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 (KB-520), learning from captured Panthers and the failure of the T-43, opted for something different in their new T-44. KB-520 wanted a centrally mounted turret, but couldn’t do so without either lengthening the hull - increasing weight, or shortening the engine compartment. In the end, they chose the latter, mounting the V-2 Engine transversally, which, though it required much more complex linkages to work with the gearbox, would turn out to be the correct decision.

As the hull was so low, the driver had to be placed in a special cabin, and a bulge was made so that the engine could actually fit in it, however it was still lighter than both it’s competitors.

The first prototype, T-44 No.1, was ready by January 1944 for trials against the T-34, and while proving to be superior to the T-34 in practically every conceivable way, further refinements were needed before it could be accepted for production and service, as it still had many issues mechanically, ergonomically and even in terms of protection.

Source(s):
Tank Archives - A step in the right direction

Accompanying Build:
CTSFD - T-44 No.1 (actually a T-44 No.2 to be honest)