T-54 (An object 137) - Soviet medium tank. Adopted by the USSR Supreme Soviet Army 1946 year, serially produced from 1947 of the year, constantly improving. FROM 1958 year produced its modification under the name T-55, adapted to operations in conditions of use of nuclear weapons. In 1961-1967 years he had been replaced by mainly in the production of TV and the USSR Supreme Soviet tank T-62, created on its base, but OZTM edition T-55 continued until 1979 of the year. Also, in some countries, he produced the T-54 or its modernized or adapted to local conditions options.
T-54 – video
T-54 was exported, and stands on the service in the armed forces of many countries in the world, It was used in the majority of local conflicts since World War II. Tank has become known for its superior reliability and simplicity, Highly touted by many experts. Throughout the Afghan war, the main tank in the tank units of the limited contingent of Soviet troops in Afghanistan (OKSVA) were T-55 and T-62. Despite the availability of a sufficient number of more modern and powerful tanks in the USSR Armed Forces at that time and the constant upgrading of light armored vehicles, in motorized infantry and airborne units OKSVA they sent, OKSVA tank fleet remained unchanged all 9 years of war, which it was due to the lack of modern tanks in the SA USSR Armed Forces units on the southern borders of the Soviet Union and a limited number of anti-tank weapons from the Afghan mujahideen.
modifications
T-54-1
T-54-1 in the Khabarovsk War Museum
The basic model with serially produced 1947 by 1949 years. The tank had a welded housing, with a sharp bow and vertical sides. The thickness of the monolithic frontal sheet - 120 mm. Tower - cast, with welded roof and reverse bevel ("Zaman") bottom around the perimeter. combat weight 36 t. Dimensions 9000 × 3270 × 2400 mm. weaponry: nareznaya gun D-10T Cal 100 mm, coupled with a machine gun SG-43, two 7.62-mm machine gun course the SG-43, placed in armored boxes on shelves nadgusenichnyh, and 12.7-mm anti-aircraft gun DShK turret hatch on the loader. ammunition 34 shot, 3500 caliber 7,62 mm 200 — 12,7 mm. Sight TS-20 4 fold increase. Engine V-54 power 520 HP. planetary, two-stage rotation mechanism. Lobed hydraulic shock absorbers on the front and rear assemblies. Melkozvenchataya caterpillar (width 500 mm), consisting of 90 Shoe open and which had a metallic hinge pin engagement with the drive wheel (instead of the ridge on the T-34 and T-44). Carbon dioxide semi-automatic fire-fighting equipment. Outside the rear of the hull to install two smoke bombs MDSH. As used radio communication means 10 PT 26 and tank intercom TPU-47.
T-54-2
T-54-2 sample 1949 at the museum in Togliatti, visible reverse bevel in the rear of tower
Mass production with 1949 by 1951 g. New cast hemispherical tower - with a narrow porthole, "Contemporary" (reverse bevel armor plate in the bottom of the turret or a combat vehicle) saved only in the aft. One exchange machine gun SG-43 front hull, in the department of management, instead of two, placed on the shelves nadgusenichnyh. New anti-aircraft machine gun turret. Changes in units of the power plant and transmission. Tank Heater spray beam, air cleaner with ejector dust extraction, track width 580 mm (instead 500 mm). With reduced thickness VFD 120 mm 100 mm. combat weight 35,5 tonnes.
T-54-3
Mass production with 1952 by 1954 g. New cast hemispherical tower without reverse bevel. The sight TS-2-22 with a variable 3, 5 and 7-fold increase. Improved dust protection units.
T-54A
North Vietnamese T-54A
Mass production with 1955 by 1956 g. D-10TG gun with ejection device for purging the barrel, Electrohydraulic stabilizer in a vertical plane (STP-1 "Horizon"). the safety device against inadvertent descent during impacts on the fly and re-cocking mechanism was introduced in the gun the bolt. Ejector for purging the barrel of powder gases after the shot, and the lifting mechanism with the dealer link(protecting the mechanism from damage during grazing foreign object). Installed automated electric turret with duplicated control, new and improved stopper tower sight TS-2A-22 shifted to the left eyepiece part and a scale target range. For the driver had entered an active night vision TVN-1. Station P-113, OPVT. FROM 1955 year T-54 was installed two-plane gun stabilizer.
T-54AK
Commanding variant T-54A. developed in 1958 year on the basis of the T-54A. Distinctive feature: additional radio R-113 and R-112, navigation equipment TNA-2 "Grid", AB-1P / charger 30, reduced ammunition.
T 54AM
The upgraded version of the T-54A is put into service in 1960. Distinctive feature: new boeukladki, V-55 engine, lightweight rollers from tank T-55, tracks used in rubber-metal joints, new means of communication, change system snorkeling.
T-54B
At the base of the T-54A. D-Gun 10T2S with stabilizer STF-2 "cyclone" in two planes guidance. Infrared night sight gunner TPN-1-22-11 with a searchlight L-2, gun mounted on the mask and night commanding device, paired with a projector OU-3 on the commander's cupola. The rotating floor of the crew compartment. The equipment for underwater driving. We carry stock of fuel increased to 1212 l, and the stock tank range - up 430 km.
Mass production with 1956 by 1959 g. The gun D-10T2S (or D-10T with a counterweight on the muzzle of the barrel) with stabilizer STF-2 ("Cyclone") in two planes guidance (two-plane stabilizer arms). Infrared night sight gunner TPN-1-22-11 (until April 1959 city). IR Illuminator sight L-2, initially mounted on the gun mask, then the tower. Night commander of the unit, paired with a projector OU-3 on the commander's cupola. IR device driver TVN-2. The rotating floor of the crew compartment. The equipment for underwater driving. Microcomputer fuel supply is increased to 1212 l, to provide a reserve tank reserve - up 430 km. Later on when modernizing tank installed: V-55 engine capacity 580 hp, supporting rollers unified with T-55, caterpillar with RLL, sight TSh-2B-32, radio station R-123, boeukladki on 43 shot, laser rangefinder KTD-1 (not all machines). Some machines are equipped for the installation of universal craft PST and PST-U-63.
Comparison of the T-54 by release year
T-54BK
Commanding variant T-54B. developed in 1958 year on the basis of the T-54B. Distinctive feature: More shortwave radio R-112, navigation apparatus TNA-2, AB-1P / charger 30, reduced ammunition.
T-54K
Commanding variant T-54. developed in 1958 year on the basis of T-54. Distinctive feature: additional radio R-113 and R-112, navigation equipment, Charger, reduced ammunition.
T-54M
The tank was designed as a deep modernized version of the T-54 tank. The work was done in Nizhniy Tagil the design bureau of the plant №183 on the basis of the USSR Council of Ministers decree on №347-205 24 February 1955 of the year. Chief designer of the project was assigned LN. Karcev. In the case of adopting the tank had to get the name of T-54M. Distinctive features: New drive wheels, new gun D-54T, night vision TVN-1 device.
In February 1956 , three prototypes of the car and were sent to the factory tests were collected. December 1956 year tests were completed and the cars were handed over to the customer on the Polygon-service testing. However, serious remarks were identified during tests. According to test results, two prototypes were completed and in February 1959 year sent to retest. Tests completed were a result of the blow-up of the gun barrel. As a result, the tank "Object 139" on the arms was not adopted. The main reason for not setting in a batch has been working out the complexity of the design of the new Cannon|gun and ammunition for it. As a result,, "Object 139" was not produced commercially, as well as other tanks, armed with a gun D-54TS (An object 140, An object 430, An object 165). Subsequently, some structural solutions undercarriage, as well as the monitoring devices were used in the creation of the T-55. Because, that "Object 139" was not adopted by the, designation T-54M was reassigned in 1970 upgraded T-54.
An object 141
It developed in the years 1952-1954 on the basis of the T-54 design bureau Factory number 183. AT 1954 It was manufactured and sent to the factory testing the first prototype. The sample was characterized by installing a 100mm gun D-54, change cutting scales in the telescopic sight TS-22A and the way of fixing the shots in boeukladke. Ammunition was 34 shot. AT 1955 he was set to the vertical stabilizer "Rainbow" tools. Because stabilizer malfunctions during the test, for him the work was stopped. Further, the machine has been used for training measures to increase the reserve tank running. also in the spring 1959 year on "Object 141" was worked out 115-mm smoothbore gun U-5B, installation is ballistic guns 2A20, intended for installation in tanks T-62. As a result of installing a new gun, there was a problem of excessive gas content of the crew compartment, and ammunition was reduced to 28 shots. Installing two five-liter bottles of compressed air, for pressurizing the bore, the results did not give. Besides, after 25 armor-piercing projectiles fired at a range of 2000 m, was found, their accuracy - unsatisfactory.
An object 485
12 September 1951 until the Council of Ministers Decree number 3440-1594ss began work on equipping the T-54 special floating crafts. AT 1952 It was manufactured three prototypes of the T-54 with a floating craft, received the designation "Object 485", then the machines were sent to the factory test. In the autumn 1952 , the samples of "Object 485" were aimed at field testing. Between September 1953 January 1954 of the year, machines have been further tested in sea conditions. During the 1954-1955's Institute has developed 100 new modified boats, and in March 1955 , the tanks with new means of overcoming water barriers have been tested in the Black Sea. According to the Council of Ministers Decree number 660rs, factory number 342 fabricated 20 craft kits. AT 1957 by boat to the T-54 were taken into service under the designation PST-54. Total production 73 complete set PST-54 and the tank for installation of these means.
An object 614
AT 1962 , the OKB-174 under the direction of A. A. Morova was designed T-54 ATGM 9M14 "Baby". AT 1963 , the first prototype was made on the basis of the T-54A, received the designation "Object 614A". Later, on the basis of the T-54B was created a second prototype under the designation "Object 614B». At the rear of the roof turret housed launcher with rockets. Fitting pointing angles ranged from -5 ° to + 10 °. Instead 5 shots for the gun, aft tower mounted control equipment, as well as two additional missiles. From October to December 1964 of the year, Machine has been tested, however, adopted was not accepted. The main reason was the security gaps launcher of small arms, and the need to stop the machine before launching missile.
T-54M (object 137M)
Modification tank T-54, created by the program adjust characteristics of the tank to the level of T-55 and their unification. carried out with 1977 year repair factories of Defense of the USSR. The tank was installed: fuel tanks, racks (making gun ammunition increased to 43 shots), coupled with the gun laser rangefinder FTC-1, stabilizer arms STP-2M, gunner's sight with a stabilized line of sight TSHS-32PVM, The new engine-55B, power 580l.s, night sight, increased ammunition, snorkeling equipment modernized tanks. Apply compressed air system of the engine start, anti-nuclear defense system, Built-in thermal smoke equipment, caterpillar with RLL. The tank was withdrawn from service in 1994 year.
T 54MK
Commanding variant T-54M (object 137M). Modernization T-54K, designed in 1977 year. Distinctive feature: additional radio R-113 and R-123, navigation apparatus TNA-2, Charger, reduced ammunition.
PTUR 'knuckles'
The main advantage is the large tank guided missile system, compared to any type of tank armament, Range of application. This allows the tank to fire at the enemy tanks, staying out of reach of his arms, with a kill probability, greater than that for modern tank guns at a distance. family of artillery rounds 3UBK10 was designed for firing anti-tank artillery guns. "Knuckles" - a set of managed 9K116 antitank weapons on arms 100 mm anti-tank guns T-12 (MT-12). The complex was developed in the Tula Instrument Design Bureau in the 1970s in order to increase the effectiveness of anti-tank artillery. Later, CBI conducted a proactive study the possibility of using the complex for weapons aging T-54, T-55 and T-62, issued in large numbers in the Soviet Union and allied countries.
T-54AM
Modernization T to T-54A-54M.
Polish modification of T-54A, produce under license. Machine supplied rotating floor of the crew compartment, introduced hydraulic power rotation mechanism and main clutch, improved lubrication and air engine start. Several changed the roof MTO, the number and position of spare parts boxes. We increased the number of fuel tanks on the shelves nadgusenichnyh (power reserve up to 830 km) and found stamped road wheels - OPVT.
T-54AD
Polish commander variant T-54A (T 54AM), with an additional radio station.
Breech of the gun
Design
T-54 is a development tank T-44, it has the same arrangement. Branch control located in front of the case, combat compartment - in the middle, under the tower, and force - in the back of the case. The crew consists of four people - the driver is located in the department of management, gunner, loader and commander, who were in the triple tower. Body armor T-54/55 - Welded, are assembled from plates and rolled homogenous steel sheets. Armor protection of the tank protyvosnaryadnaya, differentiated, Made with rational angles. Tower streamlined izgotavlivavalas casting. The upper part of the tower had a thickness of about 200 mm.
Chassis
The tank was independent, torsion bar suspension rollers, which reduced weight, reduce the size of (tank height is decreased by 30 cm) and to improve the driving performance. Chassis each side consisted of 5 supporting cast metal rollers with rubber rims and hydraulic shock absorbers on the first and last rollers. Rear drive wheels, engaging tracks lantern. With outboard equipment, installed around the tracks, the tank could overcome to swim 60 km with waves up to 5 points.
weaponry
The main arms of T-54 is a 100 mm gun D-10T. The length of the gun barrel - 56 calibres. This gun was developed in the design office of the artillery factory number 9 under the direction of F. F. Petrov for SU-100. Armor-piercing projectile of its 100 mm gun was able to pierce the armor vertical sheet thickness 125 mm at a distance 2000 m. After World War II it improved versions were in service for forty years after the development of the original modification. Additional armament consists of coaxial gun 7.62mm gun, the right of the gun. The tank continued to be made even after the, as it has been adopted T-62.
Laying shells in the tower
Mass production
AT 1947 the serial production of tanks T-54 and its modifications have been deployed in the Soviet Union, lasted until the 1959 of the year. In total, the USSR was issued 16 775 machines. In addition to the Soviet T-54 tanks were produced in several other countries:
PRC - obtained tanks T 54A has been copied and manufactured under the designation Type 59;
North Korea - 300 tanks were collected from tankokomplektov between 1969 by 1974 years;
Poland - 1500 T-54 units made from 1954 by 1964 years;
Czechoslovakia - 1800 T-54 units manufactured under license from 1958 by 1963 years, the factory ZTS in Martin.
In this way, total production of T-54 (not given a copy of the Chinese Type 59) was 20 375 machines.
Foreign embodiments T-54
Modified in Israel T-54 / T-55. Notable 105mm rifled gun L7
Ti-67 TYRA 4. Modified in Israel T-54. Notable 105mm rifled gun L7, smoke grenade launchers and a number of small changes. Modernization was carried out in the late 1960s and early 1970s,.
A type 59 – Chinese tanks
A type 59. Chinese tanks, the armament of the Chinese army. A type 59 is a slightly modified T-54A. Produced under license from 1957 of the year. A type 59 It was used during the Vietnam War, Vietnamese-Chinese border conflict 1979 year, as well as in the Indo-Pakistan war 1971 of the year. Tanks Type 59 used in the following countries: China, Congo, Myanmar, North Korea, Albania, Sudan, Vietnam, Kampuchiya, Laos, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Pakistan (Тип 59 / Al-Loss)
A type 62 – Chinese light tank 1960, lightweight version of the Soviet T-54. Commercially produced from 1963 by 1989 year, It was about the general release 1200 copies. The tank is actively supplied to many countries and participated in the Uganda-Tanzania War and the Sino-Vietnamese War 1979 of the year.
jaguar – Chinese project of modernization of T-54 tanks, T-55 and Type 59, together with US companies “Textron Marine и “Land Systems”.
T-55Agm – Ukrainian upgrade option tank T-54, T-55, T-62 and T-59. Mass tank increases to 48 tonnes. Engine power 5TDFM 850 HP. or 5TDFA power 1050 HP. It provides the speed of the tank 75 km / h on the highway, and 55 - on rough terrain. In this case, the reverse speed - up 30 kmh. The crew of the modernized tank was reduced to 3 people through the installation of the automatic loader, ammunition 31 shot, of them 18 NEA for bashney. Improved chassis, the establishment of automated traffic control system with steering wheel, Additional passive protection, Built-in dynamic protection, opto-electronic warfare system, new firefighting equipment, modern fire control system with redundant control from the commander's station, antiaircraft gated. New gun on the customer's request can be the caliber of 125 mm – KBM-1M, or 120mm. automatic fire control system with a thermal imaging gunner's sight.
T-54e “Ramses II” – modernization Egyptian T-54/55, using M48 and M60 tanks aggregates. The tank is installed American 105mm rifled gun M-68 with the Belgian MSA "Titan» Mk1, American engine AVDQ-1790-5A and Egyptian transmission TCM-304. Suspension replaced by a new General Dynamics 2880 both on the tank M48 «Patton III».
T-54 formation. 46 at the museum in Upper Pyshma (Russia)
History of creation
The immediate precursor T-54 appeared to tank T-44, created in 1943-1944. In the early stages of the process of creating the T-54 is inseparable from the T-44, since the development of the two tanks was carried out in the mainstream of the development of Soviet armored vehicles in those years, and initially embodied in the metal T-54 represented largely upgraded version of the T-44.
It was created in 1943-1944 Uralvagonzavod design bureau under the guidance of A. A. Morozov and intended to replace T-34 as the primary medium tank RKKA. The main innovation of the T-44 was unique for its time arrangement. Due to the engine compartment and rearranging the transverse installation of the engine and transmission have significantly reduced its length and height, as well as the shift to the middle of the tower housing, unloading the front rollers. Together with the removal of the arrow-ended crew radio operator is allowed to significantly reduce the amount of reserved and weight, at, than the production T-34-85, to achieve a significant increase in reservations.
According to CRI-48 articulated in the late 1943 , the requirements for long-term protection of a medium tank from 75-mm and 88-mm shells:
a) the upper housing part and the forehead of the tower must be completely invulnerable;
b) the upper half of the bead body should be completely invulnerable within certain course angles;
at) board tower must be completely invulnerable ranging course angles, about twice, than the same interval for the side having;
g) interval course angles invulnerability fender liner may be passed between the average interval of intervals and bead towers for housing the bead.
these requirements, although not completely, It has been implemented in the T-44, first modification of which had 75-mm frontal armor and bead thickness 45 mm at the bottom and 75 mm at the top. Already in the first high-volume modification, T-44A, the thickness of the frontal reservation has been increased to 90 mm, and board - to 75 mm over the entire height.
but, Despite all these advantages, T-arms 44 remains the same, and that on the T-34-85 - 85 mm ZIS-S-53 with a barrel length 56 calibres, is considered unpromising for a medium tank already in 1944 year. Ways to increase the firepower, there were two. The first was to create guns with high muzzle velocity due to the larger elongation of the stem and increased gunpowder charge. However, experiments with a 85-mm guns of this type ("High-power" in the terminology), conducted in 1944 year, demonstrated the difficulty of its production on the basis of the existing technology base. In addition, analysis of test results showed the shelling, high-shells that light less effective in lesions situated under great inclination angles armor, than the low-speed, but heavy shells 100- and 122 mm cannon. As a result,, He was chosen the second way - increasing artillery power at the expense of the growth of the caliber.
Since the mid 1944 years as a weapon for the future medium tank was considered 100-mm cannon with a barrel length 56 calibres and ballistics naval gun B-34, the second half of the same year successfully installed on the SU-100 self-propelled guns.[6] An additional argument in its favor is its high power high-explosive projectile: the main opponent of the tank still had to be infantry, and defeat enemy tanks was seen as important, though, but a secondary goal.
T-54 sample 1949 of the year
Attempts to re new tool T-44. AT 1945 year were built two prototype T-44-100, with a 100 mm gun LB-1 in the same tower, However, tests showed their low reliability and maneuverability, which led to the cessation of further work in this direction. At the same time, to accommodate a 100 mm cannon in KB plant № 183 even in the summer 1944 at its own initiative started to design a new modification of the T-44, initially received the designation T-44B. 20 August draft was submitted to the People's Commissar for Tank Industry In. A. Malyshev. In September-November, the project, has received the final name - T-54, It was approved by the People's Commissariat of the Tank Industry. According to a government job, to 1 December 1944 Year KB ought to create a prototype, to 15 January 1945 year to complete his test, and by the 20 May of the same year - to send working drawings tank manufacturing plants, but these terms are sustained and have not been.
serious circumstance, influence the development of the new tank, to mobility which makes high demands, It was powerplant. Despite the best efforts of designers, the only affordable diesel tank was still upgraded V-2 power 520 l. from., and creating an acceptable grade tank engine with more power 700 l. from. It was under the then level of technology, estimated today experts, maloosuschestvimym. As a result,, it was necessary to strictly limit the weight of the car, to avoid reducing mobility, and option installing the aircraft engine, provide power, but it has a lot of other shortcomings, are not considered.
This situation made it impossible to continue the reservation growth by increasing the weight of the tank. By further increasing the share of the reservation of the total weight of the tank to achieve this, it was also impossible, since this would lead to a deterioration of other characteristics and reduced as a result of combat capabilities. Strengthening protection by improving the quality of the armor steel is in principle possible, but at that time it inappropriate. The T-44 was able to significantly enhance the book by reducing the volume of the booked, but further the possibility of such reductions were nearly exhausted, therefore the only remain in the constructors output is the further differentiation of armor.
The first prototype was a T-54, according to the "Help on the manufacturing and testing of prototypes of the tank T-54" 1946 of the year, completed in January 1945 , and she was transferred to the test polygon in Kubinka. but, in another document states, that it was the second prototype, the first was completed in late 1944 years and was tested at the factory. The first sample tank, It is known as the "T-54 sample 1945 of the year", It was still much similar to T-44. The most noticeable external difference was the new, a large tower with a 100 mm cannon, whose head-book increased from 120 to 180 mm, and the board - with 90 to 90-150 mm. The shape of the tower at the same time, It has not changed significantly, and the inclination of its walls did not exceed 20 °. Frontal hull armor was also increased, to 120 mm, but the board thickness reservation only increased by 5 mm, and aft and all was borrowed from the T-44 unchanged. The front plate housing has been eliminated the gap inspection device of the driver, as a result it has become a monolithic. Since the total weight of the tank is inevitably increased in comparison with the T-44, Chassis has somewhat elongated to increase the area of the supporting surface caterpillars, and increased width rollers. Propulsion and transmission virtually unchanged crossed with T-44, significantly upgraded was only the engine cooling system.
Tests submitted for state testing of the T-54 were carried out 11 March 11 April 1945 of the year. state commission led Colonel E. A. Kulchytsky as described later than the first impression from the meeting with a new tank:
– Tank impression. Its exterior shape allows for the necessary meetings corners with future enemy projectiles, which gave him the proper streamlining and beauty. Improved body shape, flattened tower with a new gun rested on the Big Ten road wheels, which relied on melkozvenchatye caterpillars. This, at first sight, simple beauty of form and silhouette experts say some of the highest technical parameters of the machine, namely: sleek hull and turret - a highly resistant armor protection and affection at his, long barrel guns - a high muzzle velocity, that is the main positive quality tank gun, ten large, with external obrezinkoy, Track Roller spoke about the possibilities of movement at high speeds, aided and melkozvenchatye caterpillars, and much more.
T-54B
The report on the trials, compiled by the Commission, It talks about the high performance characteristics of the T-54. When the mass in 35,5 ton - only 3,7 tons more, than serial T-44, tank possessed significantly more powerful weapons reservation and, at the height of his left even less, than its predecessor - 2275 mm instead 2400 mm. The maximum speed of the tank, true, hoped to 45 km / h instead of 51 km / h of the T-44, but the average speed remains the same, and the power supply even increased slightly. Tests have revealed many shortcomings and new cars, but despite this, in custody on trial report stated:
1. T-54, represents a modernized tank T-44, in its basic fighting qualities (power weapons and booking) surpasses all existing medium tanks.
2. Field testing in volume 1553 kilometers strength basic mechanisms prototype T-54 withstood. However, the need to refine the tests set number of units and aggregates.
3. The main disadvantage of T-54 should include insufficient snaryadostoykost tower and transmission design obsolescence, which it is unacceptable for a modern tank. The tower is affected at great distances, and transmission and chassis reduces the dynamic qualities of the tank.
4. Given the sharp increase in fighting qualities of a medium tank, reached in tank T-54, Commission considers it appropriate to recommend to the tank T-54 on the Red Army with the mandatory removal of shortcomings highlighted in the report.
5. Because, that the testing of a number of new nodes can delay entry into mass production of tanks T-54, Commission believes it is possible to begin production of T-54, without waiting for the introduction of the following components and mechanisms, urgent testing of the plant which charge number 183 in the prioritization, NKTP installed and GBTU SC:
a) Tower according to the type of IS-3;
b) Gearbox with synchronizer and 2 stupenchatoho planetary mechanism turns the tank;
at) Screen grenades like "Faust";
g) changing the angles of inclination sheet feed body;
d) rotating floor of the crew compartment;
it is) viewing devices for M4A2 type in the commander's cupola;
is) caterpillars with cogging;
with) absorbers Coil (on all rinks).
Besides, Commission, it was recommended to change the drive rotary turret mechanism to ensure a smooth pickup, Install an antiaircraft gun, introduce more sophisticated devices monitor the battlefield, take measures to reduce the gas content of the crew compartment during intensive firing and develop an automatic fire extinguishing system for MTO. Total list of comments made 68 points.
In July 1945 year CB plant number 183 It was built by the second (or third) prototype T-54, established taking into account the comments of the Commission. Tank got a new tower, rounded shape, according to the type of IS-3, but with the "bait" (Eng.)Russian. around the perimeter, especially noticeable in the aft. The thickness of the frontal reservation towers reached 200 mm, and sides - from 160 to 125 mm, angles of inclination of the tower vertical surfaces reached 45 °. transmission was changed in accordance with the requirements of the testing commission, and chassis finally got cogging caterpillars. There was also increased capacity internal fuel tanks 530 to 545 liters. The structure of tank armament added two 7.62 mm machine guns SG in armored boxes on shelves nadgusenichnyh, unsighted fire which led a driver, and 12.7-mm anti-aircraft DShK, mounted on the turret at the hatch on the turret roof loader. In July-November 1945 , this sample was tested at the site in Kubinka, the results of which he was again recommended by the State Commission for serial production, but again, after the elimination of a number of shortcomings. After the completion of the prototype, and the next test of the USSR Council of Ministers Decree number of 960-402ss 29 April 1946 , the T-54 was adopted by the Soviet Army.
T-54B
T-54-1 / 2/3
Preparation for the mass production of the T-54 sample 1946 of the year, also known as T-54-1, It started already in 1946 year once in three plants: plant number 183 in Nizhny Tagil, HZTM in Kharkov and OZTM Omsk. According to the plan in the remaining months 1946 the plant number 183 should release 165 machines. In reality,, for 1946 year were made in all three pre-production T-54: two - by July, and one - in October. And even these machines are not state commission were adopted, that required to reduce the weight of the car, improve the installation of weapons, chassis and control actuators. In total that year CB plant number 183 It had to be made in the design of the tank 649 various changes.
Plan 1947 the year has already been adjusted downwards. Total planned for the year 400 T-54, of them 250 - the factory number 183, 100 - and of HZTM 50 - on OZTM. But the reality, and this time did not coincide with plans. Two cars head first series came in the state sea trials and testing of fire took place in April and May of the same year. At the conclusion of the commission, samples passed the tests, albeit with a number of observations. Series production of the installation of T-54 was recommended, but - after the list for a 1490 changes of various parts and components of the tank, drawn up by the Commission. Subsequent refinement once again postponed the start of production of the tank, and the first series of 20 tanks was made only at the end of the year, thus bringing the production of 1947 h to 22 machines, all of which were released by the number 183.
Full-scale production of T-54, already at all three plants, It could only be deployed in 1948 year. During the year it was issued 593 tanka, of them 285 - the factory number 183, 218 - and of HZTM 90 - on OZTM. However, soon after the start of the military operation of the tank units, receiving the first T-54, steel in all instances in droves to act on a complaint numerous defects machines. The tanks are regularly out of order, in addition, production machines were significantly pereutyazheleny compared with the project and had poor maneuverability. not taken out of the five tests set by the state guarantee commission no tanks. Representatives of the tank units at a meeting with the Minister of the Armed Forces of H. A. Bulganin generally spoke positively about the new tank, but noted, that the beginning of serial production was clearly premature. To this were added and the test results of T-54 shelling, conducted in 1947 year and showed that, that was discovered as early as 1943-1944,: if it enters into the lower part of the tower it Zaman gave a very high chance of ricochet projectile into a thin shell roof, with all the consequences. This results in January 1949 the year was the decision of the government to stop the release of the tank.
At numerous meetings ensuing experts agree, that one of the main problems of T-54 was overloaded. only, due to which it was possible to reduce the weight of the tank, It was armor protection. Reducing protect the front part of the hull below 100 mm seemed impractical, however, the frontal part of the tower is already inferior to the body in a secure. Out of this situation was found in the change in the shape and size of the tower. Designed CB plant number 183 already in 1948 , a new tower, which had an approximate hemispherical shape in the front portion, It provides not only weight reduction, but also better protection. Besides, width gun embrasures thereon was decreased with 1000 to 400 mm, that allowed to increase the solidity of the tower and, Consequently, The security. It managed to achieve this by replacing the general mask for gun installation individual narrow slits for the gun barrel, gun and sight.
The first T-54 with a new tower went to trial 29 August 1949 of the year, two more control tanks were collected in September. According to the results of their tests in November, it has been given permission to mass production of the new modification, known as T-54 sample 1949 year or T-54-2. Serial machines differed, in addition to replacing the tower, a decrease in the frontal hull armor to 100 mm, with increasing inclination of the lower armor plates. There have also been eliminated nadgusenichnyh guns on the shelves and replaced by a single, rigidly fixed inside the body and leading light through the hole in the front plate. Track width 500 mm were replaced by new, width 580 mm, which reduced ground pressure to an acceptable level. The average weight of the T-54-2 decreased compared with the serial-T 54-1 on average 1700 kg, what, coupled to lapping lasted separate units, significantly raise the reliability of the tank.
Scheme T 54-2
combat application
T-54 tanks took part in the following armed conflicts:
– Hungarian uprising 1956 year - are used as a part of the Soviet Army
– The Six Day war (1967) —- used as part of the Egyptian and Syrian tank forces.
– "Operation Danube" (1968) - used in conjunction with T-55 tanks as part of the Soviet Army
– The Vietnam War - were used in the armies of North Vietnam
– Cambodian Civil War - were used in the armies of North Vietnam
– The third Indo-Pakistani War - were used by Indian troops
– Arab-Israeli war 1973 year - were used as part of the Egyptian troops, Syria and Iraq, Besides, captured T-54 and T-55 were used by the Israeli army
– The civil war in Angola (1980-it is) - used the People's Army of Angola against UNITA groups, as well as South African troops
– War of Ogaden (1977—1978) - used as a part of the troops to Somalia and Ethiopia
– Sino-Vietnamese War (1979) - Vietnamese troops used in repelling attacks by Chinese troops in the northern province. China has mobilized for the operation about 300 tanks of which 48 It was destroyed and captured.
– Afghan war (1979—1989) - were in service of a limited contingent of the Soviet Army
– Iran-Iraq War (1980—1988) - were used by the Iraqi army
– Lebanon war (1982) - used by Syrian forces, Besides, Israeli applied upgraded TI-67
– The Gulf War (1991) - were used by the Iraqi army
Hungarian uprising 1956 of the year
During the counter-revolutionary rebellion in Hungary 1956 year (operation «Focus») T-54 tank used by the Soviet army. The rebels were about 100 Tanks and self-propelled guns, as well as a significant number of guns. In addition, it was not known how will be used for the entry of Soviet troops 700 Hungarian army tanks. Therefore Soviet side gathered powerful group comprising 1130 Tanks and self-propelled guns, including 31 Armored Division armed newest T-54. 4 November Soviet army launched an operation "Whirlwind". TO 6 November most of Budapest was liberated from the rebels. By the end of the operation the Soviet army seized about 100 tanks, HEALTHY, 15 artillery shells and 47 anti-aircraft guns. Tank T-54 AG Odintsova. 31-th Division during the fighting destroyed 1 rebel tank, 3 guns and 8 machine-gun point. 31-Division lost during fights several tanks T-54, including one captured by the rebels drove to the British Embassy, where he had to study English experts. The T-54 tank armor-based studies in the UK 105 mm cannon Royal Ordnance L7 was created.
The Six Day war
For the first time to study the T-54 tank Israelis failed in the early 1960s, when a group of Israeli military experts was sent to Morocco.
Egyptian front
Used as part of the Egyptian armored forces. Against six Egyptian divisions (including infantry) attacked three Israeli were thrown. In numerical terms encountered in Sinai 920 Egyptian and 717 Israeli tanks. A well-known battle occurred with nochya 7 on 8 June, when the 19th battalion of Israeli AMX-13, on the road to Ismailia, encountered two squads Egyptian T-54. Ensued melee. At the beginning of the Egyptian combat T-54 100mm gun shot hit mortar installation with shells. Installing it exploded and brought down another seven armored personnel carriers and one AMX-13. 20 Israelis were killed on the spot. The next hit had destroyed two Israeli tanks More. Return fire was ineffective – AMX-shells 13 from bouncing armor T-54. After some time, the Israelites began to retreat. To the aid of the battalion was sent to the Division of medium tanks. Without waiting for orders, coming up to the aid of tanks attacked the Egyptians, destroyed 10 T-54 and returned lost position. As a result of the fighting, the Israeli army killed or captured 291 T-54A, representing a third of the Egyptian tank losses.
Syrian front
Syrian armored forces consisted of the 14th and the 44th Armored Brigade, with several additional battalion Panzer IV, T-34-85 и T-54, and a certain amount of self-propelled SU-100 and StuG III. Many of these tanks and self-propelled guns were well dug in for most of the tower. Against two Syrian brigades in six Israeli offensive were thrown. The Israeli offensive began Armored Brigade Mandler at noon 9 June. Some confusion with the direction of the rocky roads forced the crew to go on the offensive in the heavily fortified areas in a fragmented state. By noon 10 June Israelis captured the key town of Quneitra. The same evening, the truce came into force. Syria lost 73 tanka, including some 10 T-54(half of them were thrown in good condition). Israelis battle in the Golan at a cost of 160 lined tanks, mostly "Supershermanov" and "Centurion".
North Vietnamese T-54 taken in Saigon
The Vietnam War
The first T-54 in Vietnam have been put in 1964 year and were adopted by the 202 th Tank Regiment. According to Western sources 1969 by North Vietnam had 60 T-54. Throughout the war the Soviet Union put the Democratic Republic of Vietnam 687 tanks, including some 400 T-54. In the war for the first time in combat tanks used by the Chinese Type-59 and Type-62, drawn from T-54. About 350 Type-59 and about 100 Type-62 was obtained from China.
Lam Son 719
In February 1971 of the year, during Operation Lam Son 719, We took the first armored fighting between North Vietnamese and South Vietnamese troops, when large-scale air support last. The offensive began on the South Vietnamese 1st Armored Brigade, which had armed with light tanks M41 Walker Bulldog. According to the data of the South Vietnamese, the North Vietnamese in the first battle lost 6 T-54 and 16 PT-76, M41 in the South Vietnamese losses were not. Later, in yet another battle was destroyed 3 T-54 and 12 PT-76 with loss 3 BTR. During the third North Vietnamese attack destroyed the South Vietnamese 15 tanks (types not specified), losing 6 BTR. Nearby platoons South Vietnamese lost 5 M41 and 25 BTR M113. Two-thirds of North Vietnamese tanks had been destroyed aircraft. After these battles the South Vietnamese began a systematic retreat, turned into a stampede. American spy plane later saw a long column of abandoned 43 M41 tanks and 80 BTR M113. Total South Vietnamese lost 54 M41 tank, 87 BTR M113, 96 guns, 211 trucks and 37 bulldozers. North Vietnamese themselves lost 88 padded tanks, including a number of T-54 and 13 guns. It was the first battle, wherein South Vietnamese encountered with T-54, the result was completely destroyed by the 1st Armored Brigade. ascertaining, that M41 is unable to resist the tanks T-54, Americans began to rearm the South Vietnamese to medium tanks M48.
North Vietnamese tank T-54 American bomber destroyed B-52
"Easter offensive"
spring 1972 year North Vietnam launched the "Easter offensive". The attack involved about 400 North Vietnamese tanks, mainly T-54. South Vietnamese had 550 tanks and 900 armored personnel carriers. The first strike took over the South Vietnamese 3rd Infantry Division and was almost completely destroyed, lost all tanks and armored vehicles. South Vietnamese have developed a strategy to combat North Vietnamese armor – with large distances, out so far, shooting column North Vietnamese. So, 2 April 1972 tanks, the M48 «Patton" with three kilometers of the North Vietnamese opened fire on the column. nine light tanks were destroyed PT-76 and two medium T-54. The remaining North Vietnamese tanks retreated. A week later, in "Patton" similar battle destroyed 16 T-54, without incurring losses. 7 in April the North Vietnamese with armored vehicles captured the city Loknin, beating the occupants South Vietnamese armored vehicles. During the battle were killed and captured 38 M41 tanks and armored personnel carriers M113. It was also destroyed 8 HEALTHY. Losses during the battle made 2 T-54 and 1 PT-76.
13 in April the North Vietnamese launched an assault on South Vietnamese city Unlock. offensive support 48 tanks of various types, including 17 South Vietnamese, captured earlier (later the North Vietnamese entered into the fight a few dozen tanks increased to about group 100 tanks). Hold the city was only possible thanks to the support of aviation. The advancing North Vietnamese to work all that could fly: by strategic bombers B-52 to the latest helicopters AH-1 "Cobra Hugh". Aviation was able to cut off the infantry from tanks, and in the streets of T-54 and T-34 steel production grenade M72 LAW. During the three days of fighting was destroyed 23 tanka, mainly T-54. Total losses amounted to North Vietnamese to unlock 80 tanks. The loss of the South Vietnamese armored vehicles during the battle amounted to more than 30 tanks, 50 armored vehicles and several ACS. During this battle took place tragic accident, when one T-54, city to break into the center, He opened fire on a Catholic Church, killing more than 100 civilians. The town has not been taken.
27 April fell fortified South Vietnamese defense line along the river Cua Viet, that the North Vietnamese could not take with 2 April. And they did not even have to attack it, South Vietnamese fled when he saw her as M48 tanks of the 20th Armored Regiment. In the end of April 1972 of the year 18 North Vietnamese T-54 203 regiment, two columns, They attacked the town of Tan Chanh. The area was defended by the 22nd Infantry Division and two tank regiments M41. The first column T-54 attacked main gate. Seeing the advancing tanks, 900 support of South Vietnamese soldiers fled in panic. A single T-54 under number 377 the run burst in a group of 7 South Vietnamese M41 tanks and consistently destroyed them one after the other. Further, This "pyatdesyatchetvorka" was shot from a grenade launcher. On the western part of South Vietnamese granatomotchiki destroyed two more T-54, but to stop the offensive and failed. Defense was quickly broken, few South Vietnamese and American soldiers were able to escape from the city. As a result of the siege the entire 22th Division was destroyed by South Vietnamese, it was lost 14 M41 tanks and several tens of guns, there have been cases, when the South Vietnamese tankers, see T-54, They are throwing their M41 and fled. North Vietnamese attacked the airfield dactylo, which have come under attack American AC-130, shot down at least 7 T-54.
24 April four North Vietnamese T-54, from among the captured Tang chanh, They were redirected to attack the airfield dactylo 2. For the preparation of the operation secret road in the mountains and dense jungle it was used. At night, two "pyatdesyatchetvorki" rushed to the airport. The first tank blocked the exit to the Ben Hetu, the second got the middle of the airfield and began to methodically destroy bunkers 47th Regiment. Two tanks M41, defending an airfield, approached from the flank and fired six times a bead T-54, not harm them. northerners quickly deployed tanks tower and destroyed both tanks southerners. Helicopters "Cobra", fly out to help the besieged airfield, also failed to stop the T-54 – 70 mm rockets did not cause "pyatdesyatchetvorkam" damage. As a result, two major operations in the North Vietnamese took up positions 25 miles from Kontum, several counterattacks South Vietnamese tanks were successfully recorded. 2 May was completely destroyed by South Vietnamese 20th Armored Regiment. In late May, the North Vietnamese made the last major offensive, supported 30 tanks in the area of Kontum province. Attack bыla weaned.
For all the "Easter offensive" in 1972 , the People's Army of Vietnam lost 250 of 400 involved tanks, including 134 T-54. American researcher James Moore counted “over 700 destroyed North Vietnamese tanks”. Official US sources indicated more accurate figures, According to their data North Vietnam before the attack had all of 330 to 370 tanks. South Vietnam lost about half of their tanks.
North Vietnamese T-54B №833 from 202nd armored brigade enters Courtyard Presidential Palace in Saigon, 30 April 1975 g.
End of the war
9 Martha 1975 , the North Vietnamese commanders launched Operation 'lotus flower'. Advancing troops had 700 tanks, in T-54 and mostly 400 instruments, Southerners had about 2000 armored vehicles and more 1500 guns. The operation began at two in the morning with a powerful artillery preparation. AT 7.30 attack came T-54. An hour later, the resistance of the 53rd Regiment was crushed by government forces. The loss amounted to five T-54. TO 18 March city Ban Mi-OSH and its surroundings have been completely freed. 19 Marty was captured by Quang Tri. South Vietnamese President decided to evacuate troops and pro-government residents of the mountainous region. Under the blows of the DRV army units retreat turned into a stampede. at the cost of 320 tanks, mainly M48 «Patton" and a few hundred APCs managed to escape from the central region and achieve 25 March coast of the South China Sea. On the same day was captured Hue. 30 April was taken Danang.
Vietnamese army bombed the whole territory of South Vietnam. 7 April due tank guns was fired Saigon. 20 April fell Huanlok, where the 4th Army Corps, Army of the DRV took almost two weeks to suppress the resistance of the South Vietnamese 18th Division, while the North Vietnamese lost 37 unspecified types of tanks. 25-of President Thieu emigrated to Taiwan. In the battle for the South Vietnamese Thnah Long said that the destroyed 12 T-54. 29 in April the North Vietnamese, losing 4 T-54, captured airbase Tan Son Nhat, located on the outskirts of Saigon. South Vietnamese army was completely destroyed. in the evening 29 April tankers 203rd tank regiment was ordered 30 April to storm the presidential palace. At dawn, seven T-54 broke into the city. On the way, they shot four M113 and two M41 - last tracked vehicles, destroyed during the war. AT 12.15 T-54, tail number 843 He rammed the fence of the presidential palace. War is over. The decisive role in this victory was played tanks, preferably T-54. In total, the crushing blow of North Vietnamese T-54 was destroyed and captured 250 tanks M48A3, 300 M41A3, 1381 M113A2 armored personnel carrier and 1607 artillery units, including 80 M107 self-propelled guns.
Pilots from the Soviet 110th military transport aviation regiment pose in front of the T-54 Angolan army; Luanda (?); 1980-years
The war in Angola
Used by Angolan and Cuban troops. AT 1976 the USSR put Angola near 200 T-54. AT 1987 – 1989 years were supplied more about 100 T-55, who participated in the Civil War. UNITA and the FNLA had their own sources of supply tanks. So, at 1976 year in one of the battles in the area of Dondo MPLA soldiers was captured by the Chinese Type-59 tank. Participated in this operation, the Soviet military expert Vladimir Zayats captain was awarded the medal "For Service in Battle". He personally handed over the car to the act representatives of the GRU. The tank was transported to the port of Luanda, loaded on Soviet BBC and sent to study in the USSR. It was found, that this tank was in Angola from Zaire, and he was one of the two set. Interestingly, officially in service Zaire Type-59 was never.
Since October 1987 June 1988 , the tanks took part in the great battle of Cuito Cuanavale. Government forces launched an offensive against UNITA groups with the support of some 150 T-54 and T-55 as part of 4 mechanized brigades. 13 September saw the first tank battle with the South African armored vehicles "Ratel". South Africans out of action 5 Angola T-54 and T-55, losing 3 "Ratel". Soon, the South Africans were able to reverse the course of the offensive and began the siege of Cuito Cuanavale. During the fighting were destroyed or damaged more than half of Angolan tanks. Save the situation could only Cuban tankers, to stop the advance of the South Africans and UNITA and failed to capture the city. In the autumn 1999 , government troops, backed by tanks, We launched a massive offensive against the UNITA gangs. As a result, by the middle of 2000 UNITA, the main bases were destroyed and captured. Only on the bases of Andulo, Bailundo and Jamba have been captured 27 unitovskih tanks, 40 BMP and BTR, 45 artillery and 60 anti-aircraft guns.
Evaluation of the machine
The first generation of post-war tanks, which include T-54, began to create more directly during the Second World War, although it has not taken part in hostilities. World War II gave a strong impetus to the development of tank. It has accumulated rich experience of war with armored vehicles. Developed new large-caliber guns, new types of armor, there was a radiation protection and weapons of mass destruction, appeared guidance stabilizer, and much more. FROM 1946 , the T-54 and its modifications in all respects superior to foreign medium tanks, and his gun – 100-mm tank gun D-10T had a better performance armor piercing. only after 12 years, the British set up a more powerful tank gun caliber L7 105 mm.
However, the arrangement of the hull, inherited from T-44, while providing the advantages of a Soviet tank in front of foreign counterparts, It made it impossible to further enhance the security of, particularly from new 90 and 105 mm cumulative and armor-piercing projectiles. Unstabilized 100mm tank gun D-10T does not provide sufficient accuracy and rate at firing stride. Besides, there was a need to introduce new gun ammunition armor-piercing and, special, HEAT projectiles. Introduction planetary rotation mechanisms instead of steering clutches, Suspension torsion spring and instead a new endless track with cogging significantly increased mobility of the T-54 compared to their predecessors, but did not provide further increase the mobility of the tank in case of installation of more powerful weapons or larger armor protection. However, all the features of the T-54 tank modernization have not yet been used, as evidenced by numerous modifications tank T-54, as well as the tanks T-55 and T-62, created on the basis of the T-54 (these tanks are still in service in many countries of the world). In the mid-1970s, T-54/55 and T-62 were the most common types of tanks in the USSR Armed Forces, accounting for approximately 85 % all tanks.
Despite the quickly find out the shortcomings of tanks T-54/55, these machines were in production for more than 30 years, that modern tank is a record. Due to the deployment of mass production of a few select models intended to achieve such a quantitative advantage over the enemy, which would surpass all the shortcomings of the T-54.
Upgraded T-54A
Performance characteristics of the T-54A
Crew, pers.: 4
years of production: 1945—1974
years of operation: from 1948
The number of issued, PC.: 20 000
The layout: classical
Weight T-54
– 36,0 tonnes
Dimensions T-54
– body Length, mm: 6200
– Length with gun forward, mm: 9000
– housing width, mm: 3270
– Height, mm: 2218
– base, mm: 3840
– Track, mm: 2640
– Clearance, mm: 425..468
Bumper T-54
– Type broni: rolled steel and cast
– housing forehead (top), mm / city.: 100 / 60°
– housing forehead (through), mm / city.: 100 / 55°
– body board, mm / city.: 80 / 0°
– housing feed, mm / city.: 45 / 17°
– Bottom, mm: 20
– tower forehead, mm / city.: 200 / 0°; 106 / 60°
– board towers, mm / city.: 160 / 0°; 85 / 60°
– tower feed, mm / city.: 65 / 0°; 56 / 30°
– tower roof, mm: 30
Arming T-54
– Caliber guns and stamp: 100-mm D-10T
– gun type: nareznaya gun
– barrel length, calibres: 56
– gun ammunition: 34
– firing range, km: 0,02—14,6
– sights: TS-2-22
– Shotgun: 1 × 12,7-mm DShK, 2 × 7,62-mm SGMT
Engine T-54
– engine's type: B-54
– Engine power, l. from.: 520
The rate of T-54
– Road speed, kmh: 50
– Speed over rough terrain, kmh: 20—25
– Cruising on the highway, km: 250—300
– Cruising cross country, km: 290—320
– power density, l. p. / m: 14,4
– suspension type: individual torsion
– Unit ground pressure, kg / cm²: 0,81
– Gradeability, city.: 30
– to overcome the wall, m: 0,8
– trench, m: 2,7
– fording, m: 1,4 (5 with OPVT)
Photo T-54
ytse