The Panzer 38(t) ("t" standing for tschechisch, German for Czech) was a Czech-designed Light tank that was mainly used by Germany during World War II. Known as the LT vz. 38 in Czech service, it was powered by a Praga EPA engine that gave it a top speed of 26.1 mph. Its main armament was a Skoda A7 tank gun, along with two secondary machine guns.
It became a highly successful tank on the early years of the war. It served in front line duties until 1942. It had numerous variants and they served until the end of the war.
Description[]
The Panzer 38(t) was generally considered superior to the Panzer 35(t), despite the similar history of the two types. Originally developed for the export market by CKD, the 38(t) was reliable, hard wearing and easy to maintain, resulting in it being chosen by the Czech Army as a successor for the 35(t). Produced by both Skoda and CKD, the 38(t) entered Czech service in 1938.
Following the German invasion, the Germans soon realised the value of the 38(t) and pressed it into service, while further improving the tank's performance by removing some of the ammunition. This modification made room for a loader, thus freeing the commander from the responsibility of loading the main gun.[1]
One example was photographed while in German service at Dunkirk on 20 May 1940.[2]
After the 38(t) was withdrawn from active service in 1942, the chassis was used as the basis of both the Marder and Hetzer tank destroyers,[1] with examples of the latter remaining in service with the Swiss Army long after the war.[3]
Specification[]
The LT-38/Panzer 38(t) was operated by a crew of four, weighed 9.25 tons (9,400 kg), and measured 15 ft 1 in (4.6 m) in length, 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) in width and 7 ft 10 in (2.4 m) in height over the turret hatch. Armament consisted of a single 1.46 in (37 mm) KwK L/40 or L/45 gun, supplemented by a pair of 0.312 in (7.92 mm) machine guns. Maximum armour thickness was 0.98 in (25 mm). Power was provided by a 125 bhp (93 kW) Praga EPA sixteen cylinder petrol engine, giving the LT-38 a max speed of 26.1 mph (42 km/h) and range of 155.3 miles (250 km).[1]
References[]
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