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The Russian T-34 can justifiably claim the title of greatest tank design ever developed, offering a near-perfect balance of firepower, speed, and mobility. In addition, it could be quickly and cheaply produced (production cost was lowered three times during 1941-1943, and a single T-34 could be built in 40 hours), which gave the Soviets a quantitative advantage over the German armor it faced. Its hull and turret had a near-optimum shape for deflecting enemy shots and its diesel engine and fuel reduced the chance that a hit would set it on fire. Additionally, its Christie-type suspension and wide tracks enabled it to cross rough terrain in mud and snow. The T-34 appeared in nearly every major Eastern Front battle from 1941 on. The rapid rate of production kept the Soviet Union in the fight during the costly engagements (they lost 6,000 tanks at Minsk and Smolensk alone).
Like some other superior weapon designs, the T-34 continued to soldier on in other conflicts around the world. In the 1950s the T-34 was manufactured in numerous Warsaw Pact countries, and in the late 1960s the Soviets re-manufactured it for export use, which accounted for its presence in Viet Nam and Angola. Additionally, T-34s were used in the Middle East during the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1973 October War, where most of the Arab T-34s were of Czechoslovakian manufacture. It is even in use today in many Third World countries. The total T-34 production may exceed 80,000 vehicles, making it one of the world's most prolific armored vehicles.
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