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Italian Light Tanks 1919-45: New Vanguard 191

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The Development and Combat History of the Italian L3/35, L6/40 and L40 Tankettes and CV33, CV35 and 38 Light Tanks, Known as 'Anson' by the British

By Dennis Oliver

Italian Light Tanks: 1919 45 (New Vanguard 191)

Italian Light Tanks: 1919–45 (New Vanguard Book 191)

by Filippo Cappellano

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13192 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	48 pages

Italian Light Tanks 1919–45 details the design, development, and combat use of the Italian L3 tankette and CV33/CV35/38 light tank series. Featuring archive photographs, full color illustrations, and specially commissioned artwork, the book follows the evolution of the Italian light tank forces before and during World War II.

The Birth of the Tankette

The Italian L3 tankette was the first purpose-built armored fighting vehicle of its type in the world. It was developed in the early 1930s as a response to the need for a small, fast, and lightly armored vehicle that could be used for reconnaissance, anti-tank warfare, and close support of infantry.

The L3 was a diminutive vehicle, weighing just 2.8 tons. It was armed with two 6.5mm machine guns and had a crew of two. The L3 was powered by a 40hp engine that gave it a top speed of 30 mph.

An Italian L3 Tankette In Action During The Second Italo Ethiopian War. Italian Light Tanks: 1919 45 (New Vanguard 191)

The L3 was first used in combat during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War in 1935-36. It proved to be a valuable asset to the Italian forces, and was used extensively in the invasion of Ethiopia.

The L3 was also used by the Italian army during the Spanish Civil War. It was again used effectively, and helped the Italian forces to gain a number of victories.

The CV33/CV35/38 Light Tank Series

In the late 1930s, the Italian army began to develop a new series of light tanks. The CV33 was the first of these tanks, and was followed by the CV35 and 38.

The CV33 was a slightly larger vehicle than the L3, weighing 3.3 tons. It was armed with a single 13.2mm machine gun and had a crew of two. The CV33 was powered by a 65hp engine that gave it a top speed of 40 mph.

The CV35 was a further development of the CV33. It was slightly larger and heavier, and was armed with a 20mm cannon and a 6.5mm machine gun. The CV35 was powered by a 85hp engine that gave it a top speed of 45 mph.

The 38 was the final version of the CV series. It was the largest and heaviest of the three tanks, weighing 5.5 tons. It was armed with a 37mm cannon and a 6.5mm machine gun. The 38 was powered by a 110hp engine that gave it a top speed of 50 mph.

An Italian CV33 Light Tank In Action During The North African Campaign. Italian Light Tanks: 1919 45 (New Vanguard 191)

The CV33/CV35/38 light tank series was used extensively by the Italian army during World War II. They were used in combat in North Africa, Eastern Europe, and Italy.

The CV33/CV35/38 light tanks were generally successful in combat. They were fast, maneuverable, and well-armed. However, they were also lightly armored, and were vulnerable to enemy fire.

Italian Light Tanks 1919–45 is a comprehensive and well-researched book on the Italian L3 tankette and CV33/CV35/38 light tank series. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of Italian armored warfare.

To Free Download your copy of Italian Light Tanks 1919–45, please visit the Osprey Publishing website.

https://ospreypublishing.com/italian-light-tanks-1919-45

Italian Light Tanks: 1919–45 (New Vanguard Book 191)

by Filippo Cappellano

4.7 out of 5