Difference between revisions of "L6/40"

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(Ammunition: Corrected typo)
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{{Specs-Card|code=it_l6}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=it_l6
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_L6_40.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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_L6 40.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
{{break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened to '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].  
 
  
 
== 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 helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the 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.'' -->
  
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'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while bogies are 10 mm thick.
 
* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick while bogies are 10 mm thick.
 
* Mudguards are 5 mm thick.
 
* Mudguards are 5 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 105|rbMinHp= 60}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=105|rbMinHp=60}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)}}
  
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 280 (8) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.85 || 31.62 || 38.40 || 42.47 || 45.18 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
+
| rowspan="2" | 280 (8) || rowspan="2" | 240 || rowspan="2" | -12°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 22.9 || 31.6 || 38.4 || 42.5 || 45.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
| 14.28 || 16.80 || 20.40 || 22.56 || 24.00
+
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
  
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}} - Half the belt is composed of {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}, such shell will do negligible damage against armored targets. However against aircrafts and vehicles with exposed crew, such shell can prove deadly.
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer shell}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer shell (self-destroying)}} - This belt can be used for both roles: anti-aircraft and against lightly armoured vehicles to the detriment of a reduced rate of fire. Half the belt is composed of high-explosive fragmentation incendiary shells that will do negligible damage against armoured targets but will prove deadly against aircraft and vehicles with exposed crew
* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Intermediate usage until the better PzGr 40 can be used. Decent enough against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear.
+
* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer shell}} - Intermediate belt to be used against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear. Adequate until the better PzGr 40 can be used.  
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - Highest penetrating belt. However, the damage effects are very poor. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew member is advised. It's effects against angled armor is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, however the base penetration compensates such drawback.
+
* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer shell}} - Highest penetrating belt, designed to deal with armoured targets . However, the penetration is very poor beyond 500 m. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew member is advised as the post-penetration damage is limited. Its effect against angled armour is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, but the penetration power compensates such drawback.
  
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
|-
| Default || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
+
| Default || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Perforante mod.35 || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
 
| Perforante mod.35 || 38 || 36 || 27 || 19 || 14 || 10
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="10" | Belt details
 
! colspan="10" | Belt details
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
Line 98: Line 106:
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_L6-40.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_L6-40.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.33''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''35''' || 29&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+34)''||   no
+
| '''35''' || 29&nbsp;''(+6)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+13)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+22)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+34)''|| No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Ammunition is modeled as clips of 8 rounds.
 +
* Clips disappear after having been shot/loaded.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft 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|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
 
{{main|Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)}}
  
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the Breda Mod. 38 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking the cannon's line of sight.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!--Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
Utilise the {{PAGENAME}} like a Panzer II, as it shares similar characteristics especially with the 20 mm Breda Mod.35 autocannon. Until this APCR (''PzGr 40'') belt is unlocked, use the {{PAGENAME}} in a support role by capturing objectives in order to obtain enough research points to unlock the necessary firepower modifications.
+
 
 +
;Combat tactics
 +
 
 +
The L6/40 possesses a level of versatility which allows it to play in a variety of roles with varying efficiency. As a frontline tank, one must maintain a short engagement distance (up to 200 m if possible) and exploit its small size to hide in almost all types of cover. The autocannon's efficiency will allow the player to dispatch of most enemies even frontally, and can knock out cannon barrels and tracks if it is unable to.
 +
 
 +
Flanking is another way to best use the tank's advantages. It is relatively mobile and the autocannon will be more reliable against the side armour of the enemy vehicles. Additionally, by flanking, one will artificially increase the L6/40's survivability, as it is not going to be the main target of fire in the initial stages of the player's ambush. This removes the reliance on the protection which, as previously mentioned, is not an aspect that will consistently save it.
 +
 
 +
Playing at range and sniping is almost pointless as the armament quickly loses penetration over range and struggles to penetrate even lightly armoured opponents.
 +
 
 +
Whichever playstyle one chooses, it is important to always play to the strengths of the vehicle, mainly the automatic armament and reactive turret traverse.
 +
 
 +
;Notable enemies
 +
 
 +
* Heavily armoured tanks that can negate the 20 mm rounds such as the [[FCM.36]], [[S.35]], and [[Valentine Mk I]].
 +
* Tanks with sloped armour that can ricochet the rounds such as the [[H.39]], [[T-60]], [[T-70]], or [[T-80]].
  
Once the PzGr 40 is unlocked, the {{PAGENAME}} shares the same offensive power as seen on the Panzer II, as the PzGr 40 rounds are nearly identical, if not exactly so, as the German counterparts. Use the PzGr 40 rounds to meet and knock out peer enemies more readily in order to control the battlefield.
+
;How to defeat a L6/40
  
=== Modules ===
+
Stay at a distance of at least 500 m to negate its firepower. If the {{PAGENAME}}'s armour profile is unangled, fire at the front plate underneath the turret to guarantee the incapacitation of the crew. If the tank is heavily angled, a shot into the very thin side armour will likely penetrate. Finally, if the {{PAGENAME}} is adequately angled and neither the front nor side can be penetrated, the player's best shot is to fire at the corner plate between the front and side, which normalizes upon angling. This is one's only chance to fire at a flat plate in this situation.
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
!Tier
 
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
!Protection
 
! colspan="2" |Firepower
 
|-
 
|I
 
|Tracks
 
|
 
|Parts
 
|Horizontal Drive
 
|
 
|-
 
|II
 
|Suspension
 
|Brake System
 
|FPE
 
|Adjustment of Fire
 
|Perforante mod.35
 
|-
 
|III
 
|Filters
 
|
 
|Crew Replenishment
 
|Elevation Mechanism
 
|
 
|-
 
|IV
 
|Transmission
 
|Engine
 
|
 
|Artillery Support
 
|PzGr 40
 
|}
 
  
 
=== 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. Try not to 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:'''
  
* Reasonable penetration with HVAP belts
+
* Potent armament with good penetration and damage output
 +
* Great turret rotation
 +
* Good acceleration
 +
* Adequate mobility
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Poor suspension damping, it takes about 2 seconds to settle after stopping the vehicle
 
* Poor suspension damping, it takes about 2 seconds to settle after stopping the vehicle
 +
* Limited crew of 2
 +
* Low rate of fire
 +
* Limited magazines of 8 rounds
 +
* Hull side can be penetrated by 0.50 cal machine guns
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the 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 "/ 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 L6/40 was designed to replace the L3 tankette in the cavalry and reconnaissance roles. It was based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with increased firepower, protection and mobility. By the time it was accepted for service in early 1940, it was already only barely adequate as a recon tank. By the time it entered general service in 1942 it was hopelessly obsolete. After 283 had been built it was cancelled in favour of the Semovente 47/32. A flamethrower version was developed but did not enter service.
 
The L6/40 was designed to replace the L3 tankette in the cavalry and reconnaissance roles. It was based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with increased firepower, protection and mobility. By the time it was accepted for service in early 1940, it was already only barely adequate as a recon tank. By the time it entered general service in 1942 it was hopelessly obsolete. After 283 had been built it was cancelled in favour of the Semovente 47/32. A flamethrower version was developed but did not enter service.
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;Skins
 
;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=it_l6 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_l6 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
Line 201: Line 203:
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
;Vehicles equipped with the same gun
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
* [[AB 41]]
 
* [[AS 42]]
 
  
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
 
* [[Panzer II]]
 
* [[Panzer II]]
 
* [[Sd.Kfz. 140/1]]
 
* [[Sd.Kfz. 140/1]]
Line 219: Line 218:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Revision as of 11:06, 4 July 2021

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
L6/40
it_l6.png
GarageImage L6 40.jpg
L6/40
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game

Description

The Carro Armato modello L6 (shortened to L6/40) is a rank I Italian light tank with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic".

General info

Survivability and armour

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

Armour type:

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

Notes:

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

Mobility

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

Modifications and economy

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

Armaments

Main armament

Ammunition280 rounds
Belt capacity8 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Fire rate240 shots/min
Vertical guidance-12° / 20°
Main article: Breda Mod.35 (20 mm)
20 mm Breda Mod.35 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 280 (8) 240 -12°/+20° ±180° N/A 22.9 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T* - This belt can be used for both roles: anti-aircraft and against lightly armoured vehicles to the detriment of a reduced rate of fire. Half the belt is composed of high-explosive fragmentation incendiary shells that will do negligible damage against armoured targets but will prove deadly against aircraft and vehicles with exposed crew
  • Perforante mod.35: API-T - Intermediate belt to be used against light tanks and other vehicles from the rear. Adequate until the better PzGr 40 can be used.
  • PzGr 40: HVAP-T · API-T - Highest penetrating belt, designed to deal with armoured targets . However, the penetration is very poor beyond 500 m. In close combat, aiming for modules and crew member is advised as the post-penetration damage is limited. Its effect against angled armour is limited due to the nature of the HVAP shells, but the penetration power compensates such drawback.
Penetration statistics
Belt Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Default 38 36 27 19 14 10
Perforante mod.35 38 36 27 19 14 10
PzGr 40 64 63 27 29 14 10
Belt details
Belt Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Perforante mod.35 API-T 832 0.14 1.2 9 1.7 47° 60° 65°

Ammo racks

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

Notes:

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

Machine guns

Ammunition1 536 rounds
Belt capacity24 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Breda Mod. 38 (8 mm)
8 mm Breda Mod. 38
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,524 (24) 600 N/A N/A

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

Usage in battles

Combat tactics

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

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

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

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

Notable enemies
How to defeat a L6/40

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

History

The L6/40 was designed to replace the L3 tankette in the cavalry and reconnaissance roles. It was based on a heavily modified L3 chassis, keeping the two-person crew, but with increased firepower, protection and mobility. By the time it was accepted for service in early 1940, it was already only barely adequate as a recon tank. By the time it entered general service in 1942 it was hopelessly obsolete. After 283 had been built it was cancelled in favour of the Semovente 47/32. A flamethrower version was developed but did not enter service.

L6/40 was to be used in the Raggruppamento Esplorante Corazzato (RECo); the divisional-level armoured reconnaissance task forces found in the order of battle of armoured and motorized divisions, and in several independent recon units, deployed in 4-car platoons. In total, 72 were sent to North Africa, and 55 went to Russia on March 1942, where they equipped the 67th Battaglione Motocorazzato Bersaglieri (lightly armoured battalion) in the 3rd Celere (Cavalry) Division. They were the heaviest Italian tanks used on that front. The battalion was destroyed in December 1942 during fighting on the Don River. L6/40 was also employed in Yugoslavia, by the San Guisto light armoured squadron-group of the 1st Celere Division.

Some L6/40 fought in Italy in September 1943 and were later employed by Italian Fascists and Germans. The Germans seized many on Italy's surrender; the majority were exported to Croatia but also used some themselves in the Balkans. Yugoslav partisans would press a small number of captured L6s into service.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


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