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T A N K
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6 6 5 5 1 1 Home Page Home Page T-26 Model 1931 In the late 1920s the Soviet Union began a major expansion of its armoured forces, and in 1929 they purchased a number of Vickers E (6 ton) light tank. These were thoroughly trialled against two home grown designs (the TMM-1 and TMM-2) in 1930, the British design proving to be far superior and was selected for production. An agreement with Vickers was then reached to build the tank under licence which the Soviets designated the T-26. They were first seen in public during late 1931and became the main light tank for the Soviet Army during the 1930s. They were notable for the diversity of weapons S P E C I F I C A T I O N : (T26 Model 1933) Weight: 9.6 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 3 ins, Width 8 ft, Height 7 ft 4 ins Powerplant: 1 x 90 hp GAZ petrol engine Performance: Max speed 18 mph, Max range 124 miles Armament: 1 x 45 mm gun, 1 x 7.62 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 15 mm Crew: 3 installed in them and the initial use of twin turrets, these being positioned side-by-side with the support tanks being armed with a 7.62 mm machine guns in each turret, the commander’s version having a 37 mm gun replacing the machine gun in the right turret. In 1933 a new version appeared with a single purpose designed turret which was armed with a 37 mm gun, but was capable of having the larger 45 mm Model 1932 gun which became the standard weapon for the T-26. This was the T-26 Model 1933 and became the most numerous production model of the type with over 5,000 being built. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 12,600+ all Mks T A N K T-26 Model 1933 In the late 1920s the Soviet Union began a major expansion of its armoured forces, and in 1929 they purchased a number of Vickers E (6 ton) light tank. These were thoroughly trialled against two home grown designs (the TMM-1 and TMM-2) in 1930, the British design proving to be far superior and was selected for production. An agreement with Vickers was then reached to build the tank under licence which the Soviets designated the T-26. They were first seen in public during late 1931and became the main light tank for the Soviet Army during the 1930s. They were notable for the diversity of weapons S P E C I F I C A T I O N : (T26 Model 1933) Weight: 9.6 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 3 ins, Width 8 ft, Height 7 ft 4 ins Powerplant: 1 x 90 hp GAZ petrol engine Performance: Max speed 18 mph, Max range 124 miles Armament: 1 x 45 mm gun, 1 x 7.62 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 15 mm Crew: 3 installed in them and the initial use of twin turrets, these being positioned side-by-side with the support tanks being armed with a 7.62 mm machine guns in each turret, the commander’s version having a 37 mm gun replacing the machine gun in the right turret. In 1933 a new version appeared with a single purpose designed turret which was armed with a 37 mm gun, but was capable of having the larger 45 mm Model 1932 gun which became the standard weapon for the T-26. This was the T-26 Model 1933 and became the most numerous production model of the type with over 5,000 being built. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 12,600+ all Mks T A N K T-26S Model 1937 The T-26 was first used in action during the border clashes with Japanese forces in Manchuria during 1934 and 1935. Here they were not universally liked, having thin armour and being under powered. Another handicap was that the armour was fitted by riveting, and during the fighting it was found that machine-gun fire hitting the tank could split rivets, sending the inner part flying around inside with potentially deadly results. After this experience welding became the standard practice of attaching armour to all Soviet tank designs. Modest modifications were also made to the engine but the tank itself was always under- S P E C I F I C A T I O N : (T26S) Weight: 10.3 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 9 ins, Width 7 ft 10 ins, Height 7 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x 97 hp GAZ petrol engine Performance: Max speed 18 mph, Max range 124 miles Armament: 1 x 45 mm gun, 2 x 7.62 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 25 mm Crew: 3 powered. In an attempt to extend the service life of the T-26 a new version emerged in 1937 with a redesigned turret and improved armour, this being designated the T-26S. The first major test for the T-26 was the Spanish Civil War, where they performed well against the light tanks of the Nationalists. Further clashes against Japanese forces in Manchuria occurred in 1938-39 where they were also used to good effect. During the Winter War against the Finns in 1939-40 The T-26 suffered badly at the hands of determined defenders, but in 1941 they were still the most numerous tank in the Soviet Army. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 12,600+ all Mks T A N K T A N K Christie T3 Combat Car In 1928 Christie produced the M1928 as a demonstration vehicle for his new suspension system. This consisted of four large road wheels on each side, each carried on a pivoting arm that was supported by a large coil spring. The vehicle had an impressive performance and could reach speeds of 40 mph on tracks. The tracks could be removed, and when running on road wheels alone the vehicle could reach 70 mph on metalled roads. The U.S. Army decided to order a tank from Christie based on the M1928, being armed with a 37 mm gun in a fully traversing turret. The first of seven was delivered in early 1931 S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 11.5 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft, Width 7 ft 4 ins, Height 7 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x 338 hp Liberty engine Performance: Maximum speed 40 mph, Range 150 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 2 x 0.3 inch machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 12 mm Crew: 2 for trials, these being known as the Convertible Tank T3 by the infantry, and the Combat Car T1 by the cavalry. The T3 came to the attention of a Soviet purchasing commission while they were in America, who approached Christie and managed to obtain the plans, specifications and two prototypes. To get round the strict export regulations of the U.S.A. the prototypes were broken down and describes as agricultual tractors, and they found their way to the Soviet Union where they would be the direct ancestor of th BT and T-34 series tanks, while no further interest in the T3 came from the U.S. military. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 10+ BT-1 Fast Tank The Soviets were impressed by Christie’s design and began to build a simplified copy at the Komintem Factory in Kharkov in 1931. Designated the BT-1 (Bystrochodya Tank (fast tank)), they kept the ability to run on both tracks or wheels and powered the tank with a copy of the original Liberty V-12 aero-engine, which gave the tank the extraordinary performance of 70 mph on wheels and 40 mph on tracks over good surfaces. The BT-1 used the Christie suspension system of four large road wheels which were fitted on pivoting lever arms sprung by large coil springs, these wheels being in touch with the tracks both top S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.2 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 4 ins, Width 7 ft 4 ins, Height 7 ft 3 ins Powerplant: 1 x 400 hp KhPZ M5 petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 40 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 0.3 inch machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 12 mm Crew: 3 and bottom which removed the need for return rollers. This system could absorb large movements which allowed the tank to easily take the stress of travelling over rough terrain at speed and gave the tank a superb cross-country performance. The BT-1 had a crew of three and was armed with two machine guns in a small round turret, while maximum armour protection was a modest 13 mm. Only a small number of the BT-1 were produced as trials vehicles, but the design was soon modified to mount a 37 mm gun with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun in the turret which became BT-2. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 15 T A N K BT-2 Fast Tank The Soviets were impressed by Christie’s design and began to build a simplified copy at the Komintem Factory in Kharkov in 1931. Designated the BT-1 (Bystrochodya Tank (fast tank)), they kept the ability to run on both tracks or wheels and powered the tank with a copy of the original Liberty V-12 aero-engine, which gave the tank the extraordinary performance of 70 mph on wheels and 40 mph on tracks over good surfaces. The BT-1 used the Christie suspension system of four large road wheels which were fitted on pivoting lever arms sprung by large coil springs, these wheels being in touch with the tracks both top S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.2 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 4 ins, Width 7 ft 4 ins, Height 7 ft 3 ins Powerplant: 1 x 400 hp KhPZ M5 petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 40 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 1 x 0.3 inch machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 12 mm Crew: 3 and bottom which removed the need for return rollers. This system could absorb large movements which allowed the tank to easily take the stress of travelling over rough terrain at speed and gave the tank a superb cross-country performance. The BT-1 had a crew of three and was armed with two machine guns in a small round turret, while maximum armour protection was a modest 13 mm. Only a small number of the BT-1 were produced as trials vehicles, but the design was soon modified to mount a 37 mm gun with a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun in the turret which became BT-2. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 650 T A N K BT-5 Fast Tank The BT-2 was a considerable leap forward in Soviet tank design, but in service proved to be unreliable and inadequately armed. Development of the design continued which resulted in the BT-3 and BT-4, these being prototype machines only to overcome the mechanical reliability and armament of the BT-2. The next version to be put into production was the BT-5 at the end of 1932 and incorporated all the lessons learned so far in the programme. The BT-5 was fitted with a larger turret that was armed with a 45 mm gun and coaxial machine gun, the same turret used for the T-26B. The BT-5 was powered by the Soviet S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.2 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 4 ins, Width 7 ft 4 ins, Height 7 ft 3 ins Powerplant: 1 x 400 hp KhPZ M5 petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 40 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 45 mm gun, 1 x 0.3 inch machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 3 12 cylinder M-5 petrol aero-engine and a strenghened version of the Christie suspension system was introduced, while the tank itself retained the ability to run on both tracks and wheels, although this was rarely used in practice. About 50 BT-5s were to see combat with the Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War where they proved far superior to the German and Italian tanks fighting on the side of the Nationalists. They were also used against Japanese forces during several skirmishes along the Manchurian-Chinese border where they outclassed anything the Japanese possessed. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 1,884 T A N K BT-7 Fast Tank Experience in action had showed the vulnerability of riveted tank construction, and the decision was taken to produce the BT tank with welded armour. This became the BT-7 which was also fitted with a new conical turret, while armour protection was increased to a maximum of 22 mm. More fuel and ammunition was carried and a machine gun added in the turret rear. The weight of the tank had now risen to 13.7 tons, so a new 500 hp petrol engine was installed along with a stronger transmission system. The new tank had a cross-country speed of 31 mph and a maximum range of 265 miles. S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 13.7 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 7 ins, Width 7 ft 6 ins, Height 7 ft 11 ins Powerplant: 1 x 500 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 53 mph, Range 155 miles Armament: 1 x 45 mm gun, 2 x 7.62 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 22 mm Crew: 3 Other versions of the BT-7 included the BT-7U command tank fitted with radio equipment and the BT-7A which was armed with a 76.2 mm howitzer in a larger turret. This version had additional bracing because of the heavier gun and an escape hatch underneath the tank for the crew. Around 150 were produced to provide close support for the cavalry tanks. About 5,500 BT-7s were built, and in 1939 they were the major Soviet tank along with many B-T5s that were still in service. Both types were used during the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland in Septmber 1939 and the 1939/40 Winter War against the Finns. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 5,500 T A N K BT-7A Support Tank Experience in action had showed the vulnerability of riveted tank construction, and the decision was taken to produce the BT tank with welded armour. This became the BT-7 which was also fitted with a new conical turret, while armour protection was increased to a maximum of 22 mm. More fuel and ammunition was carried and a machine gun added in the turret rear. The weight of the tank had now risen to 13.7 tons, so a new 500 hp petrol engine was installed along with a stronger transmission system. The new tank had a cross-country speed of 31 mph and a maximum range of 265 miles. S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 14.5 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 7 ins, Width 7 ft 6 ins, Height 7 ft 11 ins Powerplant: 1 x 500 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 53 mph, Range 155 miles Armament: 1 x 76.2 mm gun, 1 x 7.62 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 22 mm Crew: 3 Other versions of the BT-7 included the BT-7U command tank fitted with radio equipment and the BT-7A which was armed with a 76.2 mm howitzer in a larger turret. This version had additional bracing because of the heavier gun and an escape hatch underneath the tank for the crew. Around 150 were produced to provide close support for the cavalry tanks. About 5,500 BT-7s were built, and in 1939 they were the major Soviet tank along with many B-T5s that were still in service. Both types were used during the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland in Septmber 1939 and the 1939/40 Winter War against the Finns. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 5,500 T A N K T A N K Panzer I Ausf A The Panzer I was originally designed as a light training tank and to give German industry experience in producing tanks while development work on the real combat tanks was underway. They were the first German tanks to be mass production, and in total 1,190 Panze I Ausf A were built along with 25 command tanks before production was halted in 1936 in favour of a revised design which became the Panzer I Ausf B. In 1936 several were sent to Spain where they were used in action during Spanish Civil War (1936-38), with about 100 Ausf A and Ausf Bs being used by the Condor Legion alongside General S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 5.4 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 2 ins, Width 6 ft 8 ins, Height 5 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x Krupp M 305 59 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 40 mph, Range 185 miles Armament: 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 2 Franco’s Nationalists. In action the Panzer I was always under armoured, the thin armour offered only token protection against small arms fire, while the main armament of two 7.92 mm machine guns were no match for anything other than soft targets. During the conflict several were up-gunned with an Italian 20mm Breda lanti-aircraft gun mounted in a modified turret, but these were unpopular with their crews. By 1939 the Panzer I was obsolete but available in large numbers, and for the want of anything better were used in large numbers during the invasions of Poland and France. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 1,215 T A N K Panzer I Ausf A The Panzer I was originally designed as a light training tank and to give German industry experience in producing tanks while development work on the real combat tanks was underway. They were the first German tanks to be mass production, and in total 1,190 Panze I Ausf A were built along with 25 command tanks before production was halted in 1936 in favour of a revised design which became the Panzer I Ausf B. In 1936 several were sent to Spain where they were used in action during Spanish Civil War (1936-38), with about 100 Ausf A and Ausf Bs being used by the Condor Legion alongside General S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 5.4 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 2 ins, Width 6 ft 8 ins, Height 5 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x Krupp M 305 59 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 40 mph, Range 185 miles Armament: 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 2 Franco’s Nationalists. In action the Panzer I was always under armoured, the thin armour offered only token protection against small arms fire, while the main armament of two 7.92 mm machine guns were no match for anything other than soft targets. During the conflict several were up-gunned with an Italian 20mm Breda lanti-aircraft gun mounted in a modified turret, but these were unpopular with their crews. By 1939 the Panzer I was obsolete but available in large numbers, and for the want of anything better were used in large numbers during the invasions of Poland and France. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 1,215 T A N K Flammenwerfer auf Panzer I Ausf A In 1941 the Panzer I Ausf A was still in active service and many were sent to North Africa with the Afrika Korps where they were mainly used as a reconnaissance vehicle. During the siege of Tobruk several were temporarily modified into a flamethower tank which were known as the Flammenwerfer auf Panzer-kampfwagen I Ausf A. These were fitted with a portable flame-thrower that had a range of up to 80 ft (25 metres). These replaced the right hand machine gun, while enough fuel was carried for about 10 seconds of firing. By the end of 1941 the Panzer I Ausf A had been withdrawn from service and S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 5.4 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 2 ins, Width 6 ft 8 ins, Height 5 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x Krupp M 305 59 hp petrol engine Performance: Max speed 40 mph, Max range 185 miles Armament: 1 x 7.92 mm machine guns, 1 x flamethrower Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 2 converted for other uses. One of the many conversions carried out was the Panzer I Munitions-schlepper (ammunition tractor). These had the turret removed and the aperture fitted with a two piece armoured cover plate, ammunition being carried inside the vehicle. These served with regular Panzer formations during the Polish and French campaigns, while later an armoured box was fitted on top of the vehicle which allowed for easier and quicker transfer of shells, while later examples were produced by converting several Ausf B vehicles which served in North Africa and Russia. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 1,215 Vickers Medium Mk III In 1926 the British War Office issued a specification for a replacement for the Vickers Mk II medium tank for the British army. The initial design from Vickers was the A6 (nicknamed the ‘16 tonner’) which appeared in 1928, but during trials major problems, primarily with the suspension, became evident. The failure of the A6 led to a new order being placed in 1928 for a new design. With the revised design complete, construction of two prototypes commenced in 1930, the design itself not being given a General Staff number, but was simply known as the Vickers Medium Mk III. The revised design was similar in layout S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 16 tons Dimensions: Length 21 ft 6 ins, Width 8 ft 9 ins, Height 9 ft 2 ins Powerplant: 1 x 180 hp Armstrong-Siddeley petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 30 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 3 pounder gun, 3 x 0.303 inch machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 14 mm Crew: 7 to the A6, but featured a new turret and improved armour. The vehicle was powered by the same 180 hp Armstrong-Siddeley V8 engine used for the A6, but this time the top speed was raised to 30 mph. Three prototypes were built, the first two being ready for trials in 1933. The revised tank proved to be reliable and a good gun platform, but suspension problems over rough ground still remained. As the third prototype was still under construction the opportunity was taken to install a modified system, although the problems were never fully resolved and no orders for the tank were forthcoming. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 3 T A N K A7 Medium Tank The A7 was developed in parallel with the Vickers A6 and Medium Mk III, as part of a new generation of tanks to equip the Royal Tank Corps in the future. The A7 was designed by the military, and had a flat topped hull with a rectangular turret with sloped sides. The main armament was the Vickers 3 pounder gun with a co-axial Vickers machine gun mounted in an armoured jacket. A similar machine gun was also fitted in the front of the hull instead of the two auxiliary machine gun turrets. After the design had been approved authority was given to construct two prototypes which were both built at the S P E C I F I C A T I O N : (A7E3) Vehicle Weight: 18.2 tons Dimensions: Length 22 ft 6 ins, Width 8 ft 11½ ins, Height 9 ft 1 ins Powerplant: 2 x 252 hp A.E.C. diesel engines Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 3 pounder gun, 2 x 0.303 inch machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 14 mm Crew: 5 Royal Ordnance Factory at Woolwich in 1931. Although the design was good, trials carried out during 1931-32 revealed the prototypes to be mechanically unreliable, and as a result it was decided to build a third prototype in an attempt to solve the problems. The A7E3 had the same basic layout, but was heavier, better armoured, and powered by two 252 hp A.E.C. diesel engines, giving it nearly three times the power, although the tank’s top speed remained the same. When the A7E3 was trialled the revised design still proved to be mechanically unreliable and it was decided to terminate the project. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 3 T A N K T A N K Renault AMR 33 In early 1931 the French Army defined three types of vehicles they required for their armoured forces, one of which was the Auto-Mitrailleuse de Reconnaissance (AMR) that would be used with the motorised dragoon formations as a fast cross-country reconnaissance and support vehicle, having a crew of two and armed with a 7.5 mm machine gun. To meet this specification Renault design their VM in 1932 which was accepted by the military. Production began the following year with the vehicle being designated the Auto-Mitrailleuse de Reconnaissance Renault Modèle 1933, or AMR 33. The AMR 33 was a small, S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 5.5 tons Dimensions: Length 11 ft 6 ins, Width 5 ft 3 ins, Height 5 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x 84 hp Reinastella petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 37 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 2 x 7.5 mm Mitrailleuse machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 2 lightly armoured vehicle that weighed just under 5.5 tons, and in service suffered from a fragile suspension system that could throw the tracks at high speeds, and after 123 had been built production was switched to a revised design (the AMR 35). When World War Two began in September 1939 the French had over 90 AMR 33s still on strength, and were first used in action on the 10th May 1940 in the Ardennes sector. They proved to be easy prey for anything armed with a 20 mm cannon or above, and as a consequence the first French tank to be destroyed in combat was an AMR 33. Country of Origin: France Number Built: 123 Renault AMC 35 The Renault AMC 35 (Auto-Mitrailleuse de Combat) was similar in layout to the AMC 34, but had a more powerful 180hp engine, a short barrelled 47 mm gun, and a new suspension that used a bell crank scissors system with horizontal rubber springs. Fifty AMC 35s were ordered, but production was slow and only 47 had been delivered in early 1940. At first they were not issued to any units, but after the German break-through at Sedan in mid May, the French High Command decided to send the entire tank reserve to the confront the threat. Several ad-hoc units were hastily formed to fight rearguard actions, but S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 14.5 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft, Width 7 ft 4 ins, Height 7 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x 180 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 26 mph, Range 100 miles Armament: 1 x 47mm gun, 1 x 7.5 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 25 mm Crew: 3 the crews using the AMC 35 were bitterly disappointed with the type due to their unreliability and short range. In 1935 Belgium had placed an order for ten AMC 35s, but when they finally arrived they discovered they were in poor condition. The Belgians armed their tanks with a 47 mm anti-tank gun and a heavy machine gun, but in January 1940 the two in the worst condition were selected to be cannibalised for spare parts. The remainder were formed into one unit, and after the Germans invaded on the 10th May they were used to delay their advance, four being destroyed during the fighting. Country of Origin: France Number Built: 57 T A N K Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 24,429 A R M O U R E D C A R Renault R35 Light Infantry Tank The design of the R35 was produced in 1934 as a replacement for the ageing Renault FT17 which had its origins in the First World War I. A prototype was produced and ready for trials in early 1935, but the design was ordered into production before their completion after Germany began to re-arm in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. By 1940 over 1,600 of the tanks had been built and was the most numerous tank in the French Army. The machine itself was similar to the FT17, being small with a two man crew, and typical of contemporary French tank designs of the time. By the time the Germans invaded in May S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.5 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 2 ins, Width 6 ft 2 ins, Height 7 ft Powerplant: 1 x 82 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 12½ mph, Range 80 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 1 x 7.5 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 40 mm Crew: 2 1940 over 1,500 had been built, but during the fighting the short barrelled 37 mm gun proved to be a disappointment, the tank being capable against the Panzer Is, and IIs, but no match for the Panzer IIIs and IVs, although the armour was effective against most of the lighter anti-tank guns. After the fall of France large numbers of the R35 fell into German hands who used them for internal security, but after Germany invaded Russia in June 1941, many were stripped of their turrets and used as an artillery tractor or munitions carrier, while others were converted for use as self-propelled artillery. Country of Origin: France Number Built: 1,540 T A N K Hotchkiss H35 Cavalry Tank Another design that emerged in the early 1930s for the French cavalry arm was the Hotchkiss H-35. Trials proved the tank to be under-powered, being slow and difficult to steer, but production still went ahead for the want of a better machine. The H-35 began to enter service in 1936 with the cavalry, while a proportion were assigned to the infantry in the support role. Meanwhile a prototype had been produced in 1937 with a more powerful 120 hp engine and a better gun. This required the hull and suspension to be modified which raised the weight to 12.1 tons, but gave the tank a speed of 22.5 mph which S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.5 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 10 ins, Width 6 ft 4¾ ins, Height 7 ft Powerplant: 1 x 75 hp Hotchkiss petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 17 mph, Range 93 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm L21 SA18 gun, 1 x 7.5 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 40 mm Crew: 2 proved to be easier to drive. The design was accepted and placed in production which commenced from the 401st machine as the Hotchkiss H-35/39. By the time production ceased in 1940 around 1,200 had been built out of a projected total of 4,000, but in action the H-35 proved to be a mediocre tank. A substantial number of the H-35 were captured by the Germans, and after they invaded Russia in June 1941 many were stripped of their turrets and used as an artillery tractor or munitions carrier, while others were later converted for use as self-propelled artillery. Country of Origin: France Number Built: 1,200 T A N K T A N K Panzer I Ausf B To overcome the problems of the Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf A, the vehicle was redesigned with a longer chassis and two more bogie wheels. This was needed to accommodate a 100 hp Maybech petrol engine instead of the original Krupp 59 hp engine, while modifications to the suspension greatly improved the performance and reliability of the tank. Designated the Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B, the revised design was placed in production during 1936 ,with around 675 being built by the time production was ended in 1938. Still designed as a training tank they retained the same armour and armament as the Ausf S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 5.8 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 9 ins, Width 6 ft 4 ins, Height 6 ft 5 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybech 100 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 1105 miles Armament: 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 2 A. Like the Ausf A, several served with the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War, and on the outbreak of the World War Two were deployed in the reconnaissance and infantry support roles during the invasion of Poland and France, and in the early days of the North Africa campaign. 400 took part in the invasion of Russia in July 1941, but by the end of the year the useful life of the tank was at an end after they had several encounters with Russian T34s, KV1s and the Russian winter. They were then phased out of service, surviving vehicles being converted for support, policing or training duties. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 675 Ladungsleger auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B On the outbreak of the World War Two the Panzer I Ausf Bs were deployed alongside the Ausf A during the invasion of Poland and France, and although they were never a match for French tanks, they were used successfully due to their speed and tactical use. In North Africa they were used to support the Italians in February 1941, although they were soon replaced by the Panzer II. 400 took part in the invasion of Russia in July, where a small number were allocated to the Pioneer Batallions and modified into the Ladungsleger auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B. These were used to destroy fortified positions or major S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 5.8 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 9 ins, Width 6 ft 4 ins, Height 6 ft 5 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybech 100 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 1105 miles Armament: 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns, 50 Kg demolition charge Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 2 obstacles, and were fitted with laying gear mounted on the rear deck of the tank which would place a large explosive charge behind the vehicle that was detonated after the tank retired. Another family member was the Panzer-befehlswagen I, the German Army's first purpose designed command tank, and the main command tank in service with Panzer units in 1939. This was built on the Ausf B chassis and had the superstructure built up in place of the turret, allowing more space inside the vehicle for command and radio equipment. A single MG13 or MG34 machine gun in a ball mount being fitted for defence. Country of Origin: Germany Number Produced: Unknown T A N K LT vz 34 Light Tank Known as the Lehký Tank vzor 34 (Light Tank Model 34), this was the first true tank built by Czechoslovakia. In 1931 an order was placed with Ceskomoravská Kolben-Danek to design and build a prototype tank for the Czech army. The vehicle was completed in November 1932, and after successful tests by the military an order for 50 machines was placed in April 1933. The first six were pre-production models which were delivered in September 1933. 24 were to follow in 1934 (hence the name), and the final 20 in mid 1935. Delays occurred, mainly due to the quality of the armour plate and the Army’s rejection of the S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 7.4 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft, Width 6 ft 9 ins, Height 7 ft 3 ins Powerplant: 1 x Praga 62 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 19 mph, Range 100 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 15 mm Crew: 3 proposed armament of a 4.7 cm Vickers 44/60 gun and two machine-guns. The pre-production models were eventually delivered in April 1934, while the last tank was delivered in January 1936, by which time they were already obsolete. When the Germans occupied Bohemia-Moravia in March 1939 they captured twenty-two of the tanks along with the prototype, who promptly scrapped them. The remaining twenty-seven were seized by the Slovaks when they declared independence from Czechoslovakia at the same time. In Slovak service they only saw action during the National Uprising in 1944. Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia Number Built: 50 T A N K LT vz 35 Light Tank (Panzerkampfwagen 35(T)) The LT-35 was the result of a contest between the two main Czechoslovak arms firms, Skoda and CKD. CKD had won the first round of this contest and in 1933 received an order for fifty LT vz.34 light tanks. After receiving the LT-34 the Czech army issued another specification for a medium tank which both companies put forward a design, and after trials in 1935 the Skoda design was judged to be the winner, and in October an initial order was placed for 160 tanks with the designation LT vz 35. The LT-35 was a good but over-complex tank, with a powerful main gun and better than average armour, but S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.5 tons Dimensions: Length 16 ft 1 in, Width 6 ft 9 ins, Height 7 ft 9 ins Powerplant: 1 x Škoda 120 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 21 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 25 mm Crew: 4 suffered from a number of reliability problems when it first entered service. When these were overcome the tank became popular with its crews, but the design had limited potential for further development, and only 434 were built. Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, 244 LT-35s were seized and used by their forces. They were used alongside the Panzer III medium tank and used during the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and France in May 1940. Romania had ordered 126 of the tanks who used their vehicles during the German invasion of Russia where most were lost. Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia Number Built: 434 T A N K LT vz 35 Light Tank (Panzer 35(T)) The LT-35 was the result of a contest between the two main Czechoslovak arms firms, Skoda and CKD. CKD had won the first round of this contest and in 1933 received an order for fifty LT vz.34 light tanks. After receiving the LT-34 the Czech army issued another specification for a medium tank which both companies put forward a design, and after trials in 1935 the Skoda design was judged to be the winner, and in October an initial order was placed for 160 tanks with the designation LT vz 35. The LT-35 was a good but over-complex tank, with a powerful main gun and better than average armour, but S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.5 tons Dimensions: Length 16 ft 1 in, Width 6 ft 9 ins, Height 7 ft 9 ins Powerplant: 1 x Škoda 120 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 21 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 25 mm Crew: 4 suffered from a number of reliability problems when it first entered service. When these were overcome the tank became popular with its crews, but the design had limited potential for further development, and only 434 were built. Following the German occupation of Czechoslovakia in March 1939, 244 LT-35s were seized and used by their forces. They were used alongside the Panzer III medium tank and used during the invasion of Poland in September 1939 and France in May 1940. Romania had ordered 126 of the tanks who used their vehicles during the German invasion of Russia where most were lost. Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia Number Built: 434 T A N K T-26-4 Artillery Tank The T-26-4 artillery tank was armed with the 76.2 mm KT tank gun model 1927/32 which was mounted in a turret similar to thee main turret of the T-28 medium tank which was mounted on a T-26 chassis. The prototype was successfully trialled and five vehicles were built in 1933–1934 as a pilot run. Initially it was planned to arm three with the 76.2 mm KT tank gun and the other two with the 76.2 mm PS-3 tank gun. The PS-3 had better specifications and several technical innovations, but during trials it was found that the PS-3 was too powerful for the T-26 light tank, causing damage to the turret ring, hull roof and S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 11 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 9 ins, Width 7 ft 10 ins, Height 7 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x 97 hp GAZ petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 18 mph, Range 124 miles Armament: 1 x 76.2 mm KT tank gun, 1 x 7.62 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 15 mm Crew: 3 the suspension springs. It was decided to arm the T-26-4 with the 76.2 mm KT tank gun only. The vehicles were used during military exercises in September 1934, but later a misfire of a shell in one of the tanks during firing halted proceedings, and despite the fact that this defect was unrelated to the tank, the military cancelled the order to produce the T-26-4, although work progressed on the design of the turretless AT-1 artillery tank armed with the 76.2 mm PS-3 tank gun. The design of the T-26-4's turret lived on and was used in the series produced BT-7A artillery tank. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 5 T A N K OT-130 Flamethrower Tank .The first T-26 flamethrower tank was designated the OT-26 and based on the T-26 Model 1931, the flame gun being fitted in the right hand turret with the left hand turret being omitted in order to carry more fuel. The OT-130 was the second flame-thrower tank based on the T-26 light tank, this time using the single turreted T-26 Model 1933. They were produced from 1939 by rebuilding existing T-26s, at first with the same Model 1933 flame thrower as the OT-26, but later with the Model 1938 flame thrower. The OT-130 carried 360 litres of fuel for the flame thrower which gave the Model 1939 the ability to fire S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10.3 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 9 ins, Width 7 ft 10 ins, Height 7 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x 97 hp GAZ petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 18 mph, Range 124 miles Armament: 1 x model 38 flamethrower, 1 x 7.62 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 15 mm Crew: 3 forty six second bursts up to a range of 45 to 50 metres, or a 10 to 25 second burst up to a range of 100 metres using a special compressor. The Model 1938 had a shortened armour flame projector and was mounted in a redesigned mantlet. The OT-130 was produced from 1938 to 1939 and were first used in action by the Russians against the Japanese during the border conflict of Manchuria in the Khalkhin Gol river area. They were also used during the Winter war of 1939/40 against the Finns, where their weak armour protection was exploited and many were lost. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 1,218 T A N K Vickers Commercial Light Tank The Vickers light tank series were successfully sold abroad during the 1930s, being sold to countries that included Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Argentina, Switzerland, and China, although the two main purchasers were Belgium and the Netherlands. In 1935 Belgium ordered forty-two based on the Mk III which differed in having a conical turret and armed with a 13.2 mm Hotchkiss machine gun. In Belgium they were designated the T15 light tank and were used during the Battle of Belgium in May 1940, where surviving vehicles were taken over by the Germans on their capture. In 1937 the Nertherlands had S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 3.8 tons Dimensions: Length 11 ft 11 ins, Width 6 ft 2 ins, Height 6 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x Meadows 88 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 40 mph, Range 130 miles Armament: 1 x 0.303 inch machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 10 mm Crew: 2 purchased two Mk IIIs for trials, which was followed by an order for 73 more. These differed again by having a hexagonal turret armed with a Vickers 0.303 inch machine gun. Both tanks were powered by a Meadows six cylinder 88 hp engine which gave them a speed of 40 mph. The Netherlands had ordered them for service in the Dutch East Indies, but only twenty had been delivered on the outbreak of World War Two, the remainder being taken over by the British government and issued to the British Army. They were designated the Light Tank Mk IIIB and used for training, but were always refered to as 'Dutchmen'. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 117 T A N K BT-5 Command Tank Experience in action had showed the vulnerability of riveted tank construction, and the decision was taken to produce the BT tank with welded armour. This became the BT-7 which was also fitted with a new conical turret, while armour protection was increased to a maximum of 22 mm. More fuel and ammunition was carried and a machine gun added in the turret rear. The weight of the tank had now risen to 13.7 tons, so a new 500 hp petrol engine was installed along with a stronger transmission system. The new tank had a cross-country speed of 31 mph and a maximum range of 265 miles. S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 13.7 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 7 ins, Width 7 ft 6 ins, Height 7 ft 11 ins Powerplant: 1 x 500 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 53 mph, Range 155 miles Armament: 1 x 45 mm gun, 2 x 7.62 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 22 mm Crew: 3 Other versions of the BT-7 included the BT-7U command tank fitted with radio equipment and the BT-7A which was armed with a 76.2 mm howitzer in a larger turret. This version had additional bracing because of the heavier gun and an escape hatch underneath the tank for the crew. Around 150 were produced to provide close support for the cavalry tanks. About 5,500 BT-7s were built, and in 1939 they were the major Soviet tank along with many B-T5s that were still in service. Both types were used during the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland in Septmber 1939 and the 1939/40 Winter War against the Finns. Country of Origin: USSR Number Built: 5,500 T A N K