In the 1942, Italy had already been at war for a relatively long time, and various things were starting to
become clear. The Ispettorato Truppe Motorizzate e Corazzate, after various analyzes and checks, found that the AB41 and AB42 type armored cars were starting to show their limits against Anglo-American vehicles of the same type. Ansaldo, at the request of the Inspectorate, decided to produce a prototype of a modified armored car with heavy armament and to propose it to the Regio Esercito. A prototype AB41 armored car was created with a slightly modified hull and a shielded gun placed in a raised stanchion carriage. The armored car also did not have the classic dual-drive system, it had the usual steering front wheels and other modifications to best adapt the vehicle for its task.
After various tests, the vehicle was discarded due to stability problems and its very tall silhouette which made it easier to detect. The experience obtained with this vehicle was used for the construction of the AB43 Cannone.
Armaments and propulsion.
The main armament of the Semovente da 47/32 on the AB41 hull was the Cannone da 47/32 Model 1935. The weapon is fixed with a shield to protect the gunner. The weapon’s traverse should be around 25° left and right and probably have an elevation of -12/+20. The transverse is manual, making it reach approximately 15° sec of rotation. The ammunition load is carried in 2 boxes located under the turret. The engine that powered the armored car was a FIAT SPA ABM 3 with a displacement of 4,995 cm³. Maximum power was increased to 108 hp at 2,800 rpm. This significantly increased the vehicle’s road speed, which was around 80 km/h given the increased weight of the vehicle.
Specifications.
Spoiler
Maximum weight: 7,6 tons
Crew: 3
Length: 5.2m
Width: 1.93 m
Height: 2.5 m
Clearance: 345 mm
Armament: 1x shielded 47/32 cannon
Ammo rack: 106 ammo
Armor: 10-0 mm
Engine: FIAT-SPA ABM 3, 6-cylinders 110 hp engine with 195 liters tanks
Maximum speed: 80 km/h
Hell yes! I think it will be cool at 1.3 / 1.7 br, as an armoured but slower substitude for the AS42/47. But it will be more agile though with 4 wheel steering. The AS42/47 has a turning radius of a bus.
Yeah the AB is very good. I have a line up of Fiat-6614, AUBL-74, Breda-501, R3 T20 and last but not least the AB-43. The line up is very fun and I can get to positions enemies dont expect me to be there!
The AB41 Armoured Car stands as one of the most iconic armoured vehicles produced by Italy during the Second World War. Designed as a reconnaissance and support vehicle, its versatility and agility made it invaluable on various fronts, from North Africa to the Balkans, and even the Eastern Front. However, the evolving demands of warfare and the emergence of increasingly heavily armoured enemy tanks necessitated an upgrade to its primary armament.
Originally, the AB41 was equipped with a 20 mm Breda 20/65 Mod. 35 cannon, effective against light vehicles, infantry, and low-flying aircraft. While suitable for reconnaissance duties and engaging lightly protected targets, it quickly became clear that this weapon was insufficient for tackling Allied tanks, which were beginning to feature increasingly thicker armour.
The need to provide the AB41 with greater anti-tank capability led to the development of a variant armed with the 47/32 Mod. 35 cannon.
Production and distribution of the AB41 armed with the 47/32 began from 1942 onwards. This delay relative to the start of the conflict meant that the vehicle had to contend with far more advanced armoured threats than those for which the 47/32 cannon was initially conceived. These AB41s with the 47/32 were actively employed until the Italian armistice in September 1943.
Geographically, one of their main theatres of engagement was North Africa, particularly Tunisia. Following the initial engagements in North Africa, the need for a more powerful anti-tank weapon became evident. The AB41s with the 47/32 were deployed to try and counter Allied tanks, primarily American and British, such as the M3 Stuart and, subsequently, the M4 Sherman. However, against the latter, their effectiveness was often limited to close ranges or well-placed shots to the flank. With the Allied landing in Sicily (Operation Husky) and the subsequent advance up the Italian peninsula, the AB41s were also employed on Italian soil. Some AB41s, including earlier and railway versions, were used in the Balkans in anti-partisan operations, where the threat from tanks was less pressing, but the increased firepower was nonetheless useful.
The original turret of the AB41, designed for the lightweight 20 mm cannon, was inadequate to accommodate the more voluminous and heavier 47 mm gun. To house the new weapon, a completely redesigned turret was developed, of the “shielded with barbette” type. Unlike the enclosed and more complex turrets of true tanks, this new configuration for the AB41 featured a more essential structure, open at the top (or fitted with a light, removable cover), which enveloped the breech of the cannon. The front and side “shielding” provided direct protection to the crew and the weapon’s mechanisms, while the “barbette” was the fixed circular portion on which the turret rotated, ensuring the gun’s stability. This solution, typical of some light self-propelled guns or heavily armed reconnaissance vehicles, allowed for contained weight and complexity, while still offering the necessary volume for the 47/32 and its gunner.
Specifications
Crew: 3 (Driver, Loader and Commander)
Length: 5,20 m
Width: 1,93 m
Height: 2,50 m
Mobility
Engine: Petrol engine FIAT-SPA ABM 3 with a power of 110 hp or 82 kW.
Max speed: 80 km/h, 50 mph or 22,2 m/s
Maximum inclination: 40 degrees
Range: 400 km
Transmission: Mechanical transmission, with 6 forward and 4 reverse gears, thank to it’s dual-driver system.
