Panservogn m/39 R2 (1942)

## Norway's Iconic Tank: The m/39-R2

The m/39-R2 is considered to be the best tank Norway has ever developed by many veteran tankers. Its effective turret, long range, and easy maintenance made it not only the most iconic tank of Norway but also the most produced.

## Development

In late 1941, the Kampvogn Committee recognized the need for an upgrade in range and weaponry for the m/39 tank. This led to a new development program where feedback from long-serving crew members who used the m/39 was gathered to identify issues that could be fixed in the new variant.

After a few months, a new model of the m/39 was born. The Panservogn m/39 R/(1942) was outfitted with a new engine, a completely redesigned turret that made it more spacious, and a 67mm cannon with ammunition that brought it up to "modern" standards. Additionally, new external fuel tanks were added to give the tank a much longer range.

## Combat History

The m/39-R2 was widely used in combat by the Norwegian Army during World War II. It saw action in various engagements against the German occupation forces and was known for its effectiveness in battle. The tank's long range and powerful cannon made it a formidable opponent for the enemy.

The m/39-R2 also played a significant role in the development of the Norwegian tank doctrine. Its design and capabilities influenced the direction of future tank development in Norway, and it served as a benchmark for the country's future armored vehicles.

## Post War Use

After World War II, the m/39-R2 continued to serve in a reserve role in the Heimvernet (Home guard) and was used to train many new Norwegian tank crews. The tank was also modernized with the addition of extra armor and newer, more modern ammo such as APDS. The m/39-R2 continued to serve the Norwegian army for several more years, providing valuable service in training and reserve roles.

#### The m/39 (60) "AIC Model"

In 1960 as the Communist Sweden Civil War was in full swing. It was decided that production of 250 new hulls would be ordered. by this time it had been over 15 years since the hulls stopped production at the Forsvarsverkene works. This order was for the Allied Interim Comittee (AIC) for the conflict in Sweden. As the Norwegian Army only had the Panservogn m/45 and wanted to take advantage of the tooling that was still in storage for the m/39 type hull. Many M/39-R2's where still in service with the army parts where still being made. And so the Panservogn m/39 (60) was born. This model was diffrent from the Active service Variant in many ways.

* Spaced armor on the front and Turret.
* New Commander's Cupola
* Torsion Bar Suspension.
* New 90mm Recoiless Rifle.

These modernisation was quite radical for its time as most nations where developing their Main battle tanks. The Norwegian Army wanted to use what they had as a stop gap. And with the 90mm Recoiless rifle it was quite capable at anti tank warfare.

In the end only 250 where made before a big number of the older and worn out m/39-R2's where transfered to AIC for use as peace keeping forces. This ment the end of the quite Intresting m/39 (60) model.

### Heimvern (Home guard) Model

Even though the m/39(60) model was not a succsess it still led to the development package with the 90mm recoiless rifle. Something the aging tanks in reserve and in service with the home guard desperatly needed. In 1972 it was decided to ditch the 67mm guns that used APDS and use the upgrade plan for the AIC partially. In addition to a new engine it was still outdated and outpreformed by the now modern MBT's. But since the Home Guard still had the outdated tanks from the 40s it was a great addition to them.

All in all around 543 where converted to this model. It was given the designation m/72 (HV). This Model is still in use today.

## The 400 tank deal

\*deal with X to apply upgrade package w 90mm and sell to X country. This was the remaining in army reserves and not HV