Panserkampvogn m/39

The Panserkampvogn m/39 (Pkv m/39) was a Norwegian tank developed in the 1930s as an improvement over the earlier Panservogn m/35. The need for a heavier and better armed tank became a priority, and the first prototype left the works at Forsvarsverkene in 1938, and production began in 1939.
=== Design and Armament ===
The Panserkampvogn m/39 was designed to go up against heavier armored vehicles than the m/35 and was armed with a L/20,5 M/39 Mountain cannon that has been re-barreled from 75 to 65mm and lengthened the shell to provide more penetrative power against armored vehicles. The Pkv m/39 was developed in conjunction with the British military mission and was able to take on all contemporary German and Swedish tanks from any side thanks to the cannon.
=== Vulnerabilities ===
Although more heavily armoured than the Panservogn m/35 the Pkv m/39 was relatively lightly armoured for it's size, and vulnerable to the upgraded 50mm guns of the Panzer III as well as HEAT shells from the 75mm mounted on the Panzer IV and StuG III.
=== Service during WWII ===
As the war raged on the Pkv m/39 served with distinction, but by 1943 it was becoming obvious that it's 65mm cannon was struggling with the increasingly more armored German tanks. As such it was decided that a new main gun was needed for the tank that by then made up a large part of the Norwegian armored fighting force.
=== Upgrades ===
Experiments began the same year and around new year 1943-44 a successful model was made, armed with a new 80mm cannon developed jointly with the US Army. Work soon began refitting all available m/39s with the new 80mm. Although its armor was by this time rather lackluster, its good speed allowed it an upper hand against the increasingly heavier German tanks.
Although its armour was by this time rather lackluster, it's good speed allowed it an upperhand against the increasingly heavier German tanks. 
=== Surviving Examples ===
Despite being heavily used during World War II, only a small number of Panserkampvogn m/39 tanks have survived to the present day. Currently, around 8 examples of the Pkv m/39 are known to exist. One of these surviving tanks is on display at the Norwegian Armored Heritage Museum in Rena, Norway. This tank is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of the Pkv m/39 and is a popular attraction at the museum. The other surviving examples are in various locations and private collections.
It is worth mentioning that the exact number of surviving examples of Panserkampvogn m/39 may vary as the discovery of new tanks may occur or previously known tanks may have been scrapped or dismantled.
The Panserkampvogn m/39 is an important part of Norway's military history, and the surviving examples serve as a reminder of the country's efforts to defend itself during World War II. The tank on display at the Norwegian Armored Heritage Museum is a particularly valuable historical artifact as it provides a glimpse into the design and technology of tanks during the war.
== Illustrations of the Pkv m/39 ==
Category:Tank
Category:Armoured Vehicle
Category:Medium Tank
Category:Mid-war design
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