Transverse Universe.

Historical Overview:

During WW2, Soviet attempts to replace the T-34 with more modern designs, such as the T-34M and later, the T-43 ended in failure. Even as the iconic T-34-85 was providing much needed firepower on the frontlines, the desire still remained.

The T-34’s layout, overall design and Christie suspension, was proving to be a limiting factor for any further upgrades, and thus Factory 183’s design bureau, learning from captured Panthers and the failure of the T-43, opted for something different in their new T-44. By mounting the V-2 transversally - an innovative yet not new solution, they freed up space to place the turret centrally, improving stability and weight distribution. The first prototype, T-44 No.1, was ready by January 1944 for trials against the T-34 and Panther, and while mostly successful further refinements were needed before it could be accepted for production and service, as it still had many issues.

CTSFD Feed Post + Source:
CTSFD - The road to the T-54 - T-44 No.1
Tank Archives - A Step in the Right Direction