Panservogn m/35-R2

== Development ==
The Panservogn m/39 was a tank developed by Norway in 1939. The first 200 units were created by using the hulls of the existing Panservogn m/35 tanks and stripping the suspension and removing the turret. The new parts from the m/39 were then used to create the m/35-R2, which served as a stopgap measure until the m/39 was in full production.
The Panservogn m/35-R2 was an attempt to improve the mobility and firepower of the m/35, which was outdated by the time of the German invasion in 1940. The m/35-R2 was equipped with a new suspension system, which improved its cross-country capabilities and allowed it to keep up with the German tanks. The turret was also replaced with a new one, which was equipped with a 45 mm gun and a machine gun.
== Combat History ==
The Panservogn m/35-R2 saw significant action during the German invasion of Norway in 1940. The tank was deployed as part of the Norwegian army's defense against the German invaders, and was used in several engagements, including the Battle of Narvik. Many of the tanks were lost in combat, and no new tanks were made as the m/39 was already in production. Despite this, the R2 had a short but combat-rich history, with many of the surviving crew members praising it as a great alternative to the regular m/35. They reported that the m/35-R2 was able to keep up with the German tanks and was able to engage them effectively with its 45mm gun.
== Post War ==
After the war, very few Panservogn m/35-R2 tanks remained. Out of the original 200, only 4 are known to exist today. These include:
* m/35-R2 Nr.2, located in the Norwegian Armored Heritage museum
* m/35-R2 Nr.47, located in the Narvik Warmuseum
* 2x m/35-R2 tanks in poor condition, located in the Panzer Museum Munster
The Panservogn m/35-R2 serves as a reminder of the unique and significant contributions made by Norway during the Second World War. Despite the limited resources and short production run, the m/35-R2 was able to play an important role in the defense of Norway and the training of its crew members with its 45mm gun.
== Illustrations ==