We are back for another Dev Log, and this week is all about Soviet vehicles.
This week, we"ll be sharing progress on three classic Soviet vehicles. Two work-in-progress T-34 variants, the T-34 with ZiS-4, commonly called T-34-57 with its distinctive hexagonal turret and the well-known T-34-85, and a completed SU-122 assault gun.
T-34 with ZiS-4
The T-34 with ZiS-4, or commonly known as T-34-57, was a rare Soviet tank-hunter variant developed in 1941, mounting a high-velocity 57?mm anti-tank gun in place of the standard 76.2?mm. Designed to counter increasingly well-armoured German tanks, the ZiS-4 offered excellent penetration, capable of piercing 70?mm of armour at 1,000?m. However, only ten were produced due to limited ammunition supply, production constraints, and the Red Army"s focus on mass-producing standard T-34s.
After early combat success near Moscow with the 21st Tank Brigade, the concept was briefly revived in 1943. The updated version featured the improved ZiS-4M gun installed in a Model 1943 T-34 hull with a six-sided "hex" turret. Despite promising performance, the project was dropped in favour of the new 85?mm-armed T-34-85.
In Steel Aces, the T-34-57 appears as a rare, precision-focused medium tank, ideal for flanking manoeuvres, ambushes, and long-range shots. The model is still in development and will be carefully detailed and textured to capture the distinctive look and historical character of this unique variant.
T-34-85
The T-34-85 was introduced in 1944 as a response to new German armour like the Panther and Tiger. Rather than build a new tank, Soviet engineers upgraded the proven T-34 by fitting a powerful 85?mm ZiS-S-53 gun in a new three-man turret. This allowed the commander to focus solely on battlefield awareness, a major leap in combat effectiveness.
Armour was significantly improved, with up to 90?mm on the turret front and better sloped hull protection. Despite the heavier turret, the T-34-85 retained good mobility thanks to its V-2 diesel engine and Christie suspension.
In Steel Aces, the T-34-85 is a versatile medium tank, combining speed, firepower, and survivability in a well-balanced package. Our T-34-85 model is still a work in progress and will be accurately detailed and textured once the core model is complete.
SU-122 Assault Gun
The SU-122 was developed in late 1942 as a self-propelled assault gun based on the T-34 chassis. Its turret was replaced with a fixed casemate mounting a 122?mm M-30S howitzer, designed for supporting infantry and neutralising fortifications. Around 638 were produced before focus shifted to more versatile vehicles like the SU-85.
While not intended as a tank destroyer, its high-explosive shells could damage or disable enemy armour with direct hits. It kept the T-34"s V-2 diesel engine and Christie suspension, achieving speeds up to 45?km/h. With a four-man crew and limited traverse, it relied on careful positioning rather than mobility or rate of fire.
In Steel Aces, the SU-122 serves as a hard-hitting ambusher, trading speed and accuracy for raw firepower. Currently in development, the SU-122 will be finished with accurate textures and detailing once the core model is complete.
What"s Next in Steel Aces?
That wraps up this week"s look at our T-34-57, T-34-85, and SU-122 progress. Keep an eye out next week as we dive into new American armoured vehicles under development.
The Steel Aces Team