ST-26

In 1932, members from the Academy of Military Engineering developed a bridge-laying tank modifying the chassis of a T-26 mod.1931 twin turret tank. The two turrets were removed from their original location, one of which was located in the center of the hull. This turret was equipped with the necessary equipment to be able to place on the ground a bridge that allowed save trenches and ditches of up to 6.50 meters. The vehicle was designated as ST-26 and was ready for serial production in 1933. Finally, 65 vehicles entered service from 1934. Later, several different prototypes were made as variants of the ST-26. One of them carried a sliding bridge and other mounted a tipping launch system. Despite the efforts, they proved too much complicated to handle and were not manufactured in series.

ST-26 gallery and more info