LT vz. 35 / PzKpfW 35(t)

LT vz. 35 / PzKpfW 35(t) History

The LT zv 35 originated in Czechoslovakia and was developed before the open hostilities in Europe during World War II. After overcoming some initial mechanical problems, the tank saw a lot of action before it came under control - and subsequent use - by the invading Germans. From there, the light tank served the Wehrmacht in several inaugural campaigns.

The LT vz 35 has a unique reputation as being the most widely used tank of Czech origin throughout World War II, although none of these combat systems were in service with the Czech army - instead, they were used by the German army after the occupation of Czechoslovakia.

In October 1934, the Czech Army submitted a defense treaty to meet the requirements for a new light armor system. After World War I (1914-1918), light mobile tankslightly armed but fast and powerful when used properlybecame standard equipment for any army at the time.

With the growing threat of all-out war in Europe, all sides kept a healthy stock of light tanks in their arsenals. Czechoslovakia's military is no exception, and in many ways has proven to be several technology curves ahead in pre-WWII small arms and tank design - so much so that it was considered a major exporter of German acquisitions in the pre-WWII period .

The Czech Army received two prototypes under the collective designation "S-11-a" (in some published sources, they were also referred to as "T-11"). An evaluation of the prototype (known in tank parlance as a "pilot" vehicle) in June 1935 revealed some mechanical problems in its design.

However, despite these problems, Czech authorities ordered the model to be put into series production in October 1935. The first series order calls for the delivery of about 160 cars based on the prototype design.

This design was traditional at the time. The car features a pair of narrow tracks that run the length of the sides of the hull. There are eight wheels on each side of the track, which are used in pairs (two per bogie element) and are further grouped into two connected main assemblies. Four track return rollers are attached to the underside of the suspended track system.

The drive sprocket is mounted to the rear of the design, while the chain idler is mounted to the front. The engine is housed in the rear compartment, as is the close-coupled drivetrain.

The drivetrain uses compressed air and is specifically designed to assist the driver in steering and reduce physical fatigue during long deployments. This gave the new tank a certain range and speed advantage over its contemporaries.

The drivetrain allows the driver to use six forward gears and one reverse. The hull is of riveted construction, ranging in thickness from 12mm to 35mm, with a relatively low profile and a movable turret amidships.

The tank is piloted by four people, including the driver in the front right and the archer in the front left. The archer operates a ZB vz 35 (or ZB vz 37) series 7.92mm general purpose machine gun. Commander and radio operator in a two-man turret arrangement. The main armament is mounted on the turret and consists of a 37.2mm Skoda vz 34 series machine gun and a coaxially mounted ZB vz 35/37 series machine gun.

The commander doubles as the tank's gunner, while the radio operator acts as the loader. The main battery received 72 37.2mm rounds, while approximately 1,800 7.92mm rounds were stored on the tank to feed the two machine guns.

In 1936, the first of five production tanks arrived in Czech Army stockpiles from the Skoda factory. In practice, these tanks just reinforce the inherent shortcomings of the prototype and always expose more problems than previously mentioned. As a result, the military was forced to return the vehicles to Skoda, and engineers set about improving their flawed designs.

After these modifications were completed, the vehicle was put into service again, and then another batch number 138 was ordered by the Czech Army.

The Czech Army officially calls the tank system "LT vz 35". While early issues were resolved, not all issues were completely resolved, but operational services and upgrades quickly brought the product line up to date, resulting in a more effective end product.

The Romanian army was interested in the new Czech design and ordered 126 for its own team under the designation "R-2".

After Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany, he was determined to conquer the interests of the whole of Europe. He annexed Austria in March 1938 and then attacked Czechoslovakia.

After the Sudetenland was annexed and Czechoslovakia became virtually powerless, German troops officially occupied Czechoslovakia - an occupation that would last until the end of the war in May 1945.

With the loss of national identity, Czech factories and their available products are now under the rule of the Third Reich. Thus, the LT vz 35 became such a product, and this type of build continued for its new owner.

In service with the Bundeswehr, the LT vz 35 was renamed Panzerkampfwagen 35(t) and appeared as the abbreviation PzKpfW 35(t). A further 219 "new build" PzKpfW 35(t) vehicles were completed at the Skoda factory for direct use by the German Army to meet the constraints of its armored lineup in preparation for further war.

The production of the LT vz 35 / PzKpfW 35(t) resulted in the production of a total of 434 such light tanks.

The German 6th Panzer Division used PzKpfW 35(t) light tanks during the invasion of France in May 1940. In 1942, however, these light tank systems that originated in the 1930s showed their limitations as the battlefield spread and developed after World War II.

As a result, the hulls of outdated PzKpfW 35(t) tanks are often rebuilt for other required battlefield roles, including self-propelled prime movers, artillery tractors, and maintenance vehicles.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

72 x 37.2mm projectile

1,800 x 7.92mm ammo

Changes