russian. These tanks were given applique armour throughout the entire vehicle, on all sides of the turret, one the front, on the sides, and even side skirts on the tracks. Some of the applique armour was placed in a way to act as spaced armour against enemy fire, which proved quite effective against the [[Pz.III L|Panzer III]]'s 50 mm KwK 39 cannon where the armour applied were on areas once vulnerable on the T-34 to the cannon. However, it was found that this additional armour did not help the T-34 against larger calibres such as the 75 mm PaK 40 and the 88 mm FlaK cannons. Due to the gradually growing number of tanks with the 75 mm and 88 mm, such as the up-gunned [[Pz.IV F2|Panzer IV]] and the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] that could easily destroy the T-34 even with the armour application, the armour configuration was not placed into mass production and thus only the testing batch of 47 units were made from the design.
  
To increase the survivability of the tanks, the T-34 design in the STZ factory was up-armoured by use of applique armour plates. These applique armour variants of the T-34 were called '''[[T-34E]]''', with "E" meaning ''ekranami'' translates to "with screens" in Russian. These tanks were given applique armour throughout the entire vehicle, on all sides of the turret, one the front, on the sides, and even side skirts on the tracks. Some of the applique armour was placed in a way to act as spaced armour against enemy fire, which proved quite effective against the [[Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L|Panzer III]]'s 50 mm KwK 39 cannon where the armour applied were on areas once vulnerable on the T-34 to the cannon. However, it was found that this additional armour did not help the T-34 against larger calibers such as the 75 mm PaK 40 and the 88 mm FlaK cannons. Due to the gradually growing number of tanks with the 75 mm and 88 mm, such as the upgunned [[Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F2|Panzer IV]] and the [[Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. H1|Tiger I]] that could easily destroy the T-34 even with the armour application, the armour configuration was not placed into mass production and thus only the testing batch of 47 units were made from the design.
+
However, one armour applique model produced in STZ did see more widespread use in the production line, though it still had the name '''T-34E''' as its main nomenclature (called the '''T-34E STZ''' in-game). This up-armoured model was more successful than the previous due to not drastically changing the design and only focusing on front armour protection by welding 15 mm of armour onto the front hull, thus minimizing weight gain by only focusing on the area most expected to be hit. The tank also featured redesigned road wheels and track designs. These T-34Es saw more widespread use and have photographs showing it being used in the Leningrad Front.
  
However, one armour applique model produced in STZ did see a more widespread use in the production line, though it still had the name '''T-34E''' as its main nomenclature (called the '''T-34E STZ''' in-game). This uparmoured model was more successful than the previous due to not drastically changing the design and only focusing on front armour protection by welding 15 mm of armour onto the front hull, thus minimizing weight gain by only focusing on the area most expected to be hit. The tank also featured redesigned road wheels and track designs. These T-34Es saw a more widespread use and have photographs showing it being used in the Leningrad Front.
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=== In-game description ===
 +
A version of the T-34 medium tank with enhanced combat capabilities, especially in terms of armor. Additional armor plates were added to the body and turret. This was made necessary by the appearance and widespread use by the Wehrmacht of new, more powerful anti-tank weaponry.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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'''Historic Photos'''
 
'''Historic Photos'''
 +
 
* [http://nacekomie.ru/forum/files/201309/20575_5e1f0e24f54cc7a3c0767feea3d7370c.jpg Schematics of turret]
 
* [http://nacekomie.ru/forum/files/201309/20575_5e1f0e24f54cc7a3c0767feea3d7370c.jpg Schematics of turret]
 
* [http://www.o5m6.de/t34_76_stz.html Website of STZ tanks]
 
* [http://www.o5m6.de/t34_76_stz.html Website of STZ tanks]
Line 289: Line 323:
 
* [http://i37.servimg.com/u/f37/16/13/77/97/image111.jpg Picture of whole tanks]
 
* [http://i37.servimg.com/u/f37/16/13/77/97/image111.jpg Picture of whole tanks]
 
* [http://www.militarymodelling.com/sites/1/images/member_albums/131258/537801.jpg Picture of burnt out tank]
 
* [http://www.militarymodelling.com/sites/1/images/member_albums/131258/537801.jpg Picture of burnt out tank]
 +
 
[[File:Leningrad T34E STZ.jpg|x300px|thumb|none|Historical photo of the T-34E STZ on the Leningrad front.]]
 
[[File:Leningrad T34E STZ.jpg|x300px|thumb|none|Historical photo of the T-34E STZ on the Leningrad front.]]
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read 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.''
 
''ETC.''
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== 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.''
  
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}
 
{{USSR medium tanks}}

Revision as of 19:02, 20 September 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
T-34E STZ
ussr_t_34e_stz.png
T-34E STZ
AB RB SB
4.0 4.0 3.7
Class:
Research:6 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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This page is about the Soviet medium tank T-34E STZ. For other uses, see T-34 (Family).

Description

GarageImage T-34E STZ.jpg


The T-34E STZ is a rank II Soviet medium tank with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 3.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.49 (1.70.1945) "Weapons of Victory". An up-armoured version of the T-34 (1941) tank, the T-34E STZ utilizes much improved frontal hull armour in comparison to the standard T-34 tank.

This tank has great front protection and while not invulnerable, many enemy tanks will have difficulty knocking it out. The rest of the armour of the tank is decent, but nothing that is too difficult to penetrate. While the extra armour of the T-34E STZ greatly increases frontal protection it does slow the tank down. This combined with a great gun and a large selection of ammunition types makes this tank a jack of all trades.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Machine gun port)
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 45 + 15 mm (60°) Front glacis
45 + 15 mm (52-53°) Lower glacis
100 mm (15-45°) Joint plate
75 mm (56°) Driver's hatch
60 mm (1-73°) Machine gun port
40 mm (38-39°) Top
45 mm (0-2°) Bottom
40 mm (48°) Top
40 mm (45°) Bottom
16 mm
Turret 45 mm (4-75°) Turret front
45 mm (14-58°) Gun mantlet
45 mm (28-30°) 45 mm (31°) 15 mm

Notes:

  • Suspensions wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Parts of the front armour have increased armour such as the machine gun port (60 mm) and driver's hatch (75 mm)
  • The applique armour in the front does not cover the entire front hull.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armour
weight (tons)
Max speed (km/h)
29.5 N/A 54 (AB)
49 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 775 954
Realistic/Simulator 442 500
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 26.27 32.34
Realistic/Simulator 14.98 16.95

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: F-34 (76 mm)

The T-34E STZ has the same gun and ammunition selection as the preceding T-34 (1942). The BR-350B APHEBC shell should be the main round of choice due to its good penetration and explosive filler. The others are more situational but can still be nice to have.

  • BR-350SP APBC has better penetration and can be useful when facing slightly more resilient targets like welded hull Shermans and uparmored Panzer IVs, which are less consistently penetrated by the BR-350B shell at medium ranges, though its lack of explosive filler means that follow up shots may be required.
  • BR-350P APCR shell is helpful for attacking heavily armored targets but has poor post-penetration damage and is nearly useless against sloped or angled armor.
  • OF-350M HE shell can be used to hull-break light targets such as SPAAs and armored cars.
  • Sh-354T shrapnel shell has limited utility; it may be useful against thinly-armored targets resistant to hull-break, but most of the time the APHEBC shells are effective enough in these situations.
  • BP-350A HEAT shell has poor ballistics and mediocre penetration, but actually has more explosive filler than the HE shell — better for hull-breaking if you can make your shots connect.

Lastly the D-350A smoke shell is available. Since the T-34 series lacks smoke grenade launchers, it is good to carry a few of these for covering advances and blinding entrenched enemies.

76 mm F-34
Capacity Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
Stabilizer
77 -5°/+28° ±180° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 14.9 20.6 __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 14.9 17.5 __.__ __.__ __.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
9.0 __.__ __.__ __.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
BR-350A APHEBC 86 85 76 67 59 52
OF-350M HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Sh-354T Shrapnel 37 35 29 25 20 17
BR-350SP APBC 102 100 91 81 72 64
BR-350B APHEBC 94 92 83 73 65 57
BR-350P APCR 135 130 92 60 39 26
BP-350A HEAT 80 80 80 80 80 80
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
Normalization At 30°
from horizontal:
Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
BR-350A APHEBC 665 6.3 0.15 10.0 150 +4° 48° 63° 71°
OF-350M HE 680 6.2 0.05 0.1 621 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Sh-354T Shrapnel 680 6.2 0.5 8.0 85 +0° 62° 69° 73°
BR-350SP APBC 680 6.8 N/A N/A N/A +4° 48° 63° 71°
BR-350B APHEBC 680 6.3 0.9 15.0 108.8 +4° 48° 63° 71°
BR-350P APCR 950 3.0 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
BP-350A HEAT 355 5.3 0.1 0.1 1,060 +0° 62° 69° 73°
Smoke characteristic
Ammunition Velocity
in m/s
Projectile
Mass in kg
Screen radius
in m
Screen time
in s
Screen hold time
in s:
Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent):
D-350A 680 6.5 13 5 20 50
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the T-34 (1940) (identical to T-34E STZ).
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
77 75 (+2) 72 (+5) 69 (+8) (+76) no

Turret empty: 69 (+8)

Machine guns

Main article: DT (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm DT
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute)
Vertical
guidance
Horizontal
guidance
2,898 (63) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

There are two main ways to utilize this tank. The first is by staying at long range, and using the frontal armour and good gun to pick off enemies. When at long range remember that the front turret is the greatest weakness of this tank so try to not look directly at the enemy during reloading. The second is as a close-range brawler when using the tank in this manner make sure to watch the flanks. Both of these methods are equally viable, at close range seems to be where this tank does a little better.

The first option is to go straight for a cap point and find a good position just outside or just inside the point. Any position that has a good overwatch of the cap point or the approaches to the cap point will do. Once in position try to knock out any tank that tries to approach the point, make sure to properly angle the armour to maximize protection. If aware of where the enemy is coming from, it is easy to maximize the armour protection and engage enemies with an advantage. Always engage in the most favourable conditions, these means don't hesitate to retreat if starting to get overwhelmed. If the enemy follows through while retreating, they could expose themselves to allies to take them out.

The second option is to try to flank around them and approach the enemy from an angle they might not expect. When doing this try to make sure to have a good knowledge of the terrain, since choosing the wrong path means a bad encounter and demise. A good path is one where enemies appear in a predictable location and allow for disengagements with easy withdrawal. Ideal paths have a hill between the T-34E and the enemy, allowing the T-34E to manoeuvre slowly around the hill until the enemy is in sight. Once the enemy is sighted, engage if applicable. If the enemy starts charging, fight a fighting retreat using the hill as cover. However remember if moving around the flanks, it will be harder to receive team support if away from the main body of allies.

  • Urban

Urban settings can be challenging for the T-34E STZ. The reason for this is while the frontal armour is great, in the chaos of urban combat means that no one may know where the enemy is at. Another problem; while the front armour is good it does have a number of weak spots which can be easily targeted at point blank range. With that in mind, play the STZ as in a 1941 or 1942, and do not rely on the armour as with a KV-1. Try to use the flanks and side streets to get into firing position where enemies can come from a predictable path. This will allow maximum usage of the T-34E's mobility and protection to the fullest. The T-34E's agility is its main defence in these settings.

  • Open Field

In this type of environment, tank destroyers will always reign supreme. Their combinations of high-power guns, low profile, and tough frontal armour make them great long range combatants. However, the T-34E's armour allows the tank to play along, but always remember that it is not invulnerable, and while the F-34 gun cannot match those of tank destroyers', it can still get the job done. This means that the T-34E should not position itself in the open and take shots, try to find a location where the tank is protected from most angles and focus on one enemy at a time. By focusing on one tank at a time, it will minimize the odds of a lucky shot hitting weak spots.

  • Hill Country

This is the type of environment where T-34 STZ can really shine. The reason for this is that unlike in urban environments flaking can be a little more difficult. The average distance of engagement is longer, meaning the enhanced armour can do more than in urban environments. The more open nature allows the T-34E to make full use of the tank's mobility. When in this environment, there is a range of options and tactics to take on the enemy.

Some enemies to be concerned about:

  • M4A3E2 Jumbo - The frontal armour on the Jumbo is difficult to penetrate even with APCR shells, the only weak point being the machine gun port. If encountered, get out of its line of sight and try to flank it if possible. A good location to target is the lower hull side, behind the tracks. This section has not been uparmored and a good shot below the crew compartment can detonate the ammo racks and send the Jumbo back to the hangar.
  • Pz. IV F2 - Despite its thin armour, the Pz. IV F2 has a gun fully capable of penetrating the T-34E's armour easily. If encountered, move to a safe position where it is still observable. Wait until it is not targeting directly at the T-34E, then shoot it in the main hull. Often one shot is all it takes. Alternatively, if feeling lucky, try to get the first shot off into the front of the tank. It should, if not an instant knock-out, at least disable a few crucial crew members and/or modules.
  • M10 - This tank destroyer will comfortably destroy the T-34E with the 3-inch gun if it gets a chance to. Treat it like the Pz. IV F2, fragile but powerful. Make sure it isn't looking towards the T-34E's way, then shoot it in the main hull and it will, at the very least, fatally incapacitate it.
  • M18 GMC - Fight similarly to the M10 or Pz. IV F2. Be wary of close quarters engagements due to their outstanding mobility. Vulnerable to hull break, consider using HE or HEAT rounds.
  • Achilles - An M10 with a more powerful gun. Treat like the M10, except more carefully. However, the poor turret traverse and long reload mean that if it's facing in a different direction or if it just fired, there is the possible risk of exposing the T-34E STZ and taking a shot into the main hull.
  • Sherman Firefly - A Sherman with a more powerful gun. Its frontal armour, like all Shermans, is difficult for the F-34 gun to penetrate. Its gun is also more powerful than the traditional Sherman, making it even more problematic to deal with. If possible, engage from the side and fire into it. Otherwise, treat like the Jumbo and avoid entirely.
  • M4A3(105) - Treat like a Sherman Firefly, an up-gunned Sherman. Avoid getting hit, as its 105 mm shells can cause major damage and perhaps send the player back to the garage. Try hitting the side or the gun mantlet to OHK or disable the gun respectively.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • A smaller turret than the previous T-34 (More difficult to hit flat parts)
  • Turret cheeks have a relatively flat and angled edge compared to the pronounced curve of the 1940/1941 T-34 variants, slightly harder to penetrate
  • Better front armour (60mm) than the previous T-34
  • Good gun
  • Lots of ammunition variety
  • Good mobility

Cons:

  • The added armour does not cover all the front armour, machine gun port is still a large weak spot in close quarters engagements
  • Turret armour, especially the cheeks, are still big weak points
  • Weak side armour
  • Slower reload than the 1942 variant
  • Bad gun depression

History

The T-34 was beginning to become the main tank of the Soviet Army by 1941, however, the initiation of Operation Barbarossa by the Germans postponed most manufacturing deadlines due to the relocation of various factories to the Ural Mountains to keep them safe from the Germans. During the movement, only the Dzherzhinski Tractor Factory in Stalingrad (STZ) stayed in production and produced most of the T-34s during the relocation.

To increase the survivability of the tanks, the T-34 design in the STZ factory was up-armoured by use of applique armour plates. These applique armour variants of the T-34 were called T-34E, with "E" meaning ekranami translates to "with screens" in Russian. These tanks were given applique armour throughout the entire vehicle, on all sides of the turret, one the front, on the sides, and even side skirts on the tracks. Some of the applique armour was placed in a way to act as spaced armour against enemy fire, which proved quite effective against the Panzer III's 50 mm KwK 39 cannon where the armour applied were on areas once vulnerable on the T-34 to the cannon. However, it was found that this additional armour did not help the T-34 against larger calibres such as the 75 mm PaK 40 and the 88 mm FlaK cannons. Due to the gradually growing number of tanks with the 75 mm and 88 mm, such as the up-gunned Panzer IV and the Tiger I that could easily destroy the T-34 even with the armour application, the armour configuration was not placed into mass production and thus only the testing batch of 47 units were made from the design.

However, one armour applique model produced in STZ did see more widespread use in the production line, though it still had the name T-34E as its main nomenclature (called the T-34E STZ in-game). This up-armoured model was more successful than the previous due to not drastically changing the design and only focusing on front armour protection by welding 15 mm of armour onto the front hull, thus minimizing weight gain by only focusing on the area most expected to be hit. The tank also featured redesigned road wheels and track designs. These T-34Es saw more widespread use and have photographs showing it being used in the Leningrad Front.

In-game description

A version of the T-34 medium tank with enhanced combat capabilities, especially in terms of armor. Additional armor plates were added to the body and turret. This was made necessary by the appearance and widespread use by the Wehrmacht of new, more powerful anti-tank weaponry.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the T-34E STZ from live.warthunder.com.

Historic Photos

Historical photo of the T-34E STZ on the Leningrad front.

Read 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.

ETC.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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 · 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