CARRO ARMATO M15/42

CARRO ARMATO M15/42
Image: Carro Armato M15/42 (Aviarmor)
YearJanuary 1943
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank
Origin & DesignerItaly/Ansaldo
Numbers Produced118
Crew4 (Commander/Gunner, Loader, M.G. Gunner & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 47mm L/40 Ansaldo M39 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +20°
Turret Traverse360° (Powered)
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 Carried111 x 47mm & 2.640 x 8mm
Height2.39m
Width2.23m
Length5.04m
Combat Weight15.500 kg
Ground Clearance0.41m
Fording Depth1.0m
Trench Crossing2.10m
Obstacle Clearance0.80m
Climbing Ability40°
RadioRF.1 CA
ArmourHull Front: 42mm
Hull Sides: 25mm
Hull Rear: 25mm
Hull Top: 14mm
Hull Bottom: 6mm
Gun Mantle: 37mm
Turret Front: 49mm
Turret Sides: 25mm
Turret Rear: 25mm
Turret Top: 14mm
EngineSPA 15TB M42 (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range220 km
Maximum Cross Country Range140 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed40 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed17 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesBy 1942 the Italian army had come to realise that they needed a modern medium tank and this would take time to design, so they hastily adapted the M14/41 to act as an interim vehicle and this became the M15/42. It had a longer version of the 47mm gun, which could fire a variety of ammunition, including hollow charge rounds and a new petrol engine. It came too late to serve in North Africa and was only built in small numbers.