Autoblinda AB 41

The Autoblinda ('Armored Car') AB 41 unit represents three similar variants of a famiy of four-wheel-drive armored cars which the Italian military used throughout most of World War II in reconnaissance, escort, and security duties. The type could be quickly adapted for operation on any terrain, with sand and tires fitted for desert work and special bogies and extra lights for running on railway tracks. The earliest variant (AB 40) became operational in 1941 and featured two Breda 38 8 mm machine guns in a fully-rotating turret, but the AB 41 replaced this with a 20 mm Breda mod. 35 autocannon; the AB 41 also carried two 8 mm Breda mod. 38 machine guns (one in rear hull, one coaxial with main gun). A crew of four operated the vehicle (forward driver, rear driver, gunner and commander), and it could achieve a top speed of 48 mph. During World War II, the AB 41 family was the most numerous armored car in service with Italian units in all fronts, with Ansaldo producing about 600 examples. It operated in North Africa, Yugoslavia, Italy, Hungary, and on the Eastern Front. After the September 1943 armistice the Germans confiscated 57 AB 41s and procured 120 more from the manufacturer; they designated them Panzerspähwagen AB41 201(i). The AB 41's shortcomings included a delicate steering system that required excessive maintenance; cramped interior; one-man turret; and light armor. Nevertheless, the Italians used it with good results. After the war, the Italian Police and Carabinieri and French Gendarmerie in Africa used the type for many more years.