Laffly V15

Laffly V15
Country	France
Role	Gun tractor
Period	World War II
Built	Unknow

The Laffly V15T was a French light 4WD artillery tractor used during World War II. It was used to tow the 25 mm SA anti-tank gun. A personnel carrier and reconnaissance vehicle based on the same chassis was designated as V15R. The Laffly company itself only manufactured the first batch of 100 V15s, the rest of the production being taken over by Corre La Licorne.

Source: Laffly V15 on Wikipedia

Laffly V15T Walk Around
Photographer	Yuri Pasholok
Localisation	Moscow
Photos	241

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Laffly V15T 09

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General Characteristics and Role

The Laffly V15T was a French military light artillery tractor and towing vehicle used extensively by the French Army during the early stages of World War II. It was a derivative of the successful V15R light reconnaissance and liaison vehicle series manufactured by Laffly. The “T” in its designation stands for “Tracteur” (Tractor). The V15T was specifically designed to tow the 25 mm Hotchkiss anti-tank gun and carry its crew and ammunition. Like other Laffly military vehicles of the period, it featured a distinctive and excellent all-terrain drive system with two small, steerable auxiliary wheels mounted ahead of the front axle, intended to assist in crossing trenches and obstacles.

Property	Typical Value (Laffly V15T)
Role	Light Artillery Tractor, Anti-Tank Gun Towing
National Origin	France
Manufacturer	Automobiles Laffly
Service Entry	1939
Crew	4 (Driver and 3 gun crew)
Configuration	4×4, All-wheel drive
Length	3.94 m (12 ft 11 in)
Width	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) (To top of body)
Gross Weight	2,700 kg (5,950 lb)

Powerplant and Mobility

Engine: 1 x Hotchkiss 4-cylinder petrol engine.
Power Output: 55 hp (41 kW).
Maximum Speed (Road): 60 km/h (37 mph).
Key Feature (All-Terrain): The vehicle’s main distinguishing feature was its 4×4 drive coupled with auxiliary steerable rollers (small wheels) placed under the chassis. These were instrumental in improving ground clearance and traction on rough or soft ground, typical of Laffly’s military designs.
Towing Capacity: Sufficient for the 25 mm anti-tank gun and its load.

Service History and Legacy

Primary Use: The V15T was instrumental in providing rapid, motorized transport for the crucial 25 mm anti-tank gun units during the Battle of France in 1940.
Wartime Production: Due to the urgent need for motorized transport, production was carried out not only by Laffly but also by other French firms like La Licorne and Hotchkiss.
German Use: After the Fall of France, many captured V15Ts were pressed into service by the German Wehrmacht, often redesignated as leichter Radschlepper (f) (light wheeled tractor, French).
Short Service Life: While effective, the V15T’s service life in its original role was short-lived due to the rapid defeat of France.