Landsverk L-Series

Six-Wheeled Armored Car [ 1933 ]

The Swedish Landsverk L-series of six-wheeled armored cars managed a great reputation for operational reliability for its time in the field.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 06/01/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

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The Landsverk L-series of armored cars originated in Sweden during the early-1930s and managed an operational existence throughout World War 2 (1939-1945), some examples amazingly not retired until the 1980s. The vehicle relied on a truck-based six-wheeled arrangement with two axles paired under the rear section. These armored cars were built atop the existing chassis of various trucks emerging from Bussing, Mercedes-Benz, and Daimler-Benz which went on to produce the L-180, L-181, and L-182 marks between them. The selection of truck also largely dictated the engine fit for each model.

As finalized, the original L-180 was a 17,250lb vehicle with an overall length of 19 feet, a width of 7.3 feet, and a height of 7.5 feet. It was crewed by up to five personnel made up of a driver, vehicle commander, dedicated gunner, artilleryman, and loader. The armored superstructure, riveted to the existing chassis, gave protection against small arms fire and ranged up to 9mm at the front hull and up to 15mm at the roof-mounted turret. The turret allowed for a full 360-degree rotation and seated a 20mm Madsen M1933 L/60 gun or a 37mm Bofors gun. Of course this also varied by local requirements for some models installed 20mm Oerlikon guns or, as in the Finnish Army model, the 20mm L-39 Lahti Anti-Tank Rifle (ATR) was used as was the 13.2mm L-35/36 heavy machine gun. Secondary firepower was from 2 or 3 x machine guns of various makes and models.

The engine was fitted to a forward compartment in the usual. The L-180 was driven by a Bussing V8 of 160 horsepower while the L-181 saw drive power come from a Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder engine of 65 horsepower or a Daimler-Benz M09 6-cylinder engine of 80 horsepower.

L-series cars were eventually used (in limited numbers) by Denmark (2), Estonia (1), Ireland (8), Nazi Germany (unknown number captured from enemies), the Netherlands (13), the Soviet Union (unknown number), and Sweden (five undelivered examples meant for Ireland). Captured Danish and Dutch vehicles by the German Army in World War 2 were reused by their new masters under the Army designation of "Panzerspahwagen L-202(h)" for reconnaissance, policing, patrolling, and training roles before the end. These were outfitted with 20mm Madsen or 37mm Bofors main guns backed by either 8mm Madsen or 7.92mm Lewis machine guns.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

1933

Origin

Sweden

Crew

5
CREWMEN

Production

48
UNITS

AB Landsverk - Sweden

(View other Vehicle-Related Manufacturers)

Denmark; Estonia; Finland; Ireland; Lithuania; Nazi Germany (captured); Netherlands; Soviet Union (captured)

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Infantry Support
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.

✓ Armored Car
Design, of typically lightweight nature, providing onroad/offroad capabilities for the scouting or general security roles.

✓ Reconaissance
Can conduct reconnaissance / scout missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, et al - typically through lightweight design.

Length

19.2 ft
5.85 m

Width

7.4 ft
2.25 m

Height

7.5 ft
2.28 m

Weight

17,251 lb
7,825 kg

Tonnage

8.6 tons
LIGHT

(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Landsverk L-Series production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)

Powerplant: Variable based on truck chassis used: 1 x Bussing-NAG V8 engine of 180 horsepower; 1 x Mercedes-Benz 6-cylinder engine of 65 horsepower; 1 x Daimler-Benz M09 6-cylinder engine of 80 horsepower.

Speed

49.7 mph
(80.0 kph)

Range

180.2 mi
(290.0 km)

(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base Landsverk L-Series production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)

TYPICAL:
1 x 20mm Madsen M1933 L/60 OR 1 x 37mm Bofors main gun in turret.
2 x 8mm Madsen M1924 machine guns

ALTERNATIVE:
1 x 20mm Oerlikon OR 20mm L-39 ATR main gun in turret.
2 x 7.92mm Lewis OR 7.92mm Maxim OR .303 Madsen machine guns.

Supported Types

Graphical image of a tank cannon armament

Graphical image of a tank medium machine gun

(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)

Not Available. Variable based on armament fit.

L-180 - Bussing V8 engine of 160 horsepower

L-181 - Mercedes-Benz V6 engine of 65 horsepower or Daimler-Benz V6 engine of 80 horsepower.

L-182 - Finnish Army example with Daimler-Benz engine; crew of four.

FP-7/FP-8 - Danish Army designation; two examples.

Panzerspahwagen L-202(h) - Germany Army designation of captured Danish and Dutch examples.

Pantserwagen M-38 - Dutch L-180 models

Pantserwagen M-36 - Dutch L-181 models

Pansarbil m/41 (Pbil m/41) - Swedish designation of L-180 models.

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