Originally designated Carro Veloce CV-35, the L3/35 was an improved version of the L3/33, designed in 1935. The 6,5 mm machine gun was upgraded to two 8 mm machine guns, and the armour was bolted rather than riveted.
Despite its weak armour and armament, the L3/35 continued to serve until the end of World War 2 in both North Africa and Europe. Aside from Italy, the L3/35 was also used by:
A number of L3/35's were equipped with a Solothurn 20 mm anti-tank rifle in place of the two 8 mm Breda machine guns, to improve its anti-tank capabilities, after experiences with a similar conversion on the German Pz Kpfw I during the Spanish Civil War.
Eventually, the L3/35 was improved with the L3/38, the final tank in the series.
| L3/35 | |
|---|---|
| Crew | |
| Crew |
|
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 3.2 t |
| Length | 3.17 m |
| Width | 1.4 m |
| Height | 1.28 m |
| Armour | |
| Armour (range) | 6-14 mm |
| Performance | |
| Speed (max) | 42 km/h |
| Engine | |
| Engine | Fiat SPA CV3 |
| Net h.p. | 43 |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Armament | |
| Primary weapon | 8 mm Breda (2) |
