T-34-85 medium tank

The T-34-85 was developed from the earlier T-34 armed with a 76.2 mm gun. The new version received an 85 mm gun and a larger turret. Production began in January 1944, as the earlier armament was proving less effective against the armour of new German tanks.

The enlarged turret also changed how the crew worked. It accommodated three men: commander, gunner and loader. The commander could concentrate on observation and directing the vehicle instead of also operating the gun. The other two crew positions, driver and radio operator/machine gunner, were in the hull. The number “85” refers to the calibre of the main armament, not the year of production.

The Jelenia Góra example was probably built around the turn of 1944 and 1945 or in early 1945. Some engine components and combat equipment are missing. It belonged to the first 19 objects assembled at the military remembrance room in Cieplice in the mid-1970s. Its museum history therefore began before the collection moved to Jelenia Góra.