When the Carro Armato P 40 was first designed in 1940, it was a modern tank, largely comparable in armament and armor to the German Pz Kpfw IV. Due to difficulties designing a sufficiently powerful engine, however, a prototype was not completed until 1942. By then, the design itself, despite increased armour, was becoming obsolete. Nevertheless, compared to contemporary Italian tanks, namely the Carro Armato M13/40 and Carro Armato M14/41, it was a significant improvement.
Production did not begin until 1943, and only five tanks were many before Italy surrendered. Germany continued making the P 40, producing about 100 more before production stopped in 1944.
Carro Armato P 40 | |
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Crew | |
Crew |
|
Physical Characteristics | |
Weight | 26 t |
Length | 5.8 m |
Width | 2.8 m |
Height | 2.5 m |
Armour | |
Armour (range) | 14-50 mm |
Performance | |
Speed (max) | 40 km/h |
Engine | |
Engine | SPA 342 |
Net h.p. | 330 |
Cylinders | 12 |
Armament | |
Primary weapon | 75 mm L/34 (1) |
Secondary weapon | 8 mm Breda Modello 38 (2) |