CARRO ARMATO M13/40

CARRO ARMATO M13/40
Image: Carro Armato M13/40
Year1940
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank
Origin & DesignerItaly/Ansaldo
Numbers Produced779
Crew4 (Commander/Gunner, Loader, M.G. Gunner & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 47mm L/32 Ansaldo M37 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +20°
Turret Traverse360° (Manual)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight[@gun_sight]
Secondary ArmamentCoaxial: 1 x 8mm Breda M38 Machine Gun
Bow: 2 x 8mm Breda M38 Machine Guns
AA Mount: 1 x 8mm Breda M38 Machine Gun
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried104 x 47mm & 3.048 x 8mm
Height2.39m
Width2.20m
Length4.90m
Combat Weight14.000 kg
Ground Clearance041m
Fording Depth1.0m
Trench Crossing2.10m
Obstacle Clearance0.80m
Climbing Ability40°
RadioRF.1CA
ArmourHull Front: 30mm
Hull Sides: 25mm
Hull Rear: 25mm
Hull Top: 15mm
Hull Bottom: 6mm
Gun Mantle: 37mm
Turret Front: 30mm
Turret Sides: 25mm
Turret Rear: 25mm
Turret Top: 15mm
EngineSPA TM40 (Diesel)
Transmission4 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range199 km
Maximum Cross Country Range88 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed31 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed14 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe M13/40 was the main Italian battle tank used in World War Two. It was light for a medium tank and was built on a modernised version of the M11/39 tank. It had a 47/32 main gun and this was mounted in a revolving turret. It was under armoured and like the M11/39, it had wide sight ports which were susceptible to bullet splash. It was used during the 1940 invasion of Greece and took part in the desert battles in North Africa during 1941. It also suffered from mechanical problems, mainly because it was fitted with the same engine as the lighter M11/39. The M13/40 was widely used in North Africa mainly because it was all the Italians had, and many were knocked out or captured.