T-44

[Brian]

While I've always believed the T-44 never saw service during WWII, basically arriving, like the JS-III, too late to see action, the Red Steel website claims otherwise:

During 1944 a new tank design based upon the T-34/85 appeared, designated T-44. It was originally planned to produce a T-34/100 but the inadequate size of the T-34/85's turret made it impossible. Due to the pressure laid down on the tank designers no time was given for trials and testing the vehicle good enough, and the design was doomed from the beginning. Even though the design itself was revolutionary with a low height, heavy armament, thick armour plates and the new transversial transmission, early machines proved to be unreliable due to its short testing times. The T-44 was a 35 ton medium tank beeing armed with the same 85mm L/53 gun used on the T-34/85 and SU-85. Production began in August 1944 at the rebuilt Zavod #75 in Kharkov, and 25 T-44s were built in late 1944, and a further 880 was built in 1945. It saw limited service in Germany, but major production orders were not given until 1946 when three factories were assigned to produce the T-44. The T-44 is one of the few vehicles used exclusively by the Red Army, but the T-44s combat record is largely uncovered. However it took part both in Germany in 1945 and the Hungarian uprising in 1956. They remained in the Red Army serving as training vehicles for recruits until 1963. The T-44 led to the massproduced T-54/55 family.

Does anybody else have any information on the possible use of the T-44?

[Mace]

Acording to Concord's 'Soviet tanks in combat 1941-45' (no 7011 - Zaloga, Kinnear, Aksenov & Koshchavtsev)

The first three tank units were formed on the T-44 on 15 September 1944, the 6th Guards, 33rd Guards, and 63rd Guards tank brigades. However, units were organized to train troops on the new tanks. Due to prolonged teething problems with the tank as well as a desire to keep the new design secret, no T-44s were used in combat in 1945.

Mace

[Caesar]

Does anyone know if it is in CMBB.

[karch]

If the previous statement is correct, then no. If the first post is correct, then possibly.

BF has mentioned numerous times that no ahistorical vehicles will be used. That also goes for vehicles that did exist but were not used or available during certain dates. I'm pretty sure the Elephant will be one of these. Not available at the beginning of the war. Available in 43 for Kursk, then withdrawn and not available because of refitting and use in Italy. Or something like.that.

The general rule of thumb seems to be..

If the tank wasn't used during the war, it won't be in the game.

If it was in the war, but not used in units during the time your battle takes place, it can't be used.

If it can't be modled by the engine (T35) it won't be in the game at all.

The only other reason it might not make it into the game is because of lack of time to model and code the vehicle.

So even though many tanks will be in the game, they won't all be available at the same time for one game.