Comparing: T-44-85 vs. Type 5 Chi-Ri

Development started in 1943. The design received an upgrade after the trials of the prototype. A standard T-44A model was built in August 1944 and the trials continued. The T-44A never entered mass-production. However, the next prototype of the vehicle was mass-produced.

A single prototype was manufactured at the beginning of 1945. The vehicle underwent trials and was recommended for service. However, Japan was defeated before mass production could begin. After the surrender, the prototype was confiscated by American occupation authorities and was shipped to the United States.