The Stridsvagn m/40 (Strv m/40) was a Swedish tank developed in 1934. Being a variant of the Landsverk L-60 light tank, it was one of the most modern tanks of its time, which led to the creation of new variants, as well as serving as the basis for the Hungarian 38M Toldi light tank.
History[]
Development[]
In 1934, a new light tank was designed for Sweden by Landsverk, the L-60. It was based on the Landsverk L-10/Strv m/31, but with a new torsion bar suspension system. The torsion bar suspension system was a large improvement over the Christie suspension system. The L-60 S/1 entered service with the Swedish military in 1938 as the Strv m/38. The L-60 S/1 Strv m/38 was armed with a Bofors 37 mm gun. In 1939, Sweden ordered an improved version of the Strv m/38. It was designated as the L-60 S/II Strv m/39. The Strv m/39 was armed with an improved Bofors 37 mm gun and had a new engine. During World War 2, the Strv m/39 was upgraded with additional armour welded onto the glacis and mantlet.
Operational History[]
The L-60 served with the Swedish military throughout World War II, and also became the basis of the L-62 Anti II SPAAG designed for Finland, which was used as the basis for the Hungarian 40M Nimród. The L-60s were acquired by Ireland and were used until 1953 when they ran out of spare parts and from then on were only used stationary for gunnery training. The tanks were taken out of service with the Irish Army in 1968 when ammunition for the Madsen guns ran out. In 1960, 20 L-60 tanks were sold to the Dominican Republic by Sweden. Rebels, backed by the US Marine Corps, fought against the L-60 during the Dominican Civil War. 3 were destroyed by M48 Pattons, M50 Ontos, and anti-tank fire. 12 were upgraded and saw service until 2002.
In Girls und Panzer[]
Ribbon Warrior[]
Viggen High School fielded two Strv m/40s in their Cauldron Tournament first round match against Maginot Girls' College. The outcome of the match is unknown, but what is known is that they were destroyed by FT-17s led by Eclair.
In the second round, Viggen again fielded two Strv m/40s. The role of tanks is unknown.
Trivia[]
- The Strv m/40 was the first tank in the world to be produced with torsion bar suspension.
- This is one of only two Swedish tanks to appear in the series. The other is the Strv m/42 medium tank, having a small appearance in the last pages of Saga of Pravda, and also operated by Viggen.
