The T-54/55 is sometimes described as the ‘AK-47 of Tanks’. It is extremely versatile and can be found almost everywhere, including Lincolnshire
’The sides of the tank were almost completely covered by the suspension and running gear’
With their low-profile hemispherical turret and five-wheel running gear, the Soviet T-54/55 series of tanks is perhaps one of the most famous to have ever existed. Along with the American M1 Abrams or German Leopard 1 and 2, the T-54/55 is also one of the most well-known tanks to emerge from the Cold War-era. Second to this, the T-54/55 tank family remains the most highly produced series of tanks in history, with a combined production number of up to 100,000 vehicles (it is not the most produced armoured vehicle, however, that title belongs to the good old Universal ‘Bren’ Carrier). The roots of the T-54/55 can be traced back to 1946, and it remains in service in several countries to this day. But what is the difference between the T-54 and the T-55? To the untrained eye, they appear almost identical. A deeper exploration, however, will reveal some very important differences between the two.
T-54
Before the T-55 is discussed in detail, we must look back to the tank from w…
