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