Difference between revisions of "Pz.38(t) A"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41.
 +
 
 +
The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf.A is a small nimble beginners tank. It boasts a decent 37 mm cannon, which can easily get through most armour at its rank. The tank is primarily a support tank, helping the larger tanks push forward. The armour is not very heavy, and most cannons and autocannons can get through it. Always try to make use of your gun depression, hiding your hull behind terrain and obstacles, while exposing only your turret to the enemy.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
 +
 +
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
'''Armour type:'''  
 
'''Armour type:'''  
  
Line 15: Line 23:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides (Slope angle) !! Rear (Slope angle) !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides (Slope angle) !! Rear (Slope angle) !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 25 mm (21-23°) ''Front glacis'' <br /> 25 mm (14°) ''Lower glacis''|| 15 mm (0°) ''Top''|| 15 mm (13°) || 10 mm
+
| Hull || 25 mm (18-23°) ''Front plate'' <br> 12 mm (74°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 25 mm (14°), 8 mm (65°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm || 15 mm (11-14°) || 10 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 25 mm (10°) ''Turret front'' <br> 25 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (8-9°) || 15 mm (8°) || 8 mm
+
| Turret || 25 mm (10°), 15 mm (9-10°) ''Turret front'' <br> 25 mm (0-90°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 15 mm (0-9°) || 15 mm (8°) || 8 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Cupola || 15 mm || 8 mm
 
| Cupola || 15 mm || 8 mm
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 8 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 44: Line 57:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
−
|190
+
|194
 
|238
 
|238
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
−
|110
+
|111
 
|125
 
|125
 
|-
 
|-
Line 58: Line 71:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Arcade''
 
|''Arcade''
−
|19.59
+
|20.00
 
|24.54
 
|24.54
 
|-
 
|-
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 
|''Realistic/Simulator''
−
|11.34
+
|11.44
 
|12.89
 
|12.89
 
|-
 
|-
Line 69: Line 82:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 +
{{main|KwK 38(t) (37 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[KwK 38(t) (37 mm)|37 mm KwK 38(t)]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 90 || -10°/+25° || ±180° || Vertical
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 +
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arcade'' || 13.33 || 18.45 || __.__ || __.__ || 26.35
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 8.33 || 9.80 || __.__ || __.__ || 14.00
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| 4.29 || __.__ || __.__ || 3.30
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===== Ammunition =====
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| Pzgr. 34(t) || APC || 55 || 52 || 40 || 29 || 20 || 15
 +
|-
 +
| PzGr. 40 || APCR || 93 || 91 || 49 || 23 || 2 || 1
 +
|-
 +
| Pzgr.(t) umg. || APCBC || 60 || 57 || 43 || 30 || 21 || 15
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 +
|-
 +
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| Pzgr. 34(t) || APC || 741 || 0.85 || 1.3 || 15 || 22.1 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| PzGr. 40 || APCR || 1020 || 0.37 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
 +
|-
 +
| Pzgr.(t) umg. || APCBC || 750 || 0.82 || 1.3 || 15 || 22.1 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|Ammo racks of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
|| '''90''' || 61&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+59)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+89)'' || style="text-align:center" | Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
Center empty: 31&nbsp;''(+59)''
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
 +
{{main|Vz.37 (7.92 mm)|l1=vz.37 (7.92 mm)}}
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[Vz.37 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm vz.37]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | 5,500 (200) || 769 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
 
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
−
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
*Very fast and maneuverable
−
 
+
*Excellent choice for flanking
 +
*37mm gun is good to deal with most threats
 +
*Excellent gun depression and compact size allows great use of terrain as a cover
 +
*Gun is also quite accurate, making longer range engagements easier
 +
* Can carry a large amount of different shells
 +
* One of the best ''climbing'' abilities in the game
 +
* Short Reload time
 +
* Good turret traverse speed
 +
* Has a vertical stabilizer
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* As a light tank, can't take much frontal hits well from heavier and bigger adversaries
 +
* 37 mm can only do so much, won't penetrate armour of heavier tanks if angled
 +
* Although fast, handling at low speeds is quite cumbersome
 +
* Slow top speed of 30 km/h
 +
* Pretty weak front armour thickness
 +
* Small crew in small compartment, easy to knock out
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
 +
===Development===
 +
In 1935, ČKD (Českomoravská Kolben-Daněk), the tank manufacturer in Czechoslovakia wanted to find a replacement to the [[Pz.Kpfw. 35(t)|LT vz.35]] (Also known as the ''Panzer 35(t)'' in German service). Reason being is that the vz.35 was complex and had its faults that impeded its efficiency and orders for new tanks would be coming from the gradually growing Czechoslovak army and other countries. They work jointly with Škoda Works in the development of this new tank.
 +
 
 +
The next tank design, designated in Czechoslovakia as the '''LT vz.38''', fitted a conventional design for the interwar period. The armour was riveted with about 25 mm thick in the front hull and was not sloped. The engine was placed in the rear, with a two-man turret in the center, and the driving compartment in the front with a front transmission. Perhaps the biggest distinction for this tank design was the use of a leaf-spring unit suspension consisting of four large wheels. The turret housed the 37 mm Skoda A7 armament with about 90 rounds of ammunition stored in the vehicle. Unlike traditional designs, the coaxial machine gun is mounted on a ball mount allowing it to be aimed independently on targets, yet could be fixed for coaxial usage. There is another machine gun in front used by the assistant driver, who also doubled as the radio operator placed on the left of the operator as the driver was on the right side of the tank. The LT vz.38 was a very reliable design.
 +
 
 +
The LT vz.38 was successfully exported under the name ''"TNH"'' and was given to Iran, Peru, Switzerland, and Lithuania, all under different names, but done in small quantities (Iran bought the most at 50 units). The British Royal Armoured Corps ordered one trial model out in an evaluation, but their evaluations came that the vehicle was uncomfortable for the crew and was impossible to lay the gun when the vehicle is in motion, thus the British did not order any and returned the trial model. Then in 1937, the Czechoslovak armed forces started a contest for a new tank to be put into service. Three companies, Škoda, ČKD and Tatra, were involved and submitted their various designs with Škoda a variant of the LT vz.38, ČKD a prototype model different from the LT vz.38, and Tatra a very different design concept altogether. The army then chose the LT vz.38 model and ordered 150 units in July 1938, but these were never put to service in Czech usage when the German occupied Czechoslovakia in March 1939.
 +
 
 +
===German adoption===
 +
When Germany took control of Czechoslovakia, they ordered the LT vz.38 production to continue as its firepower, armour, and mobility was considerably better than the Panzer I and [[Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. C|Panzer II]], which made up most of the German armoured forces in 1939. At first, it was used under the designation '''LTM 38''', but this was changed in January 1940 to the '''Panzerkampfwagen 38(t)''', or the '''Panzer 38(t)''' for short. The Panzer 38(t) was used as a substitute to the [[Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E|Panzer III]] due to the similarity in armour and armament. The 37 mm Skoda A7 cannon was renamed the 37mm KwK38 (t). The Germans would gradually upgrade the design in its production life and have seven different variants (A-G) of the normal production model, but are divided into one with 25 mm of frontal riveted armour originally, and the [[Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. F|other with a total frontal armour thickness of 50 mm]] by bolting on another 25 mm of armour to the hull. Production under Germany control continued from 1939 to 1942 with a total of 1,414 tank units built (excluding export models and other vehicles built with the chassis).
 +
 
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The Panzer 38(t) served well in the initial campaigns for Germany in World War II, performing well in the invasion of Poland and France in 1939 and 1940 respectively.  Some notable German tank aces would start their careers with this tank; such as Otto Carius, who would become one of Germany's well known [[Pz.Kpfw. VI Ausf. H1|Tiger]] Ace. Though unable to deal with the heavier tanks in Allied service, it was able to engage the armour of most light tank designs at the time. It wasn't until the initiation of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, where the Panzer 38(t) has become outclassed in all ways by the Soviet [[T-34 1941|T-34s]] and [[KV-1 L-11|KV-1]] tanks. Due to the small two-man turret, it could not be modified to accept a larger gun capable of defeating these tanks. Not only that, but the Panzer 38(t) was also vulnerable to the Soviet 47 mm anti-tank gun due to the lower armour quality on the tank. These two drawbacks of the Panzer 38(t) caused it to be retired from front-line services for better tanks such as the [[Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F2|Panzer IV]]. Despite its retirement, the chassis was found to be a very adaptable design, so it would continue to be used in a variety of roles such as the ''[[PaK40/3 auf Sfl.38 Ausf. H|Marder III]]'' and ''[[Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer|Jagdpanzer 38(t)]]'' tank destroyer, ''[[Pz.Kpfw.38 fur 2 cm Flak 38|Flakpanzer 38(t)]]'' anti-aircraft gun, and the ''Grille'' self-propelled artillery piece. A dedicated reconnaissance variant known as the ''[[Aufklärungspanzer 38(t)]]'' was also built to supplement the need for reconnaissance vehicles.
 +
 
 +
Despite its retirement as a front-line weapon, the Panzer 38(t) tank still saw usage as a reconnaissance vehicle and an anti-partisan vehicle in German-controlled territory. The usage of the chassis in different roles freed up many turrets to serve as fortifications to be used in various of locations, such as the Atlantic Wall, which proved well in against infantry attacks as its small 37 mm cannon was inadequate against the increasing armour of Allied tanks.
 +
 
 +
===Other countries===
 +
The Panzer 38(t), as a widely exported tank model, also saw service with Romania, Kingdom of Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Peru, and Iran. Sweden were one of the few countries that were granted license to construct the Panzer 38(t) under their designation as the ''Stridsvagn m/41'' after their initial batch were seized by the Germans with the takeover of Czechoslovakia. Deliveries of the first batch of the initial tank model started in December 1942 and ended in August 1943. Then a second batch of 122 units was ordered in mid-1942 for more of these tanks due to an urgent demand, the second batch would have the 50 mm armour plate thickness and with a redesigned interior and better engine to compensate the weight increase. 104 of the second batch was delievered before production ended in March 1944. Some of these tanks would be converted into ''sav M/43'' assault guns or armoured personnel carriers during and after the war. Peru were also another prolific user of the Panzer 38(t), using them in the Ecuadorian-Peruvian War in 1941 as the main stay of their tank battalions. The tanks added with the lack of capable anti-tank weapons in Ecuadorian forces made the Panzer 38(t) proved very well in the war and even stayed in service for more than 50 years before being retired.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 +
[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23panzer38t '''Skins''' and '''camouflages''' for the 38(t) series from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
−
''ETC.''
+
* [[Pz.35(t)]] - Preceding Czech tank design.
 +
* [[Pz.38(t) F]] - Succeeding version.
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
 +
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/3279/current/ [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. A & F]
 +
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/735/current/ [Legends<nowiki>]</nowiki> Panzerkampfwagen 38(t)]
 +
 
 +
{{Germany light tanks}}

Revision as of 18:05, 24 February 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Pz.38(t) A
germ_pzkpfw_38t_ausf_a.png
Pz.38(t) A
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Pz.38(t) A.jpg


The Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. A is a Rank I German light tank with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41.

The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf.A is a small nimble beginners tank. It boasts a decent 37 mm cannon, which can easily get through most armour at its rank. The tank is primarily a support tank, helping the larger tanks push forward. The armour is not very heavy, and most cannons and autocannons can get through it. Always try to make use of your gun depression, hiding your hull behind terrain and obstacles, while exposing only your turret to the enemy.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides (Slope angle) Rear (Slope angle) Roof
Hull 25 mm (18-23°) Front plate
12 mm (74°) Front glacis
25 mm (14°), 8 mm (65°) Lower glacis 		15 mm 15 mm (11-14°) 10 mm
Turret 25 mm (10°), 15 mm (9-10°) Turret front
25 mm (0-90°) Gun mantlet 		15 mm (0-9°) 15 mm (8°) 8 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 15 mm 8 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 8 mm thick.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
9.7 N/A 47 (AB)
42 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 194 238
Realistic/Simulator 111 125
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 20.00 24.54
Realistic/Simulator 11.44 12.89

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: KwK 38(t) (37 mm)
37 mm KwK 38(t)
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
90 -10°/+25° ±180° Vertical
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 13.33 18.45 __.__ __.__ 26.35
Realistic 8.33 9.80 __.__ __.__ 14.00
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
4.29 __.__ __.__ 3.30
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Pzgr. 34(t) APC 55 52 40 29 20 15
PzGr. 40 APCR 93 91 49 23 2 1
Pzgr.(t) umg. APCBC 60 57 43 30 21 15
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Pzgr. 34(t) APC 741 0.85 1.3 15 22.1 +4° 48° 63° 71°
PzGr. 40 APCR 1020 0.37 N/A N/A N/A +1.5° 66° 70° 72°
Pzgr.(t) umg. APCBC 750 0.82 1.3 15 22.1 +4° 48° 63° 71°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the Pz.38(t) A.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
90 61 (+29) 31 (+59) 1 (+89) Yes

Center empty: 31 (+59)

Machine guns

Main article: vz.37 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm vz.37
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
5,500 (200) 769 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast and maneuverable
  • Excellent choice for flanking
  • 37mm gun is good to deal with most threats
  • Excellent gun depression and compact size allows great use of terrain as a cover
  • Gun is also quite accurate, making longer range engagements easier
  • Can carry a large amount of different shells
  • One of the best climbing abilities in the game
  • Short Reload time
  • Good turret traverse speed
  • Has a vertical stabilizer

Cons:

  • As a light tank, can't take much frontal hits well from heavier and bigger adversaries
  • 37 mm can only do so much, won't penetrate armour of heavier tanks if angled
  • Although fast, handling at low speeds is quite cumbersome
  • Slow top speed of 30 km/h
  • Pretty weak front armour thickness
  • Small crew in small compartment, easy to knock out

History

Development

In 1935, ČKD (Českomoravská Kolben-Daněk), the tank manufacturer in Czechoslovakia wanted to find a replacement to the LT vz.35 (Also known as the Panzer 35(t) in German service). Reason being is that the vz.35 was complex and had its faults that impeded its efficiency and orders for new tanks would be coming from the gradually growing Czechoslovak army and other countries. They work jointly with Škoda Works in the development of this new tank.

The next tank design, designated in Czechoslovakia as the LT vz.38, fitted a conventional design for the interwar period. The armour was riveted with about 25 mm thick in the front hull and was not sloped. The engine was placed in the rear, with a two-man turret in the center, and the driving compartment in the front with a front transmission. Perhaps the biggest distinction for this tank design was the use of a leaf-spring unit suspension consisting of four large wheels. The turret housed the 37 mm Skoda A7 armament with about 90 rounds of ammunition stored in the vehicle. Unlike traditional designs, the coaxial machine gun is mounted on a ball mount allowing it to be aimed independently on targets, yet could be fixed for coaxial usage. There is another machine gun in front used by the assistant driver, who also doubled as the radio operator placed on the left of the operator as the driver was on the right side of the tank. The LT vz.38 was a very reliable design.

The LT vz.38 was successfully exported under the name "TNH" and was given to Iran, Peru, Switzerland, and Lithuania, all under different names, but done in small quantities (Iran bought the most at 50 units). The British Royal Armoured Corps ordered one trial model out in an evaluation, but their evaluations came that the vehicle was uncomfortable for the crew and was impossible to lay the gun when the vehicle is in motion, thus the British did not order any and returned the trial model. Then in 1937, the Czechoslovak armed forces started a contest for a new tank to be put into service. Three companies, Škoda, ČKD and Tatra, were involved and submitted their various designs with Škoda a variant of the LT vz.38, ČKD a prototype model different from the LT vz.38, and Tatra a very different design concept altogether. The army then chose the LT vz.38 model and ordered 150 units in July 1938, but these were never put to service in Czech usage when the German occupied Czechoslovakia in March 1939.

German adoption

When Germany took control of Czechoslovakia, they ordered the LT vz.38 production to continue as its firepower, armour, and mobility was considerably better than the Panzer I and Panzer II, which made up most of the German armoured forces in 1939. At first, it was used under the designation LTM 38, but this was changed in January 1940 to the Panzerkampfwagen 38(t), or the Panzer 38(t) for short. The Panzer 38(t) was used as a substitute to the Panzer III due to the similarity in armour and armament. The 37 mm Skoda A7 cannon was renamed the 37mm KwK38 (t). The Germans would gradually upgrade the design in its production life and have seven different variants (A-G) of the normal production model, but are divided into one with 25 mm of frontal riveted armour originally, and the other with a total frontal armour thickness of 50 mm by bolting on another 25 mm of armour to the hull. Production under Germany control continued from 1939 to 1942 with a total of 1,414 tank units built (excluding export models and other vehicles built with the chassis).

Combat usage

The Panzer 38(t) served well in the initial campaigns for Germany in World War II, performing well in the invasion of Poland and France in 1939 and 1940 respectively. Some notable German tank aces would start their careers with this tank; such as Otto Carius, who would become one of Germany's well known Tiger Ace. Though unable to deal with the heavier tanks in Allied service, it was able to engage the armour of most light tank designs at the time. It wasn't until the initiation of Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, where the Panzer 38(t) has become outclassed in all ways by the Soviet T-34s and KV-1 tanks. Due to the small two-man turret, it could not be modified to accept a larger gun capable of defeating these tanks. Not only that, but the Panzer 38(t) was also vulnerable to the Soviet 47 mm anti-tank gun due to the lower armour quality on the tank. These two drawbacks of the Panzer 38(t) caused it to be retired from front-line services for better tanks such as the Panzer IV. Despite its retirement, the chassis was found to be a very adaptable design, so it would continue to be used in a variety of roles such as the Marder III and Jagdpanzer 38(t) tank destroyer, Flakpanzer 38(t) anti-aircraft gun, and the Grille self-propelled artillery piece. A dedicated reconnaissance variant known as the Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) was also built to supplement the need for reconnaissance vehicles.

Despite its retirement as a front-line weapon, the Panzer 38(t) tank still saw usage as a reconnaissance vehicle and an anti-partisan vehicle in German-controlled territory. The usage of the chassis in different roles freed up many turrets to serve as fortifications to be used in various of locations, such as the Atlantic Wall, which proved well in against infantry attacks as its small 37 mm cannon was inadequate against the increasing armour of Allied tanks.

Other countries

The Panzer 38(t), as a widely exported tank model, also saw service with Romania, Kingdom of Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Peru, and Iran. Sweden were one of the few countries that were granted license to construct the Panzer 38(t) under their designation as the Stridsvagn m/41 after their initial batch were seized by the Germans with the takeover of Czechoslovakia. Deliveries of the first batch of the initial tank model started in December 1942 and ended in August 1943. Then a second batch of 122 units was ordered in mid-1942 for more of these tanks due to an urgent demand, the second batch would have the 50 mm armour plate thickness and with a redesigned interior and better engine to compensate the weight increase. 104 of the second batch was delievered before production ended in March 1944. Some of these tanks would be converted into sav M/43 assault guns or armoured personnel carriers during and after the war. Peru were also another prolific user of the Panzer 38(t), using them in the Ecuadorian-Peruvian War in 1941 as the main stay of their tank battalions. The tanks added with the lack of capable anti-tank weapons in Ecuadorian forces made the Panzer 38(t) proved very well in the war and even stayed in service for more than 50 years before being retired.

Media

Skins and camouflages for the 38(t) series from live.warthunder.com.

See also

External links


Germany light tanks
Pz.II  Pz.II C · Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.II C TD · Pz.II F · Pz.Sfl.Ic
Sd.Kfz.234  Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 TD
Marder  Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · Begleitpanzer 57 · DF105
SPz PUMA  PUMA · PUMA VJTF
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41) · Class 3 (P) · Radkampfwagen 90 · Boxer MGS
Other  Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS
Argentina  TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP · JaPz.K A2
Czechoslovakia  Pz.35(t) · Pz.38(t) A · Pz.38(t) F · Pz.38(t) n.A. · Sd.Kfz. 140/1
France  Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK
Lithuania  Vilkas
USA  leKPz M41
USSR  SPz BMP-1

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