Comparing: T-34-1 vs. T-44-122

In 1954 the Chinese government considered the possibility of launching production of the T-34-85 in China. At the same time, Chinese engineers proposed an alternative project: the T-34-1. While based on the T-34-85, the T-34-1's transmission compartment and suspension were to be rearranged, reducing overall weight and giving a lower hull. In 1954, several designs of the vehicle, with varying turrets and armament, were developed. However, a prototype was never built.

Development of the vehicle started in 1943. The prototype was built by the end of the year and underwent trials in January 1944. In February 1944, the tank was re-equipped with a 122-mm gun and sent again for trials. Compared to the production vehicle, the 1943 prototype featured a different hull shape, turret, engine, and armor layout.