Stridsvagn m/38 (Strv m/38)

History

With some modifications by the Swedish Army (mainly a standardized 37mm gun), the Strv L-60 light tank became the refined Strv m/38 light tank. The original L-60 appeared in 1935 with limited exports to Ireland, while the Hungarians built them under license, under the name "Toldi" series. Thanks to his great suspension, the guy is well equipped and has great on- and off-road abilities.

These qualities were passed on to the new m/38 light tank, which at the time provided the Swedish army with considerable armor-piercing firepower. Due to their success in World War I, the light tank market grew globally, and the Swedes wanted to capitalize on the movement with their own thoroughbred horses.

There were plans to start selling the m/38 on the export market, but the war in Europe thwarted this effort and resulted in the m/38 becoming an all-Swedish product.

The Swedish Army procured at least 17 examples of this type in 1937 and deliveries began in 1938. At the time of their introduction, the inherent firepower of these nimble machines gave Swedish tankers the ability to counter German and Soviet generally armed machine guns that were available at the time.

Deliveries continued until 1939, so their usefulness on the battlefield only lasted until 1941, when they were overtaken by newer, more powerful main battle tanks that came online - now with guns. Although Sweden was neutral throughout World War II, Sweden's sovereignty was always threatened from two sources, as Norway and Finland would eventually fall into the hands of Germany and the Soviet Union, respectively.

As such, Swedish authorities consider it prudent to prepare adequately for the inevitable invasion of resource-rich nations and start developing indigenous weapons in response.

The design of the m/38 closely follows the previous L-60. The engine is located in the rear compartment, and the driver is located in the front left of the hull.

The turret - containing the main 37mm Bofors m/38 main gun, gunner and tank commander - is located in the top center of the hull on the flat hull superstructure. Like the previous L-60, the m/38's turret was accessed through a side hatch or roof hatch. Close range defense is handled by a 7.7mm coaxial machine gun. The tank is powered by a 142 hp Scania-Vabis 6-cylinder gasoline engine. The chain system consists of four twin-tire wheels with two chain idlers, a rear chain tensioner (which remains significantly low to the ground) and a drive sprocket up front.

Top speed is 28 mph and range is 124 miles. All told, at 9.7 tons, the car is slightly heavier than the previous L-60, but just as powerful.

Surprisingly, the Strv m/38 light tank was in service with the Swedish army until 1957 and was never exported. The original production form was used in Gota Livgarde, then sent to Skovde and Strangnas at the end of 1939.

Today, a surviving m/38 prototype is on display at the Pansarmuseet in Axwal, Sweden.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

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Armor

Not available.

Changes