The Panzer 38(t) was a Czechoslovakian tank used by Germany during World War II. (The Czech military designation was LT-38. Manufacturer's designations included TNH series, TNHPS, LTP and LTH).

The Panzer 38(t) was manufactured up to the middle of World War II. Manufacture ceased because the small turret wasn't capable of taking a weapon big enough to destroy the latest tanks. However, because the chassis was mechanically reliable, turretless versions were built with a weapon mounted on the superstructure. Assault guns, anti-tank guns and anti-aircraft guns were mounted on the chassis. A Swedish variant, the Sav m/43, remained in use until 1970, which is probably a longevity record for a pre-WW2 tank.

History

In 1935, Czech tank manufacturer CKD were looking at as replacement for the LT-35 tank they were jointly producing with Skoda. The LT-35 was complex and had shortcomings, and CKD felt there would be orders both from the expanding Czech army and for export.

CKD decided to use a form of the Christie suspension for their new tank. The resulting vehicle was reliable, and an export success: 50 were exported to Iran, 24 each to Peru and Switzerland. Latvia also ordered some.

In early 1938, Czechoslovakia ordered 150 of the TNHPS model. After the German takeover, Germany kept producing the model, as it was considered an excellent tank, especially compared to the Panzer I and Panzer II tanks that were the Panzerwaffe's main tanks.

A modified Panzer 38(t) chassis was also the basis for the highly successful German Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer tank-destroyer.

Variants

• TNHP Initial export version to Iran (50 ordered in 1935) (Iran was the first customer)
• LTP export version to Peru
• LTH export version to Switzerland
• Str m/41 version built under license in Sweden
• Sav m/43 assault gun on TNH hull, built by Sweden
• Panzer 38(t) A-D TNH tank in German manufacture
• Panzer 38(t) E-G Pz 38(t) with frontal armour increased to 50 mm
• Panzer 38(t) Ausf S Ordered by Sweden but seized by Germany
• SdKfz 138 Marder III carried German 75 mm gun in open-top superstructure
• SdKfz 139 Marder III carried Soviet 76.2 mm gun in open-top superstructure
• SdKfz 138/1 Grille carried German 150 mm infantry gun; also munition variant which carried ammunition
• SdKfz 140 Flakpanzer 38(t) carried a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun
• SdKfz 140/1 reconnaisance tank
• Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer a tank destroyer carrying a 75 mm L/48 anti-tank gun

Combat performance

Panzer 38(t) performed well in the Polish campaign in 1939 and the Battle of France in 1940. It was also used in the German invasion of the Soviet Union from 1941 onwards but was outclassed by Soviet tanks such as the T-34.

Flakpanzer 38(t) was not a success as it was too poorly armed. In fact, it often became the target of allied fighter-bombers. Its armour was too thin to prevent damage from heavy aircraft machine guns.

Characteristics

Panzer 38(t) Aus. A-C

• Role: medium tank
• Power plant: Prage EPA Model I inline six-cylinder liquid cooled petrol, 95 kW (126 hp)
• Speed: 56 km/h (35 mph)
• Range: 200 km (125 miles)
• Length: 4.61 m
• Width: 2.14 m
• Height: 2.40 m
• Weight: combat: 9.5 tonnes, dry: 8.5 tonnes
• Crew: 4
• Armament: 37.2 mm Skoda A7 (L/47.8) gun with 90 rounds, 2 x 7.92 mm MG 37(t) (Model 37) machine gun with 2,550 rounds.
• Armour: front 25 mm, side 15 mm

External links

• Information about the Pz.Kpfw.38(t) at Panzerworld

See also:

• Comparison of early World War II tanks