Semovente L40 da 47/32 1/35

Type Tanks

Period Second World War

Country Italy

SKILL 3

Model Dim. 15,7 cm

Box Dim. 345 x 242 x 48 mm

Decals for 4 versions - Photo Etched and Acetate Parts - Link-and-length tracks

The Semovente L40 was developed and further improvised using the hull of the L6/40 light tank to equip the Italian Regio Esercito with a fast armored vehicle, which was capable of providing artillery support and could also be deployed as a tank destroyer. In the construction phase of the L40, the original L6/40 tank turret was removed and the 47/32 Mod.1935 anti-tank cannon, similar to the one used on the "M" series tanks, was installed in the open casemate. The Semovente was notable for its small size, the plate and rivet armor used being typical of Italian production of the period and by a crew of only two men. Despite its battlefield performance being clearly inadeguate in the face of enemy armor, it continued to be used during the Second World War by Italian Forces in Libya, Tunisia and also in the homeland campaign. Following the Armistice some units were deployed on secondary military tasks with the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe support troops.