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The T-22 was an advanced design for a medium tank that was produced by the OKMO bureau at Leningrad, but rejected in favour of the less complex T-28.
In 1931 the T-24 medium tank had entered production, but it soon became clear that it was a flawed design and a new medium tank would be needed. The OKMO bureau at Leningrad, led by N. Barykov, was given the task of designing one. The bureau set up two design teams, one of which was led by the German engineer Grotte. His design was known within the bureau as the TG-1 and by the Army as the T-22.
The T-22 was a slick looking vehicle for the early 1930s, with five large road wheels on each side, a low fuselage and a low, flat turret with a domed cupula on top. It used pneumatic steering and had pneumatic suspension. In 1932 it was reached the prototype stage, with three different versions (it isn’t clear if this involved three prototypes, or one with different turrets). The first was armed with a 37mm gun and four machine guns, the second with a 76.2mm gun and four machine guns, the third with one 76.2mm gun, one 37mm gun and one machine gun. It required a very large crew of 11.
The T-22 was felt to be too complex to enter production, and instead the T-28, a less advanced designed that had been produced by a different team within the OKMO bureau was chosen.
Grotte also suggested a heavier vehicle, the TG-3/ T-29, but that also failed to enter production.
Stats
Production: Prototype
Hull Length: 24ft 6in
Hull Width: 9ft 8in
Height: 9ft 1in
Crew: 11
Weight: 27.5 tons
Engine: 250hp M-5
Max Speed: 21mph (road)
Max Range:
Armament: See text
Armour: 8mm-20mm or 10-50mm