Difference between revisions of "H.39 "Cambronne""

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_hotchkiss_h39_cambronne}}
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{{About
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|about=premium French tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage=the regular version
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|link=H.39
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=fr_hotchkiss_h39_cambronne
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
The '''H.39 «Cambronne» 14eBCC''' is a premium rank I French light tank with a battle rating of 1.3. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. A premium version of the [[H.39]], it costs 250 [[Golden Eagles]]. It is functionally identical to the standard H.39 in every way except it lacks the 5 mm trench-crossing tail at the hull rear.
+
<!-- ''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 '''Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 “Cambronne” 14èBCC''' is a special [[H.39|Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39]] of the French Army's 14ème Bataillon de Chars de Combat. It is part of the larger 2e Division Cuirassée of the French Army, which was founded during World War II and participated in the Battle of France in 1940.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]] as part of the [[wt:en/news/5225-special-french-vehicles-as-christmas-presents-en|2017 "Christmas Presents"]] giveaway, the Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 "Cambronne" 14éBCC outperforms its predecessor in every way. It possesses a somewhat better main armament, thicker overall armour, and a far more powerful engine, which allows it to go remarkably fast on smooth terrain. Nonetheless, when compared to opponents from other countries, this vehicle falls short. While it travels rapidly in a straight line, it moves slowly over muddy terrain, and its narrow tracks slow it down significantly while travelling cross-country. It works best in urban situations as a close support tank, following allies while waiting for a good opportunity to engage the opponent.
  
 
== 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 helpfull 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.'' -->
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
 +
* Structural steel (mudguards, trench-crossing tail, exhaust cover)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 40 mm (8-33°) ''Upper plate'' <br> 22 mm (74-79°)''Upper glacis'' <br> 40 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 40 mm (1-25°) ''Top'' <br> 40 mm ''Bottom'' || 40 mm (26-29°) ''Top'' <br> 40 mm (29-31°) ''Bottom'' || 22 mm (14-15°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 22 mm (0-4°) ''Centre & rear''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 45 mm (4-28°) ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm (28-30°) ''Left side'' <br> 25 mm (10-11°) + 45 mm (4°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm (0-28°) || 40 mm (30°) || 25 mm (22°) Front <br> 25 mm ''Centre and rear''
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 40 mm (cylindrical) ''Base'' <br> 40 mm (spherical) ''Dome''
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Suspension wheels, bogies and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 +
* Turret ring is 35 mm thick with a 5 mm protective collar.
 +
* The trench-crossing tail is 5 mm thick and the mudguards are 4 mm thick.
 +
 
 +
With a rather constant 45-50 mm effective thickness from all sides, this tank can be a hard nut to crack if spotted at a good distance (500+ m), and can take a good beating up close if care is taken to properly angle and avoid tanks with especially potent guns. However, its armour should not be relied upon; most reserve tank guns are capable of penetrating its raw armour thickness and have faster reloads, so hard cover should be utilized generously. With only 2 crewmen, any penetrating shot could be your last.
  
 
=== 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.''
+
{{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=130|rbMinHp=106}}
 +
 
 +
The top speed is reasonable for a light tank but it takes the {{PAGENAME}} quite long to build up speed.
 +
The lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot difficult: make sure to build a little speed before turning. Every turn will also bleed your speed. The reverse speed is a bit lacking: it won't get you out of a dangerous situation quickly enough but it isn't a handicap either.
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} reaches 13 km/h when fording and 8 km/h when driving uphill. Narrow tracks also mean poor mobility on soft terrain (mud, snow, sand).
 +
Light obstacles (fences, posts, bushes and small trees) are not a problem for the {{PAGENAME}} but medium to large obstacles will drastically reduce your mobility as your acceleration is slow: try to avoid them.
 +
 
 +
=== 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 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.''
+
{{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|SA38 L/33 (37 mm)}}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
The SA38 gun offers a reasonable penetration power at its battle rating. Its higher than average muzzle velocity allows for a flat firing trajectory but the accuracy drop is noticeable from 500 m distance and becomes a handicap over 700 m. The rotation speed of the turret is good compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. Elevation and depression angles of the gun are important, allowing you to fire from unusual positions (behind a ridge, on a slope, etc.). Your recoil is nonexistent.
−
''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.''
+
The shoulder-stop stabilizer allows for a good targeting but at very slow speed. The reload times of the gun are in line with other light tanks at the same BR.
 +
The weak accuracy of the gun (due to its shortness) coupled with the absence of post-penetration damage from the solid shot are the biggest weaknesses of the armament. This will cause you to have to shoot enemy tanks repeatedly to destroy them entirely.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[SA38 L/33 (37 mm)|37 mm SA38 L/33]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 76 || rowspan="2" | -13°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 14.95 || 20.69 || 25.12 || 27.78 || 29.56 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 9.34 || 10.99 || 13.35 || 14.76 || 15.70
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a very limited choice of ammunition:
 +
 
 +
* '''Mle1938''': APC; a solid shot with average penetration and no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Knowledge of enemy vehicle layouts is essential with this type of ammunition.
 +
 
 +
{{:SA38 L/33 (37 mm)/Ammunition|Mle1938}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_H.35.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.2.40''' -->
 +
{| 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
 +
|-
 +
| '''76''' || 75&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 68&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 55&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 42&nbsp;''(+34)''
 +
|-
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| 36&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+66)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+75)'' || Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of shells as well as the number of shells in rack 1:
 +
** 80 shells are modelled but you can only pack 76 shells, meaning some rounds are never present (crossed out in the picture).
 +
** Rack 1 is modeled as 6 shells but contains only 2 shells.
 +
* As they are modelled by sets of 6, 7, or 9, shells disappear from racks only after you've fire all shells in the set.
 +
* Packing 23 ''(+53)'' shells is a good compromise to have enough shells at your disposal while reducing drastically the risk of ammo rack detonation.
  
 
=== 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.''
+
{{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|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 2,400 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
The small calibre of the MAC 31 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.
 +
 
 +
== 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 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Offensive role
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} was designed as a light infantry tank. It should be played as a support tank, taking advantage of its good cannon, armour and mobility.
 +
By playing as a support tank, you will help kill enemy tanks and thus turn the tide of engagements on the frontline. Once the enemy is destroyed, your mobility allows you to move forward together with frontline tanks and help capturing objectives.
 +
Stay close to the frontline to maximize penetration power and support spearheading tanks with it, all while staying away from the frontline to avoid being flanked or swarmed.
 +
When engaging enemy tanks, angle your tank to maximize your armour. Your cannon can take on most opponents but your only shell lacks post-penetration damage.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
;Defensive role
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
In the event the spearhead tanks of your team get crushed by the enemy, you will then play a defensive role by containing enemy breakthrough attempts.
 +
Being at a (short) distance from the frontline will force enemy tanks to drive in the open to get to you. Play with a nearby obstacle you can use as cover if you get hit and need to repair. Have a planned escape plan as the enemy will try to use artillery or CAS to dislodge you from cover. Make good use of your gun depression and fire from the cover of a ridge. Aim precisely to immobilize enemy targets on your first shot. Get back into cover between reloads and pop out a few metres away from your last spot.
 +
 
 +
;Other roles
 +
 
 +
If you try to use the {{PAGENAME}} in a different role on the battlefield, you will quickly reach its limits:
 +
 
 +
* If you try to play as a frontline tank, you will take shots from long range tank destroyers that will disable your tank: your armour is sloped but not very thick and not enough for long guns. Your limited crew makes it easy to incapacitate you. You will also be easily flanked by light tanks or armoured cars, especially if they swarm you. Your reverse speed is too poor to get you out of hot spots quickly enough. Only 1-on-1 engagements should be performed in this role.
 +
* If you attempt to play long range engagements, your good gun depression will be useful but your short gun will lack accuracy and your shell penetration will greatly drop over distance. Any successful enemy penetrating shot will disable your tank.
 +
 
 +
;Notable enemies:
 +
 
 +
Many tanks are capable of easily disabling you. By order of lethality:
 +
 
 +
* Long range tank destroyers
 +
* Howitzers with powerful HE shells
 +
* Tanks with HEAT shells
 +
* Frontline tanks with APHE shells
 +
* Light tanks or armoured cars with autocannons
 +
 
 +
;Defeating a {{PAGENAME}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has several weak spots:
 +
 
 +
* In a frontal encounter, the driver's hatch or the almost vertical hull below the turret are the easiest to target.
 +
* When flanking, aim for the flanks right under the turret.
 +
* In all situations the turret cupola is a sure way to knock out the gunner.
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
  
−
*
+
* Tiny tank with tiny profile
 +
* -13° of gun depression
 +
* Has a gun stabilizer mechanic, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics easier and faster
 +
* MAC 31 is an excellent coaxial MG
 +
* Thick all-around armour that can be very strongly angled
 +
* Moderately powerful engine that can keep it at its 41 km/h top speed on flat ground
 +
* Decent reverse speed of -7 km/h
 +
* Arguably the best French rank 1 tank
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Only 2 crew members
 +
* Only one choice of ammunition, with no explosive filler
 +
* Sub-par penetration
 +
* Long reload for the calibre
 +
* Driver's hatch is almost completely vertical
 +
* Narrow tracks means poor ground flotation
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 +
{{main|H.39#History|l1=History of the H.39}}
 +
 
 +
=== Creation ===
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} belonged to the 14ème Bataillon de Chars de Combat (14th Battle Tanks Battalion) of the French Army. The 14th was created in August 1939 and composed of 45 H.39 tanks, organised in 3 companies of 15 tanks. In addition to the tank companies, the battalion also consisted of 3 special-purpose tanks, 16 APC, 33 light trucks, 41 heavy duty trucks, 15 tractors, 4 trailers and 51 bikes for a total of around 550 soldiers.
 +
 
 +
=== Combat action ===
 +
The 14ème BCC was deployed in May 1940 in the Aisne region 30 km from the Belgian border, along the river Oise whose bridges they defended from westbound German forces. The 14th was involved in harsh engagements with Germans tank divisions outnumbering them. They suffered heavy losses while defending the bridges: within a week the Battalion had only 12 out of 45 tanks left. The remaining elements of the battalion fell back towards Paris, merged with the remnants of another tank battalion and kept fighting advancing German tank divisions until June.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:ArtImage H.39 "Cambronne".png
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_hotchkiss_h39_cambronne Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|-L13GKllyv0|'''{{PAGENAME}}: A Decent tank when driven correctly!''' - ''Joseph 2000''|2Z_EBx8IDxc|'''{{PAGENAME}}, French, Tier-1, Premium Light Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
  
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''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.''
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
  
−
== Sources ==
+
* [[H.35]]
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[wikipedia:Hotchkiss_H35|[Wikipedia] Hotchkiss H35/39]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/Hotchkiss_H35_39.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Hotchkiss H35/39]
 +
 
 +
{{TankManufacturer Hotchkiss}}
 +
{{France light tanks}}
 +
{{France premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 02:58, 12 July 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the premium French tank H.39 "Cambronne". For the regular version, see H.39.
H.39 "Cambronne"
fr_hotchkiss_h39_cambronne.png
GarageImage H.39 "Cambronne".jpg
ArtImage2 H.39 "Cambronne".png
H.39 "Cambronne"
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:250 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 “Cambronne” 14èBCC is a special Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 of the French Army's 14ème Bataillon de Chars de Combat. It is part of the larger 2e Division Cuirassée of the French Army, which was founded during World War II and participated in the Battle of France in 1940.

Introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance" as part of the 2017 "Christmas Presents" giveaway, the Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 "Cambronne" 14éBCC outperforms its predecessor in every way. It possesses a somewhat better main armament, thicker overall armour, and a far more powerful engine, which allows it to go remarkably fast on smooth terrain. Nonetheless, when compared to opponents from other countries, this vehicle falls short. While it travels rapidly in a straight line, it moves slowly over muddy terrain, and its narrow tracks slow it down significantly while travelling cross-country. It works best in urban situations as a close support tank, following allies while waiting for a good opportunity to engage the opponent.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 / 40 / 40
Turret45 / 40 / 40
Crew2 people
Visibility75 %

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
  • Structural steel (mudguards, trench-crossing tail, exhaust cover)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40 mm (8-33°) Upper plate
22 mm (74-79°)Upper glacis
40 mm (30°) Lower glacis 		40 mm (1-25°) Top
40 mm Bottom 		40 mm (26-29°) Top
40 mm (29-31°) Bottom 		22 mm (14-15°) Front glacis
22 mm (0-4°) Centre & rear
Turret 45 mm (4-28°) Turret front
45 mm (28-30°) Left side
25 mm (10-11°) + 45 mm (4°) Gun mantlet 		40 mm (0-28°) 40 mm (30°) 25 mm (22°) Front
25 mm Centre and rear
Cupola 40 mm (cylindrical) Base
40 mm (spherical) Dome

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, bogies and tracks are 15 mm thick.
  • Turret ring is 35 mm thick with a 5 mm protective collar.
  • The trench-crossing tail is 5 mm thick and the mudguards are 4 mm thick.

With a rather constant 45-50 mm effective thickness from all sides, this tank can be a hard nut to crack if spotted at a good distance (500+ m), and can take a good beating up close if care is taken to properly angle and avoid tanks with especially potent guns. However, its armour should not be relied upon; most reserve tank guns are capable of penetrating its raw armour thickness and have faster reloads, so hard cover should be utilized generously. With only 2 crewmen, any penetrating shot could be your last.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB41 / 8 km/h
RB and SB37 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight12.1 t
Engine power
AB229 hp
RB and SB120 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB18.9 hp/t
RB and SB9.9 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 41 8 12.1 130 229 10.74 18.93
Realistic 37 7 106 120 8.76 9.92

The top speed is reasonable for a light tank but it takes the H.39 "Cambronne" quite long to build up speed. The lack of neutral steering makes turning on the spot difficult: make sure to build a little speed before turning. Every turn will also bleed your speed. The reverse speed is a bit lacking: it won't get you out of a dangerous situation quickly enough but it isn't a handicap either. The H.39 "Cambronne" reaches 13 km/h when fording and 8 km/h when driving uphill. Narrow tracks also mean poor mobility on soft terrain (mud, snow, sand). Light obstacles (fences, posts, bushes and small trees) are not a problem for the H.39 "Cambronne" but medium to large obstacles will drastically reduce your mobility as your acceleration is slow: try to avoid them.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB322 Sl icon.png
RB172 Sl icon.png
SB847 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 870 Rp icon.png
485 Sl icon.png
Crew training150 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces145 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 40 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 75 / 75 / 75 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
960 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm SA38 L/33 cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition76 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
5.2 → 4.0 s
Vertical guidance-13° / 20°
Main article: SA38 L/33 (37 mm)

The SA38 gun offers a reasonable penetration power at its battle rating. Its higher than average muzzle velocity allows for a flat firing trajectory but the accuracy drop is noticeable from 500 m distance and becomes a handicap over 700 m. The rotation speed of the turret is good compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating. Elevation and depression angles of the gun are important, allowing you to fire from unusual positions (behind a ridge, on a slope, etc.). Your recoil is nonexistent. The shoulder-stop stabilizer allows for a good targeting but at very slow speed. The reload times of the gun are in line with other light tanks at the same BR. The weak accuracy of the gun (due to its shortness) coupled with the absence of post-penetration damage from the solid shot are the biggest weaknesses of the armament. This will cause you to have to shoot enemy tanks repeatedly to destroy them entirely.

37 mm SA38 L/33 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 76 -13°/+20° ±180° Vertical 14.95 20.69 25.12 27.78 29.56 5.20 4.60 4.24 4.00
Realistic 9.34 10.99 13.35 14.76 15.70

Ammunition

The H.39 "Cambronne" has a very limited choice of ammunition:

  • Mle1938: APC; a solid shot with average penetration and no explosive filler. Make sure to target modules and crew positions to maximise the damage. Knowledge of enemy vehicle layouts is essential with this type of ammunition.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Mle1938 APC 54 50 36 24 16 11
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Mle1938 APC 705 0.7 - - - 48° 63° 71°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the H.39 "Cambronne"
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty
76 75 (+1) 68 (+8) 62 (+14) 55 (+21) 49 (+27) 42 (+34)
7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
36 (+40) 29 (+47) 23 (+53) 16 (+60) 10 (+66) 1 (+75) Yes

Notes:

  • The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of shells as well as the number of shells in rack 1:
    • 80 shells are modelled but you can only pack 76 shells, meaning some rounds are never present (crossed out in the picture).
    • Rack 1 is modeled as 6 shells but contains only 2 shells.
  • As they are modelled by sets of 6, 7, or 9, shells disappear from racks only after you've fire all shells in the set.
  • Packing 23 (+53) shells is a good compromise to have enough shells at your disposal while reducing drastically the risk of ammo rack detonation.

Machine guns

7.5 mm MAC 31 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 400 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,400 (150) 551 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the MAC 31 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.

Usage in battles

Offensive role

The H.39 "Cambronne" was designed as a light infantry tank. It should be played as a support tank, taking advantage of its good cannon, armour and mobility. By playing as a support tank, you will help kill enemy tanks and thus turn the tide of engagements on the frontline. Once the enemy is destroyed, your mobility allows you to move forward together with frontline tanks and help capturing objectives. Stay close to the frontline to maximize penetration power and support spearheading tanks with it, all while staying away from the frontline to avoid being flanked or swarmed. When engaging enemy tanks, angle your tank to maximize your armour. Your cannon can take on most opponents but your only shell lacks post-penetration damage.

Defensive role

In the event the spearhead tanks of your team get crushed by the enemy, you will then play a defensive role by containing enemy breakthrough attempts. Being at a (short) distance from the frontline will force enemy tanks to drive in the open to get to you. Play with a nearby obstacle you can use as cover if you get hit and need to repair. Have a planned escape plan as the enemy will try to use artillery or CAS to dislodge you from cover. Make good use of your gun depression and fire from the cover of a ridge. Aim precisely to immobilize enemy targets on your first shot. Get back into cover between reloads and pop out a few metres away from your last spot.

Other roles

If you try to use the H.39 "Cambronne" in a different role on the battlefield, you will quickly reach its limits:

  • If you try to play as a frontline tank, you will take shots from long range tank destroyers that will disable your tank: your armour is sloped but not very thick and not enough for long guns. Your limited crew makes it easy to incapacitate you. You will also be easily flanked by light tanks or armoured cars, especially if they swarm you. Your reverse speed is too poor to get you out of hot spots quickly enough. Only 1-on-1 engagements should be performed in this role.
  • If you attempt to play long range engagements, your good gun depression will be useful but your short gun will lack accuracy and your shell penetration will greatly drop over distance. Any successful enemy penetrating shot will disable your tank.
Notable enemies

Many tanks are capable of easily disabling you. By order of lethality:

  • Long range tank destroyers
  • Howitzers with powerful HE shells
  • Tanks with HEAT shells
  • Frontline tanks with APHE shells
  • Light tanks or armoured cars with autocannons
Defeating a H.39 "Cambronne"

The H.39 "Cambronne" has several weak spots:

  • In a frontal encounter, the driver's hatch or the almost vertical hull below the turret are the easiest to target.
  • When flanking, aim for the flanks right under the turret.
  • In all situations the turret cupola is a sure way to knock out the gunner.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tiny tank with tiny profile
  • -13° of gun depression
  • Has a gun stabilizer mechanic, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics easier and faster
  • MAC 31 is an excellent coaxial MG
  • Thick all-around armour that can be very strongly angled
  • Moderately powerful engine that can keep it at its 41 km/h top speed on flat ground
  • Decent reverse speed of -7 km/h
  • Arguably the best French rank 1 tank

Cons:

  • Only 2 crew members
  • Only one choice of ammunition, with no explosive filler
  • Sub-par penetration
  • Long reload for the calibre
  • Driver's hatch is almost completely vertical
  • Narrow tracks means poor ground flotation

History

Main article: History of the H.39

Creation

The H.39 "Cambronne" belonged to the 14ème Bataillon de Chars de Combat (14th Battle Tanks Battalion) of the French Army. The 14th was created in August 1939 and composed of 45 H.39 tanks, organised in 3 companies of 15 tanks. In addition to the tank companies, the battalion also consisted of 3 special-purpose tanks, 16 APC, 33 light trucks, 41 heavy duty trucks, 15 tractors, 4 trailers and 51 bikes for a total of around 550 soldiers.

Combat action

The 14ème BCC was deployed in May 1940 in the Aisne region 30 km from the Belgian border, along the river Oise whose bridges they defended from westbound German forces. The 14th was involved in harsh engagements with Germans tank divisions outnumbering them. They suffered heavy losses while defending the bridges: within a week the Battalion had only 12 out of 45 tanks left. The remaining elements of the battalion fell back towards Paris, merged with the remnants of another tank battalion and kept fighting advancing German tank divisions until June.

Media

Images
  • ArtImage H.39 "Cambronne".png
Skins
Videos
H.39 "Cambronne": A Decent tank when driven correctly! - Joseph 2000
H.39 "Cambronne", French, Tier-1, Premium Light Tank - Angry Nerd Gaming

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

External links


Hotchkiss
Tanks 
Light tanks  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"

France light tanks
AMC.34/35  AMC.34 YR · AMC.35 (ACG.1)
H.35/39  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"
AMX-13  AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Wheeled  AML-90 · AMX-10RC · Vextra 105
AMD.35  AMD.35 · AMD.35 (SA35)
E.B.R.  E.B.R. (1951) · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963)
Other  FCM.36 · R.35 (SA38) · Char 25t · MARS 15 · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Austria  SK-105A2
Great Britain  ▄Crusader Mk.II
Netherlands  CV 9035NL
USA  LVT-4/40 · ▄M3A3 Stuart

France premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  AMD.35 (SA35) · H.39 "Cambronne" · LVT-4/40 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-M24 · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963) · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Medium tanks  M4A1 (FL10) · Panther "Dauphiné" · AMX-30 · AMX-30 Super · AMX-50 (TO90/930)
Heavy tanks  B1 ter · 2C bis · Somua SM
Tank destroyers  Lorraine 155 Mle.50

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