M11 / 39

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M11 / 39 captured near Tobruk

The Panzerkampfwagen M11 / 39 was originally developed as an infantry support tank . Built in 1937, it was armed with a 37mm cannon in the driver's front and two machine guns in the commandant's tower. He received a diesel engine from Fiat, which was very innovative for the time . However, its hard wheels and narrow chains made for miserable driving characteristics.

The M11 / 39 was used primarily in Africa as a replacement for the non-existent Italian medium-weight battle tanks - a role that it could not fulfill worse. The M11 had next to no chance against the British Matilda or Crusader tanks . As early as 1940 he was completely unsuitable for use at the front.

The M11 was not used in the Soviet Union, as most of the vehicles in North Africa had already been destroyed. From 1941 the M13 / 40 was used there.

Technical specifications

  • Production period: 1937–1940
  • Manufacturer: Ansaldo
  • Crew: 3 people
  • Length: 4.73 meters
  • Width: 2.18 meters
  • Height: 2.25 meters
  • Mass: 10.97 t
  • Ability to cross: 2 meters
  • Climbing ability: 80 cm
  • Wading ability: 1 meter
  • Drive: liquid-cooled V-8 engine Fiat SPA 8 T
  • Speed: 32.2 km / h
  • Driving range: 200 km
  • Armament:
    • 37 mm Vickers Terni L / 40 cannon with 84 rounds
    • two 8-mm-Breda-MG model 38 with 2800 rounds
  • Armor:
    • Tub bow: 30 mm
    • Front: 14 mm
    • Driver front: 30 mm
    • Sides: 14-15 mm
    • Motor cover: 8 mm
    • Bottom: 10 mm
    • Tower: 30 mm (front) / 14 mm (sides and rear) / 7 mm (top)

See also