The Italian Carro Armato M.15/42 medium tank was nothing more than a further development of the M.14/41 series with one of the more distinguishable features being the exclusion of the left side-hull crew hatch in the M.15/42. Though not produced to the numbers that the former was, the M.15/42 nonetheless played a high profile role in the defense of Rome against German occupation once Italy had dropped from the ranks of the Axis powers and joined alongside the Allies. In the end, the M.15/42 series was another in the long line of less-than stellar yet adequate Italian tank designs appearing throughout the war - regardless for which side.
The M.15/42 appeared by 1943, of which only 82 examples were produced compared to the 1,100 or so of the preceding M.14/41 tank. The M.15/42 was simply armed with a 47mm main gun - hardly a powerful armament even in 1943 - and up to four Modello type 8mm machine guns in various places throughout the design. The tanks appearance was characterized by an angular turret and hull while 6 road wheels were fitted to either track side. Power was derived from a single SPA 15 TB M42 8-cylinder gasoline engine - developing some 192hp - and mounted to the rear of the hull.
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Carro Armato M15/42 Medium Tank.
1 x Fiat SPA 15 TB M42 8-cylinder gasoline engine devleoping 192hp. Installed Power
25 mph 40 kph Road Speed
137 miles 220 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the Carro Armato M15/42 Medium Tank.
4 (MANNED) Crew
16.5 ft 5.04 meters O/A Length
7.3 ft 2.23 meters O/A Width
7.8 ft 2.39 meters O/A Height
34,172 lb 15,500 kg | 17.1 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Carro Armato M15/42 Medium Tank.
1 x 47mm L/40 main gun
4 x 8mm Modello 38 machine guns
Variants Notable series variants as part of the Carro Armato M15/42 family line.
M.15/41 - Based on the M.13/40 with improvements including more powerful engine.
M.15/42 - Based on the M.15/41 design; lengthened hull; improved engine performance; improved speed.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Carro Armato M15/42. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 82 Units Contractor(s): FIAT / Ansaldo - Italy
[ Kingdom of Italy; Nazi Germany ]
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Right side view of the Carro Armato M15/42 tank at rest
Design Qualities Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to battlefield requirements.
INFANTRY SUPPORT
MEDIUM TANK
TANK-vs-TANK
Recognition Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.
Going Further... The Carro Armato M15/42 Medium Tank appears in the following collections:
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