Lancia TL 51 – Photos & Videos

Lancia TL 51
Ország	Olaszország
Típus	Light military truck, artillery tractor
Termelés	1952-1963
Beépített	4173

A Lancia CL / TL 51 was a light military vehicle in truck (CL) and artillery tractor (TL) versions, produced by the Italian manufacturer Lancia V.I. from 1952 to 1963. This purely military vehicle was derived from the Lancia V.I. Be civilian models.

Forrás: Lancia TL 51 on Wikipedia

További infó:

The Lancia TL 51 is a significant Italian light military truck that saw extensive service with the Italian Army for several decades after World War II. Its development began in the early 1950s when the Italian military sought a modern replacement for its diverse fleet of aging and often war-damaged vehicles.

Development and Purpose

• Post-War Need: After WWII, the Italian Army was operating a mix of Allied and former Axis vehicles, many in poor condition. There was a pressing need for a standardized, robust, and versatile light truck.
• Joint Tender: In 1951, the Italian Army issued a tender for a new light truck, and Lancia was one of the companies commissioned to develop a version, alongside Officine Meccaniche di Brescia (OM).
• “TL 51” Designation: The “TL” in TL 51 stands for Trattore Leggero (Light Tractor), indicating its primary role as a light artillery tractor. There was also a “CL 51” (Camion Leggero – Light Truck) version for general cargo transport, both sharing the same basic chassis and design. The “51” refers to the year of the initial order.
• Production: The Lancia TL 51 (and CL 51) was produced from 1952 to 1963. Over 4,173 units were delivered to Italian authorities, with Lancia’s archives indicating around 868 units were the TL 51 tractor variant.

Key Features and Design

• Motor: The TL 51 was powered by a traditional Lancia engine, specifically a Lancia Tipo 200.05 4-cylinder narrow V-engine. This gasoline (petrol) engine had a displacement of 2,535 cm³ and produced around 62.5 horsepower at 3,200 rpm. It was known for developing strong torque at low RPM (18 mKg at 1,750 rpm).
• Hajtáslánc: A key feature for its military role was its 4×4 (four-wheel drive) capability, providing excellent traction for off-road conditions and towing. It was equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox with a reduction gear, effectively providing 10 forward ratios, enhancing its versatility on varied terrain.
• Performance:
  • Max Speed: Approximately 60-75 km/h (37-47 mph).
  • Climbing Ability: It could reportedly climb slopes of up to 117%, showcasing its impressive off-road prowess.
  • Ground Clearance: It had a ground clearance of 286 mm.
  • Wading Depth: Capable of fording water up to 65 cm deep without issues.
• Payload/Towing Capacity: While a “light” truck, it had a gross vehicle weight (PTC) of 4,560 kg and could tow a 3,000 kg trailer. The TL 51 variant was specifically designed to pull light artillery pieces.
• Cab Design: It featured a forward-control (cab-over) design, providing good visibility and a compact footprint for its capacity. The cab was designed to be robust.
• Winch: The TL 51, particularly in its tractor role, was typically fitted with a power take-off (PTO) driven winch at the rear, capable of pulling weights up to 3,050 kg, useful for self-recovery or assisting other vehicles.
• Építés: Lancia trucks of this era were known for their robust chassis and overall strong construction.
• Fuel Consumption: One noted characteristic was its relatively high fuel consumption.

Operational History and Roles

• Italian Army Workhorse: The Lancia TL 51 (and CL 51) quickly became a staple of the Italian Army, serving in numerous roles.
• Diverse Applications: Its versatile chassis allowed it to be adapted for various purposes:
  • Artillery Tractor: Its primary function was to tow light artillery.
  • Troop Transport: Capable of carrying soldiers.
  • Cargo Carrier: For general supplies and equipment.
  • Specialized Units: Used as mobile medical units, radio stations, mobile workshops, and even in some cases, testbeds for armed configurations (e.g., with 81mm Hispano-Suiza rockets).
• Long Service Life: The Lancia TL 51 had a remarkably long service life with the Italian Army, remaining in use until the early 1980s before being replaced by more modern vehicles like the Iveco VM90.

Örökség

The Lancia TL 51 stands as a testament to Lancia V.I.’s engineering capabilities in the post-war era. It was an innovative and highly effective light military truck that played a crucial role in modernizing the logistics and mobility of the Italian armed forces. Its robust design and all-wheel-drive capabilities ensured its longevity and versatility across a wide range of operational conditions.