Italy
Fiat 2000 Model 17
The first Italian tank. It was conceived by Fiat as a private venture in October 1916. The first prototype was ready in June 1917. Fiat donated 2 tanks to Italian Army in February 1918. Total production until the end of 1919. encompassed 6 vehicles. Arguably the finest heavy tank built in WW1 and a great "what if...". The Fiat 2000 never saw combat.
SpecificationsCrew10Engine240hp - gasolineWeight40 tonsSpeed4.5 - 6mph (depending on the source)Armament6 x MG, 1 x 65mm Main GunLength24' 3"Width10' 2"Height12' 5"Armor15 - 20mm.
Carro d'assalto Fiat 3000 - Model 1921 & Model 1930
The Fiat 3000, whose design was based on that of the French Renault FT 17, was the first tank to be produced in series in Italy. It was to be the standard tank of the emerging Italian armored units in World War 1. Although 1400 units were ordered, with deliveries to begin in May 1919, the end of the war caused the original order to be cancelled, only 100 were delivered. The first Fiat 3000s entered service in 1921 and were officially designated as the carro d'assalto Fiat 3000, Mod. 21. (Fiat 3000 assault tank, Model 21). Tests of the Mod. 21 revealed that the armament, consisting of two 6.5 mm machine guns, was inadequate, and adoption of a 37 mm gun as main armament was urged. The up-gunned version of the 3000, armed with a 37/40 gun, was tested in 1929 and was officially adopted in 1930 with the designation of carro d'assalto Fiat 3000, Mod. 30. The Mod. 30, in addition to its improved armament, also differed from the Mod. 21 in that it had an improved engine developing more power, its suspension was improved, the engine compartment had a different silhouette, and external stores were stowed differently. Some Model 30s were also produced with two 6.5 mm machine guns as main armament, as on the Model 21, in lieu of the 37mm gun. A limited number of Model 21 vehicles were exported to Albania, Lithuania and Abyssinia (Ethiopia) prior to 1930.
The designations of these tanks were changed prior to the outbreak of World War 2, in accordance with the identification system that was adopted throughout the war by the Italians. The Model 21 was redesignated the L.5/21, and the Model 30 was redesignated the L.5/30.
The Fiat 3000 (Model 21) was first used in action in February 1926 in Libya, and subsequently also saw action against the Ethiopians in 1935. The Italians did not employ any of these tanks in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, however. With Italy's entry into World War 2 in June 1940, a limited number of Fiat 3000s still in service with the Italian Army were employed operationally on the Greek-Albanian front. They were also among the last Italian tanks to oppose the Allies, as in July 1943,' when the Allies landed in Sicily, two Italian tank companies on the island were still equipped with the 3000. One company was dug in. and their vehicles were used as fixed fortifications, while the other company was used in a mobile role, with few of the tanks surviving the Allied drive.
Specifications -Model 3000 Model 3000B Crew 2 2 Engine 50hp - gasoline 63hp - gasoline Weight 5.5 tons 6 tons Speed 13mph ? Armament 2 x MG 37mm Main Gun Length 13' 6" ? Width 5' 4" ? Height 7' 2" ? Armor 6 - 16mm. ?
The first Italian tank. It was conceived by Fiat as a private venture in October 1916. The first prototype was ready in June 1917. Fiat donated 2 tanks to Italian Army in February 1918. Total production until the end of 1919. encompassed 6 vehicles. Arguably the finest heavy tank built in WW1 and a great "what if...". The Fiat 2000 never saw combat.
SpecificationsCrew10Engine240hp - gasolineWeight40 tonsSpeed4.5 - 6mph (depending on the source)Armament6 x MG, 1 x 65mm Main GunLength24' 3"Width10' 2"Height12' 5"Armor15 - 20mm.
Carro d'assalto Fiat 3000 - Model 1921 & Model 1930
The Fiat 3000, whose design was based on that of the French Renault FT 17, was the first tank to be produced in series in Italy. It was to be the standard tank of the emerging Italian armored units in World War 1. Although 1400 units were ordered, with deliveries to begin in May 1919, the end of the war caused the original order to be cancelled, only 100 were delivered. The first Fiat 3000s entered service in 1921 and were officially designated as the carro d'assalto Fiat 3000, Mod. 21. (Fiat 3000 assault tank, Model 21). Tests of the Mod. 21 revealed that the armament, consisting of two 6.5 mm machine guns, was inadequate, and adoption of a 37 mm gun as main armament was urged. The up-gunned version of the 3000, armed with a 37/40 gun, was tested in 1929 and was officially adopted in 1930 with the designation of carro d'assalto Fiat 3000, Mod. 30. The Mod. 30, in addition to its improved armament, also differed from the Mod. 21 in that it had an improved engine developing more power, its suspension was improved, the engine compartment had a different silhouette, and external stores were stowed differently. Some Model 30s were also produced with two 6.5 mm machine guns as main armament, as on the Model 21, in lieu of the 37mm gun. A limited number of Model 21 vehicles were exported to Albania, Lithuania and Abyssinia (Ethiopia) prior to 1930.
The designations of these tanks were changed prior to the outbreak of World War 2, in accordance with the identification system that was adopted throughout the war by the Italians. The Model 21 was redesignated the L.5/21, and the Model 30 was redesignated the L.5/30.
The Fiat 3000 (Model 21) was first used in action in February 1926 in Libya, and subsequently also saw action against the Ethiopians in 1935. The Italians did not employ any of these tanks in Spain during the Spanish Civil War, however. With Italy's entry into World War 2 in June 1940, a limited number of Fiat 3000s still in service with the Italian Army were employed operationally on the Greek-Albanian front. They were also among the last Italian tanks to oppose the Allies, as in July 1943,' when the Allies landed in Sicily, two Italian tank companies on the island were still equipped with the 3000. One company was dug in. and their vehicles were used as fixed fortifications, while the other company was used in a mobile role, with few of the tanks surviving the Allied drive.
Specifications -Model 3000 Model 3000B Crew 2 2 Engine 50hp - gasoline 63hp - gasoline Weight 5.5 tons 6 tons Speed 13mph ? Armament 2 x MG 37mm Main Gun Length 13' 6" ? Width 5' 4" ? Height 7' 2" ? Armor 6 - 16mm. ?
Carro Veloce L.3, CV.33, CV.35 L.3/35Lf
Designed by Ansaldo but based upon earlier Carro Veloce 29. Although commonly referred to as a tank, this vehicle falls more properly within the classification of a tankette. The Italian authorities showed an interest in a small, light vehicle which would be suitable for use in mountainous terrain, leading to the acquisition of 25 British Carden Loyd Mark VI tankettes in 1929. A Fiat-Ansaldo modification of the Mark VI, armed with a Fiat Model 14 water-cooled 6.5 mm machine gun was designated as the carro i,elo(-e (CV) 29. The armament was subsequently changed to a single Fiat Model 14 air-cooled anti-aircraft machine gun, still 6.5 mm. Subsequent modifications resulted in the CV 3/33, still armed with a single 6.5 mm air-cooled weapon. Apart from its distinctive armament, this first series of CV 3/33 had a characteristic track tension idler mounted in a bracket which was attached to the rear idler wheel. In 1934, the second series of CV 3/33 appeared, with the track tension idler separated from the rear idler, and with two 8 mm machine guns as standard armament. The earlier series of CV 3/33 were eventually retrofitted with the heavier armament also. Development continued, and in 1935 the CV 3/35 appeared, incorporating minor design and production changes, and retaining the 8 mm armament. A final version, of which only a limited number was produced, was introduced in 1938. It differed significantly in its suspension system, and was armed with a single Breda 13.2 mm machine gun. External stowage of entrenching tools, etc, varied from series to series. The designation of both the CV 3/33 and 3/35 was changed to L.3 in the late 1930s.
Designed by Ansaldo but based upon earlier Carro Veloce 29. Although commonly referred to as a tank, this vehicle falls more properly within the classification of a tankette. The Italian authorities showed an interest in a small, light vehicle which would be suitable for use in mountainous terrain, leading to the acquisition of 25 British Carden Loyd Mark VI tankettes in 1929. A Fiat-Ansaldo modification of the Mark VI, armed with a Fiat Model 14 water-cooled 6.5 mm machine gun was designated as the carro i,elo(-e (CV) 29. The armament was subsequently changed to a single Fiat Model 14 air-cooled anti-aircraft machine gun, still 6.5 mm. Subsequent modifications resulted in the CV 3/33, still armed with a single 6.5 mm air-cooled weapon. Apart from its distinctive armament, this first series of CV 3/33 had a characteristic track tension idler mounted in a bracket which was attached to the rear idler wheel. In 1934, the second series of CV 3/33 appeared, with the track tension idler separated from the rear idler, and with two 8 mm machine guns as standard armament. The earlier series of CV 3/33 were eventually retrofitted with the heavier armament also. Development continued, and in 1935 the CV 3/35 appeared, incorporating minor design and production changes, and retaining the 8 mm armament. A final version, of which only a limited number was produced, was introduced in 1938. It differed significantly in its suspension system, and was armed with a single Breda 13.2 mm machine gun. External stowage of entrenching tools, etc, varied from series to series. The designation of both the CV 3/33 and 3/35 was changed to L.3 in the late 1930s.
The CV was not meant to be used in lieu of heavier tanks, but was designed according to the Italian doctrine of the period, for security and reconnaissance duties, and was also to be utilized in the elimination of small pockets of resistance. However, the outbreak of hostilities earlier than anticipated by Italy forced them to use what was at hand, namely large numbers of the L.3. More than 75% of the tank formations encountered by the British in their desert offensive of late 1940 and early 1941 were comprised of the L.3, whose armor was not even proof against the armament of British armored cars which they encountered. The L.3 continued to be used throughout the war, being employed after 8 September, 1943 by units of the RSI.
Specifications -Model CV.33 Model CV.35 Crew 2 2 Engine 43hp - gasoline 68hp - gasoline Weight 3.15 tons 6.8 tons Speed 13mph 26mph Armament 1 x MG 20mm Gun, 1 x MG Length 10' 4" 12' 6" Width 4' 7" 6' 1" Height 4' 2.5" 6' 1.5" Armor 6 - 15mm. 6 - 40mm
Designed by Ansaldo but based upon earlier Carro Veloce 29. Although commonly referred to as a tank, this vehicle falls more properly within the classification of a tankette. The Italian authorities showed an interest in a small, light vehicle which would be suitable for use in mountainous terrain, leading to the acquisition of 25 British Carden Loyd Mark VI tankettes in 1929. A Fiat-Ansaldo modification of the Mark VI, armed with a Fiat Model 14 water-cooled 6.5 mm machine gun was designated as the carro i,elo(-e (CV) 29. The armament was subsequently changed to a single Fiat Model 14 air-cooled anti-aircraft machine gun, still 6.5 mm. Subsequent modifications resulted in the CV 3/33, still armed with a single 6.5 mm air-cooled weapon. Apart from its distinctive armament, this first series of CV 3/33 had a characteristic track tension idler mounted in a bracket which was attached to the rear idler wheel. In 1934, the second series of CV 3/33 appeared, with the track tension idler separated from the rear idler, and with two 8 mm machine guns as standard armament. The earlier series of CV 3/33 were eventually retrofitted with the heavier armament also. Development continued, and in 1935 the CV 3/35 appeared, incorporating minor design and production changes, and retaining the 8 mm armament. A final version, of which only a limited number was produced, was introduced in 1938. It differed significantly in its suspension system, and was armed with a single Breda 13.2 mm machine gun. External stowage of entrenching tools, etc, varied from series to series. The designation of both the CV 3/33 and 3/35 was changed to L.3 in the late 1930s.
The CV was not meant to be used in lieu of heavier tanks, but was designed according to the Italian doctrine of the period, for security and reconnaissance duties, and was also to be utilized in the elimination of small pockets of resistance. However, the outbreak of hostilities earlier than anticipated by Italy forced them to use what was at hand, namely large numbers of the L.3. More than 75% of the tank formations encountered by the British in their desert offensive of late 1940 and early 1941 were comprised of the L.3, whose armor was not even proof against the armament of British armored cars which they encountered. The L.3 continued to be used throughout the war, being employed after 8 September, 1943 by units of the RSI.
Specifications -Model CV.33 Model CV.35 Crew 2 2 Engine 43hp - gasoline 68hp - gasoline Weight 3.15 tons 6.8 tons Speed 13mph 26mph Armament 1 x MG 20mm Gun, 1 x MG Length 10' 4" 12' 6" Width 4' 7" 6' 1" Height 4' 2.5" 6' 1.5" Armor 6 - 15mm. 6 - 40mm
Carro Armato L.6/40, L.6/Lf, Centro Radio
Derived from the Fiat Ansaldo 5 ton experimental tanks, the L.6 was developed from a tank designed by Fiat-Ansaldo for export and seen as a replacement for the L.3 model. An initial order for 283 was placed, but that was later reduced. Based on a modified L.3 chassis. A 1936 prototype mounted a 37/26 gun in a left hand hull sponson and two machine guns in the turret. Further prototypes were built mounting a 37mm gun and a coax mounted MG in the turret. Another variant had twin 8mm MGs in the turret. The production model was fitted with a 20mm gun and a coax MG in the turret. Production began in 1939 and was considered about the same as the German PzKpfw II in terms of firepower and general mobility. This tank was not employed in any numbers until late in the war for Italy and it was then assigned to cavalry divisions and reconnaissance units. A few were sent to Russia to work with Italian units assigned there. There was a production variant that mounted a flame thrower in place of the 20mm gun. The command version was referred to as the Centro Radia. This unit had 2 radios and sometimes that turret was removed and a dummy gun was placed in the hull.
Specifications Crew 2 Engine 70hp - gasoline Weight 6.8 tons (7 tons for the flame thrower) Speed 42kmh (road) 25kmh (off road) Armament 1 x MG, 1 x 20mm gun or flame thrower Length 12' 5" Width 6' 4" Height 6' 8" Armor 6 - 30mm.
Specifications Crew 2 Engine 70hp - gasoline Weight 6.8 tons (7 tons for the flame thrower) Speed 42kmh (road) 25kmh (off road) Armament 1 x MG, 1 x 20mm gun or flame thrower Length 12' 5" Width 6' 4" Height 6' 8" Armor 6 - 30mm.
Carro Armato M 13/40
When it became apparent that the M 11/39 did not constitute a satisfactory medium tank, the development of a suitable successor was initiated. The basic hull of the m.11 was utilized, but the rest of the vehicle was much revised. The M 13/40 was the best known of the Italian tanks used during the war, and along with it's improved version, the M 14/41, was the standard medium tank used by the Italian armored forces. The tank suffered frequent mechanical breakdowns in the desert but it can be said that it faired no worse than the British tanks they faced. The tank did suffer from a very poor power-to-weight ratio which resulted in a very low speed for it's class. The armor was not on par with other industrial nations, being brittle and prone to crack and split when hit. Armament can be said to be on par with the British in Africa. It held it's own against the British cruisers and the US M3 Stuart, but was totally outclassed by the US M3 Lee/Grant. Variations of this tank included a prototype with a specially equipped turret with range finding equipment. This vehicle was intended for artillery support. Another variant consisted (which appears to be a field modification) of the removal of the turret and replaced with a slightly built but fixed structure. This vehicle was used as a moble repair shop. 799 of these units were produced and they saw service in North Africa, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Montenegro.
Specifications Crew 4 Engine 125hp - diesel Weight 14 tons Speed 32kph (road) 14kph (off road) Armament 2 x MG, 1 x 47mm gun Length 16' 2" Width 7' 3" Height 7' 10" Armor 14 - 40mm
Specifications Crew 4 Engine 125hp - diesel Weight 14 tons Speed 32kph (road) 14kph (off road) Armament 2 x MG, 1 x 47mm gun Length 16' 2" Width 7' 3" Height 7' 10" Armor 14 - 40mm
Carro Armato P.75, P.40, P.26/40
In 1940 the need for a "heavy" tank was perceived by the Italians and plans were drawn up into what became the P.40 (originally designated as the P.75). The prototype was tested in early 1942 and mounted a 75/18 gun/howitzer and was powered by a 330hp diesel engine. Armament on the first prototype was changed to the longer 75/32 gun. This was the gun selected for use on all production models. The diesel engine proved to be wanting and consideration was given to the V12 engine from captured Soviet T-34 tanks! Productions models of the tank were equipped with a 420hp gasoline engine. No P.40, completed prior to the Italo-Allied armistice, saw service with Italian armored units. All units produced were captured and added to German stock. Some hulls, without engines, were dug in and used as static forts. Some sources state that 21 while others state 24 units were produced under Italian administration. As many as 80 were produced by the Italians under German direction.
Specifications Crew 4 Engine 420hp V12 gasoline Weight 26 tons Speed 40kph (road) 25kph (off road) Armament 1 x MG, 1 x 75/32mm gun Length 18' 11" Width 8' 3" Height 7' 11" Armor 14 - 60mm
Specifications Crew 4 Engine 420hp V12 gasoline Weight 26 tons Speed 40kph (road) 25kph (off road) Armament 1 x MG, 1 x 75/32mm gun Length 18' 11" Width 8' 3" Height 7' 11" Armor 14 - 60mm
