The Semovente 47/32 self-propelled gun was based on the L6/40 light tank chassis. It traded a rotatable turret for a more powerful gun.
The Semovente 47/32 entered service in 1942, but was outdated from the beginning. Its main opponent, the British Crusader, could take on the Semovente 47/32 head-on at about 900 metres, while the Semovente 47/32 had to get within about 500 metres to engage the Crusader. A total of about 280 were manufactured.
Despite its shortcomings, the Semovente 47/32 continued to remain in service throughout the war. When Italy surrendered in 1943, the remaining vehicles were taken over by German, who gave some to Croatia.
Semovente 47/32 | |
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Crew | |
Crew |
|
Physical Characteristics | |
Weight | 6.4 t |
Length | 3.78 m |
Width | 1.92 m |
Height | 1.63 m |
Armour | |
Armour (range) | 6-30 mm |
Performance | |
Speed (max) | 42 km/h |
Engine | |
Engine | Fiat SPA 18D |
Net h.p. | 68 |
Cylinders | 4 |
Armament | |
Primary weapon | 47 mm Cannone da 47/32 M35 (1) |
Secondary weapon | 8 mm Breda (1) |