T55

The T-55 is a Soviet second‑generation main battle tank developed from the T-54 and introduced into service in the late 1950s. Built by Uralvagonzavod, it was designed to be cheaper to produce and easier to maintain than its predecessor while improving crew protection and NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) survivability. The tank retains a four‑man crew and uses the same 100 mm rifled gun family as the T‑54.

Design and features include a cast turret and welded hull, a diesel engine backup by the V‑55 family, and improved protection and fire control for its era. The T‑55 is lauded for its simple, robust construction and ease of field maintenance, making it highly suitable for mass production and widespread service. Variants and upgrades introduced over the years added improved armor, radios, night vision, and better fire-control systems, while keeping the basic chassis in use.

The T‑55 family encompasses numerous models, including the original T‑55, the T‑55A with enhanced armor and NBC protection, and export or field‑modified versions such as the T‑55M and T‑55MV. Many countries produced or modernized their T‑55 fleets, sometimes combining local radios, optics, or armor packages to meet regional needs.

Operational history and legacy: the T‑55 saw extensive service in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, participating in numerous conflicts from the 1960s onward. It remained in service in various states well into the late 20th century and, in some cases, into the 21st century in limited roles. While largely superseded by more modern tanks, the T‑55’s ubiquity and low operating costs left a lasting impact on armored warfare and export practice.