"Decree #___
Committee of Defense of the USSR
Moscow, Kremlin
On the transition to T-34 tanks with a torsion bar suspension
Instruct the USSR NKSM (factory #183) to produce two experimental T-34 tanks by April 1st, 1941, with the following changes:
- Replace the spring suspension of the T-34 with an individual torsion bar suspension.
- Install wheels with internal shock absorption.
- Widen the turret ring to 1600 mm, protecting it from jamming and splash.
- The crew must consist of 5 men, 3 in the turret (commander, gunner, loader) and two in the front hull (driver, radio operator).
- The top speed must be 65-70 kph.
- Install a V-5 600 hp engine (modernized V-2-K).
- Other tactical-technical characteristics of the T-34 remain in accordance with KO decree #428 dated November 19th, 1940.
- Perform factory trials by April 1st, 1941. Present the tank to the NKO for trials by May 1st, 1941.Order the NKSM and NKO to present its findings to the KO on the feasibility of producing the improved T-34 tank by July 1st, 1941.Order the NKS (Mariupol Factory) to produce two armoured hulls and turrets according to factory #183 blueprints by February 1st, 1941.
Chair of the Committee of Defense within the Council of Commissars of the USSR, Voroshilov
Secretary of the Committee of Defense within the Council of Commissars of the USSR, M. Pugayev
Approved: January 17th, 1941"