Tank origin

After the cancellation of the T-43, a replacement for the T-34 was still desired and work began on the T-44 in late 1943. Three prototypes were produced, with a 122 mm armed design being rejected. The 85 mm variant was accepted for production, which commenced in 1944 and the tank remained in service until the 1970s. Development of upgrade variants led to the famous T-54 design.