Landsverk L-Series

History of the Landsverk L-Series

The Landsverk L-series armoured vehicles originated in Sweden in the early 1930s and entered service during World War II (1939-1945), with some examples surprisingly not being phased out until the 1980s. The vehicle relies on a truck-based six-wheel arrangement with two axles mated under the rear. These armored vehicles were built on the existing chassis of various Bussing, Mercedes-Benz and Daimler-Benz trucks, which were later produced under the L-180, L-181 and L-182 brands.

The choice of truck also largely determines the engine matching for each model.

When completed, the original L-180 was a 17,250-pound vehicle with an overall length of 19 feet, a width of 7.3 feet, and a height of 7.5 feet. It consists of up to five staff, including a driver, a vehicle commander, a dedicated gunner, an artilleryman and a loader. An armored superstructure riveted to the existing chassis provides protection against small arms fire, with a range of up to 9mm for the front hull and 15mm for the top-mounted turret. The turret allows a full 360 degree rotation and is armed with a 20mm Madsen M1933-L/60 gun or a 37mm Bofors gun.

Of course, this also varies according to local requirements, as some models are fitted with a 20mm Oerlikon gun, or like the Finnish Army models, a 20mm L-39 Lahti (ATR) anti-tank rifle, and a 13.2-mm- L-35/36 were used heavy machine guns. Secondary firepower comes from 2 or 3 machine guns of various makes and models.

The engine is installed in the front compartment as usual. The L-180 is powered by a 160-horsepower Bussing V8, while the L-181 is powered by a 65-horsepower Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder engine or an 80-horsepower Daimler-Benz M09 6-cylinder engine.

L-series cars were eventually (in limited quantities) used by Denmark (2), Estonia (1), Ireland (8), Nazi Germany (unknown number of captured enemies), the Netherlands (13) and the Soviet Union (unknown number) and Sweden (five undelivered specimens shipped to Ireland). Danish and Dutch vehicles captured by German forces during World War II were reused by their new owners before the end, designated "Panzerspahwagen L-202(h)" for reconnaissance, police, patrol and training missions.

These are armed with 20mm Madsen or 37mm Bofors guns, supported by 8mm Madsen or 7.92mm Lewis machine guns.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Not available. Weapon based variables.

Changes