T-34 III

The T-44, produced in small numbers from 1944, was the direct evolution of the T-34 chassis: a lower, more compact hull, a transversely mounted engine, and torsion-bar suspension made it more agile and harder to hit without sacrificing firepower. It reached the front too late to play a role in the war, but formed the technical foundation of the postwar generation of Soviet tanks. In the game the T-44 is the strongest stage of the T-34 line: more hit points and penetration at nearly unchanged speed — the natural choice once it becomes available.