The T-35 was the first Soviet heavy tank in World War II. It was produced because the Red Army wanted a vehicle that could break through heavily fortified defences. The T-35 was the only five-turreted heavy tank in the world to reach production.
General Characteristics
Specifications
Length9.7 m
Width3.2 m
Height3.4 m
Weight45 tonnes
Speed30 km/h (road)
Range150 km
Primary Armament76.2 mm gun
Secondary2 × 45 mm guns, 5–6 × 7.62 mm MGs
Production History
The T-35 was produced at the Kharkov Locomotive Factory from 1933 to 1939, with only 61 units built. The tank was expensive and complex, and proved mechanically unreliable in service.
Combat History
Most T-35s were lost in the opening weeks of Operation Barbarossa in June 1941, primarily due to mechanical breakdowns rather than enemy action. The tank's complex multi-turret design proved impractical in modern warfare, and the type was quickly superseded by the KV-1 heavy tank.