Stridsvagn m/39 (Strv m/39)

History

With the deterioration of the situation on the European continent at the beginning of World War II (1939-1945), neutral Sweden continued to develop its Stridsvagn L-60 (Strv L-60) series of light tanks against very real Germans from the West or Soviet Union in the East intrusion threat. The L-60 was designed as early as 1934 and produced in limited quantities by AB Landsverk, with subsequent variants based on standardized designs.

The development of the series culminated in the Stridsvagn m/38 model in 1938 and finally the Stridsvagn m/39 (Strv m/39) wartime model in 1940.

Strv m/39 Modifications to the turret, including a more protected shell design. It was armed with the still-useful 37mm Bofors main gun and was operated by a crew of three - driver, commander and gunner. Power comes from a single 142-horsepower Scania-Vabis 6-cylinder, water-cooled petrol engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 28 mph. Dimensions include an overall length of 15.3 feet, a width of 6.7 feet, and a height of 6.8 feet.

Anti-infantry and local defense are carried out by 2 x 8 mm Ksp m / 36 machine guns.

Its image is largely in keeping with previous Swedish products. There is a flat hull layout with a transverse turret mounted above the forward midship in the forward section. The driver managed a position in the forward hull. The engine is installed in a compartment at the rear of the vehicle. The undercarriage consists of a four-wheel chain arrangement, with the drive sprocket at the front and the chain idler at the rear.

Two chain return rollers support the upper chain links on the sides of the fuselage.

About 20 tanks arrived in 1940, as the war in Europe began to clearly demonstrate the limitations of existing light main battle tanks - especially tanks of prewar origin, such as the m/39. Its 37mm primary weapon Will be far surpassed by German and Soviet products.

The Swedish tank line followed with the Stridsvagn m/40 (Strv m/40) model in 1941, followed by the Strv m/42. Despite this, Sweden remained neutral during World War II and its armored forces never took action.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

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Armor

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Changes