French light infantry tank RENAULT R35 COBI 2553 - World War II

You can view higher resolution images in the Files and Links section.

Did you know that:

• since 1933, the command of the french army has been looking for a replacement for the obsolete Renault FT-17 tanks by announcing a competition in which two companies entered?
• in 1934, did Renault present its winning light tank project, which was put into series production after tests?
• R-35 machines first intervened in the fighting on the side of the Polish army during the invasion in 1939 and subsequently in the battle for France?
• after the occupation of France, many pieces fell under the guise of the German army, or were they assigned to units controlled by the government in Vichy?
• loot pieces thus fought against the army of the Free French led by Ch. De Gaullem?
• so he had decent armor, but insufficient engine and firepower, so he was often used only as a tractor?
• in 1941, Germany sold 40 confiscated R-35 tanks to the Bulgarian army, which quickly discovered serious shortcomings for modern battlefields such as low speed, high silhouette, unavailability of spare parts and, above all, the absence of exhaust fumes after firing, which reduced the rate of fire?
• a total of 1,540 pieces were produced in various versions?

Technical parameters:

• dimensions length 4.02 m, width 1.85 m, height 2.13 m
• weight 11,000 kg
• armor front and sides 40 mm, tower 40 mm, ceiling 25 mm
• power unit 4 cylinder petrol engine 5 878 ccm with an output of 62.5 kW
• maximum speed 20 km / h (8.7 km / h in terrain)
• range 130 km
• number of speeds 4 forward and 1 reverse
• fuel tank 166 l
• fuel consumption up to 212 l / 100 km
• crew of 2 people
• main weapon short cannon SA 18 L / 21 caliber 37 mm (supply of 100 rounds)
• secondary weapon machine gun Reibel MLE 1931 caliber 7.5 mm (2,400 rounds)