Page 356 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

354 AXIS ARMORED Also armed with a

1914–1945 FIGHTING VEHICLES 20mm KwK 7.92mm machine-gun

30 cannon
As the nation that developed the concept of Blitzkrieg, it
was hardly surprising that Germany should develop some of the

ARS most advanced and effective armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) of
World War II. The Panther and Tiger tanks struck fear in their Allied
opponents, but, unlike the Allies, German tank manufacturers could
not utilize the methods of mass production, as their vehicles were
ORLD W slow and expensive to build. Germany’s Axis partners, Italy and ▲ PANZERKAMPFWAGEN II The Panzer II, manned by a crew
Japan, produced some effective designs in the 1930s, but were
unable to develop them further as the war progressed.
LIGHT TANK, AUSF F
of three, was originally created to
function as a training tank. However,
THE W 37mm Type 98 main gun Also armed with Date 1935 Origin Germany the shortage of more powerful models
Weight 11 tons (10 tonnes)
brought it into the front line, where
Length 15 ⁄4ft (4.64m)
1
it was used in huge numbers for the
invasions of Poland and France.
Top speed 34mph (55kph)
two 7.7mm Type 97
Engine Maybach 6-cylinder
machine-guns
140hp (104kW) gasoline engine
Also armed with
6.5mm machine-gun
▶ CARRO VELOCE L3-33
FLAMETHROWER
Date 1936 Origin Italy
Weight 3.5 tons (3.2 tonnes)
Length 10 ⁄2ft (3.17m)
1
Top speed 26mph (42kph)
Engine SPA CV3 43hp (32kW)
gasoline engine
Developed from the British Carden-
▲ TYPE 95 HA-GO LIGHT TANK Entering service in the 1930s, this Lloyd tankette, this modified version
Date 1936 Origin Japan three-man tank was typical of its time. of the L3-35 replaced its twin
While it proved successful during the machine-guns with a flamethrower
Weight 8.1 tons (7.4 tonnes)
war in China, it was outclassed by US nozzle. The flame fuel was carried
1
Length 14 ⁄4ft (4.38m) armor and anti-tank guns during in a 132-gallon (500-liter) trailer
Top speed 28mph (45kph) World War II. towed by the vehicle.
Engine Mitsubishi NVD 6120
6-cylinder 120hp (89kW) diesel engine
Mantlet
Muzzle brake 88mm KwK 43 main gun

Armed with 75mm KwK 40 main gun
as well as two or three 7.92mm machine-guns

▲ PANZERKAMPFWAGEN IV Intended to adopt the role of an
MEDIUM TANK infantry support vehicle, the Panzer IV
developed into a potent main battle tank
Date 1936 Origin Germany
as a result of a series of upgrades that
Weight 27.5 tons (25 tonnes)
improved protection and firepower.
1
Length 19 ⁄4ft (5.89m) With a crew of five, the Panzer IV was
Top speed 24mph (38kph) the only German tank to remain in
service throughout the war.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM
12-cylinder 300hp (224kW) gasoline engine