The T-55 medium tank is a further development of the T-54B. It has some improvements over its predecessor that are hard to notice externally, but these improvements made the tank more efficient and lethal. The T-55 was officially accepted to service with the Soviet Army in 1958. Its production commenced during the same year. This tank was license-produced in China, Czechoslovakia and Poland. It is estimated that around 70 000 T-54 and T-55 tanks were produced in the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia and Poland. This figure does not include tanks produced in China. Since its introduction the T-55 has seen combat in more than 20 wars. Despite its age this medium tank is still used by about 50 countries around the world.
Both the T-54 and T-55 were heavily influenced by the Soviet experience gained during the WW2. The T-55 was the first Soviet tank, fitted with an efficient NBC protection system. At the time it was the only tank in the world, capable of fighting after a nearby nuclear explosion.
This tank has a weldes steel armor hull and a cast turret. Front of the hull has a 60° inclination angle. This tank is also fitted with automatic fire suppression system, that was a novelty at that time. The T-55 can launch its smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into exhaust.
The T-55 is fitted with a fully-stabilized 100-mm gun. It can fire accurately on the move. At a speed of 12 km/h the tank has a first round hit probability of about 60%. A total of 43 rounds are carried. The previous T-54 carries only 34 rounds.
On initial production tanks the roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun of the T-54 was removed, because it was ineffective against jet aircraft. In the late 1950s combat helicopters were still under development. The 12.7-mm machine gun was fitted back only in 1970.
This tank is operated by a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
This tank is powered by a V-55 diesel engine, developing 520 hp. It replaced the less powerful and unreliable V-45 engine of the T-54. Maximum road speed is about 50 km/h. Cross-country speed is about 25 km/h. Maximum range on fuel, including external tanks, is up to 530 km. The T-55 can be fitted with a deep wading kit and ford water obstacles up to 5 m deep.
Since its introduction the T-55 was constantly upgraded. Various countries offer a number of upgrade programmes for this ageing tank. However even updated T-55 tanks are no match for modern MBTs.
Hope you enjoy!
--------------Please Like, Share and Subscribe!------------------
Like T-Shirts? - [ Ссылка ]
Wish to donate to support my channel? - Paypal link: paypal.me/Matsimus
Come chat with me! Get Discord Free! Here is my server: [ Ссылка ]
Add me on Steam: Matsimus
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: @MatsimusGaming
Please help support my Patreon: [ Ссылка ]
Matsimus Gaming
T-54 / T-55 Main Battle Tank
T-54 / T-55 Main Battle Tank - Overview
Теги
T-55T-55 medium tankT-54 MBTT-55 T-54T-54 tankT-55 tankrussian T-55Russian t-54russian tankT-55AM-1T-55AT-55M-1Soviet ArmyMedium tankT-55 Main battle tankrussian main battle tankSoviet main battle tanksT-54/55 seriesSoviet T-34100 mm D-10T tank gun100 mm gunT-54BT-55 upgrades12.7 mm DShKUSSRSoviet UnionT-54 Main battle tankM60 Tankmatsimus gamingmatsimusT-55 tanks