Scroll down to see all the illustrations on the page
Contents Contents 4 4 3 3 2 2
Pages
6 6 5 5 1 1
T A N K
Home Page Home Page
Carro Armato M11/39
The design of the M11/39 was influenced by the British Vickers E tank, particularly in the track and suspension design. The main armament was located in a sposon mounted in the hull front, while a one man turret was armed with twin 8 mm machine guns. Further development resulted in a model with eight road wheels and this basic chassis was used for all subsequent Italian medium tanks. Only 100 M 11/39s were built as the design was already considered obsolete, medium tank production then being concentrated on the M13/40 which was a superior design. Seventy-two M11/39 tanks were sent to
S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Weight: 11 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 5 ins, Width 7 ft 2 ins, Height 7 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x 105 hp SPA diesel engine Performance: Maximum speed 20 mph, Range 125 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 2 x 8 mm Breda machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 30 mm  Crew: 3
North Africa after Italy entered World War Two on the side of Germany. During the Italian advance into Egypt the type was totally outclassed by the British A9 and A10 cruisers and a small number of Matilda tanks, many being captured or destroyed during the British counter-offensive. Twenty-four were also sent to support Italian forces in East Africa where they were also destroyed or captured. During the siege of Tobruk captured M11s were used by the Australians (who painted a large white kangaroo on the turrets) and used them against their former owners until they ran out of diesel fuel.
Country of Origin: Italy Number Built: 100
T A N K
Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf L (Lynx) The final member of the Panzer II family was the Ausf L, which was developed as a fully tracked armoured reconnaissance vehicle. Design work began in 1939 and was largely based on previous models, although the vehicle was up-armoured and fitted with interleaved wheels and new tracks. A more powerful 180 hp Maybach engine and new gearbox were fitted which gave the tank a good performance, while larger fuel tanks gave the vehicle a greater range. Other changes included a new cupola, a longer range radio and an internal intercom system. The main armament remained the same KwK 38 L55 20 mm. S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 13 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 2 ins, Width 8 ft 1 ins, Height 7 ft 3 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybach 180 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 37 mph, Range 180 miles Armament: 1 x 2 cm cannon, 1 x 7.92mm MG34 machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 30 mm Crew: 4 gun, but carried more rounds, while the secondary MG 34 was relocated in the hull. The first trial vehicles were ready in April 1942 which was followed by an order for 800, the first 100 to have the standard armament and designated Lynx, and the rest to be armed with a 5 cm KwK 39/1 L/60 to be known as Leopard. In the end production was stopped after the first 100 Lynx had been built, while the Leopard was never put into production. The Lynx remained in service with the armoured reconnaissance units of the Panzer divisions and fought on both the Eastern and Western Front until the end of the war. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 100 T A N K Contents Contents 4 4 3 3 2 2
Pages
6 6 5 5 1 1 Home Page Home Page M1 Combat Car The M1 was a development of the T5 Combat Car produced by the Rock Island Arsenal in the mid 1930’s for the U.S. Military. The M1 was intended for the cavalry, but initially tanks were not deemed acceptable for the higher command of this branch of the army, so were known as combat cars to disguise the fact they were tracked vehicles. Eighty-nine M1’s were built which began to enter service in 1937, the first fifty-eight having a ‘D’ shaped turret fitted with two machine guns, the later ones having an octagonal turret and a third machine gun fitted on a pintail mount for air defence. These were followed by thirty- S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Weight: 5.89 tons Dimensions: Length 13 ft 7 ins, Width 7 ft 10 ins, Height 7 ft 9 ins Powerplant: 1 x 250 hp Continental petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 45 mph, Range 100 miles Armament: 1 x 0.5 inch mm gun, 1 x 0.3 inch machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 16 mm Crew: 4 four M2 Combat Cars which were powered by a new Guiberson diesel radial in place of the original Continental petrol engine. Larger trailing idler wheels were also fitted which gave more ground contact for the tracks. In 1940 the infantry and cavalry tank units were combined into one force, and the ‘combat car’ name was dropped, the M1 combat car becoming the ,Light Tank M1A1, and the M2 combat car the ‘Light Tank M1A2’. They were both mainly used as training vehicles, although a small number were in the Phillipines when the Japanese invaded and were used against the enemy until they were overcome. Country of Origin: USA Number Built: 89 T A N K M2A2 Light Tank The M2 series of light tanks first appeared in 1935 which were intended for use by the infantry. The first to appear was the M2A1 which was armed with a heavy 0.50 calibre machine gun in a fixed turret. This was followed by the M2A2 with two small turrets situated side by side and armed with a similar weapon. The M2A3 incorporated general improvements in armour, engine and transmission, but by 1938 the Spanish Civil War had shown the ineffectiveness of having just a machine gun armament. In 1939 the revised M2A4 appeared which was armed with a 37 mm gun as the main weapon and had heavier S P E C I F I C A T I O N : (M2A4) Vehicle Weight: 11.6 tons Dimensions: Length 14 ft 6 ins, Width 8 ft 1 in, Height 8 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x Continental 250 hp radial petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 36 mph, Range 200 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 1 x 0.5, 5 x 0.3 inch machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 25 mm Crew: 4 armour which was the main version of the tank. The M2 had the distinction of being the first U.S. tank to go into mass production with 375 being built. Thirty-six were to briefly see action in World War Two when they were used during the fighting on Guadalcanal before the M3 light tank became available in numbers. A British purchasing Commission had ordered 100 M2s in early 1941, but this order was cancelled after 36 had been delivered in preference for the superior M3. In total just over 700 M2s were built, and were mainly used as a training vehicle in the U.S.A. until 1943. Country of Origin: USA Number Built: 700+ T A N K M2A4 Light Tank The M2 series of light tanks first appeared in 1935 which were intended for use by the infantry. The first to appear was the M2A1 which was armed with a heavy 0.50 calibre machine gun in a fixed turret. This was followed by the M2A2 with two small turrets situated side by side and armed with a similar weapon. The M2A3 incorporated general improvements in armour, engine and transmission, but by 1938 the Spanish Civil War had shown the ineffectiveness of having just a machine gun armament. In 1939 the revised M2A4 appeared which was armed with a 37 mm gun as the main weapon and had heavier S P E C I F I C A T I O N : (M2A4) Vehicle Weight: 11.6 tons Dimensions: Length 14 ft 6 ins, Width 8 ft 1 in, Height 8 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x Continental 250 hp radial petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 36 mph, Range 200 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 1 x 0.5, 5 x 0.3 inch machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 25 mm Crew: 4 armour which was the main version of the tank. The M2 had the distinction of being the first U.S. tank to go into mass production with 375 being built. Thirty-six were to briefly see action in World War Two when they were used during the fighting on Guadalcanal before the M3 light tank became available in numbers. A British purchasing Commission had ordered 100 M2s in early 1941, but this order was cancelled after 36 had been delivered in preference for the superior M3. In total just over 700 M2s were built, and were mainly used as a training vehicle in the U.S.A. until 1943. Country of Origin: USA Number Built: 700+ T A N K T A N K Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) In service with the Czech, the LT vz 35 medium tank suffered reliability problems on its introduction, so in October 1937 the Czechoslovak ministry of defence issued a specification for a replacement light tank. CKD were already working on a new line of armoured vehicles using a Christie style suspension system with four large road wheels on each side. This had been used on the TNH series of light tanks for the export market, and the design was modified to meet the new Czech requirement which became the LT vz 38. The turret was mounted centrally on the superstructure, and was armed with a 37 mm cannon S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 9.25 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 1 in, Width 6 ft 11 ins, Height 7 ft 10 ins Powerplant: 1 x 125 hp Praga petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 26 mph, Range 155 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 25 mm Crew: 4 and a co-axial 7.92 mm machine gun, a further machine gun being located in the hull front. After Germany the country in the spring of 1939 they took over the production of the tank which was they designated The Panzer-kampfwagen 38(t). The Panzer 38(t) became an important member of the German armoured forces, being involved in the invasion of Poland, France, and the initial stages of the invasion of Russia. In 1942 production of the tank ended when it was clear they were no longer viable on the battlefield, although the chassis continued to be built for a wide range of vehicles until the end of the war. Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia Number Built: 1,400+ Type 97 Chi-Ha Medium Tank By 1935 the Japanese began to look for a replacement for the type 89B medium tank which was rapidly becoming obsolete. The design by the military Engineering Department was chosen for production which was built by Mitsubishi as the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank. The tank had a two man turret which was manually traversed and situated in the centre of the hull, offset to the right. The main armament was a 57 mm gun, a 7.7 mm machine gun also being located in the turret rear, and a similar weapon located in the hull front. An advanced design for the time, they began to enter service in 1938, although the main S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 14.8 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 1 ins, Width 7 ft 8 ins, Height 7 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x Mitsubishi 170 hp diesel engine Performance: Maximum speed 24 mph, Range 130 miles Armament: 1 x 57 mm gun, 2 x 7.7 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 28 mm Crew: 4 gun was only a low velocity weapon. The Type 97 was first used in China where they saw considerable success against weak Chinese opposition. Their first real test was the Japanese incursion of Mongolia at Khalkhyn Gol in July 1939. Here they came up against Russian forces where they lost out to better tactics under the leadership of Zhukov. They were used extensively during the capture of the Phillipines, Hong Kong, Singapore and during the Burma campaign, and by the time production was switched to the Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha in 1942, over 2,000 had been built . Country of Origin: Japan Number Built: 2,092 T A N K Type 97 Shi-Ki Command Tank By 1935 the Japanese began to look for a replacement for the type 89B medium tank which was rapidly becoming obsolete. The design by the military Engineering Department was chosen for production which was built by Mitsubishi as the Type 97 Chi-Ha medium tank. The tank had a two man turret which was manually traversed and situated in the centre of the hull, offset to the right. The main armament was a 57 mm gun, a 7.7 mm machine gun also being located in the turret rear, and a similar weapon located in the hull front. An advanced design for the time, they began to enter service in 1938, although the main S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 14.8 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 1 ins, Width 7 ft 8 ins, Height 7 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x Mitsubishi 170 hp diesel engine Performance: Maximum speed 24 mph, Range 130 miles Armament: 1 x 37 mm gun, 1 x 7.7 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 28 mm Crew: 4 gun was only a low velocity weapon.. The Type 97 chassis was used for a number of self propelled guns and other vehicles. One such vehicle was the Type 97 Shi-Ki command tank which could be recognised by its smaller turret with a rail antenna. These were armed with a machine gun in the rear of the turret and a 37 mm gun in the hull, and were fitted with long range radio sets and superior optics for the commander, and were mainly used at the tank training schools. The Type 1 Chi-He Command tank that replaced the Type 97 Shi-Ki. It was fitted with additional radios and a dummy main gun on the turret. Country of Origin: Japan Number Built: Unknown T A N K Type 3 Chi-Nu Medium Tank The Japanese Army had realised too late the need for a heavily armed and armoured tank, and in 1943 development work commenced on the Type 4 Chi-To medium tank, the last Japanese medium tank design to be completed during the war, and considered by many to be the equivalent to the German Panther tank. In the meantime the need for a stopgap tank resulted in the Type 3 Chi-Nu. The Chi-Nu retained the same chassis and suspension of the Type 97, but had a larger gun turret and a commander's cupola. The main armament was a 75 mm gun with a muzzle velocity of 2,200 ft/s, and was S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 21 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 6 ins, Width 7 ft 11 ins, Height 8 ft 10 ins Powerplant: 1 x 240 hp Mitsubishi petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 24 mph, Range 130 miles Armament: 1 x 75 mm gun, 1 x 7.7 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 50 mm Crew: 5 capable of penetrating 90 mm of armour at close range and 65 mm at 1,000 yds. Armour was increased to a maximum of 50 mm, and to compensate the increase in weight a 240 hp diesel engine was fitted. Design work started in May 1943 and was completed by the end of the year, but the low priority given to tanks meant that the Type 3 did not enter production until 1944, by which time raw materials were in short supply and Japan's industrial infrastructure had been severely damaged by bombing. By the end of the war only 166 had been completed, while only two prototypes of the Type 4 Chi-To were built. Country of Origin: Japan Number Built: 166 T A N K Cruiser Tank Mk I (A9) The cruiser tank was a British idea of the inter-war period, and were designed to operate independently of the infantry and exploit any gaps made in the enemy lines and attack his lines of supply and communications. Speed was a crucial factor, so the early designs were lightly armed and armoured. Work on the A9 commenced in 1934 which incorporated many elements of the experimental A6 and A7. The A9 was the first British tank to have a hydraulically powered turret traverse system, and was armed with the new 2 pounder anti-tank gun, which was highly effective at that time. Three machine guns were carried, one in S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 12.8 tons Dimensions: Length 19 ft, width 8 ft 2 ins, height 8 ft 3 ins Powerplant: 1 x AEC 150 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 150 miles Armament: 1 x 2 pounder gun, 3 x 0.303 inch machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 14 mm Crew: 6 a co-axial mount with the main gun, and one each in two small turrets either side of the driver’s compartment. 125 were ordered which began to enter service in early 1939, with a few seeing service with the B.E.F. in France with the 1st Armoured Division. In action the tank was too slow for its intended role and under armoured for tank versus tank engagements. The A9 next saw action in North Africa where they were effective against the lightly armoured Italian machines in the opening battles of the campaign before the better armed and armoured German machines arrived on the scene in 1941. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 125 T A N K Cruiser Tank Mk I CS (A9) The Cruiser Tank Mk I entered service in 1939, with a few seeing service with the B.E.F. in France with the 1st Armoured Division where they performed reasonably well. In action however it was found the tank was too slow for its intended role and under armoured for tank versus tank engagements. Another disadvantage soon became apparent with the 2 pounder main gun, which had no high explosive or smoke capability, and although it was considered that the machine guns could perform the anti-infantry role, the lack of smoke was considered a serious problem. To fulfil this role the Close S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 12.8 tons Dimensions: Length 19 ft, width 8 ft 2 ins, height 8 ft 3 ins Powerplant: 1 x AEC 150 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 150 miles Armament: 1 x 3.7 inch howitzer, 3 x 0.303 inch machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 14 mm Crew: 6 Support (CS) version was developed armed with a 3.7 inch Howitzer which could fire a 10.5 lb smoke or HE shell instead, the two types of tank working together for mutual defence. Throughout its life the A9 was to prove mechanical unreliable, in particular the tracks which were easily shed over rough terrain. The A9 was next used action in North Africa with the 2nd and 7th Armoured Divisions. Here they proved effective against the lightly armoured Italian machines in the opening battles of the campaign, but met their match when the tanks of the Afrika Korps arrived on the scene in early 1941. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 125 T A N K T A N K Cruiser Tank Mk II (A10) The A10 Cruiser Mk II was developed alongside the A9 as the infantry support version. The two machine gun turrets were omitted and replaced by a raised barbette fitted with a single Vickers machine gun, while armour thickness was increased to a maximum of 30 mm. The same 150 hp A.E.C. engine powered the tank which gave the tank a speed of 16 mph. The tank was armed with the same 2 pounder anti-tank gun as the A9 which lacked a high explosive capability, so similar to the A9, a small proportion were built as close support (CS) versions armed with a 3.7 inch howitzer. During trials the tank was soon found S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 13.75 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 1 ins, Width 8 ft 4 ins, Height 8 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x AEC 150 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 16 mph, Range 100 miles Armament: 1 x 2 pounder gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 30 mm Crew: 5 to be under armoured for its intended role, and instead was ordered into production as a ‘heavy cruiser’. The A10 made its combat during the Battle for France in the spring of 1940, seeing further action in North Africa where they were used with good effect against the Italians. In 1941 sixty worn out examples were taken from North Africa to Greece where they performed well against the invading Germans, most being lost through mechanical breakdowns. In service they were more popular than the A9, but were soon withdrawn when better machines became available towards the end of 1941. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 175 T A N K Cruiser Tank Mk II CS (A10) The A10 Cruiser Mk II was developed alongside the A9 as the infantry support version. The two machine gun turrets were omitted and replaced by a raised barbette fitted with a single Vickers machine gun, while armour thickness was increased to a maximum of 30 mm. The same 150 hp A.E.C. engine powered the tank which gave the tank a speed of 16 mph. The tank was armed with the same 2 pounder anti-tank gun as the A9 which lacked a high explosive capability, so similar to the A9, a small proportion were built as close support (CS) versions armed with a 3.7 inch howitzer. During trials the tank was soon found S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 13.75 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 1 ins, Width 8 ft 4 ins, Height 8 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x AEC 150 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 16 mph, Range 100 miles Armament: 1 x 3.7 inch howitzer, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 30 mm Crew: 5 to be under armoured for its intended role, and instead was ordered into production as a ‘heavy cruiser’. The A10 made its combat during the Battle for France in the spring of 1940, seeing further action in North Africa where they were used with good effect against the Italians. In 1941 sixty worn out examples were taken from North Africa to Greece where they performed well against the invading Germans, most being lost through mechanical breakdowns. In service they were more popular than the A9, but were soon withdrawn when better machines became available towards the end of 1941. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 175 T A N K Infantry Tank Mk I ‘Matilda I’ (A11) In 1935 the General Staff of the British Army issued a specification for a cheap tank that would use commercially available components. The prototype of the A11 appeared from Vickers in 1936, and was a small two man tank, with a low hull and a small turret which was armed with a single 0.303 or 0.50 inch machine gun. Of simple construction the tank was heavily armoured for the time, although the tracks and running gear were vulnerable. As they were designed as an infantry tank, speed was of secondary importance, and were powered by a 70 hp Ford engine which gave them a speed of 8 mph. In S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 11 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 11 ins, Width 7 ft 6 ins, Height 6 ft 1 in Powerplant: 1 x Ford 70 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 8 mph, Range 80 miles Armament: 1 x Vickers 0.303 inch machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 60 mm Crew: 2 1937 orders for the A11 were placed with the type entering service in 1938, but by then the concept of a tank armed only with machine guns was obsolete. In service they were difficult to operate, the cramped conditions inside the vehicle making conditions difficult for the commander and driver. Many of the tanks were sent to France with the B.E.F. where they proved to be resistant to the standard German 37 mm anti tank guns, although all were lost during the fighting which led to the British being evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. The Matilda Is still in the U.K. were soon withdrawn and used for training. Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 140 T A N K Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf A The Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank was developed in the 1930s to engage other armoured and serve alongside the Panzer IV which was designed to support the infantry. The Panzer III Ausf A and Ausf B were prototype vehicles, ten of each being produced, many being used during the Polish campaign, but they were withdrawn in 1940. The first to see large scale production were the Ausf E (96) and Ausf F (435) from 1939, these being better armoured and improvements to the suspension. The Panzer III Ausf J was the most common variant of the tank with over 1,500 being produced during S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 15.4 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 8 ins, Width 9 ft 3 ins, Height 7 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x 250 hp Maybach petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 22 mph, Range 102 miles Armament: 1 x 3.7 cm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 15 mm Crew: 5 1941/42. The Hull and turret front armour was increased to 50 mm and spaced armour placed around the gun mantlet. A further 1,470 were armed with the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun which became the Ausf L. Both types served in North Africa and Russia, but when they were confronted by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks they were outclassed. The Panzer IV had better development potential so they swapped roles. The Panzer III Ausf N was the last in the line and mounted the short barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 which was better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ceased in 1943. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 10 T A N K Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf B The Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank was developed in the 1930s to engage other armoured and serve alongside the Panzer IV which was designed to support the infantry. The Panzer III Ausf A and Ausf B were prototype vehicles, ten of each being produced, many being used during the Polish campaign, but they were withdrawn in 1940. The first to see large scale production were the Ausf E (96) and Ausf F (435) from 1939, these being better armoured and improvements to the suspension. The Panzer III Ausf J was the most common variant of the tank with over 1,500 being produced during S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 15.9 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 8 ins, Width 9 ft 3 ins, Height 7 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x 250 hp Maybach petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 22 mph, Range 102 miles Armament: 1 x 3.7 cm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 15 mm Crew: 5 1941/42. The Hull and turret front armour was increased to 50 mm and spaced armour placed around the gun mantlet. A further 1,470 were armed with the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun which became the Ausf L. Both types served in North Africa and Russia, but when they were confronted by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks they were outclassed. The Panzer IV had better development potential so they swapped roles. The Panzer III Ausf N was the last in the line and mounted the short barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 which was better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ceased in 1943. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 10 Country of Origin: UK Number Built: 24,429 A R M O U R E D C A R T A N K Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf F The Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank was developed in the 1930s to engage other armoured and serve alongside the Panzer IV which was designed to support the infantry. The Panzer III Ausf A and Ausf B were prototype vehicles, ten of each being produced, many being used during the Polish campaign, but they were withdrawn in 1940. The first to see large scale production were the Ausf E (96) and Ausf F (435) from 1939, these being better armoured and improvements to the suspension. The Panzer III Ausf J was the most common variant of the tank with over 1,500 being produced during S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 19.8 tons Dimensions: Length 17 ft 8 ins, Width 9 ft 7 ins, Height 8 ft Powerplant: 1 x 300 hp Maybach petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 102 miles Armament: 1 x 3.7 cm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 30 mm Crew: 5 1941/42. The Hull and turret front armour was increased to 50 mm and spaced armour placed around the gun mantlet. A further 1,470 were armed with the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun which became the Ausf L. Both types served in North Africa and Russia, but when they were confronted by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks they were outclassed. The Panzer IV had better development potential so they swapped roles. The Panzer III Ausf N was the last in the line and mounted the short barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 which was better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ceased in 1943. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 435 T A N K Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf J The Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank was developed in the 1930s to engage other armoured and serve alongside the Panzer IV which was designed to support the infantry. The Panzer III Ausf A and Ausf B were prototype vehicles, ten of each being produced, many being used during the Polish campaign, but they were withdrawn in 1940. The first to see large scale production were the Ausf E (96) and Ausf F (435) from 1939, these being better armoured and improvements to the suspension. The Panzer III Ausf J was the most common variant of the tank with over 1,500 being produced during S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 21.5 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 1 ins, Width 9 ft 8 ins, Height 8 ft Powerplant: 1 x 300 hp Maybach petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 102 miles Armament: 1 x 3.7 cm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 50 mm Crew: 5 1941/42. The Hull and turret front armour was increased to 50 mm and spaced armour placed around the gun mantlet. A further 1,470 were armed with the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun which became the Ausf L. Both types served in North Africa and Russia, but when they were confronted by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks they were outclassed. The Panzer IV had better development potential so they swapped roles. The Panzer III Ausf N was the last in the line and mounted the short barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 which was better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ceased in 1943. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 2,600+ T A N K Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf L The Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank was developed in the 1930s to engage other armoured and serve alongside the Panzer IV which was designed to support the infantry. The Panzer III Ausf A and Ausf B were prototype vehicles, ten of each being produced, many being used during the Polish campaign, but they were withdrawn in 1940. The first to see large scale production were the Ausf E (96) and Ausf F (435) from 1939, these being better armoured and improvements to the suspension. The Panzer III Ausf J was the most common variant of the tank with over 1,500 being produced during S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 22.7 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 1 ins, Width 9 ft 8 ins, Height 8 ft Powerplant: 1 x 300 hp Maybach petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 102 miles Armament: 1 x 5 cm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 50 mm Crew: 5 1941/42. The Hull and turret front armour was increased to 50 mm and spaced armour placed around the gun mantlet. A further 1,470 were armed with the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun which became the Ausf L. Both types served in North Africa and Russia, but when they were confronted by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks they were outclassed. The Panzer IV had better development potential so they swapped roles. The Panzer III Ausf N was the last in the line and mounted the short barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 which was better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ceased in 1943. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 653 T A N K Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf N The Panzerkampfwagen III medium tank was developed in the 1930s to engage other armoured and serve alongside the Panzer IV which was designed to support the infantry. The Panzer III Ausf A and Ausf B were prototype vehicles, ten of each being produced, many being used during the Polish campaign, but they were withdrawn in 1940. The first to see large scale production were the Ausf E (96) and Ausf F (450) from 1939, these being better armoured and improvements to the suspension. The Panzer III Ausf J was the most common variant of the tank with over 1,500 being produced during S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 23 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 10 ins, Width 9 ft 3 ins, Height 7 ft 8 ins Powerplant: 1 x 300 hp Maybach petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 102 miles Armament: 1 x 7.5 cm gun, 2 x 7.92 mm machine guns Armour: Maximum thickness 57 mm Crew: 5 1941/42. The Hull and turret front armour was increased to 50 mm and spaced armour placed around the gun mantlet. A further 1,470 were armed with the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 gun which became the Ausf L. Both types served in North Africa and Russia, but when they were confronted by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks they were outclassed. The Panzer IV had better development potential so they swapped roles. The Panzer III Ausf N was the last in the line and mounted the short barrelled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 which was better suited for infantry support. Production of the Panzer III ceased in 1943. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 663 Panzerbefehlswagen I 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: 5.9 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 105 miles Armament: 1 x 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 13 mm Crew: 3 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 Panzerbefehlswagen 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 Built: 184 T A N K Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf ‘a’ In 1934, delays in the design and production of the Panzer III and Panzer IV medium tanks would lead to the need for a stop-gap tank to take their place until they became available in numbers. In July the Waffenamt (Ordnance Department) issued an order for a vehicle that would be based on the Panzer I, but larger and having a turret armed a 20 mm cannon capable of firing both high explosive and armour piercing rounds. Armour was also to be increased to 14.5 mm making it better protected against shell splinters than the Panzer I. The prototype was ready for trials in October 1935, but with the rapid expansion S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 7.6 tons Dimensions: Length 14 ft 9 ins, Width 7 ft 3 ins, Height 6 ft 5 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybach 130 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 2 cm cannon, 1 x 7.92mm MG34 machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 14.5 mm Crew: 3 of the German army the Panzer II was immediately put into production before all the vehicles teething problems had been resolved, causing the early examples to be unreliable in service. 75 Panzer Ausf ‘a’ were built between May 1936 and February 1937, followed by a further 25 of the similar Ausf ‘b’ which tried to resolve many of the issues associated with the Ausf ‘a’. The Ausf ‘a’ and Ausf ‘b’ were used during the annexation of Czechoslovakia in 1938 and the invasion of Poland in 1939 before being withdrawn from front line service and then being used as training vehicles. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 75 T A N K Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf ‘C’ The next model of the Panzer II to be produced was the Ausf ‘c’ which took on the external features that became standard for the tank. major changes were to the suspension, this being changed from six small road wheels to five independently sprung larger diameter wheels. A fourth return roller was also introduced along with a new track design. The engine was better ventilated and fitted with a new transmission system, while other minor improvements included redesigned vision ports. The Ausf ‘c’ was placed in production in June 1938 and ran through three models which became the Panzer II Ausf A, B S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 8.9 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 9 ins, Width 7 ft 3 ins, Height 6 ft 6 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybach 140 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 2 cm cannon, 1 x 7.92mm MG34 machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 14.5 mm Crew: 3 and C, with a total of 1,113 being built before production ceased in April 1940. They were first used during the Polish campaign where their light armour was easily penetrated by Polish anti-tank rifle fire. By the time they invaded France in May 1940 20 mm armour plates had been fitted to the superstructure and the front of the turret and hull for extra protection. After the fall of France the Ausf C served in North Africa and Russia in the reconnaissance role before being withdrawn in 1943 from frontline duties, many then being used for secondary duties until the end of the war. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 1,113 T A N K Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf F The Panzer II Ausf F was the last major version of the Panzer II to be produced. The main visual change was the replacement of the rounded front hull with a 35 mm vertical front plate that joined the sloping armour plate retro-fitted to earlier models, giving the Ausf F an angled nose. Other alterations included minor alterations to the suspension and a new commander's cupola. The Ausf F was meant to go into production by mid 1940, but modifications carried out to the design during 1940 delayed the start of production until March 1941, nearly a year after the last major versions had ceased to be built. In early S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 9.5 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 9 ins, Width 7 ft 7 ins, Height 7 ft 1 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybech 140 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 25 mph, Range 125 miles Armament: 1 x 2 cm cannon, 1 x 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 30 mm Crew: 3 1942 the need for a mobile anti-tank gun in Russia would lead to the decision to mount the 7.5 cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun on the Panzer II chassis. 50% of production was then used for this purpose which became the Marder II tank destroyer. The  Panzer II Ausf F however served with the reconnaissance units in Russia and North Africa, but by 1943 they were no longer a viable tank and were withdrawn from frontline service in, many then being converted or deployed for secondary duties until the end of the war. Production of the Panzer II chassis did continue which were then used for self-propelled artillery. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 1,004 T A N K FlammPanzer II Ausf A The Panzer II Ausf D and E were designed as pursuit and reconnaissance vehicles, their hull, superstructure and suspension being completely redesigned from the rest of the Panzer II series, the only common part being the turret. They introduced a torsion bar suspension system with four large road wheels which dispensed with the need for return rollers. The same Maybach engine was used, but the revised design allowed the speed to be increased to 34 mph. They were used during the Polish campaign in 1939 but proved to have poor cross country performance and were withdrawn in early 1940. S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 12 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 3 ins, Width 7 ft 8 ins, Height 6 ft 9 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybach 140 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 34 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 2 x Flame throwers, 1 x 7.92mm MG34 machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 30 mm Crew: 3 However, by late 1939 the need for an armoured flame thrower had become apparent to defeat fortified positions. Based on the Ausf D and Ausf E, the Panzer II Flamm Ausf A and B used a new turret armed with a single MG34 machine gun and two remotely controlled flame throwers fitted in small turrets at the front corners of the tank. Each flame thrower had an 180° arc at the front, and were supplied with 320 litres of fuel. 155 were built or converted from January 1940, and were used in Russia where they had limited success due to their thin armour. In early 1942 all the surviving vehicles were withdrawn. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 155 T A N K T A N K Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf D The Panzer II Ausf D and E were designed as pursuit and reconnaissance vehicles, their hull, superstructure and suspension being completely redesigned from the rest of the Panzer II series, the only common part being the turret. They introduced a torsion bar suspension system with four large road wheels which dispensed with the need for return rollers. The same Maybach engine was used, but the revised design allowed the speed to be increased to 34 mph. They were used during the Polish campaign in 1939 but proved to have poor cross country performance and were withdrawn in early 1940. S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 10 tons Dimensions: Length 15 ft 3 ins, Width 7 ft 8 ins, Height 6 ft 9 ins Powerplant: 1 x Maybach 140 hp petrol engine Performance: Maximum speed 34 mph, Range 120 miles Armament: 1 x 2 cm cannon, 1 x 7.92mm MG34 machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 14.5 mm Crew: 3 However, by late 1939 the need for an armoured flame thrower had become apparent to defeat fortified positions. Based on the Ausf D and Ausf E, the Panzer II Flamm Ausf A and B used a new turret armed with a single MG34 machine gun and two remotely controlled flame throwers fitted in small turrets at the front corners of the tank. Each flame thrower had an 180° arc at the front, and were supplied with 320 litres of fuel. 155 were built or converted from January 1940, and were used in Russia where they had limited success due to their thin armour. In early 1942 all the surviving vehicles were withdrawn. Country of Origin: Germany Number Built: 43 T A N K Type 97 Shinhoto Chi-Ha When the Type 97 Chi-Ha was confronted by western medium tanks such as the M4 Sherman or M3 Grant, they were always at a disadvantage, being under-gunned and under-armoured, and was only on equal terms with light tanks such as the M3 Stuart. In order to improve the anti-tank capability of the Type 97 Chi-Ha, a larger three-man turret was fitted that was armed with a high velocity 47 mm gun. In 1942 the Type 97 Chi-Ha was replaced in production by the Shinhoto Chi-Ha, while about 300 of the original Type 97 tanks with the older turret and 57 mm main gun were also converted. The Type 97 S P E C I F I C A T I O N : Vehicle Weight: 16 tons Dimensions: Length 18 ft 1 ins, Width 7 ft 8 ins, Height 7 ft 10 ins Powerplant: 1 x Mitsubishi 170 hp diesel engine Performance: Maximum speed 24 mph, Range 130 miles Armament: 1 x 47 mm gun, 1 x 7.7 mm machine gun Armour: Maximum thickness 33 mm Crew: 5 Shinhoto was still under armoured and vulnerable to Allied tanks, but the 47 mm high velocity gun give it a fighting chance, the gun being effective against light tanks and the sides and rear of the Sherman tank. The Type 97 Shinhoto was first used iin the Philippines during the Battle of Corregidor in 1942. Later in the war in the Pacific the Type 97 Shinhoto were often dug in concealed positions to act as strong points during the battles for Luzon and Iwo Jima in 1945. In total around 900 Type 97 Shinhoto were built, and were considered to be the best Japanese tank to see service during the Pacific War. Country of Origin: Japan Number Built: 900 T A N K