Stridsvagn m/40 (Strv m/40)

History

The Stridsvagn Strv m/40 light tank was the first Swedish main battle tank to be ordered in viable quantities - its total production was 180. The design is an evolution of the original L-60 tank that emerged from work beginning in 1934.

The series eventually included the Strv m/38, Strv m/39 and Strv m/42. As the war in Europe spread to neighbouring Norway and Finland, the Swedish government, despite its neutrality in the war, tried to provide a viable defense should it be attacked.

The evolving war situation also helped the Swedes develop their own tank design and theoretical approach without exposing themselves to direct combat. Thus, the m/40 is an improved m/39 with a new turret design (with an improved hood), increased armor protection, and a useful commander's cupola.

The crew is still three people - driver, commander and gunner, while the five-wheeled landing gear is retained, as are the 1 x 37mm Bofors gun and 2 x 8mm Ksp m/39 machine guns for the main armament - a machine gun with the same The shaft is mounted, and the other is mounted on the bow.

m/40 appears in two brands - m/40L from AB Landsverk and m/40K from Landsverk subcontractor Karlsverk ("Karlstads Mekaniska Verkstad"). The difference between the two is staggering the L model weighs 9.1 tonnes, has up to 15mm of armour protection and is powered by a 142hp Scania Vabis 1664 series engine. Weighing 10.9 tonnes, the K model can withstand 50mm thick armour protection and is powered by 162 Scania-Varbis L603 engines to meet the extra weight.

Both cars have the same dimensions - 4.9 meters long, 2 meters wide and 2 meters high. Road speed is equal at 28 mph. The armament is the same as previous Swedish tank products - a 37mm Bofors main gun and 2 x 8mm Ksp-m/39 infantry machine guns.

The landing gear was also brought in - four wheels on one side of the hull, drive sprockets in front and track idlers in the rear. Two track idlers are also used.

The inventory of available m/40 tanks increased from 1942 to 1944. Total production reached 180 - AB Landsverk produced 100 and Karlsverk produced 80 modified versions.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

Not available.

Changes