Hotchkiss H-35
The Hotchkiss H35 (also Char léger modèle 1935 H) was a light French tank made by Hotchkiss et Cie . Developed in 1933 as a replacement for the Renault FT from the First World War , it went into series production in 1936. 400 units had been built by 1939, three quarters of which were delivered to the cavalry and a quarter to the infantry . Then at least 800 more were built from the derived "Char léger modèle 1935H modifié 39", which are better known today as the H 39 .
The H 35 was able to survive in combat with most German tanks in World War II , but its low top speed and small range limited its mobility. However, its firepower was insufficient to destroy Panzer III or IV tanks . The properties required for this were only improved with the Hotchkiss H-39 . Another disadvantage was the crew of only two men. The commander was also straightening and loader for the gun and operated the machine gun . A radio did not exist. Prey vehicles were of the German Army used under the designation "Panzer 35 H 734 (f)" and "Armored car 38 H 735 (f)" or later to hunt tanks Marder I , but also partly to ammunition tractors and radio and command tanks rebuilt, the Towers were built into fortifications.
Technical specifications
- Weight: 11.4 t
- Length: 4.22 m
- Width: 1.85 m
- Height: 2.14 m
- Armor: 34 mm
- Engine: Hotchkiss six-cylinder in-line engine
- Displacement: 3480 cm³
- Power: 57.4 kW (78 PS)
- Top speed: 28 km / h
- Driving range: 129 km
- Crew: two men
- Armament: a 37 mm Puteaux SA18 L / 21 cannon, a Reibel machine gun 7.5 mm
Individual evidence
- ^ François Vauvillier, 2007, "Notre Cavalerie Mécanique à son Apogée le 10 May 1940", Histoire de Guerre, Blindés et Matériel , N ° 75, p.49
