The plagued Czech LT vz 35 became a reliable platform through further development, later forming the basis of the German PzKpfw 35(t) tank series. By Staff Writer
The LT vz 35 was a light tank initially appearing with Czech Army forces in the mid-1930's. Two prototypes were drawn up, holding the designation of S-11-a (or T-11 in some sources) and produced to which they succeeded in army trials albeit it with some defects to their design. Despite the trial results and in an effort to speed production units to operational status, the system was put into production as is and became the LT vz 35. The Czech Army received the system starting in 1936, with further orders placed and delivered for Romania.
Initial production vehicles were found to be plagued so severely with engineering issues, so much so in fact, that those systems already in service with the Czech Army were brought back to the production facilities for additional service and warranted adjustments. Now with most of these defects ironed out, the LT vz 35 was free to make a reputable name for itself. With the German takeover now beginning in Europe, the Czech LT vz 35 fell into German Army use. Production models began rolling out with the designation of Panzerkampfwagen 35(t) and were pressed into service for the inevitable Invasion of France.
Armament of the LT vz 35 consisted of a 37mm main gun to which 72 projectiles were carried aboard. A single 7.92mm machine gun was mounted co-axially to the main gun while an additional bow-mounted 7.92mm machine gun was added in the front hull, this one operated by the fourth crewmember (a dedicated bow-gunner) seated to the driver's left. The driver was positioned at right. Other crewmembers consisting of a commander (doubling as the gunner) and radio operator (doubling as the loader) took positions in the cramped turret. Some 1,800 rounds of 7.92mm ammunition were carried aboard for the machine guns.
The PzKpfw 38(t) performed well under conditions through the early years of the war. Eventually, the system was naturally made obsolete with the changing times and the chassis was reused in other supplementary roles beneficial to other battlefield components. PzKpfw 35(t) systems would serve up until 1942 with over 600 examples in circulation.
Accommodation: 4 Weight:11.6US Short Tons (10,500kg; 23,149lbs)
Performance:
Speed: 25mph (40km/h) Range: 120miles (193km)
Systems:
NBC Protection: None Nightvision: None
Power:
Engine(s): 1 x Skoda V-6 water-cooled gasoline engine developing 120hp.
Armament Suite:
1 x 37mm Skoda vz 34 main gun
1 x 7.92mm ZB vz 35 OR ZB vz 37 machine gun in co-axial gun mount
1 x 7.92mm ZB vz 35 OR ZB vz 37 machine gun in bow mount
AMMUNITION:
72 x 37mm projectiles
1,800 x 7.92mm ammunition
We can only get better if you tell us how. You can contact MilitaryFactory.com at MilitaryFactory at gmail dot com (replace "at" with "@" and "dot with ".") with any questions, comments or corrections. We also accept related military imagery that you approve for us to use on our website. Keep in mind, however, that due to volume, we may not directly respond to your inquiry. Please add us to your list of non-blocked recipients!
Armored Vehicle Quick Profile
1936
Designation:LT vz 35 (PzKpfw 35(t)) Classification Type:Light Tank Contractor:Skoda - Czechoslovakia Country of Origin: Czechoslovakia Number Built: 645
Operators: Czechoslovakia, Romania and Nazi Germany.
Variants
S-11-a (T-11) - Prototype Designation
LT vz 35 - Production Designation in Czech Army.
R-2 - Romanian Designation
PzKpfw 35(t) - German Army Designation
PzKpfw 35(t) "Morserzugmittel" - Mortar Tractor
PzKpfw 35(t) "Zugkraftwagen" - Artillery Tractor
PzKpfw 35(t) Maintenance Vehicle
Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for
hardware restoration, maintenance or general operation. Please consult manufacturers for such information.
Site Contact: militaryfactory at gmail dot com(replace "at" with "@" and "dot" with ".")
Dimensions:
