Ground Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>T55>HG3301

General Background

After WWII Russia began mass production of their T-54/55 tanks. It carried an impressive 100mm main gun on a low silhouette with a turret designed for maximum protection. It also has a very distinctive space between the first and second road wheels. The T-55A version has anti-radiation capabilities plus a few minor improvements. Production also took place in Czechoslovakia, Poland and China (model T-59) with approximately 95,000 tanks of all variants being produced. The T-55 has been used in over 40 countries and after almost 50 years many are still in use.

The Tank

This rapid build up of new tanks started the USA to worry about a battle in Europe fighting thousands of Soviet tanks just like this T-55A. This concern sparked a fierce tank development race between the two countries and in the U.S. the development of the Attack Helicopter became a priority. The T-55 was sold to over 40 countries and came in numerous variants. All total there were approximately 95,000 tanks produced in all variants making this the most produced tank series in history.

Specifications :

Weight:	36.6 tons
Ground pressure:	0.89 kg/cm sq.
Power/weight:	14 hp/tonne
Length:	9.0 m with gun / 6.45 m without gun
Width:	3.60 m
Height:	2.32 m
Fording depth unprepared:	1.4 m – with snorkel 5.5 m
Powerplant:	Model V-55 diesel, 520 (390 kW), 12cylinder, 38.88 liter water cooled
Operational range:	400/500 km – with drop tanks 600 km
Maximum road speed:	50 km/h
Maximum off-road speed:	35 km/h
Average cross-country speed:	25 km/h
Armour:	170/203 mm
Gun:	100 mm rifled gun, D-10T2S
Auxiliary armament:	7.62 mm (7.62 X 54R)
	Machine Gun SGM-T/PKT
Mount armament:	12.7 mm (12.7 X 108R) AA MG DShKM