Once Again About the T-34

What is it about?

The T-34 was the most mass-produced tank of WWII. No wonder that it has become one of the most famous and well-known tanks of that period. Numerous authors have repeatedly described it as the finest combat vehicle of its time. But, as is usually the case, this tank had both values and weaknesses. Many of them were revealed in 1942-1943 when one of the T-34s was comprehensively tested by American military experts on Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, MD. Some Soviet officers were present there as well. They collected and recorded the Americans’ statements and conclusions about the tank. In August 1943 an official report summarizing the Americans’ evaluation was sent to Moscow. Its contents startlingly differ from the common opinion about the T-34 and can surprise many readers. This article analyzes that report in detail, item by item, and explains the reasoning behind each. It also briefly outlines the history of T-34’s engineering and production and the roles of the people involved. As a result it makes it perfectly clear why this tank was the way it was, what were its real values and weaknesses, and why it had become so important for the Red Army during its struggle with the Wehrmacht in 1941–1945.

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