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Panzer 35(t)
The LT-35 or LT vz.35 was the Czechoslovakian light tank used by Germany during World War II under a designation PzKpfw-35(t) (or: Panzer-35(t)).
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Description
The LT-35 was a conventional tank design for the late 1930s, with riveted armor, a two-man turret, and rear-engine and drive. Main armament was a Skoda vz 34 37.2mm gun with 72 rounds stored on board, and was operated by the tank commander. A coaxial 7.92mm machinegun was fitted as well. The second crewman in the turret was the loader for the main gun, as well as serving as the radio operator. In the front hull sat the driver to the right side while the bow machine gunner sat to his left, manning the 7.92mm machine gun fitted in the front armor plate.
The Skoda six-cylinder engine produced 120hp. It was mounted in the rear along with the six-speed transmission and drove the rear drive wheel. Additional wheels were eight road wheels on four bogies, a single front idler, and four track return wheels. Both transmission and steering were assisted with compressed air, reducing driver fatigue.
Development
The LT-35 was constructed in the Czech factory Škoda, and produced since 1938. About 300 were produced for the Czechoslovak Army, and 126 for Romania (under designation Škoda R-2). The Czech army had placed the initial order for the S-11-a in October 1934, and had rushed development of the tank despite a number of faults that came to light. The first production order for 160 tanks was placed in October of 1935, and these began deliveries the following year. The Czech army placed a follow-on order for 136 more shortly thereafter. Romania's order for 126 was placed as well. Production continued through the occupation of Czechoslovakia by Germany, with a further 219 being produced for the Wehrmacht in addition to examples captured from the Czech army.
Variants
- S11a - Original designation for prototypes
- LT35 (LT vz.35) - basic Czechoslovak variant (37 mm A-3 gun)
- LT35 (A-7 gun) - export variant with better 37 mm A-7 gun
- Panzerkampfwagen 35(t) - German designation of LT-35
- Panzerbefehlswagen 35(t) - German command tank variant
- Mörserzugmittel 35(t) - German armored mortar tractor
- T11 - Alternate designator for original models, went into service under this designation with Bulgaria (with A-3 and A-7 guns)
- R2 - Romanian designation of LT-35
- TACAM R2 - Romanian tank destroyer on R-2 (LT-35) chassis
- T21 - bigger prototype, produced in Hungary as Turan
Operational history
. The LT vz.35 tanks were used in the Czechoslovak Army from 1937 until 1939.
In 1939, all survivors of the Czech army were seized by the Germans and used under designation PzKpfw 35(t) by the German armored units, to which were added newly produced examples. The German 6th Panzer Division began the war equipped with them and the tanks served in Poland (1939), France (1940) and USSR (1941). The fighting in Russia exposed the vehicle's unsuitability for cold weather operations and soon afterward, most were withdrawn from tank units and given auxiliary roles.
79 tanks were used by the Axis Slovak army, against the USSR.
26 tanks with normal A-3 gun and 10 tanks with better A-7 gun were used by Bulgaria from 1940.
126 tanks were used in Romania, against the USSR. Some were rebuilt as tank destroyers with a 76 mm gun.
In the initial stage of the World War II it was a very good light tank, with good gun and armor.
External links
See also:
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