Comparing: Type 58 vs. A-43

The U.S.S.R. exported a total of 1,800 T-34-76 and T-34-85 tanks to China. In 1954 the Chinese government made the decision to begin domestic production of the T-34-85 in 1958, with the new vehicle designated the Type 58. However, production was never initiated, and the Chinese army settled for modifications to the Soviet-made T-34s.

Developed at Factory No. 183 in 1941 under the designation A-43. The vehicle was to replace the T-34. The A-43 was conceived to feature a torsion bar suspension, a V-5 engine, a new transmission, a commander’s cupola, and front armor enhanced to 60 mm.