Autoblinda 40 | |
|---|---|
| Pays | Italy |
| Role | Machine gun |
| Period | World War II |
Photo gallery on an Autoblinda 40, In 1940, the Italian Army received a new model of Machine Gun: Autoblinda Modelo 40. This model was improved in 1941 and 1943 giving birth to the AB41 (550 vehicles produced) and AB43. They experienced the Desert War, the Eastern Front and the Balkans.
Source: Autoblinda 40 on Wikipedia Seen on the forum freeforumzone.leonardo.it
| Autoblinda AB43 | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Fabrizio Vaccari |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 37 |
| Autoblinda 40 | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 30 |
| Autoblinda AB41 | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Fabrizio Vaccari |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 80 |
See also:
General Characteristics and Role
The Autoblinda AB43 was an improved version of the successful Italian AB41 series of armored cars, designed and produced during World War II. Developed by Fiat-Ansaldo, the AB43 was the last and most advanced variant of the series, created after the AB41 and AB42. It maintained the key features of its predecessors, including 4×4 capability and a unique reversible driving position, allowing the crew to quickly drive away from danger without having to turn the vehicle around. The AB43 was intended to feature a much more powerful main gun than the earlier models to better counter Allied armor, but production was delayed and ultimately taken over by the Germans after the Italian armistice in 1943. Most vehicles produced were used by German and Italian Social Republic (RSI) forces.
| Property | Typical Value (AB43) |
|---|---|
| Role | Armored Car, Reconnaissance, Light Support |
| National Origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | Fiat-Ansaldo |
| Service Entry | 1943 (Limited production) |
| Crew | 4 (Two Drivers, Commander, Gunner) |
| Main Armament | 20 mm Breda 35 cannon (planned 47 mm gun) |
| Secondary Armament | 2 x 8 mm Breda 38 machine guns (coaxial and anti-aircraft) |
| Length | 5.37 m (17 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) |
| Height (Overall) | 2.48 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Combat Weight | 7.8 tonnes (8.6 short tons) |
Powerplant and Performance
- Engine: 1 x Fiat SPA AB 6-cylinder diesel engine (Likely the improved type used in AB42).
- Power Output: 88 kW (118 hp).
- Maximum Speed (Road): 78 km/h (48 mph).
- Range (Road): 400 km (250 mi).
- Drivetrain: 4×4, with four steerable wheels, providing exceptional maneuverability.
- Reversible Drive: The presence of a second driver’s position and steering wheel at the rear made quick retreats possible.
Design Improvements and Fate
- Planned Armament: The primary intended upgrade for the AB43 was the installation of the 47 mm 47/32 anti-tank gun in a redesigned turret, replacing the 20 mm cannon.
- Armour: Welded steel plate, increased slightly over earlier models, offering protection up to 18 mm.
- Operational Use: Very few AB43s were completed before the Italian Armistice. Post-1943, those manufactured were pressed into service by the German Wehrmacht (as Panzerspähwagen AB43 203(i)) and the Italian RSI.
- Legacy: The design concept, particularly the 4×4 capability and reversible drive, was highly successful, making the AB series one of the better armored cars of the early war period.
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