SBM-44 [🇺🇳 United Nation, MT-8]
A conceptual project (a special combat vehicle based on the T-44 tank, hence the designation SBM-44), dating back to the early 1950s. It was intended to support the industry of Czechoslovakia and allow the Warsaw Pact bloc to evaluate the concept of a tank close to the medium class in terms of weight and protection, but armed with powerful autocannons.
The T-44 tank, which had been withdrawn from service in the USSR, was well suited for experimental work as a chassis. The SBM-44 was designed around two weapon systems from the start: the Czechoslovak 30 mm Vz.53 gun and the Soviet 37 mm N-37D aircraft cannon. The draft design was considered quite successful, but its production in metal was abandoned due to the decision to develop a more advanced vehicle within the same concept.
