Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz. 140/1"
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{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
| − | |code=germ_pzkpfw_38t_Aufklarungspanzer | + | |code = germ_pzkpfw_38t_Aufklarungspanzer |
| − | | | + | |store = 8168 |
| − | | | + | }} |
| + | {{About | ||
| + | | about = premium German light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| + | | usage = other uses | ||
| + | | link = LT-38 (Family) | ||
}} | }} | ||
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== 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.--> |
| − | + | [[File:GarageImage_SdKfz140-1.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] | |
| − | + | {{Break}} | |
| − | + | The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} premium German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before [[Update 1.41]]. | |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
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| − | + | If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.--> | |
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| − | This vehicle is all-around better than the Flakpanzer I at the same BR in the tech tree. It has a | + | This vehicle is all-around better than the Flakpanzer I at the same BR in the tech tree. It has a 50mm front plate, a 30mm sloped turret, and four crew spaced out nicely. |
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
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<!-- ''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=248|rbMinHp=142}} | + | {{tankMobility|abMinHp= 248|rbMinHp= 142|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}} |
The speed and power-to-weight ratio of the {{PAGENAME}} are both superior to the [[Flakpanzer I]], being 58 km/h forward, -6 km/h backwards, and a power-to-weight ratio of 15.45 hp/ton. | The speed and power-to-weight ratio of the {{PAGENAME}} are both superior to the [[Flakpanzer I]], being 58 km/h forward, -6 km/h backwards, and a power-to-weight ratio of 15.45 hp/ton. | ||
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== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
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=== 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.--> | |
| − | <!-- | + | {{main|KwK 38 (20 mm)}} |
| − | {{main| | ||
| − | + | This tank is equipped with the [[KwK 38 (20 mm)|FlaK 38 (20 mm)]], which is one of the better low-rank guns. It has good HE for taking out planes, 46 mm pen AP-I, and 64 mm pen APCR. Unlike the Flakpanzer I, the APCR belt is full APCR instead of half. | |
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| − | The | + | === 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.--> | ||
| + | {{main|MG 42 (7.92 mm)}} | ||
| + | This tank has a coaxial 7.92 mm MG 42 machine gun that is a sufficient fallback to the FlaK 38. The MG42 is unlikely to be of help against other ground vehicles but is best used between reloads to maintain a semi-constant rate of fire on enemy aircraft. | ||
| − | ==== | + | == 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).--> | ||
| − | + | The Sd.Kfz.140/1 is simply better than the Flakpanzer I. Faster, more mobile, better-armoured, not hull-breakable, better APCR belt, less wobbly suspension, and better survivability. It does the same job as its main tree brethren, flanking and taking out specific targets of opportunity with the HVAP. Like the other two flankers, it cannot deal with B1 bis, B1 ter, or Valentine Mk I at all, but otherwise, it can shred everything it encounters. | |
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| − | + | The only cons it has versus the Flakpanzer I are gun depression of just -4 degrees (''Flakpanzer's -10 degrees'') and slower turret traverse of 12.4 degrees/sec (''Flakpanzer's 24.5 degrees/sec''). Also, the reload rate is half what the Flakpanzer I or Gepard have, 7.6 seconds vs their 3.9 seconds. | |
| − | === | + | === Modules === |
| − | + | {| class="wikitable" | |
| − | + | !Tier | |
| − | + | ! colspan="2" |Mobility | |
| + | !Protection | ||
| + | ! colspan="2" |Firepower | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | + | |I | |
| − | + | |Tracks | |
| − | + | | | |
| − | + | |Parts | |
| − | + | |Horizontal Drive | |
| − | + | |Sprgr | |
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|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | |II |
| − | | | + | |Suspension |
| − | | | + | |Brake System |
| − | + | |FPE | |
| − | + | |Adjustment of Fire | |
| − | + | |PzGr | |
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|- | |- | ||
| − | + | |III | |
| + | |Filters | ||
| + | | | ||
| + | |Crew Replenishment | ||
| + | |Elevation Mechanism | ||
| + | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | + | |IV | |
| + | |Transmission | ||
| + | |Engine | ||
| + | | | ||
| + | |Artillery Support | ||
| + | |PzGr 40 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | | + | ! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
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'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * Armed with a powerful 20 mm cannon | + | * Armed with a powerful 20 mm cannon that has a really high rate of fire. |
| − | * The 20 mm HVAP magazine has incredible close range penetration and damage potential thanks to all the spalling. Hitting an enemy with all 10 rounds will either kill crew, or leave the vehicle severely damaged | + | * The 20 mm HVAP magazine has incredible close range penetration and damage potential thanks to all the spalling. Hitting an enemy with all 10 rounds will either kill crew, or leave the vehicle severely damaged. |
| − | * Can carry | + | * Can carry twice the amount of ammo that the Panzer II C or F can. |
| − | * The high rate of fire coupled with the | + | * The high rate of fire coupled with the nearly 90 degrees of gun elevation makes this vehicle an effective anti-aircraft tank. |
| − | * The hull has an impressive 50 mm of | + | * The hull has an impressive 50 mm's of armor on the front while the turret has 30mm's of angled armor. |
| − | * Very fast and highly mobile. Can keep up with many of the | + | * Very fast and highly mobile. Can keep up with many of the armored cars at Rank 1. |
| − | * Many tanks at this BR have exposed crew members. This makes the coaxial | + | * Many tanks at this BR have exposed crew members. This makes the coaxial MG-42 an excellent way of killing exposed enemy crew without having to waste any 20 mm shells. |
| + | * With this tanks being so effective at flanking, ambushing, brawling, and acting as an AA screen; the Sd.Kfz 140/1 is one of the best pound-for-pound tanks in the game. | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * There's | + | * There's a 15 mm plate of armour between the turret and chassis making it a massive weak spot if shot. |
| − | * Only 15 mm of | + | * Only 15 mm's of armor on the flat corners of the upper hull and hull sides. Angling is not a good tactic to employ. |
| − | * A really tall tank with a high | + | * A really tall tank with a high center of gravity. Not only is this tank difficult to hide, but a really sharp turn can cause the tank to flip over. |
| − | * Only 4 degrees of gun depression. That coupled with this | + | * Only 4 degrees of gun depression. That coupled with this tanks' height makes this vehicle ill suited for cresting ridge lines. |
| − | * Longer reload time between magazine reloads | + | * Longer reload time between magazine reloads. Many contemporary tanks can fire off 1 or 2 sells off before a new magazine can be loaded. |
| − | * Only performs well at close quarters combat, as both the AP and HVAP penetration drop below 30 mm past 500 | + | * Only performs well at close quarters combat, as both the AP and HVAP penetration drop below 30 mm past 500 meters. |
| − | * | + | * No point in ever loading an API magazine since the HVAP shells provides much more muzzle velocity, penetration, and damage potential. |
| − | * | + | * There is no roof covering the crew in the turret. All can be killed by a strafing aircraft. |
== History == | == History == | ||
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=== Development === | === Development === | ||
| − | In 1934, the Czechoslovak tank manufacturer ČKD developed an alternative design for the LT-35 tank. The latter was made by competitor Škoda. The LT-35 was too complex and had many shortcomings; its reliability was poor. ČKD's engineer Alexander Surin decided to use leaf spring suspension and four large wheels for the newly developed tank. The resulting type was reliable and an export success. The new running gear was first used for a light tank, the AH-IV, with only machine gun armament; it was first delivered to Iran, as the RH, of which fifty were bought in 1935; a second version, the R-1, was delivered to Romania in a number of 35 in 1936 and 1937, and a third, the AH-IV-Sv in a number of 48 to Sweden from 1937. In 1935 this enlarged running gear was combined with the hull of the light LT Vz 34 tank previously produced for the Czechoslovak army, which had a real | + | In 1934, the Czechoslovak tank manufacturer ČKD developed an alternative design for the LT-35 tank. The latter was made by competitor Škoda. The LT-35 was too complex and had many shortcomings; its reliability was poor. ČKD's engineer Alexander Surin decided to use leaf spring suspension and four large wheels for the newly developed tank. The resulting type was reliable and an export success. The new running gear was first used for a light tank, the AH-IV, with only machine gun armament; it was first delivered to Iran, as the RH, of which fifty were bought in 1935; a second version, the R-1, was delivered to Romania in a number of 35 in 1936 and 1937, and a third, the AH-IV-Sv in a number of 48 to Sweden from 1937. In 1935 this enlarged running gear was combined with the hull of the light LT Vz 34 tank previously produced for the Czechoslovak army, which had a real 37mm gun. The new vehicle was called the TNH. In 1935, Iran ordered fifty vehicles. On April 17, 1936, Switzerland ordered 26 vehicles of the LTH, a modified version with 24mm gun. In 1938, 24 units of the LTP were ordered by Peru, and 21 LTL vehicles, with a more powerful engine, were ordered by Latvia, which, incidentally, were never delivered due to occupation by the Soviet Union. The United Kingdom also acquired a specimen just before the occupation of the Czech Republic and tested it between 16 and 29 March 1939. The opinion on the type was strongly dismissive: the tank was found to be too tight and the speed through rough terrain too bumpy. |
In March 1937, the Czechoslovakian Ministry of Defense asked both country's tank producers to propose a new type to supplement the LT-35, which could be mass-produced as soon as possible. They indicated that they would purchase at least 400 vehicles and guaranteed an initial order of 260. Naturally, ČKD offered the TNH, which was already fully developed. In tests from January 25, 1938, the type proved superior to all counterparts. On July 22, 1938, Czechoslovakia ordered 150 vehicles of the Type Lt Vz.38, for 620,146 crowns each. The intention was to achieve a monthly production of 20. However, when the first tank left the factory in February, the land was already divided; shortly afterwards, the Czech hull state was also occupied: none of the tanks could eventually serve the army before the German occupation began. | In March 1937, the Czechoslovakian Ministry of Defense asked both country's tank producers to propose a new type to supplement the LT-35, which could be mass-produced as soon as possible. They indicated that they would purchase at least 400 vehicles and guaranteed an initial order of 260. Naturally, ČKD offered the TNH, which was already fully developed. In tests from January 25, 1938, the type proved superior to all counterparts. On July 22, 1938, Czechoslovakia ordered 150 vehicles of the Type Lt Vz.38, for 620,146 crowns each. The intention was to achieve a monthly production of 20. However, when the first tank left the factory in February, the land was already divided; shortly afterwards, the Czech hull state was also occupied: none of the tanks could eventually serve the army before the German occupation began. | ||
=== In German service === | === In German service === | ||
| − | As early as March, the factory management had contacted the Germans to continue production after the occupation. Germany had a great shortage of medium tanks and although the now LTM 38 tank was officially called a light tank, with its 37 mm gun it was no worse armed than the German medium Panzerkampfwagen III and much better than the light Panzerkampfwagen I and Panzerkampfwagen II; it was not only more reliable than the LT-35, but also than the light German tanks. Czech production capacity in the early years allowed Germany to form about a third more | + | As early as March, the factory management had contacted the Germans to continue production after the occupation. Germany had a great shortage of medium tanks and although the now LTM 38 tank was officially called a light tank, with its 37 mm gun it was no worse armed than the German medium Panzerkampfwagen III and much better than the light Panzerkampfwagen I and Panzerkampfwagen II; it was not only more reliable than the LT-35, but also than the light German tanks. Czech production capacity in the early years allowed Germany to form about a third more armored divisions and was thus critical to success during that time of the war. The production of the tank continued as Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) (the name from January 16, 1940) until June 1942 and 1411 were built; monthly production peaked in September 1941 with 76 vehicles. There was also exported to the countries on the German side: Hungary took 102, Slovakia 69, Romania 50 and Bulgaria 10. Due to the rapid technical developments during the war, the type soon became obsolete. She was too small to carry a bigger cannon in a tower; several plans to do so were rejected. From 1942, the LT-38s were replaced or assigned less important tasks. |
However, Germany could not afford to leave production capacity idle; the chassis was extremely useful due to its reliability. A modified chassis of the PzKpfw 38 (t) therefore became the basis for various types of mechanized artillery, mechanized artillery and tank hunters, including the successful German Jagdpanzer 38, better known today as the "Hetzer". | However, Germany could not afford to leave production capacity idle; the chassis was extremely useful due to its reliability. A modified chassis of the PzKpfw 38 (t) therefore became the basis for various types of mechanized artillery, mechanized artillery and tank hunters, including the successful German Jagdpanzer 38, better known today as the "Hetzer". | ||
| − | + | === In-game description === | |
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The Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) reconnaissance tank was based on the Pz.38(t) towards the end of 1943, by the BMM construction office in Prague. The order specifications required a 20 mm automatic cannon and a 75 mm regular cannon. | The Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) reconnaissance tank was based on the Pz.38(t) towards the end of 1943, by the BMM construction office in Prague. The order specifications required a 20 mm automatic cannon and a 75 mm regular cannon. | ||
| − | A Praga AE engine with 160 hp at | + | A Praga AE engine with 160 hp at 2600 rpm replaced the Praga AC. This required a change in the exhaust system and the introduction of a longer exhaust pipe, which, together with a muffler, was put on the tank's roof. The tank's hull received a new superstructure, with modified inclination and with riveted joints for its armor plates. |
The tank's armament consisted of a 20 mm automatic KwK38 L/55 cannon paired with a 7.92 mm MG42 machine gun. The guns could be pointed anywhere between -4 and 70 degrees and so could fire at air targets. The tank's ammunition included 300 shells and 1,500 machine gun rounds. | The tank's armament consisted of a 20 mm automatic KwK38 L/55 cannon paired with a 7.92 mm MG42 machine gun. The guns could be pointed anywhere between -4 and 70 degrees and so could fire at air targets. The tank's ammunition included 300 shells and 1,500 machine gun rounds. | ||
| − | The open-top hexahedral turret, manufactured by the company Appelt, was equipped with a metal mesh to protect against hand grenades. The tank's | + | The open-top hexahedral turret, manufactured by the company Appelt, was equipped with a metal mesh to protect against hand grenades. The tank's armor thickness ranged from 8 to 50 millimeters. Its operational weight reached 9,750 kg. At this weight, its maximum highway speed was 52 kph, and its maximum highway range was 240 kilometers. |
The Aufklärungpanzer 38(t) tank was accepted into the Wehrmacht in 1944, but large-scale production of the machine was never successfully introduced. A total of 70 tanks were produced. | The Aufklärungpanzer 38(t) tank was accepted into the Wehrmacht in 1944, but large-scale production of the machine was never successfully introduced. A total of 70 tanks were produced. | ||
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The tanks were used on both the West and the Eastern Fronts. | The tanks were used on both the West and the Eastern Fronts. | ||
| − | Its design was successful, reliable, and advanced. However, the rivet joints in its | + | Its design was successful, reliable, and advanced. However, the rivet joints in its armor plating were a disadvantage. |
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== Media == | == Media == | ||
| − | + | ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' | |
| − | + | == See also == | |
| − | + | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | |
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* ''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.'' |
| − | + | == External links == | |
| − | + | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | |
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* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| − | * ''other literature.'' | + | * ''encyclopedia page on the tank;'' |
| − | + | * ''other literature.'' | |
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{{Germany light tanks}} | {{Germany light tanks}} | ||
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}} | {{Germany premium ground vehicles}} | ||
Revision as of 07:39, 9 August 2020
Contents
| This page is about the premium German light tank Sd.Kfz. 140/1. For other uses, see LT-38 (Family). |
Description
The Sd.Kfz. 140/1 is a rank I premium German light tank
with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB) and 2.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41.
General info
Survivability and armour
This vehicle is all-around better than the Flakpanzer I at the same BR in the tech tree. It has a 50mm front plate, a 30mm sloped turret, and four crew spaced out nicely.
Mobility
| Game Mode | Max Speed (km/h) | Weight (tons) | Engine power (horsepower) | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward | Reverse | Stock | Upgraded | Stock | Upgraded | ||
| Arcade | 65 | 7 | 11 | 248 | 305 | 22.55 | 27.73 |
| Realistic | 59 | 7 | 142 | 160 | 12.91 | 14.55 | |
The speed and power-to-weight ratio of the Sd.Kfz. 140/1 are both superior to the Flakpanzer I, being 58 km/h forward, -6 km/h backwards, and a power-to-weight ratio of 15.45 hp/ton.
Armaments
Main armament
This tank is equipped with the FlaK 38 (20 mm), which is one of the better low-rank guns. It has good HE for taking out planes, 46 mm pen AP-I, and 64 mm pen APCR. Unlike the Flakpanzer I, the APCR belt is full APCR instead of half.
Machine Guns
This tank has a coaxial 7.92 mm MG 42 machine gun that is a sufficient fallback to the FlaK 38. The MG42 is unlikely to be of help against other ground vehicles but is best used between reloads to maintain a semi-constant rate of fire on enemy aircraft.
Usage in battles
The Sd.Kfz.140/1 is simply better than the Flakpanzer I. Faster, more mobile, better-armoured, not hull-breakable, better APCR belt, less wobbly suspension, and better survivability. It does the same job as its main tree brethren, flanking and taking out specific targets of opportunity with the HVAP. Like the other two flankers, it cannot deal with B1 bis, B1 ter, or Valentine Mk I at all, but otherwise, it can shred everything it encounters.
The only cons it has versus the Flakpanzer I are gun depression of just -4 degrees (Flakpanzer's -10 degrees) and slower turret traverse of 12.4 degrees/sec (Flakpanzer's 24.5 degrees/sec). Also, the reload rate is half what the Flakpanzer I or Gepard have, 7.6 seconds vs their 3.9 seconds.
Modules
| Tier | Mobility | Protection | Firepower | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Tracks | Parts | Horizontal Drive | Sprgr | |
| II | Suspension | Brake System | FPE | Adjustment of Fire | PzGr |
| III | Filters | Crew Replenishment | Elevation Mechanism | ||
| IV | Transmission | Engine | Artillery Support | PzGr 40 | |
| This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase | |||||
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Armed with a powerful 20 mm cannon that has a really high rate of fire.
- The 20 mm HVAP magazine has incredible close range penetration and damage potential thanks to all the spalling. Hitting an enemy with all 10 rounds will either kill crew, or leave the vehicle severely damaged.
- Can carry twice the amount of ammo that the Panzer II C or F can.
- The high rate of fire coupled with the nearly 90 degrees of gun elevation makes this vehicle an effective anti-aircraft tank.
- The hull has an impressive 50 mm's of armor on the front while the turret has 30mm's of angled armor.
- Very fast and highly mobile. Can keep up with many of the armored cars at Rank 1.
- Many tanks at this BR have exposed crew members. This makes the coaxial MG-42 an excellent way of killing exposed enemy crew without having to waste any 20 mm shells.
- With this tanks being so effective at flanking, ambushing, brawling, and acting as an AA screen; the Sd.Kfz 140/1 is one of the best pound-for-pound tanks in the game.
Cons:
- There's a 15 mm plate of armour between the turret and chassis making it a massive weak spot if shot.
- Only 15 mm's of armor on the flat corners of the upper hull and hull sides. Angling is not a good tactic to employ.
- A really tall tank with a high center of gravity. Not only is this tank difficult to hide, but a really sharp turn can cause the tank to flip over.
- Only 4 degrees of gun depression. That coupled with this tanks' height makes this vehicle ill suited for cresting ridge lines.
- Longer reload time between magazine reloads. Many contemporary tanks can fire off 1 or 2 sells off before a new magazine can be loaded.
- Only performs well at close quarters combat, as both the AP and HVAP penetration drop below 30 mm past 500 meters.
- No point in ever loading an API magazine since the HVAP shells provides much more muzzle velocity, penetration, and damage potential.
- There is no roof covering the crew in the turret. All can be killed by a strafing aircraft.
History
Development
In 1934, the Czechoslovak tank manufacturer ČKD developed an alternative design for the LT-35 tank. The latter was made by competitor Škoda. The LT-35 was too complex and had many shortcomings; its reliability was poor. ČKD's engineer Alexander Surin decided to use leaf spring suspension and four large wheels for the newly developed tank. The resulting type was reliable and an export success. The new running gear was first used for a light tank, the AH-IV, with only machine gun armament; it was first delivered to Iran, as the RH, of which fifty were bought in 1935; a second version, the R-1, was delivered to Romania in a number of 35 in 1936 and 1937, and a third, the AH-IV-Sv in a number of 48 to Sweden from 1937. In 1935 this enlarged running gear was combined with the hull of the light LT Vz 34 tank previously produced for the Czechoslovak army, which had a real 37mm gun. The new vehicle was called the TNH. In 1935, Iran ordered fifty vehicles. On April 17, 1936, Switzerland ordered 26 vehicles of the LTH, a modified version with 24mm gun. In 1938, 24 units of the LTP were ordered by Peru, and 21 LTL vehicles, with a more powerful engine, were ordered by Latvia, which, incidentally, were never delivered due to occupation by the Soviet Union. The United Kingdom also acquired a specimen just before the occupation of the Czech Republic and tested it between 16 and 29 March 1939. The opinion on the type was strongly dismissive: the tank was found to be too tight and the speed through rough terrain too bumpy.
In March 1937, the Czechoslovakian Ministry of Defense asked both country's tank producers to propose a new type to supplement the LT-35, which could be mass-produced as soon as possible. They indicated that they would purchase at least 400 vehicles and guaranteed an initial order of 260. Naturally, ČKD offered the TNH, which was already fully developed. In tests from January 25, 1938, the type proved superior to all counterparts. On July 22, 1938, Czechoslovakia ordered 150 vehicles of the Type Lt Vz.38, for 620,146 crowns each. The intention was to achieve a monthly production of 20. However, when the first tank left the factory in February, the land was already divided; shortly afterwards, the Czech hull state was also occupied: none of the tanks could eventually serve the army before the German occupation began.
In German service
As early as March, the factory management had contacted the Germans to continue production after the occupation. Germany had a great shortage of medium tanks and although the now LTM 38 tank was officially called a light tank, with its 37 mm gun it was no worse armed than the German medium Panzerkampfwagen III and much better than the light Panzerkampfwagen I and Panzerkampfwagen II; it was not only more reliable than the LT-35, but also than the light German tanks. Czech production capacity in the early years allowed Germany to form about a third more armored divisions and was thus critical to success during that time of the war. The production of the tank continued as Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) (the name from January 16, 1940) until June 1942 and 1411 were built; monthly production peaked in September 1941 with 76 vehicles. There was also exported to the countries on the German side: Hungary took 102, Slovakia 69, Romania 50 and Bulgaria 10. Due to the rapid technical developments during the war, the type soon became obsolete. She was too small to carry a bigger cannon in a tower; several plans to do so were rejected. From 1942, the LT-38s were replaced or assigned less important tasks.
However, Germany could not afford to leave production capacity idle; the chassis was extremely useful due to its reliability. A modified chassis of the PzKpfw 38 (t) therefore became the basis for various types of mechanized artillery, mechanized artillery and tank hunters, including the successful German Jagdpanzer 38, better known today as the "Hetzer".
In-game description
The Aufklärungspanzer 38(t) reconnaissance tank was based on the Pz.38(t) towards the end of 1943, by the BMM construction office in Prague. The order specifications required a 20 mm automatic cannon and a 75 mm regular cannon.
A Praga AE engine with 160 hp at 2600 rpm replaced the Praga AC. This required a change in the exhaust system and the introduction of a longer exhaust pipe, which, together with a muffler, was put on the tank's roof. The tank's hull received a new superstructure, with modified inclination and with riveted joints for its armor plates.
The tank's armament consisted of a 20 mm automatic KwK38 L/55 cannon paired with a 7.92 mm MG42 machine gun. The guns could be pointed anywhere between -4 and 70 degrees and so could fire at air targets. The tank's ammunition included 300 shells and 1,500 machine gun rounds.
The open-top hexahedral turret, manufactured by the company Appelt, was equipped with a metal mesh to protect against hand grenades. The tank's armor thickness ranged from 8 to 50 millimeters. Its operational weight reached 9,750 kg. At this weight, its maximum highway speed was 52 kph, and its maximum highway range was 240 kilometers.
The Aufklärungpanzer 38(t) tank was accepted into the Wehrmacht in 1944, but large-scale production of the machine was never successfully introduced. A total of 70 tanks were produced.
The tanks were used on both the West and the Eastern Fronts.
Its design was successful, reliable, and advanced. However, the rivet joints in its armor plating were a disadvantage.
Media
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See also
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External links
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| Germany light tanks | |
|---|---|
| Pz.II | Pz.II C · Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.II C TD · Pz.II F · Pz.Sfl.Ic |
| Sd.Kfz.234 | Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 TD |
| Marder | Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · Begleitpanzer 57 · DF105 |
| PUMA | |
| Wheeled | Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41) · Class 3 (P) · Radkampfwagen 90 |
| Other | Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS |
| Argentina | TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP · JaPz.K A2 |
| Czechoslovakia | Pz.35(t) · Pz.38(t) A · Pz.38(t) F · Pz.38(t) n.A. · Sd.Kfz. 140/1 |
| France | Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK |
| Lithuania | Vilkas |
| USA | leKPz M41 |
| USSR | SPz BMP-1 |
| Germany premium ground vehicles | |
|---|---|
| Light tanks | Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.Sfl.Ic · Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK · Sd.Kfz. 140/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS · TAM 2IP |
| Medium tanks | Nb.Fz. · Pz.III N · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r) · Ersatz M10 |
| mKPz M47 G · Turm III · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) | |
| Heavy tanks | ▀Pz.Kpfw. Churchill · ▀KV-IB · ▀KW I C 756 (r) · ▀KW II 754 (r) |
| VK 45.01 (P) · ␠Tiger · Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P · Tiger II (H) Sla.16 | |
| Tank destroyers | Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · 15 cm Pz.W.42 |
| Brummbär · Panzer IV/70(A) · VFW · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1 · Elefant · 38 cm Sturmmörser | |
