Carro Armato M13-40

Carro Armato M13-40
Country	Italy
Role	Medium tank
In service	8 July 1940–1948
Built	740

The Carro Armato M13/40 was an Italian World War II tank designed to replace the M11/39 in the Royal Italian Army at the start of World War II. It was the primary tank used by the Italians throughout the war. The design was influenced by the British Vickers 6-Ton and was based on the modified chassis of the earlier M11/39. Production of the M11/39 was cut short in order to get the M13/40 into production. The name refers to “M” for Medio (medium) according to the Italian tank weight standards at the time, 13 tonnes was the scheduled weight and 1940 the initial year of production.

Source: Carro Armato M13-40 on Wikipedia

Carro Armato M13-40 Walk Around
Photographer	Paolo Fanin
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	28

Carro Armato M13-40 01

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Carro Armato M13-40 08

Carro Armato M13-40 09

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General Characteristics and Role

The Carro Armato M13/40 was an Italian medium tank used by the Royal Italian Army (Regio Esercito) during World War II. The “M” designated it as a medium tank, “13” indicated its weight in tonnes, and “40” denoted the year it entered service (1940). Although classified as medium, it was closer in capability to Allied light tanks of the time. It represented a major step up from Italy’s previous light tanks and tankettes, but its design was flawed: it used riveted construction instead of welding, which could cause lethal spalling inside the hull when hit. It saw extensive combat in North Africa, where it quickly proved vulnerable to British 2-pounder and 6-pounder anti-tank guns.

Property	Typical Value (M13/40)
Role	Medium Tank
National Origin	Italy
Manufacturer	Ansaldo
Service Entry	1940
Crew	4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver)
Length	4.92 m (16 ft 2 in)
Width	2.20 m (7 ft 3 in)
Height	2.37 m (7 ft 9 in)
Combat Weight	13.2 tonnes

Powerplant and Mobility

Engine: 1 x SPA 8T M40 V8 diesel engine.
Power Output: 125 hp (93 kW).
Maximum Speed (Road): 30 km/h (19 mph).
Range (Road): 200 km (124 mi).
Suspension: Bogie system on leaf springs, which was outdated compared to the Christie or torsion bar systems used by other nations.
Performance Issue: The engine was generally underpowered for the tank’s weight, contributing to its slow speed and poor mobility, especially in the desert environment.

Armament and Armor

Main Armament: 1 x 47 mm L/32 gun (Turret mounted).
Secondary Armament: 3 x 8 mm Breda Modello 38 machine guns (one coaxial, two in a hull mount).
Ammunition Capacity: 87 rounds (47 mm).
Armor (Max): 42 mm (1.7 in) on the front (vertical), though much of the armor was thinner, especially on the turret.
Major Flaw: The 47 mm L/32 main gun was already considered obsolete upon the tank’s introduction, lacking the velocity and penetration to consistently defeat British tanks at tactical ranges.