Difference between revisions of "L6/40"
Inceptor57 (talk | contribs) (Added image, Updated template to revised design) |
Colok76286 (talk | contribs) (Undo revision 173478 by U153435799 (talk)) |
||
(65 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | {{Specs-Card|code=it_l6}} | + | {{About |
+ | |about= Italian light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
+ | |usage = the premium version | ||
+ | |link = L6/40 (31 Rgt.) | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Specs-Card | ||
+ | |code=it_l6 | ||
+ | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_L6_40.jpg|ArtImage_L6-40.png}} | ||
+ | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!--''In the description, the first part | + | <!-- ''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 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 == | ||
=== 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?'' | + | {{Specs-Tank-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:''' | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret, gun mantlet) | ||
+ | * Cast homogeneous armour (hull rear: centre housing) | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Hull || 30 mm (11°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 15-20 mm (75°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 30 mm (6°) ''Lower plate'' <br> 15 mm (70°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm || 15 mm || 15-20 mm (15°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 10 mm ''Centre section'' <br> 10 mm (20°) ''Rear section'' | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Turret || 25 mm (cylindrical) ''Turret front'' <br> 30 mm ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 40 mm (12°) ''Turret frame'' || 15 mm (20°) || 25 mm (16°) ''Hatch'' <br> 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 === | === Mobility === | ||
− | ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and | + | {{Specs-Tank-Mobility}} |
+ | <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --> | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=105|rbMinHp=60}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Modifications and economy === | ||
+ | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
+ | {{Specs-Tank-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 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.''--> | + | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}} |
+ | <!-- ''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|Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)}} | {{main|Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)}} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan="6" | [[Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)|20 mm Breda Mod.35]] | + | ! colspan="6" | [[Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)|20 mm Breda Mod.35]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds) |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer |
− | ! | + | ! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced |
− | ! | + | ! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced |
− | ! | ||
− | ! | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | ! ''Arcade'' |
+ | | 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'' |
− | + | | 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0 | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | | | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | | | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | + | ==== Ammunition ==== | |
− | {| | + | |
− | + | * '''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}} - 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}} - 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. | |
− | + | ||
− | + | {{:Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, API-T, HVAP-T}} | |
+ | |||
+ | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
+ | [[File:Ammoracks_L6-40.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] | ||
+ | <!-- '''Last updated: 2.17.0.32''' --> | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Full<br>ammo |
− | ! | + | ! 1st<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 2nd<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 3rd<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 4th<br>rack empty |
− | ! | + | ! 5th<br>rack empty |
+ | ! 6th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! 7th<br>rack empty | ||
+ | ! Visual<br>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 === | === Machine guns === | ||
− | <!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft | + | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}} |
+ | <!-- ''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|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}} | {{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="5" | [[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 == | == 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 instead 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).'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | ;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 | ||
+ | |||
+ | * 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 can ricochet the rounds such as the [[H.39]], [[T-60]], [[T-70]], or [[T-80]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ;How to defeat a L6/40 | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | '' | + | <!-- ''Summarise 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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * | + | |
+ | * Potent armament with good penetration and damage output | ||
+ | * Great turret rotation | ||
+ | * Good acceleration | ||
+ | * Adequate mobility | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''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 == | == History == | ||
− | ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the | + | <!-- ''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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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]]. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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.]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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 == | ||
− | '' | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | ;Skins | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_l6 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ;Videos | ||
+ | {{Youtube-gallery|RCBsuLiXWvI|'''Carro Armato {{PAGENAME}}, Italian, Tier-1, Light Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''|msikCMa1KMo|'''{{PAGENAME}} Review: Bad stock grind, Great HVAP!''' - ''Joseph 2000''}} | ||
== See 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.'' --> |
+ | |||
+ | ;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [[Panzer II]] | ||
+ | * [[Sd.Kfz. 140/1]] | ||
+ | * [[T-60]] | ||
+ | * [[M2A2]] | ||
+ | * [[Pvlvv fm/42]] | ||
== External links == | == 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.'' --> |
− | * | + | |
+ | * [[wikipedia:L6/40_tank|[Wikipedia] L6/40 tank]] | ||
+ | * [https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/italy/Carro_Armato_L6_40.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> FIAT-Ansaldo 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
This page is about the Italian light tank L6/40. For the premium version, see L6/40 (31 Rgt.). |
Contents
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
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
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
Armaments
Main armament
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
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 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
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
- 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 can ricochet the rounds such as the H.39, T-60, T-70, or T-80.
- 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
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.
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
See also
- Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
External links
- [Wikipedia] L6/40 tank
- [Tanks Encyclopedia] FIAT-Ansaldo L6/40
- [Military Factory] Carro Armato L6/40
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 |