Difference between revisions of "H.39"

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(New Description Project - France Priority: Tanks - Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39)
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{{About
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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_hotchkiss_h39}}
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|about= French light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
|usage= the premium version
 
−
|link= H.39 "Cambronne"
 
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=fr_hotchkiss_h39
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
== 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 needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
−
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.
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{specs|name}}''' (Hotchkiss light tank model 1935 modified 1939) is a reserve French light tank {{Battle-rating|1}}. 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.
  
−
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.
+
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.
 +
 
 +
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.
 +
 
 +
The 37 mm SA38 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.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
{{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 helpfull for survival in combat?''
−
<!-- ''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:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
+
* Cast homogeneous armour
−
* Structural steel (mudguards, trench-crossing tail, exhaust cover)
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 29: Line 26:
 
! 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 (8-87°) ''Front plate'' <br> 22 mm (75-85°), 40 mm (31°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 40 mm (30°) ''Lower glacis'' || 40 mm (1-33°) <br> 40 mm (1-2°) || 40 mm (24-30°) ''Top'' <br> 40 mm (9-32°) ''Bottom'' || 22 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 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 + 25 mm (5°) ''Turret front'' <br> 45 mm (28-30°) ''Left side'' <br> 25 mm (10-19°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 40 mm (1-27°) || 40 mm (8-63°) || 25 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 40 mm (cylindrical) ''Base'' <br> 40 mm (spherical) ''Dome''
+
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| Cupola || 40 mm || 40 mm
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
−
* Suspension wheels, bogies and tracks are 15 mm thick.
+
* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are all 15 mm thick.
 
* Turret ring is 35 mm thick with a 5 mm protective collar.
 
* 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.
+
* Trench-crossing tail at the hull rear is 5 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 ===
−
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
−
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
 
+
|-
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 130|rbMinHp= 106}}
+
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
−
 
+
|-
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
+
! Weight (tons)
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
+
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor<br>weight (tons)
 +
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="2" | 12.1 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 41 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|36 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|130
 +
|160
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|106
 +
|120
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|10.74
 +
|13.22
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|8.76
 +
|9.92
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
{{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 flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
−
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
 
{{main|SA38 L/33 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|SA38 L/33 (37 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[SA38 L/33 (37 mm)|37 mm SA38 L/33]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 76 || -13°/+20° || ±180° || Vertical
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[SA38 L/33 (37 mm)|37 mm SA38 L/33]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 +
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
| ''Arcade'' || 14.95 || 20.69 || _.__ || _.__ || 29.55
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
| ''Realistic'' || 9.34 || 10.99 || _.__ || _.__ || 15.7
−
| 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''
+
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
−
| 9.3 || 11.0 || 13.3 || 14.8 || 15.7
+
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| 5.2 || _.__ || _.__ || 4.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
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 =====
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
==== Ammunition ====
+
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
−
{{:SA38 L/33 (37 mm)/Ammunition|Mle1938}}
+
|-
−
 
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
−
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
+
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
−
[[File:Ammoracks_H.35.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.2.40''' -->
+
|-
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| Mle1938 || APC || 48 || 45 || 32 || 21 || 14 || 9
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Full<br>ammo
+
|}
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
+
! colspan="11" | Shell details
−
! 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)''
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 7th<br>rack empty
+
! 0%
−
! 8th<br>rack empty
+
! 50%
−
! 9th<br>rack empty
+
! 100%
−
! 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
+
| Mle1938 || APC || 705 || 0.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
'''Notes''':
 
  
−
* The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of shells as well as the number of shells in rack 1:
+
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
−
** 80 shells are modelled but you can only pack 76 shells, meaning some rounds are never present (crossed out in the picture).
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}.]]
−
** Rack 1 is modeled as 6 shells but contains only 2 shells.
+
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
−
* 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.
+
|-
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
|| '''76''' || 75&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+66)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+75)'' || style="text-align:left" | Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
{{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.''-->
−
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
+
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
+
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 2,400 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
+
| colspan="4" | 2,400 (150) || 1,350 || 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 ==
+
== Usage in the 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 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).''-->
 +
Use the same tactics as with other French rank 1 vehicles; follow the pack and take shots whenever the opportunity shows. Use your decent mobility to assist in flanking manoeuvres (i.e. in urban maps) and put shots into your enemies' weak sides. Find hard cover that can't be shot through, angle strongly, and poke in and out between your shots, as your reload can't match that of your opponents.
  
−
;Offensive role
+
On maps with hilly terrain, stick with your teammates near the capture point, go hull-down, and wait for anything to fall in your sights. Try to immobilize your target on your first shot. Get back into cover between reloads and pop out a few meters away from your last spot.
−
 
 
−
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.
 
−
 
 
−
;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 {{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 ===
−
<!-- ''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".'' -->
+
<!--''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".''-->
−
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Tiny tank with tiny profile
 
* Tiny tank with tiny profile
 
* -13° of gun depression
 
* -13° of gun depression
−
* Has a gun stabilizer mechanic, which makes stop-and-shoot tactics easier and faster
+
* Has LOCK, 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
Line 188: Line 222:
 
* 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 calibre
+
* Long reload
−
* 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 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).'' -->
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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 ==
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''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
  
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;Skins
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== Read also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
  
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_hotchkiss_h39 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
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== See also ==
 
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
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;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
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''ETC.''
  
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* [[H.35]]
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== Sources ==
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== External links ==
 
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
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* ''other literature.''
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* [[wikipedia:Hotchkiss_H35|[Wikipedia] Hotchkiss H35/39]]
 
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* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/Hotchkiss_H35_39.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Hotchkiss H35/39]
 
  
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{{TankManufacturer Hotchkiss}}
 
 
{{France light tanks}}
 
{{France light tanks}}

Revision as of 01:38, 13 February 2019

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
H.39
fr_hotchkiss_h39.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

GarageImage H.39.jpg


The Char léger modèle 1935 H modifié 39 (Hotchkiss light tank model 1935 modified 1939) is a reserve French light tank with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). 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.

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.

The 37 mm SA38 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.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 40 mm (8-87°) Front plate
22 mm (75-85°), 40 mm (31°) Front glacis
40 mm (30°) Lower glacis 		40 mm (1-33°)
40 mm (1-2°) 		40 mm (24-30°) Top
40 mm (9-32°) Bottom 		22 mm
Turret 45 + 25 mm (5°) Turret front
45 mm (28-30°) Left side
25 mm (10-19°) Gun mantlet 		40 mm (1-27°) 40 mm (8-63°) 25 mm
Armour Sides Roof
Cupola 40 mm 40 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are all 15 mm thick.
  • Turret ring is 35 mm thick with a 5 mm protective collar.
  • Trench-crossing tail at the hull rear is 5 mm thick.

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armor
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
12.1 N/A 41 (AB)
36 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 130 160
Realistic/Simulator 106 120
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 10.74 13.22
Realistic/Simulator 8.76 9.92

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: SA38 L/33 (37 mm)
37 mm SA38 L/33
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
76 -13°/+20° ±180° Vertical
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 14.95 20.69 _.__ _.__ 29.55
Realistic 9.34 10.99 _.__ _.__ 15.7
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
5.2 _.__ _.__ 4.0
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 0° Angle of Attack
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Mle1938 APC 48 45 32 21 14 9
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Mle1938 APC 705 0.7 N/A N/A N/A ° 48° 63° 71°
Ammo racks
Ammo racks of the H.39.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
76 75 (+1) 10 (+66) 1 (+75) Yes

Machine guns

Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Coaxial mount
Capacity (Belt capacity) Fire rate
(shots/minute) 		Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance
2,400 (150) 1,350 N/A N/A

Usage in the battles

Use the same tactics as with other French rank 1 vehicles; follow the pack and take shots whenever the opportunity shows. Use your decent mobility to assist in flanking manoeuvres (i.e. in urban maps) and put shots into your enemies' weak sides. Find hard cover that can't be shot through, angle strongly, and poke in and out between your shots, as your reload can't match that of your opponents.

On maps with hilly terrain, stick with your teammates near the capture point, go hull-down, and wait for anything to fall in your sights. Try to immobilize your target on your first shot. Get back into cover between reloads and pop out a few meters away from your last spot.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tiny tank with tiny profile
  • -13° of gun depression
  • Has LOCK, 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, which has no explosive filler
  • Sub-par penetration
  • Long reload
  • Driver's hatch is almost completely vertical
  • Narrow tracks means poor ground flotation

History

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read 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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

ETC.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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
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
USA  LVT-4/40 · ▄M3A3 Stuart

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