T-35

The T-35 was the first Soviet heavy tank[?]. It was produced because the Red Army wanted a vehicle that could break through heavy fortified defences.

Production History

The first prototype was produced in 1932 and it had one main turret with a 76.2 mm gun and four smaller turrets taken from the BT-2. Two with 37 mm guns and two with machineguns. Production models had turrets similar to the ones on the BT-5. These were equipped with 45 mm guns. Some models had flamethrowers intead of one of the 45 mm guns. One T-35 tank cost 525,000 rubles which is nine times more than a BT light tank. Only 61 were built.

Variants

• T-35-1 - Prototype
• T-35-2 - Prototype
• T-35A - Production model.
• T-35B - New engine. Only prototype produced.
• SU-7 - Prototypes with a 254 mm cannon, 305 mm howitzer and 400 mm mortar. Weighted over 106 tons.

Combat History

The T-35 first was action against Finland in the Winter War. The 5th Heavy Tank Brigade with 62 T-35s fought against the Germans during Operation Barbarossa.

See also: List of tanks, List of Soviet tanks.