Panservogn m/39

The Panservogn m/39 is an upgraded version of the Panservogn m/35, developed by the Kampvogn Committee in 1937. The m/35 was reevaluated and pitted against other contemporary vehicles, including the Landsverk L-120 and the Pantserwagen M39, in order to identify areas for improvement. The trials revealed that the m/35 was too complex and overall weak compared to other contemporary designs, prompting the need for an upgrade.
===Design and Development===
The main reasons for the upgrade included the complex and unreliable suspension, as well as the overly complicated design of the m/35. The transmission was also completely redesigned to reduce wear and tear. Additionally, a stronger 45mm gun was favored in the upgrade program, and more armor was added, along with an extension to the fuel tanks.
The Panservogn m/39 served as Norway's main light tank, even when the superior Panservogn m/42 was introduced, due to the small number of m/42s produced. The m/39 was equipped with new shells that brought it up to the standard of other tanks of the time.
===Combat History===
The Panservogn m/39 first saw action at the Battle of Horten on April 10th, 1940, where a single company consisting of 1 Medium Tank as a command unit and 14 m/39s, along with an additional 50 combat-capable personnel, fought against a German taskforce of about 100 soldiers. The company, named "Horten Kystforsvars Kompani," was able to encircle and capture the German forces after a day of skirmishing outside of Horten city.
===Later Variants===
In late 1941, the Kampvogn Committee determined that the m/39 needed an upgrade in range and weaponry. A new development program was initiated, with input from experienced crew members who had used the m/39 in order to identify areas for improvement. After several months, a new model of the m/39 was developed, the Panservogn m/39 R/(1942), which featured a new engine, minor updates, a new and more spacious turret design, and a 67mm cannon with ammunition that brought it up to contemporary standards. Additionally, new external fuel tanks were added to increase the tank's range.
== Illustrations of various M/39's ==
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