The T-44, being the herald of a new era of Soviet tank design came, naturally, with all the problems and dissatisfactions of a revolutionary tank. As with many vehicles that entered service during wartime, it required improvements from its original design. The T-44 No.2 failed trials at the NIBT Proving Grounds and was shown to have had inadequate armour protection. Factory 183’s design bureau (KB-520), already knew that the design would require improvements, and under Morozov, the improved T-44A was ready in Mid-July of 1944.

This new hull featured thicker armour, with 90mm on the front, 75 on the sides and 15 for the roof. It also did away with the driver’s cabin by simply moving the hull roof to the height of the engine deck, greatly increasing structural integrity and survivability. The driver’s hatch also changed, being heavily inspired by those found on the Panther, albeit much simpler. Other changes included a size reduction of the drive sprocket, the return of T-34 sized wheels, and revised racks that increased ammunition capacity to 58 shells.

Assembly of the T-44A started in July, and was completed in August of 1944, and despite the increased protection, it was still quite relatively light at 30.7 tons. This, with a few alterations and further refinements, would be the version that would enter production and service as the T-44.

Source(s):
Tank Archives - Intermediate Tank
Tank AFV.com - T-44 Medium Tank

Accompanying Build:
CTSFD Community Builds - T-44