World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseThe M13/40 medium tanks began production in 1940. They were constructed of riveted steel plates that were adequately thick all around except for the bottom, making them lighter and more maneuverable but at the same time vulnerable to mines. They were each manned by a crew of four, which included a driver, a machine gunner/radio operator, a gunner, and a commander. The 47-millimeter guns mounted on M13/40 tanks had the capability of penetrating 45-millimeter of armor at the range of 500 meters, which made them deadly against British light and cruiser tanks, though not the heavily-armored infantry tanks. They saw action in Greece and in North Africa. In North Africa, the Australian 6th Division and the British Royal Tank Regiment captured several M13/40 tanks and operated these captured examples until spring of 1941. They were relegated to support roles as new Allied Grant, Crusader III, and Sherman tanks arrived in North Africa. Between 1940 and 1943, over 3,000 examples were built, making the M13/40 design the most-produced Italian tank of WW2.

SPECIFICATIONS

M13/40

Machinery	One Fiat V8 diesel engine rated at 125hp
Suspension	Leaf spring bogies
Armament	1x47mm Cannone da 47/32 M35 (104 rounds), 3x or 4x8mm Breda machine guns
Armor	30mm front, 42mm turret front, 25mm sides, 6mm bottom, 15mm top
Crew	4
Length	4.90 m
Width	2.20 m
Height	2.39 m
Weight	14.0 t
Speed	32 km/h
Range	200 km

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