T-54 (1947) - Revision history

U74396666: New Description Project - USSR Priority: T-54 Model 1947

2023-11-19T05:00:36Z

New Description Project - USSR Priority: T-54 Model 1947

U120654901: update reloading rate

2023-08-07T20:04:38Z

update reloading rate

U38088265: /* Machine guns */

2023-03-17T21:24:07Z

‎Machine guns

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-01-29T17:20:40Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U44629479: /* Media */ Removed dead video

2023-01-11T11:46:08Z

‎Media: Removed dead video

U38088265: /* In-game description */ Reformatted

2022-10-20T21:08:15Z

‎In-game description: Reformatted

U9202753: New Specs-Card thumbnail added

2022-10-18T14:25:19Z

New Specs-Card thumbnail added

U44629479: Edits

2022-06-23T13:00:51Z

Edits

U27833391: Typos in Obus de rupture, "R" should not be capitalized and "e" was missing from "ruptur".

2022-06-23T12:42:47Z

Typos in Obus de rupture, "R" should not be capitalized and "e" was missing from "ruptur".

U44629479: Edits

2022-05-15T21:41:44Z

Edits

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. The T-54 mod. 1947 is one of the three T-54 variants in the Soviet tree, and it features the best frontal hull armour of its variants albeit with the weakest turret and gun ammunition. The T-54 is a tank that excels in close-range engagements, where its relatively poor gun performance is less of an issue, and its frontal armour and stopping power can be used to its greatest potential.
+The '''T-54 Model 1947''' is the first variant of the [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54 main battle tank family]]. It was manufactured from 1946 to 1948, featuring a streamlined turret and wide gun mantlet, a new V-54 engine, and a 100 mm D-10T tank gun. Only a small number were built for the trials, which were a complete failure. As a result, production of the T-54 Model 1947 variant was halted until new modifications were implemented, resulting in the [[T-54 (1949)|T-54 Model 1949 variant]]. The overall production journey was long and complex, with nearly 1,490 modifications made from the first variant to the last variant. It is also one of the oldest families of main battle tanks, with a long combat history that is still fielded by several nations today.
-A good throw-back to player's experience is in the gun, which is the same as the one on the [[T-44-100]], though with a better APCR ammunition. The firepower, speed, and armour of the T-54 makes it an amazing tank and can be played in a variety of roles, ranging from a short-range brawler, a support tank, and a sniper. Basically, the tank has a Jack-of-all-Trade characteristic and can be easily exploited to the player's advantage on the battlefield.
+Introduced in [[Update 1.43]], the T-54 Model 1947 has strong overall capabilities. It is one of the earliest ancestors of modern main battle tanks, with reliable armour, a good gun, and decent mobility. However, as high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds are becoming more common, it is still advised to use any available cover. The turret on this tank is strong, but players must be aware of the trap shot in the front. Overall, by using its excellent mobility and playing smart, this tank will prove to be a formidable force on the battlefield.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 |-
 ! ''Arcade''
-| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+17° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 12.4 || 17.1 || 20.8 || 23.0 || 24.5 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
+| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+17° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 12.4 || 17.1 || 20.8 || 23.0 || 24.5 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.5
 |-
 ! ''Realistic''
@@ Line 255: / Line 255: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_54_1947 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 |-
 ! ''Arcade''
-| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+17° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 12.4 || 17.1 || 20.8 || 23.0 || 24.5 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
+| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+17° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 12.4 || 17.1 || 20.8 || 23.0 || 24.5 || rowspan="2" | 11.05 || rowspan="2" | 9.78 || rowspan="2" | 9.01 || rowspan="2" | 8.50
 |-
 ! ''Realistic''
@@ Line 125: / Line 125: @@
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 |-
-| Pintle || 250 (50) || 600 || -10°/+60° || ±180°
+| Pintle || 250 (50) || 600 || -4°/+82° || ±180°
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 134: / Line 134: @@
 ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 |-
-| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+| Coaxial || 3,500 (250) || 600 || - || -
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:D-10T (100 mm)/Ammunition|BR-412, BR-412B, 3D3, BR-412D, BR-412P, OF-412}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 313: / Line 313: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_t_54_1947 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 ;Videos
-{{Youtube-gallery|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:39 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|jnmiilHoaWE|'''Fun while stock? {{PAGENAME}} RB Gameplay''' - ''Virus''|gOJQGSr38Uw|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|jHX54-P-RNk|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Tank Review - How to deal with it!''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
+{{Youtube-gallery|B6ZsuPjSuNo|'''T-54/T-55 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:39 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|jnmiilHoaWE|'''Fun while stock? T-54 (1949) RB Gameplay''' - ''Virus''|jHX54-P-RNk|'''T-54 (1949) - Tank Review - How to deal with it!''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
 == See also ==

@@ Line 293: / Line 293: @@
 The T-54/55 also saw use in the Vietnam War on the North Vietnamese side, equipping the NVA 203rd Armoured Regiment and many other divisions. The T-54/55 also made an appearance in Angola and Mozambique, which were supplied from the Soviets to support the rising Marxist influences in South Africa. These T-54/55s saw use in the South African Border War and Angolan Civil War, but many were lost against the turreted armoured car with HEAT rounds. Many other countries in the world used the T-54/55 as well, whether given by the Soviets and their allies or licensed to produce in-country, up to 50 countries in the world used the T-54/55 in their military, including irregular forces in these countries. Notable conflicts using the T-54/55 was in the Indo-Pakistani War in the Indian Army, in the Ugandan-Tanzanian War, Yugoslav Wars, Sino-Vietnamese War, and the Sri Lankan Civil War. The T-54/55 is still being used today in the modern century, such as the Libyan Civil War in 2011, and the ongoing conflicts of the Syrian Civil War in many sides, including ISIS and the Syrian Army.
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
 The first mass-produced post-war Soviet tank. Developed in 1945-1946 using the hull, transmission and a number of other technical solutions from the T-44.
@@ Line 305: / Line 307: @@
 These vehicles were supplied to Vietnam and took part in suppressing the Hungarian Uprising of 1956 in Budapest.
 == Media ==

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=ussr_t_54_1947
-|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 }}

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 {{main|D-10T (100 mm)}}
-The T-54 has access to the powerful D-10T. As seen in prior vehicles and other vehicles in the tree, the 100 mm is a reliable calibre for all situations with amazing ammunition for all cases. Being at this BR gives the T-54 an advantage and disadvantage when we talk about firepower. It does not get access to HEAT-FS or APDS as seen in the other [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54]] but has access to one of the must underestimated shell the Soviets have access to which is able to kill everything with a well placed shot, the BR412D. Despite not having great penetration which will be sort of required when facing heavily armoured targets like the Tiger II, it is able to decimate every vehicle it sees from all angles due to the explosive power. At this BR and above, the threats that will be seen (specially Europeans) have little to no armour that is able to be penetrated by even the BR412. However, some of the frontal plates of said vehicles are meant to stop the ammunition at certain distances (AMX-30 can stop BR412 at past 500 m).
+The T-54 has access to the powerful D-10T. As seen in prior vehicles and other vehicles in the tree, the 100 mm is a reliable calibre for all situations with amazing ammunition for all cases. Being at this BR gives the T-54 an advantage and disadvantage when we talk about firepower. It does not get access to HEATFS or APDS as seen in the other [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54]] but has access to one of the must underestimated shell the Soviets have access to which is able to kill everything with a well placed shot, the BR412D. Despite not having great penetration which will be sort of required when facing heavily armoured targets like the Tiger II, it is able to decimate every vehicle it sees from all angles due to the explosive power. At this BR and above, the threats that will be seen (specially Europeans) have little to no armour that is able to be penetrated by even the BR412. However, some of the frontal plates of said vehicles are meant to stop the ammunition at certain distances (AMX-30 can stop BR412 at past 500 m).
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 260: / Line 260: @@
 * Flat side armour tend to be penetrated easily and can be overmatched by some guns
 * Hits to the frontal fuel tanks and ammunition can cause an ammo detonation, loss, or a fire
-* Highly vulnerable to HEAT-FS or Sabot shells
+* Highly vulnerable to HEATFS or Sabot shells
 * Low profile makes it possible for tall vehicles to shoot down at less angled armour during a brawl

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
-The armour of the T-54 leaves nothing to expect. It is the strongest frontal plate seen in an early MBT and is able to withstand full calibre solid shots from all nations (Obus de Ruptur for example, the French solid shot seen in most post war designs such as the [[Lorraine 40t]], [[AMX-50 (Family)|AMX-50]], etc). However, the armour is nonexistent for HEAT and ATGM which are the main ammunition used in the BR range. The tank is practically immune to low calibre autocannon fire with exception of APDS rounds to the sides (seen in [[Warrior]] and [[AMX-30 DCA]]).
+The armour of the T-54 leaves nothing to expect. It is the strongest frontal plate seen in an early MBT and is able to withstand full calibre solid shots from all nations (Obus de rupture for example, the French solid shot seen in most post war designs such as the [[Lorraine 40t]], [[AMX-50 (Family)|AMX-50]], etc). However, the armour is nonexistent for HEAT and ATGM which are the main ammunition used in the BR range. The tank is practically immune to low calibre autocannon fire with exception of APDS rounds to the sides (seen in [[Warrior]] and [[AMX-30 DCA]]).
 '''Armour type:'''

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
-The armour of the T-54 leaves nothing to expect. It is the strongest frontal plate seen in an early MBT and is able to withstand full calibre solid shots from all nations (Obus de Ruptur for example, the French solid shot seen in most post war designs such as the [[Lorraine 40t]], [[AMX-50 (Family)|AMX-50]], etc). However, the armour is nonexistent for HEAT and ATGM which are the main ammunition used in 7.7 to 8.7. The tank is practically immune to low calibre autocannon fire with exception of APDS rounds to the sides (seen in [[Warrior]] and [[AMX-30 DCA]]).
+The armour of the T-54 leaves nothing to expect. It is the strongest frontal plate seen in an early MBT and is able to withstand full calibre solid shots from all nations (Obus de Ruptur for example, the French solid shot seen in most post war designs such as the [[Lorraine 40t]], [[AMX-50 (Family)|AMX-50]], etc). However, the armour is nonexistent for HEAT and ATGM which are the main ammunition used in the BR range. The tank is practically immune to low calibre autocannon fire with exception of APDS rounds to the sides (seen in [[Warrior]] and [[AMX-30 DCA]]).
 '''Armour type:'''
@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 | Turret || 200 mm (2-74°) ''Turret front'' <br> 200 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 160 mm (19-46°) ''Lower'' <br> 125 mm (34-42°) ''Upper'' || 50 mm (6-54°) || 30 mm
 |-
-! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+| Cupola || 100 mm || 100 mm || 100 mm || 30 mm
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 57: / Line 55: @@
 {{tankMobility|abMinHp=806|rbMinHp=460}}
-As a relatively heavily armoured tank and part of the Russian doctrine, the mobility of the T-54 leaves much to be desired. Not only is top speed the lacklustre, but turn rate is not great and reverse speed is mediocre. Overall, the mobility is not the best and should not be relied on to be used to play as a fast paced vehicle. However, the power-to-weight ratio on the T-54 is impressive and is able to climb and move through rough territory with ease as well as push and pull tanks.
+As a relatively heavily armoured tank and part of the Soviet doctrine, the mobility of the T-54 leaves much to be desired. Not only is top speed the lacklustre, but turn rate is not great and reverse speed is mediocre. Overall, the mobility is not the best and should not be relied on to be used to play as a fast paced vehicle. However, the power-to-weight ratio on the T-54 is impressive and is able to climb and move through rough territory with ease as well as push and pull tanks.
 === Modifications and economy ===
@@ Line 69: / Line 67: @@
 {{main|D-10T (100 mm)}}
-The T-54 has access to the powerful D-10T. As seen in prior vehicles and other vehicles in the tree, the 100 mm is a reliable calibre for all situations with amazing ammunition for all cases. Being at 7.7 gives the T-54 an advantage and disadvantage when we talk about firepower. It does not get access to HEAT-FS or APDS as seen in the other [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54]] but has access to one of the must underestimated shell the Russians have access to which is able to kill everything with a well placed shot, the BR412D. Despite not having great penetration which will be sort of required when facing heavily armoured targets like the Tiger II, it is able to decimate every vehicle it sees from all angles due to the explosive power. At 7.7 and above, the threats that will be seen (specially Europeans) have little to no armour that is able to be penetrated by even the BR412. However, some of the frontal plates of said vehicles are meant to stop the ammunition at certain distances (AMX-30 can stop BR412 at past 500m).
+The T-54 has access to the powerful D-10T. As seen in prior vehicles and other vehicles in the tree, the 100 mm is a reliable calibre for all situations with amazing ammunition for all cases. Being at this BR gives the T-54 an advantage and disadvantage when we talk about firepower. It does not get access to HEAT-FS or APDS as seen in the other [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54]] but has access to one of the must underestimated shell the Soviets have access to which is able to kill everything with a well placed shot, the BR412D. Despite not having great penetration which will be sort of required when facing heavily armoured targets like the Tiger II, it is able to decimate every vehicle it sees from all angles due to the explosive power. At this BR and above, the threats that will be seen (specially Europeans) have little to no armour that is able to be penetrated by even the BR412. However, some of the frontal plates of said vehicles are meant to stop the ammunition at certain distances (AMX-30 can stop BR412 at past 500 m).
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 203: / Line 201: @@
 === General Playstyle ===
-The T-54 is often described as a Jack-of-All-Trades, similar to late-game MBTs. However, at its current battle rating, its armour still plays an important role, so the title 'Medium Tank' fits better. In Arcade Battles, the T-54 (1947) is a joy to play. It can be compared to a Leopard with armour and, arguably, a better gun, because of improved mobility in Arcade. This iteration of the T-54 doesn't get high-penetration rounds, but BR-412D is usually enough to deal with the vast majority of enemies, especially when flanking is so easy in Arcade. In Realistic Battles, this tank is less mobile, but it is still able to cause a lot of damage when played to its strengths, notably the bouncy turret and the high explosive rounds that one-shot enemies - obviously this hints at an ambush or flanking playstyle.
+The T-54 is often described as a Jack-of-All-Trades, similar to late-game MBTs. However, at its current battle rating, its armour still plays an important role, so the title 'Medium Tank' fits better. In Arcade Battles, the T-54 (1947) is a joy to play. It can be compared to a Leopard with armour and, arguably, a better gun, because of improved mobility in Arcade. This iteration of the T-54 doesn't get high-penetration rounds, but BR-412D is usually enough to deal with the vast majority of enemies, especially when flanking is so easy in Arcade. In Realistic Battles, this tank is less mobile, but it is still able to cause a lot of damage when played to its strengths, notably the bouncy turret and the high explosive rounds that knock enemies out with a single shot - obviously this hints at an ambush or flanking playstyle.
-'''<u>Arcade Battles</u>'''
+'''Arcade Battles'''
 In Arcade Battles, T-54 (1947) is very capable even in an up-tier. You should never rely on attacking enemies upfront, rather by flanking and getting to their sides, which shouldn't be a problem because even when stock this tank is quite fast (upgrades mostly improve mobility, rather than raw speed). Flanking is much easier in city combat because there are paved roads and a lot of covers. Flanking on hilly maps is difficult because the T-54 has very little depression, so be cautious on those maps and use any cover you can find (e.g. rocks, buildings etc).
@@ Line 211: / Line 209: @@
 You should use the speed to push forward and gain capture points, because when at speed, it's harder for opponents to penetrate you, or even hit you. After capturing a point you can choose to move into an ambush position to defend it, or you can choose to traverse the map to another objective or to help a teammate. This choice depends on your playstyle, and whether you're playing for fun or for research points.
-'''''Side-Note:''''' Using your speed to make it harder for enemies to hit you is a strategy that can be used to get into any strategic position, not just objectives.
+Using your speed to make it harder for enemies to hit you is a strategy that can be used to get into any strategic position, not just objectives.
-'''''Important Note:''''' You don't have a stabilizer, so it can be difficult to take fast shots and to shoot on the move. Basically, don't play reactively in this tank, because some tanks (especially the British) can easily outplay you.
+You don't have a stabilizer, so it can be difficult to take fast shots and to shoot on the move. Basically, don't play reactively in this tank, because some tanks (especially the British) can easily outplay you.
 If you find yourself in a stand-off, aim for the enemy's weak spots (turret rings and lower plates are usually penetrable). Remember to wiggle your turret (and even the hull), because it can be quite difficult to penetrate, especially with conventional rounds. If you don't know how to penetrate the enemy, it's best to retreat and either try to flank or run away from that enemy hoping that your team can handle them.
-==== <u>Realistic Battles</u> ====
+'''Realistic Battles'''
 In Realistic Battles, T-54 (1947) behaves much more like a heavy tank. At the range, it's hard for opponents to hit your turret, but it's also hard for you to hit them, due to bullet drop. Overall, you should play by using cover and by getting behind the enemy lines. This can be easily accomplished by pushing up to objectives, and waiting for the enemies to push past you. This way, you will have the advantage, and your armour can help you survive some shots from other enemies or if your prey survives your shot. However, you should adapt to the game situation - if your team stomps the enemy on one objective, it might be better to flank to another objective and help out your team there, instead of pushing for the enemy spawn (attacking enemies head-on from spawn vs. attacking enemies from behind/side).
@@ Line 235: / Line 234: @@
 ** You can also set up ambushes before the objective so that enemies will push past you and you can shoot their sides.
-The American [[M60|M60]], German [[Leopard I|Leopards]] and the British [[Chieftain Mk 3|Chieftain]] are perhaps the biggest worry the T-54 has against medium tanks. These tanks with their [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm guns]] ([[Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)|120 mm]] in the Chieftain's case) can penetrate through the T-54's armour at longer ranges with their APDS and HEATFS rounds. Once heavy tanks are taken into the equation with the [[M103]], [[T-10M]], and [[Conqueror|Conqueror]], suddenly the T-54's armour no longer sounds very sufficient against their heavy-hitting rounds. Be wary of many tanks in the 7.7-8.3 BR range.
+The American [[M60|M60]], German [[Leopard I|Leopards]] and the British [[Chieftain Mk 3|Chieftain]] are perhaps the biggest worry the T-54 has against medium tanks. These tanks with their [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm guns]] ([[Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)|120 mm]] in the Chieftain's case) can penetrate through the T-54's armour at longer ranges with their APDS and HEATFS rounds. Once heavy tanks are taken into the equation with the [[M103]], [[T-10M]], and [[Conqueror|Conqueror]], suddenly the T-54's armour no longer sounds very sufficient against their heavy-hitting rounds. Be wary of many tanks in the BR range.
 === Pros and cons ===
@@ Line 274: / Line 273: @@
 The tank would enter production at Nizhni Tagil in 1947 and Kharkov in 1948. However, the initial production was slow as the serial production models underwent 1,490 different modifications. The first model produced was designated the [[T-54 (1947)|T-54-1]] (Object 137), which had a thicker hull armour than its future model. This production model suffered a quality deficiency, and was cancelled and upgraded into the [[T-54 (1949)|T-54-2]] (Object 137R) in 1949 that featured a new turret and other changes to the hull, transmission, and track design. In 1951, another change was made to the design and was designated the [[T-54 (1951)|T-54-3]] (Object 137Sh). The T-54-3 design featured a new turret design that removed shot traps. New gun sight and the smoke generating system were also installed into the tank. The T-54-3 would become the basis of future T-54 design, with the turret design staying in all of its successors.
-Despite the T-54's great performance in its design, the T-54 did not stop at its base model. The first upgrades done was in 1953 and 1955 when the tank's D-10 gun was given stabilization gear, first with a vertical stabilizer in 1953 before upgrading again with a 2-plane stabilizer in 1955. These tank upgrades renamed the T-54 to T-54A and T-54B for the respective years. While an improvement in the tank's performance, the biggest jump came with the advent of nuclear technology in the Soviet arsenal. When testings show that a T-54 can survive the blast of a 2 - 15 kt nuclear charge at 300 meters (700 m for crew survival), the T-54 was slated for the instalment of a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection system to protect the crew from the weapons of mass destruction. This project was given to the KB-60 design bureau in Kharkov and this was finished in 1956. Along with many other changes to the tank interior, such as a new engine, heating system, fuel tanks, ammo storage, and new guns sights, the tank became the more common T-55 tank, which would replace the T-54 design in production past 1958. The difference in the T-54 and the T-55 other than the mechanical differences in the presence of a dome-shaped ventilator in front of the loaders hatch, it is a T-54 if present as it was removed in order to seal the tank with NBC protection. All in all, the T-54/55 tank series became the most widely produced tank ever, surpassing the T-34 with an estimated 100,000+ built, many due to the export market and licensed manufacturing the Soviets gave to their allies.
+Despite the T-54's great performance in its design, the T-54 did not stop at its base model. The first upgrades done was in 1953 and 1955 when the tank's D-10 gun was given stabilization gear, first with a vertical stabilizer in 1953 before upgrading again with a 2-plane stabilizer in 1955. These tank upgrades renamed the T-54 to T-54A and T-54B for the respective years. While an improvement in the tank's performance, the biggest jump came with the advent of nuclear technology in the Soviet arsenal. When testings show that a T-54 can survive the blast of a 2 - 15 kt nuclear charge at 300 m (700 m for crew survival), the T-54 was slated for the instalment of a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) protection system to protect the crew from the weapons of mass destruction. This project was given to the KB-60 design bureau in Kharkov and this was finished in 1956. Along with many other changes to the tank interior, such as a new engine, heating system, fuel tanks, ammo storage, and new guns sights, the tank became the more common T-55 tank, which would replace the T-54 design in production past 1958. The difference in the T-54 and the T-55 other than the mechanical differences in the presence of a dome-shaped ventilator in front of the loaders hatch, it is a T-54 if present as it was removed in order to seal the tank with NBC protection. All in all, the T-54/55 tank series became the most widely produced tank ever, surpassing the T-34 with an estimated 100,000+ built, many due to the export market and licensed manufacturing the Soviets gave to their allies.
 ===Design===
@@ Line 330: / Line 329: @@
 * [[wt:en/devblog/current/622|[Devblog] T-54 (1947)]]
 {{USSR medium tanks}}