The T-26 Soviet light tank was based on the British Vickers 6-Ton tank.

Production History

The T-26 was produced under license from Vickers-Armstrong Ltd. between 1931 and 1940. Over 12000 were produced.

Variants

• T-26 model 1931 - Twin turret version with machineguns.
• T-26 model 1932 - Twin turret version with 37 mm gun.
• T-26TU - Command version with radios.
• OT-26 - Flamethrower variant.
• T-26 model 1933 - One turret version with 45 mm gun - the most numerous variant.
• OT-130 - Flamethrower variant of model 1933.
• T-26 model 1938 - New semi-conical turret.
• T-26 model 1939 (T-26S) - Semi-conical turret, increased armour with sloped hull sides.
• OT-133 - Flamethrower variant of model 1939, without a gun.
• OT-134 - Flamethrower variant of model 1939, with 45 mm gun.
• SU-5-1 - Self propelled gun . 76.2 mm howitzer (few vehicles).
• SU-5-2 - Self propelled gun. 122 mm howitzer (few vehicles).
• SU-5-3 - Self propelled gun. 152.4 mm mortar (few vehicles).

Combat History

First saw action against Japanese forces in the Manchurian border incidents in 1934 and 1935.

During the Spanish civil war Republican Spain received 362 T-26 model 1933 which were found to be superior to the German Panzer I.

The T-26 was also used against Finland during the Winter War, and its armour was found inadequate against the Finnish anti-tank weapons. Many of these tanks were captured by the Finns and used towards the end of the WWII. A lot of Soviet T-26s were abandoned or destroyed during 1941 battles of the WWII, after which this type was taken out of use.

See also:

• List of tanks
• List of Soviet tanks
• Comparison of early World War II tanks