Semovente L40 da 47/32 (1940), the advanced can of sardines

ImportantSimone5 · January 18, 2024, 8:24am

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Semovente L40 da 47/32 (1940)

History.

In 1938, the standard tanks of the Italian Army were the light tanks of the L3 series which, during the Spanish Civil War did not make a very positive impression on Italian officers as they began to show their limitations. Two years later FIAT produced the first L6/40 tanks, an improved and enhanced version of the L3, which however was already born old, so to speak. The first project of a self-propelled gun armed with a 47 mm gun on the L6 hull resulted in only one model and consisted of the hull of an L6/40 without a turret, but the project remained at the wooden mockup stage. After other work at the beginning of 1941, the prototype of the L40 47/32 self-moving cannon was presented at the Military Motorization Study Centre. The gun was inside a casemate, so the vehicle was much lower than the first 47/32 L6 model and had an armored roof with two hatches.
This prototype was highly appreciated by the Supreme Command of the Royal Italian Army, which deemed it suitable for the task of supporting infantry and the role of tank destroyer, but over time the Supreme Command re-evaluated the vehicle considering it unsuitable as the three men of the crew had little space to work due to the armored roof. It was therefore removed and the self-propelled vehicle we all know was born, although the L40 with the armored roof would be a good addition to the game that could strengthen the very low tier line for Italy.

Armaments and propulsion.

The tank was equipped with a 47/32 Ansaldo cannon placed in the casemate, the same 47 mm cannon present on the M13/40 and M14/41 medium tanks. The ammunition reserve was the same as the self-propelled gun present in the game, i.e. 70 rounds.
In terms of engine, the tank is powered by a 4053 cm³ SPA 18D 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering a power of 68 HP, which allowed the vehicle to reach a maximum speed of 42 km/h. Not super fast but good for keeping up with infantry.

Specifications.

Spoiler

Length: 3.82 m
Width: 1.92 m
Height: 1.63 m
Weight: 6,725 t (250 kg of armored roof)
Engine: SPA 18D 4-cylinder petrol engine, 4053 cm³, 68 HP
Weight/power ratio: 9.96 hp/t
Traction: tracked
Suspensions: torsion bars
Maximum speed: 42.3 km/h
Autonomy: 200 km
Maximum gradient: 76%
Shooting equipment: 1 telescope
Weapons: 1x 47 mm 47/32 Mod. 1935 cannon
Armor: 30-6 mm
Ammo reserve: 70 grenades

Pictures and drawnings.

Spoiler

Yes the last two photos are without the roof, but they only took it off to show the interior of the tank.