Difference between revisions of "L6/40"

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{{About
 +
|about= Italian light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage = the premium version
 +
|link = L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=it_l6
 
|code=it_l6
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_L6_40.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_L6_40.jpg|ArtImage_L6-40.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should 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 a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should 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 a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
+
The L6/40 is a tracked light tank made by Ansaldo for the Royal Italian army during the 1940s. The L6/40 was based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with an increase in firepower, protection, and mobility. It was heavily used during the occupation of the Balkans where it proved its worth. It was armed with the [[Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)|20 mm Breda Mod.35]] autocannon, able to fire a multitude of munitions including the Perforante mod.35 and the German PzGr 40.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the L6/40's armament is more than sufficient for its battle rating as the majority of the enemies it will face do not have a lot of armour. It also has great turret rotation which is something which will be useful when flanking or when being flanked. Its mobility is also adequate; however, what it lacks in is survivability. The crew placement means that a well placed shot will instantly destroy your vehicle and, due to the lacklustre armour, you will more often than not be taken out even by low calibre guns. It's best if you stick with your more armoured allies if you wish to stay in the fight longer.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 280 (8) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.9 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
+
| rowspan="2" | 280 (8) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.8 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
  
−
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer shell}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer shell (self-destroying)}} - This belt can be used for both roles: anti-aircraft and against lightly armoured vehicles to the detriment of a reduced rate of fire. Half the belt is composed of high-explosive fragmentation incendiary shells that will do negligible damage against armoured targets but will prove deadly against aircraft and vehicles with exposed crew
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - This belt can be used for both roles: anti-aircraft and against lightly armoured vehicles to the detriment of a reduced rate of fire. Half the belt is composed of high-explosive fragmentation incendiary shells that will do negligible damage against armoured targets but will prove deadly against aircraft and vehicles with exposed crew
−
* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer shell}} - Intermediate belt to be used against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear. Decent enough until the better PzGr 40 can be used.  
+
* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Intermediate belt to be used against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear. Adequate until the better PzGr 40 can be used.
−
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer shell}} - Highest penetrating belt, designed to deal with armoured targets . However, the post-penetration damage is very poor beyond 500 m. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew member is advised. Its effects against angled armour is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, but the penetration power compensates such drawback.
+
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Highest penetrating belt, designed to deal with armoured targets . However, the penetration is very poor beyond 500 m. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew member is advised as the post-penetration damage is limited. Its effect against angled armour is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, but the penetration power compensates such drawback.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, API-T, HVAP-T}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Default || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| Perforante mod.35 || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40 || 64 || 63 || 27 || 29 || 14 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Belt details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Perforante mod.35 || API-T || 832 || 0.14 || 1.2 || 9 || 1.7 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_L6-40.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_L6-40.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.33''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.17.0.32''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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Notes:
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'''Notes''':
  
 
* Ammunition is modeled as clips of 8 rounds.
 
* Ammunition is modeled as clips of 8 rounds.
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 1,524 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
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| Coaxial || 1,536 (24) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
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The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking the cannon's line of sight.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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;Combat tactics
 
;Combat tactics
  
−
As a frontline tank, you must fight in close-quarters to make the best use of your autocannon (below 300 m). Stay mobile and flank enemies. Make use of your good mobility to surprise the enemy where he does not expect you. And always be the first to shoot. Use short bursts (2-3 rounds ideally) to stay in control of your ammo and maximize the damage you inflict.
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The L6/40 possesses a level of versatility which allows it to play in a variety of roles with varying efficiency. As a frontline tank, one must maintain a short engagement distance (up to 200 m if possible) and exploit its small size to hide in almost all types of cover. The autocannon's efficiency will allow the player to dispatch of most enemies even frontally, and can knock out cannon barrels and tracks if it is unable to.
−
If you can't get close or flank, stay hull down showing only your turret. Unlike the Pz.II, your turret rotation speed is very good, meaning that you can quickly face an enemy surprising you on your six.
 
  
−
You also can play as a support tank by taking disabling shots at enemies to prevent them from firing and operating normally (gun barrel, gun breech, transmission. etc.) and let your teammates with higher firepower destroy enemy tanks. This can be a precious help, especially when around a heavily contested capture point.
+
Flanking is another way to best use the tank's advantages. It is relatively mobile and the autocannon will be more reliable against the side armour of the enemy vehicles. Additionally, by flanking, one will artificially increase the L6/40's survivability, as it is not going to be the main target of fire in the initial stages of the player's ambush. This removes the reliance on the protection which, as previously mentioned, is not an aspect that will consistently save it.
 +
 
 +
Playing at range and sniping is almost pointless as the armament quickly loses penetration over range and struggles to penetrate even lightly armoured opponents.
 +
 
 +
Whichever playstyle one chooses, it is important to always play to the strengths of the vehicle, mainly the automatic armament and reactive turret traverse.
  
 
;Notable enemies
 
;Notable enemies
  
−
* Heavily armoured tanks that will shrug your rounds like the [[FCM.36]], [[S.35]], [[B1 bis]] and [[Valentine Mk I]].
+
* Heavily armoured tanks that can negate the 20 mm rounds such as the [[FCM.36]], [[S.35]], and [[Valentine Mk I]].
−
* Tanks with sloped armour that will make most of your bullets ricochet: [[Crusader II]], [[M5A1]], [[T-60]], [[T-70]], [[T-80]].
+
* Tanks with sloped armour that can ricochet the rounds such as the [[H.39]], [[T-60]], [[T-70]], or [[T-80]].
  
−
;How to defeat a {{PAGENAME}}
+
;How to defeat a L6/40
  
−
Stay at distance of 500 m and above to negate its firepower.
+
Stay at a distance of at least 500 m to negate its firepower. If the {{PAGENAME}}'s armour profile is unangled, fire at the front plate underneath the turret to guarantee the incapacitation of the crew. If the tank is heavily angled, a shot into the very thin side armour will likely penetrate. Finally, if the {{PAGENAME}} is adequately angled and neither the front nor side can be penetrated, the player's best shot is to fire at the corner plate between the front and side, which normalizes upon angling. This is one's only chance to fire at a flat plate in this situation.
−
In a frontal encounter, shoot right in the middle of the front plate if the {{PAGENAME}} did not angle its hull. This will knock out the gunner and the driver. If angled, aim at the turret. When flanking, aim for the spot right under the center of the turret.
 
−
Use a shell with a good post-penetration effect: APHE or HEAT. The limited crew of 2 limits severely the survivability of the {{PAGENAME}}.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Reasonable penetration with HVAP belts
+
* Potent armament with good penetration and damage output
−
* Fast turret rotation
+
* Great turret rotation
 +
* Good acceleration
 
* Adequate mobility
 
* Adequate mobility
−
* Lower rate of fire than contemporary autocannons, lowers ammo consumption while maintaining lethality
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Poor suspension damping, it takes about 2 seconds to settle after stopping the vehicle
 
* Poor suspension damping, it takes about 2 seconds to settle after stopping the vehicle
 
* Limited crew of 2
 
* Limited crew of 2
−
* Limited magazine size of 8 rounds
+
* Low rate of fire
−
* Mediocre armour
+
* Limited magazines of 8 rounds
−
* Penetration drops sharply at range
+
* Hull side can be penetrated by 0.50 cal machine guns
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
[[File:Fiat-Ansaldo L6 40.jpg|x200px|left|thumb|none|A Fiat-Ansaldo L6/40.]]
 +
The story of the L6/40 began during the late 1930s, Ansaldo assisted by FIAT were creating a multitude of prototypes in the hopes that it would take over many of the roles of the L3 Tankette. Ansaldo would mainly take on the idea and the doctrine of mountain combat when designing new vehicles; due to the Italian involvement in WW1, they thought that allowing a vehicle to be easily transported to the tops of high mountains would ultimately give them the upper hand if in the future there was a chance for another world war to take place.
 +
 +
This is exactly what they did with the L6/40: they kept the vehicle as light as possible. It would be based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with increased firepower, protection, and mobility. The L6/40 as previously stated, would be designed with mountain-worthy combat specifications in mind. The vehicle had a width of 1.8 metres, this allowed it to travel on all the mountain roads and mule trails that other vehicles of the era would have a much harder time passing through. Its weight would overall be 6.84 tonnes, its name stood for L for Light, 6 for its weight, and 40 for its year of adoption in the Royal Italian Army.
  
−
The L6/40 was designed to replace the L3 tankette in the cavalry and reconnaissance roles. It was based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with increased firepower, protection and mobility. By the time it was accepted for service in early 1940, it was already only barely adequate as a recon tank. By the time it entered general service in 1942 it was hopelessly obsolete. After 283 had been built it was cancelled in favour of the Semovente 47/32. A flamethrower version was developed but did not enter service.
+
By the time it was accepted for service in early 1940, it was adequate as a reconnaissance tank and as a general support vehicle to supplement infantry and other armoured columns when travelling. However, when it entered general service in 1942 it was hopelessly obsolete, mainly due to the fact that the Italian industry was not able to compete with other nations like the USSR and the USA. Italy created many designs for armoured vehicle during the era too, so it wasn't really a priority for them to try and rectify the vehicle by improving on it without wasting precious resources into the project. In fact, after 283 units had been built, it was cancelled in favour of the [[47/32 L40|Semovente 47/32]].
  
−
L6/40 was to be used in the Raggruppamento Esplorante Corazzato (RECo); the divisional-level armoured reconnaissance task forces found in the order of battle of armoured and motorized divisions, and in several independent recon units, deployed in 4-car platoons. In total, 72 were sent to North Africa, and 55 went to Russia on March 1942, where they equipped the 67th Battaglione Motocorazzato Bersaglieri (lightly armoured battalion) in the 3rd Celere (Cavalry) Division. They were the heaviest Italian tanks used on that front. The battalion was destroyed in December 1942 during fighting on the Don River. L6/40 was also employed in Yugoslavia, by the San Guisto light armoured squadron-group of the 1st Celere Division.
+
The main characteristic that made the L6/40 stand-out whilst it was being designed was its mobility, it used a FIAT SPA Tipo 18vt liquid-cooled engine which allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 42 km/h. The L6/40's range was 200 km. In terms of armament, the L6/40 used the 20 mm Breda 35, it was installed on a multitude of vehicles at the time. The cannon was able to fire rounds such as the Italian Perforante mod.35 and the German PzGr.40.
 +
[[File:German Beutepanzer L6-40 tank (Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-203-1680-14A).jpg|right|thumb|none|x200px|An L6/40 in German service.]]
  
−
Some L6/40 fought in Italy in September 1943 and were later employed by Italian Fascists and Germans. The Germans seized many on Italy's surrender; the majority were exported to Croatia but also used some themselves in the Balkans. Yugoslav partisans would press a small number of captured L6s into service.
+
In terms of service, the L6/40 was used in the Raggruppamento Esplorante Corazzato (RECo), the divisional-level armoured reconnaissance task forces found in the order of battle of armoured and motorized divisions, and in several independent reconnaissance units deployed in 4-car platoons. In total, 72 were sent to North Africa, and 55 went to Russia on March 1942, where they equipped the 67th Battaglione Motocorazzato Bersaglieri (lightly armoured battalion) in the 3rd Celere (Cavalry) Division. They were the heaviest Italian tanks used on that front. The battalion was destroyed in December 1942 during fighting on the Don River. L6/40 was also employed in Yugoslavia, by the San Guisto light armoured squadron-group of the 1st Celere Division. The L6/40 would proceed to be used all the way to the end of the war, but also would be extensively used post-war by the Celere police force. Some may have survived and remained in service in subsequent years. Some L6/40's have also survived to this day, one can be found in Legnano in Italy, one is in the inventory of the Kubinka Tank Museum in Russia, and another is preserved in the Arms Museum in the castle of Gjirokastër in Albania.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=it_l6 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_l6 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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* ''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.'' -->
−
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
−
 
−
* [[AB 41]]
 
−
* [[AS 42]]
 
  
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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<!-- ''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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
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* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=558 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Carro Armato L6/40]
 
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=558 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Carro Armato L6/40]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer FIAT-Ansaldo}}
 
{{Italy light tanks}}
 
{{Italy light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 16:05, 27 September 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the Italian light tank L6/40. For the premium version, see L6/40 (31 Rgt.).
L6/40
it_l6.png
GarageImage L6 40.jpg
ArtImage L6-40.png
L6/40
Italy flag.png Italy
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game

Description

The L6/40 is a tracked light tank made by Ansaldo for the Royal Italian army during the 1940s. The L6/40 was based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with an increase in firepower, protection, and mobility. It was heavily used during the occupation of the Balkans where it proved its worth. It was armed with the 20 mm Breda Mod.35 autocannon, able to fire a multitude of munitions including the Perforante mod.35 and the German PzGr 40.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the L6/40's armament is more than sufficient for its battle rating as the majority of the enemies it will face do not have a lot of armour. It also has great turret rotation which is something which will be useful when flanking or when being flanked. Its mobility is also adequate; however, what it lacks in is survivability. The crew placement means that a well placed shot will instantly destroy your vehicle and, due to the lacklustre armour, you will more often than not be taken out even by low calibre guns. It's best if you stick with your more armoured allies if you wish to stay in the fight longer.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 15 / 15
Turret30 / 15 / 15
Crew2 people
Visibility74 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun mantlet)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull rear: centre housing)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 30 mm (11°) Upper plate
15-20 mm (75°) Upper glacis
30 mm (6°) Lower plate
15 mm (70°) Lower glacis 		15 mm 15 mm 15-20 mm (15°) Upper glacis
10 mm Centre section
10 mm (20°) Rear section
Turret 25 mm (cylindrical) Turret front
30 mm Gun mantlet
40 mm (12°) Turret frame 		15 mm (20°) 25 mm (16°) Hatch
15 mm (16°) 		10 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while bogies are 10 mm thick.
  • Mudguards are 5 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB47 / 8 km/h
RB and SB43 / 7 km/h
Number of gears4 forward
1 back
Weight6.8 t
Engine power
AB130 hp
RB and SB68 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB19.1 hp/t
RB and SB10.0 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 47 8 6.8 105 130 15.44 19.12
Realistic 43 7 60 68 8.82 10

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
SBfree
Total cost of modifications3 380 Rp icon.png
152 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew trainingfree
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces10 Ge icon.png
Research Aces80 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 10 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_Breda_APHE_ammo_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
540 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm Breda Mod.35 cannon
Ammunition280 rounds
Belt capacity8 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Fire rate240 shots/min
Vertical guidance-12° / 20°
Main article: Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)
20 mm Breda Mod.35 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 280 (8) 240 -12°/+20° ±180° N/A 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T* - This belt can be used for both roles: anti-aircraft and against lightly armoured vehicles to the detriment of a reduced rate of fire. Half the belt is composed of high-explosive fragmentation incendiary shells that will do negligible damage against armoured targets but will prove deadly against aircraft and vehicles with exposed crew
  • Perforante mod.35: API-T - Intermediate belt to be used against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear. Adequate until the better PzGr 40 can be used.
  • PzGr 40: HVAP-T · API-T - Highest penetrating belt, designed to deal with armoured targets . However, the penetration is very poor beyond 500 m. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew member is advised as the post-penetration damage is limited. Its effect against angled armour is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, but the penetration power compensates such drawback.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T* 5 5 4 3 2 2
API-T 38 36 27 19 14 10
HVAP-T 48 45 31 20 13 8
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T* 830 0.14 0.04 0.1 3 79° 80° 81°
API-T 832 0.14 1.2 9 1.7 47° 60° 65°
HVAP-T 1,050 0.1 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the L6/40
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
35 29 (+6) 24 (+11) 23 (+12) 22 (+13) 13 (+22) 8 (+27) 1 (+34) No

Notes:

  • Ammunition is modeled as clips of 8 rounds.
  • Clips disappear after having been shot/loaded.

Machine guns

8 mm Breda Mod. 38 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 536 rounds
Belt capacity24 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)
8 mm Breda Mod. 38
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,536 (24) 600 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking the cannon's line of sight.

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

The L6/40 possesses a level of versatility which allows it to play in a variety of roles with varying efficiency. As a frontline tank, one must maintain a short engagement distance (up to 200 m if possible) and exploit its small size to hide in almost all types of cover. The autocannon's efficiency will allow the player to dispatch of most enemies even frontally, and can knock out cannon barrels and tracks if it is unable to.

Flanking is another way to best use the tank's advantages. It is relatively mobile and the autocannon will be more reliable against the side armour of the enemy vehicles. Additionally, by flanking, one will artificially increase the L6/40's survivability, as it is not going to be the main target of fire in the initial stages of the player's ambush. This removes the reliance on the protection which, as previously mentioned, is not an aspect that will consistently save it.

Playing at range and sniping is almost pointless as the armament quickly loses penetration over range and struggles to penetrate even lightly armoured opponents.

Whichever playstyle one chooses, it is important to always play to the strengths of the vehicle, mainly the automatic armament and reactive turret traverse.

Notable enemies
How to defeat a L6/40

Stay at a distance of at least 500 m to negate its firepower. If the L6/40's armour profile is unangled, fire at the front plate underneath the turret to guarantee the incapacitation of the crew. If the tank is heavily angled, a shot into the very thin side armour will likely penetrate. Finally, if the L6/40 is adequately angled and neither the front nor side can be penetrated, the player's best shot is to fire at the corner plate between the front and side, which normalizes upon angling. This is one's only chance to fire at a flat plate in this situation.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Potent armament with good penetration and damage output
  • Great turret rotation
  • Good acceleration
  • Adequate mobility

Cons:

  • Poor suspension damping, it takes about 2 seconds to settle after stopping the vehicle
  • Limited crew of 2
  • Low rate of fire
  • Limited magazines of 8 rounds
  • Hull side can be penetrated by 0.50 cal machine guns

History

A Fiat-Ansaldo L6/40.

The story of the L6/40 began during the late 1930s, Ansaldo assisted by FIAT were creating a multitude of prototypes in the hopes that it would take over many of the roles of the L3 Tankette. Ansaldo would mainly take on the idea and the doctrine of mountain combat when designing new vehicles; due to the Italian involvement in WW1, they thought that allowing a vehicle to be easily transported to the tops of high mountains would ultimately give them the upper hand if in the future there was a chance for another world war to take place.

This is exactly what they did with the L6/40: they kept the vehicle as light as possible. It would be based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with increased firepower, protection, and mobility. The L6/40 as previously stated, would be designed with mountain-worthy combat specifications in mind. The vehicle had a width of 1.8 metres, this allowed it to travel on all the mountain roads and mule trails that other vehicles of the era would have a much harder time passing through. Its weight would overall be 6.84 tonnes, its name stood for L for Light, 6 for its weight, and 40 for its year of adoption in the Royal Italian Army.

By the time it was accepted for service in early 1940, it was adequate as a reconnaissance tank and as a general support vehicle to supplement infantry and other armoured columns when travelling. However, when it entered general service in 1942 it was hopelessly obsolete, mainly due to the fact that the Italian industry was not able to compete with other nations like the USSR and the USA. Italy created many designs for armoured vehicle during the era too, so it wasn't really a priority for them to try and rectify the vehicle by improving on it without wasting precious resources into the project. In fact, after 283 units had been built, it was cancelled in favour of the Semovente 47/32.

The main characteristic that made the L6/40 stand-out whilst it was being designed was its mobility, it used a FIAT SPA Tipo 18vt liquid-cooled engine which allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 42 km/h. The L6/40's range was 200 km. In terms of armament, the L6/40 used the 20 mm Breda 35, it was installed on a multitude of vehicles at the time. The cannon was able to fire rounds such as the Italian Perforante mod.35 and the German PzGr.40.

An L6/40 in German service.

In terms of service, the L6/40 was used in the Raggruppamento Esplorante Corazzato (RECo), the divisional-level armoured reconnaissance task forces found in the order of battle of armoured and motorized divisions, and in several independent reconnaissance units deployed in 4-car platoons. In total, 72 were sent to North Africa, and 55 went to Russia on March 1942, where they equipped the 67th Battaglione Motocorazzato Bersaglieri (lightly armoured battalion) in the 3rd Celere (Cavalry) Division. They were the heaviest Italian tanks used on that front. The battalion was destroyed in December 1942 during fighting on the Don River. L6/40 was also employed in Yugoslavia, by the San Guisto light armoured squadron-group of the 1st Celere Division. The L6/40 would proceed to be used all the way to the end of the war, but also would be extensively used post-war by the Celere police force. Some may have survived and remained in service in subsequent years. Some L6/40's have also survived to this day, one can be found in Legnano in Italy, one is in the inventory of the Kubinka Tank Museum in Russia, and another is preserved in the Arms Museum in the castle of Gjirokastër in Albania.

Media

Skins
Videos
Carro Armato L6/40, Italian, Tier-1, Light Tank - Angry Nerd Gaming
L6/40 Review: Bad stock grind, Great HVAP! - Joseph 2000

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


FIAT-Ansaldo
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Light Tanks  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
Medium Tanks  Celere Sahariano
M11/39  M11/39
M13/40  M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III)
M14/41  M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40)
M15/42  M15/42
P40  P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
Tank Destroyers 
L3/33  L3/33 CC
Semovente L40  47/32 L40
Semovente M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
Semovente M42  75/34 M42
Semovente M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
SPAAs  M42 Contraereo

Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41

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