Difference between revisions of "H.39"

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{{About
 +
|about= French light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage= the premium version
 +
|link= H.39 "Cambronne"
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=fr_hotchkiss_h39
 
|code=fr_hotchkiss_h39
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
−
}}
 
−
{{About
 
−
|about=light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
|usage=the premium version
 
−
|link=H.39 «Cambronne»
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39''' is a heavily upgraded [[H.35|Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H]] cavalry tank from 1939. Since cavalry units sought a faster tank, it was decided in October 1936 to modernize its current tanks by installing a more powerful engine. In 1937, a new prototype with a 120 hp engine was created in place of the 78 hp engine. The hull was stretched to provide enough space to accommodate it, resulting in a taller, nearly level engine deck. Aside from episcopes, tails, and various radio sets, this included the gradual introduction of a larger 37 mm SA38 L/35 tank gun with much improved anti-tank capabilities, providing 30 mm of armour penetration at 1 km.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Hotchkiss light tank model 1935 modified 1939) is a reserve rank {{Specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]] and replaced the [[H.35]] as one of France's two reserve vehicles in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].  
 
  
−
Compared to its predecessor, the H.39 features a serviceable gun, thicker armour, and a significantly more powerful engine, which makes it, when fully upgraded, surprisingly speedy on flat ground for low level French tanks. Nevertheless, this vehicle's gun and mobility are below average compared its peers from other nations. While it is mobile in a straight line, it maneuvers slowly and its narrow tracks slow it down substantially cross-country. The H.39 should be played as a close support tank, best utilized in urban maps and following its teammates while waiting for a good shot opportunity.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]], the Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 is vastly improved over its predecessor. It has a slightly superior main armament, thicker armour overall, and a substantially more powerful engine, which makes it surprisingly fast on flat ground. Nonetheless, as compared to adversaries from other nations, this vehicle remains below average. While it travels quickly in a straight line, it goes slowly over muddy terrain, and its narrow tracks considerably slow it cross-country. It is best employed as a close support tank in urban environments, following teammates while waiting for a good firing opportunity at the enemy.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 31: Line 29:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! 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''
+
| 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''
 
| 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''
Line 71: Line 69:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 76 || rowspan="2" | -13°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Shoulder || 15.0 || 20.7 || 25.1 || 27.8 || 29.6 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
+
| rowspan="2" | 76 || rowspan="2" | -13°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Shoulder || 14.9 || 20.7 || 25.1 || 27.8 || 29.6 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
Line 81: Line 79:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:SA38 L/33 (37 mm)/Ammunition|Mle1938}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''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
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1938 || APC || 705 || 0.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
[[File:Ammoracks_H.35.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the H.35 (identical).]]
+
[[File:Ammoracks_H.35.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.91''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.2.40''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<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
 
! 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
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''76''' || 75&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+66)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+75)'' || Yes  
+
| 36&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+66)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+75)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Notes:
+
'''Notes''':
−
* The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of shells as well as the number of shells per rack:
+
 
−
** 100 shells are modeled but you can only pack 76 shells, meaning some racks always empty (crossed out in the picture).
+
* 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.
 
** Rack 1 is modeled as 6 shells but contains only 2 shells.
−
* As they are modeled by sets of 6 or 7, shells disappear from racks 2 to 6 only after you fire all shells in the set.
+
* 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.
−
* Rack 7 disappears after you've fired all shells in the rack.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 2,400 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 2,400 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== 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 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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
 
;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.
 
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.
 
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.
Line 161: Line 141:
  
 
;Defensive role
 
;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.
 
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 meters away from your last spot.
+
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
 
;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 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 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.
 
* 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:
 
;Notable enemies:
 +
 
Many tanks are capable of easily disabling you. By order of lethality:
 
Many tanks are capable of easily disabling you. By order of lethality:
 +
 
* Long range tank destroyers
 
* Long range tank destroyers
 
* Howitzers with powerful HE shells
 
* Howitzers with powerful HE shells
Line 178: Line 163:
  
 
;Defeating a {{PAGENAME}}
 
;Defeating a {{PAGENAME}}
 +
 
The {{PAGENAME}} has several weak spots:
 
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.
 
* 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.
 
* 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.
 
* In all situations the turret cupola is a sure way to knock out the gunner.
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
=== Pros and cons ===
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
−
=== 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. 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:'''
  
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* -13° of gun depression
 
* -13° of gun depression
 
* Has a gun stabilizer mechanic, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics easier and faster
 
* 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
 
* 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
 
* Moderately powerful engine that can keep it at its 41 km/h top speed on flat ground
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* Only one choice of ammunition, which has no explosive filler
 
* Only one choice of ammunition, which has no explosive filler
 
* Sub-par penetration
 
* Sub-par penetration
−
* Long reload for the caliber
+
* Long reload for the calibre
 +
* Slow turret rotation
 
* Driver's hatch is almost completely vertical
 
* Driver's hatch is almost completely vertical
 
* Narrow tracks means poor ground flotation
 
* 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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).'' -->
  
−
The H.39 was an improved version of the H.35, with a modified suspension and more powerful engine. 700 were built before France fell. Originally armed with the same SA 18 short gun as the H.35 and R.35, it saw service with the 342nd Independent Tank Company in Norway (which went over to the Free French with their tanks and fought with them in 1941 in Syria), and equipped six of the tank battalions (14th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 42nd and 45th) in the three pre-war armored divisions, and 12 cavalry squadrons. The SA 18-armed version is sometimes referred to (erroneously) as the H.38.
+
The H.39 was an improved version of the H.35, with a modified suspension and more powerful engine. 700 were built before France fell. Originally armed with the same SA 18 short gun as the H.35 and R.35, it saw service with the 342nd Independent Tank Company in Norway (which went over to the Free French with their tanks and fought with them in 1941 in Syria), and equipped six of the tank battalions (14th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 42nd and 45th) in the three pre-war armoured divisions, and 12 cavalry squadrons. The SA 18-armed version is sometimes referred to (erroneously) as the H.38.
  
−
The poor anti-tank performance of the First World War-era 37 mm infantry gun (on which the SA 18 tank gun was based) during the Spanish Civil War led to the redesigned SA 38. In total 358 SA 18-armed tanks, mostly H.39 and H.35, would be rearmed with the new gun before the invasion of France, with several hundred more being produced as France fell. Upgunned H.35s and H.39s were employed by the French as section- and platoon-leader vehicles.
+
The poor anti-tank performance of the First World War-era 37 mm infantry gun (on which the SA 18 tank gun was based) during the Spanish Civil War led to the redesigned SA 38. In total 358 SA 18-armed tanks, mostly H.39 and H.35, would be rearmed with the new gun before the invasion of France, with several hundred more being produced as France fell. Up-gunned H.35s and H.39s were employed by the French as section- and platoon-leader vehicles.
  
−
After the fall of France, the Germans retrofitted some of their captured vehicles with the newer gun, and replaced the commander's cupola with their more customary split hatch for the tank commander. These vehicles, which the Germans called the 38H 735, fought in Finland in 1941, in the Balkans, and against the Allies in France. In December of 1944, 29 were still in German service. Another 24 were cut down to just the hull pan and nose armour and used as Geschutzwagen (assault guns), and armed with the PaK 40/L46 75mm gun, making them similar in appearance to the Marder I conversion from captured Lorraine Schlepper vehicles. These were actively employed against Allied forces in Normandy. Some recaptured H.39s served with Free French forces to the end of the war.
+
After the fall of France, the Germans retrofitted some of their captured vehicles with the newer gun, and replaced the commander's cupola with their more customary split hatch for the tank commander. These vehicles, which the Germans called the 38H 735, fought in Finland in 1941, in the Balkans, and against the Allies in France. In December of 1944, 29 were still in German service. Another 24 were cut down to just the hull pan and nose armour and used as Geschützwagen (assault guns), and armed with the 75 mm PaK40 L46 gun, making them similar in appearance to the Marder I conversion from captured Lorraine Schlepper vehicles. These were actively employed against Allied forces in Normandy. Some recaptured H.39s served with Free French forces to the end of the war.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 251: Line 206:
  
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=fr_hotchkiss_h39 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
−
;Videos
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_hotchkiss_h39 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
−
{{Youtube-gallery|1jBtGvfL4hI|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 262: Line 215:
  
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
 +
 
* [[H.35]]
 
* [[H.35]]
−
* [[H.39 "Cambronne"]]
 
−
 
−
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
 
−
* [[R.35 (SA38)]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 276: Line 226:
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/Hotchkiss_H35_39.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> 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 light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 18:47, 7 July 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the French light tank H.39. For the premium version, see H.39 "Cambronne".
H.39
fr_hotchkiss_h39.png
GarageImage H.39.jpg
ArtImage H.39.png
H.39
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game

Description

The Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 is a heavily upgraded Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H cavalry tank from 1939. Since cavalry units sought a faster tank, it was decided in October 1936 to modernize its current tanks by installing a more powerful engine. In 1937, a new prototype with a 120 hp engine was created in place of the 78 hp engine. The hull was stretched to provide enough space to accommodate it, resulting in a taller, nearly level engine deck. Aside from episcopes, tails, and various radio sets, this included the gradual introduction of a larger 37 mm SA38 L/35 tank gun with much improved anti-tank capabilities, providing 30 mm of armour penetration at 1 km.

Introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance", the Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 is vastly improved over its predecessor. It has a slightly superior main armament, thicker armour overall, and a substantially more powerful engine, which makes it surprisingly fast on flat ground. Nonetheless, as compared to adversaries from other nations, this vehicle remains below average. While it travels quickly in a straight line, it goes slowly over muddy terrain, and its narrow tracks considerably slow it cross-country. It is best employed as a close support tank in urban environments, following teammates while waiting for a good firing opportunity at the enemy.

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

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
SBfree
Total cost of modifications3 620 Rp icon.png
167 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
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 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
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
70 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:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 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
55 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
70 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)
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° Shoulder 14.9 20.7 25.1 27.8 29.6 5.20 4.60 4.24 4.00
Realistic 9.3 11.0 13.3 14.8 15.7

The 37 mm SA38 cannon has significantly better penetration and post-penetration damage than its predecessor, but has a longer reload rate than its peers. Know your enemies' insides well, target their gunners first or immobilize them by shooting at the engine, and take care to make every shot count. Avoid exchanging shots at long distances as your gun's penetration values decrease heavily.

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
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.

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 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 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

The H.39 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
  • 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, which has no explosive filler
  • Sub-par penetration
  • Long reload for the calibre
  • Slow turret rotation
  • Driver's hatch is almost completely vertical
  • Narrow tracks means poor ground flotation

History

The H.39 was an improved version of the H.35, with a modified suspension and more powerful engine. 700 were built before France fell. Originally armed with the same SA 18 short gun as the H.35 and R.35, it saw service with the 342nd Independent Tank Company in Norway (which went over to the Free French with their tanks and fought with them in 1941 in Syria), and equipped six of the tank battalions (14th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 42nd and 45th) in the three pre-war armoured divisions, and 12 cavalry squadrons. The SA 18-armed version is sometimes referred to (erroneously) as the H.38.

The poor anti-tank performance of the First World War-era 37 mm infantry gun (on which the SA 18 tank gun was based) during the Spanish Civil War led to the redesigned SA 38. In total 358 SA 18-armed tanks, mostly H.39 and H.35, would be rearmed with the new gun before the invasion of France, with several hundred more being produced as France fell. Up-gunned H.35s and H.39s were employed by the French as section- and platoon-leader vehicles.

After the fall of France, the Germans retrofitted some of their captured vehicles with the newer gun, and replaced the commander's cupola with their more customary split hatch for the tank commander. These vehicles, which the Germans called the 38H 735, fought in Finland in 1941, in the Balkans, and against the Allies in France. In December of 1944, 29 were still in German service. Another 24 were cut down to just the hull pan and nose armour and used as Geschützwagen (assault guns), and armed with the 75 mm PaK40 L46 gun, making them similar in appearance to the Marder I conversion from captured Lorraine Schlepper vehicles. These were actively employed against Allied forces in Normandy. Some recaptured H.39s served with Free French forces to the end of the war.

Media

Skins

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

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