Also Known As
85M1 (upgraded variant) T-54A T-54AK T-54B T-54M T-55A T-55AD T-55AGM (upgrade for T-54, T-55, T-59 and T-62 tanks) T-55AM T-55AMD T-55AMV T-55M T-59 Type 59
Description:
T-54 was developed beginning in 1946 as a replacement for Soviet T-34 Main Battle Tank (MBT). It entered service three years later equipped with a 100mm rifled gun as primary armament. Since then, approximately 50,000 T-54/T-55 were produced in Russia and all over the world under license. It was produced in large numbers for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) under Type 59 designation. T-55 is an improved version with a fully tracked chassis. T-54/T-55 were the backbone of the Soviet Army during three decades.
T-54/T-55 main battle tanks saw combat in many conflicts fighting against western MBTs. Overall, T-54/55 performance was deemed below to those of M47, M48 and Centurion. Currently, T-54/55s are obsolete but large numbers of this tank are still in service in many third world countries.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 4
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 100 mm
Dimensions: Length 6.2 m
Weights: Max Weight 40,000 kg (88,183 lb)
Performance: Cross Country Speed 7 mps (14 kt), Main Gun Max Range 2,000 m (6,562 ft), Max Range 600 km (324 nm), Top Speed 14 mps (27 kt)