In 1946 work on the T44 began, designers were influenced by a combination of several German weapons: the much feared MG42 multi-purpose machine gun and the FG-42 - a rifle developed for the German paratroop corps.

The T-44 was a medium tank developed and produced near the end of World War II by the Soviet Union. It was the successor to the T-34, offering an improved ride and cross-country performance, along with much greater armor. Designed to be equipped with an 85 mm main gun, by the time it was fully tested the T-34 had also moved to this weapon.

Today, we have an original manual on the T52E3 prototype of the M60 machine gun. It was written in February 1952, and does an excellent job detailing all the components and subassemblies of the gun, with descriptions and photos.

The .30-06 T44 experimental machine gun, which combined design of FG 42 rifle and feed system of MG 42 machine gun. The T44 served as a first step in development of M60 machine gun. M60 machine gun on integral bipod (note how gas cylinder is safe-wired to protect it from self-disassemblying).

Apr 1, 2002 · Bridge Tool and Die Works of Philadelphia was given the contract to produce the new weapon, designated the T44. A standard late model FG 42 was modified to accept the belt feed mechanism from the MG 42 on the left side of the weapon.

Sep 24, 2020 · The design that showed the most promise had evolved from the Bridge Tool & Die Co. T44, an experimental design from 1946 that combined a German FG42 rifle with an MG42 machine gun’s feed system.

Nov 29, 2018 · The T-44 was a 1946 made U.S. experimental machine gun chambered in 8mm Mauser, it looks like a belt fed FG 42, which is exactly what it is. Eventually the M60 would be the final evolution of this design. Another picture with the fed tray closed.

Aug 6, 2024 · The T44 itself never went beyond the prototype stage. But the basic bolt and operating rod mechanism of the FG 42 and the belt feed system of the MG 42 were incorporated into a new design. Initiated in April 1947, the new weapon was designated the T52.

It was designed with greater armor, a three-man hexagonal turret (similar to the T-34/85), modern torsion bar suspension and road wheels that featured internal shock absorption, which would improve its off-road capabilities. The regular T-34 used Christie suspension that had now become outdated and had a tendency to give a very uncomfortable ride.

Mar 16, 2015 · Powered by a 512-hp engine, the T-44 was the first tank to mount its engine transversely. Crewed by only four men (instead of five as in the T-34), it dispensed with the hull gunner and utilized that space for additional ammunition storage. Initially the T-44 mounted the 85mm gun of the T-34, but later this was replaced with a 100mm gun.