T-37A

History of the T-37A

From 1931 to 1941, the Red Army produced approximately 2,540 units in service using a Carden-Lloyd-inspired "tank" via locally modified T-27s, operated by two crew members - and during World War II. Exposure to Tankette inspired new doctrines in the Red Army, as well as further compact vehicle designs and tests centered on greater Soviet influence. Through these efforts, the T-37A amphibious light tank of 1932 went into series production the following year, reaching 2,552 by 1936.

These were also used in WWII until the line itself was replaced by the then newer T-38 series.

The design of the T-37A is credited to N. Kozyrev of Factory #37. Work began as early as 1931 and continued until 1933, when the final design was adopted. The craft took a fairly simple form, with a wide, angled glacis plate, a thin track on the wheelbase, and a one-man turret offset to the right of center. Internal conditions are understandable for such a small design, her crew consisted of only two people - a driver and a commander/gunner.

Power comes from a single 40-horsepower GAZ-AA engine (originally using a Ford AA engine), with a top speed of 22 mph and a range of 115 miles. The suspension system is spring-loaded and inherently amphibious, allowing travel on land and across water.

Armament is limited to a single 7.62mm DT-series machine gun in the turret, while armor protection is minimal, ranging from 3mm to 9mm thick on all sides shown. Dimensions include 12 feet long, 7 feet wide, and 6 feet high, and the T-37A has a reported weight of 3.5 tons (short).

The T-37A served the Red Army at critical times and proved very useful in the early days of World War II. The vehicle was part of the Soviet offensive against Poland from the east and was already facing an invasion by Nazi Germany along its western border. When Poland was finally subdued, the Soviets advanced on neighboring Finland, provoking the "Winter War", and these mission types mirrored the design of light tanks - rapid reconnaissance, communications support, and infantry support. Their machine gun armament limited their offensive usefulness against enemy infantry and lightly armored vehicles.

When Germany invaded the Soviet Union during Operation Barbarossa on June 22, 1941 to open the Eastern Front, the Soviet Union suffered a number of serious defeats, which also resulted in the destruction of many tanks and aircraft - including a large stockpile of T-37As. As numbers dwindled, the car had a small footprint as the war continued. Some remain as field vehicles, while others are relegated to training service.

In 1944, the T-37A was officially relieved of its front-line duties. Others continued to fight as captives under German, Hungarian, Romanian and even Finnish flags.

The T-37A is also known as "M1936". The T-37TU represents a special commando version of the tank.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

585x7.62mm ammo.

Changes