Renault R40 (Char leger Modele 1935 R Modifie 1939)

History

Like other interwar powers, the French were cautious in modernizing their tank forces, with some upgrades including the introduction of the Renault R35 light infantry tank in 1935 (detailed elsewhere on this site) . The R35 was a well-protected tracked combat system, but it soon proved to be lacking in performance, and by the time of the German invasion in May 1940, its short-barreled 37mm main gun did not perform well against heavier armor. Additionally, the suspension was worse than expected, and several projects were implemented by various parties to improve the line slightly.

Prior to WW2 (1939-1945), AMX opted for a new suspension design for installation on existing R35 tanks already in service. Testing of the new device ended in December 1938, and in February 1939 it was decided to improve the series.

The modified tank was identified as the "Char Leger Modele 1935 R Modifie 1939", but history better remembers the Renault "R40" variant due to the introduction of many changes (although this is not the official model name of the French Army).

All of these plans changed with the outbreak of the war, and these modifications were put on the newly built ???R40 tanks. The R40 form appeared on the R35 tank of the 1541 modification. While still in production, the tank has also been modified to accept the 37mm SA38 Long 35 gun in long-barreled form and a new cast turret.

There's also a communications kit installed - a feature the original R35 sorely lacked. FCM also introduced a lighter welded turret - although this did not happen until the end of 1940, by which time the German conquest of France was complete.

At least two French battalions and one Polish brigade of the R40 fought in France during the invasion of France. All of them were either killed in battle or captured by the conquering Germans, their fate was sealed.

No one survived the war, and only about 130 are believed to have been completed before the German victory - while dozens of other hulls awaited their turrets, but never arrived.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

90x37mm projectile.

2, 400x7.5mm ammo.

Changes