Panzer 38(t)

The ČKD company of Czecchoslovakia evolved this light tank design (the ČKD Lehký tank vzor (LT) vor 38 in Czech service) from the LT vz. 35 / Panzer 35(t). It saw extensive service during World War II with the German Army and other Axis forces, including participation in the invasions of Poland, France, and the USSR. Production ended in 1942, with over 1,400 manufactured in Ausf. A through G variants. The type was superior to the Panzerwaffe's main tanks at the outset of WWII, the Panzer I and Panzer II. The relatively small turret, however, was incapable of mounting a cannon powerful enough to defeat more heavily armoured Soviet tanks. The chassis continued to be produced for the Marder III (1942–1944), with some components used in the later Jagdpanzer 38 tank destroyers and derivative vehicles (1944–1945). Its main armament was the Škoda A7 37 mm L/47.8 gun (German designation 3.7 cm KwK 38(t)), which had appreciably higher muzzle velocity than the shorter-barreled 3.7 cm KwK 34(t) on the Panzer 35(t). It also carried two 7.92 mm ZB-53 (MG 37(t)) machine guns, one coaxially and the other mounted in the hull. A crew of four operated the vehicle, which had a top speed of 26 mph. This unit represents all Panzer 38(t) variants.