The T34-85 Upgrade That Could Take On Panthers And Tigers The Soviet T-34-85, introduced in early 1944, was the ultimate evolution of the legendary T-34 series. Reaching a top speed of 33 mph, it featured a massive upgrade: a larger three-man turret housing a powerful 85mm gun. This new armament finally gave Soviet crews the punch needed to penetrate the thick armor of German Panthers and Tigers at combat ranges. Rugged, reliable, and produced in massive numbers, the T-34-85 spearheaded the Red