Hello everybody. Today, I’d like to suggest the ARL V 39 for France’s Ground Forces in War Thunder. Also known as the ARL 1940 V939 40, the ARL V 39 was essentially the bigger cousin of the Somua SAu 40, as both were infantry support assault guns using the same gun platform. However, while the SAu 40 was based on the chassis of the SOMUA S35 medium cavalry tank, the ARL V 39 was developed on the chassis of the Char B1 heavy tank. The ARL V 39 was the only platform fully developed to meet the specifications of the assault gun project. Two prototypes were built in 1938 and completed by 1940, but they were evacuated to Morocco after the fall of France in May 1940. Their ultimate fate remains unknown to this day.
Key Characteristics
Developed on the Char B1 heavy tank chassis.
Armed with a 75mm Model 1929 casemate high-velocity APX gun.
Features better armor and mobility compared to the Somua SAu 40.
Equipped with a stereoscopic rangefinder in an observation turret for improved accuracy.
Additional Ammunition Types for the ARL V 39’s 75mm APX Cannon
During World War II, the 75mm Mle 1897 was France’s most widely used artillery gun, employed in fortifications, coastal defense, and anti-tank roles. To modernize its anti-tank capabilities, France developed new rounds in 1939, including the Brandt CC HEAT (probable), PCOT 40 APCBC, and Brandt 75/58 APDS rounds. The 75mm Model 1929 casemate high-velocity APX gun, derived from the Mle 1897, could theoretically use these rounds. However, many of these rounds were unavailable for the Mle 1929 APX in practice. Refer to the sources below for more information on these rounds.
I’ve attached charts of penetration statistics and shell details. Credit for these charts goes to CaID, who also assisted me in researching this vehicle and its gun.
Charts (Made by CaID)
(new)
(new)
(old)
(old)
While the Somua SAu 40 in War Thunder uses the same gun platform as the ARL V 39, it does not have access to these advanced rounds, likely for balance reasons, and remains at BR 1.7. Given the ARL V 39’s superior armor, mobility, and potential access to HEAT, APDS, and APCBC rounds, it could justify a higher BR, potentially around 2.3.
Conclusion | Why it should be in the game
The ARL V 39 was a French assault gun prototype developed to meet the demand for a self-propelled infantry support vehicle during the pre-World War II era. While similar in role to the Somua SAu 40, the ARL V 39 was larger, better armored, and based on the Char B1 heavy tank chassis. Its sloped frontal armor, decent mobility, functional rangefinder, and potential access to advanced ammunition make it a superior option.
In War Thunder, the ARL V 39 would serve as an excellent low-tier SPG for France, offering better armor, mobility, and firepower compared to the Somua SAu 40, along with the functional rangefinder. A BR of 2.3 would be fitting for this unique vehicle.
Sources
Atelier De Construction Rueil 75 Automoteur ARL (January 1939)
I remember doing the suggestion for the old forum. Good work in any case, many more infos than what I had at the time.
Obviously, that would be a nice addition. Of course, there’s still the dreaded turret that is a massive weakpoint but… Still, I personally would like nothing more than having this one added to upgrade the perfect “1940 France” lineup alongside other 2.3 vehicle like the B1bis, the FCM 2C, the Potez 631 and the MS.410.
so Elan was indeed saying truth and this thing isn’t related to G1B tank in any way, which could have reverse electrical transmission, and thus wont have fancy reverse speed? Sad…
200 rounds for main gun is insane. Also, please add the fact that commander turret had a goddamn optical rangefinder that we are still missing on identical turret on Sau40, SINCE ITS RELEASE, and it took nxdef months to get report on it’s presence accepted. Gaijin would probably not notice “ramgefinders” as a thing
Updated history with emphasis on the observation turret, as it’s mentioned to include a rangefinder. The specifications have also been updated to include more details, such as speed and armor values.
I’ll dig for more information on this vehicle later and update the suggestion if I find anything new.
Yes, the turret/cupola should be (almost) identical to the SOMUA SAu 40. Due to the game designs, it would, of course, rotate to face forward with the gun, unless Gaijin models the rangefinder in that turret.
And 2 more crew members than the SAu 40? Scrumptious. Hope this one gets approved, I’d love to see the Imperial Guard tank skins that people will inevitably make.
I was thinking about something : the mg in the turret’s going to be a pain to use. Ordinarily, it would follow the camera and mouse, however, it probably won’t be in this case since that would prevent using the rangefinder. It would make it as useful as the back mg of a KV1, that is not at all.
