 The T-43 was generally similar to the T-34, but had a new armour layout and turret design, a space-efficient torsion beam suspension instead of the T-34's Christie type, and a new five-speed gearbox.It also featured a three-man turret with commander's cupola for all-round vision, a major improvement on the T-34's two-man turret in which the tank commander was constantly distracted with reloading the main gun.Compared to the T-34 Model 1943 with hexagonal turret, the T-43's turret armour was increased from 70 mm to 90 mm, hull from 47 mm front and 60 mm sides to 75 mm.