Verdeja - Spanish experienced light tanks and SPGs (1938-1945)
Although Spain did not take part in the war of the Second World War, but by creating weapons and weapons, she was engaged in full. Project to create new tanks Captain F. Verdeha Bardales was engaged. In 1938, work began on the creation of prototypes. New light tanks were required to replace the Soviet T-26s and the German Panzer Is used in the Spanish Armed Forces. Four prototypes of the Verdeja light tank were built (according to other sources, there were two). A feature of the Spanish tank is the installation of a low-profile type in the rear of the tower.
The first of the prototypes was ready by February 1939. In the design of light tanks, many units, equipment and armaments from the T-26 and Panzer I tanks were used. Probably a self-designed undercarriage based on the Soviet T-26 undercarriage, consisting of 8-m anchor rollers assembled in two carts. Armored light tanks had a thickness of 16-30 mm.
Armament light tanks "Verdeja" consisted of 45mm guns, most likely, the Soviet 45mm gun "20K" model 1932 / 1938. and paired with him one / two 7.92mm machine guns. The total weight of the tanks ranged from 5.5 to 6.5 tons. Power - automobile engine "Lincoln" with power 120 hp, working on gasoline. The engine was slightly modified for use in an armored vehicle. Transmission took from the German "Panzer I". According to the results of the tests, light tanks could reach a maximum speed of 48 km / h. The range of the new tanks - about 220 kilometers. Crew cars - 2-3 man.
It is known about the intention in 1941 to adopt about 1000 (probably 100 tanks) copies of these light tanks, but the consequences of the Second World War did not allow the Spaniards to realize this possibility (lack of finance). The further fate of the tanks is little known, perhaps not one of the tanks did not receive the go-ahead from the Spanish military. Serially light tanks "Verdeja" did not produce.
As for the Verdeja ACS, a prototype is created in the 1945 year, under the influence of the Second World War. As a weapon was chosen 75mm gun. It is known that in the 1944 year, the Spanish army received 20 copies of German self-propelled guns "Stug III Ausf.G"
Information sources:
http://alternathistory.org.ua/legkii-tank-verdekha-verdeja-ispaniya
http://raigap.livejournal.com/131842.html
The first of the prototypes was ready by February 1939. In the design of light tanks, many units, equipment and armaments from the T-26 and Panzer I tanks were used. Probably a self-designed undercarriage based on the Soviet T-26 undercarriage, consisting of 8-m anchor rollers assembled in two carts. Armored light tanks had a thickness of 16-30 mm.
Armament light tanks "Verdeja" consisted of 45mm guns, most likely, the Soviet 45mm gun "20K" model 1932 / 1938. and paired with him one / two 7.92mm machine guns. The total weight of the tanks ranged from 5.5 to 6.5 tons. Power - automobile engine "Lincoln" with power 120 hp, working on gasoline. The engine was slightly modified for use in an armored vehicle. Transmission took from the German "Panzer I". According to the results of the tests, light tanks could reach a maximum speed of 48 km / h. The range of the new tanks - about 220 kilometers. Crew cars - 2-3 man.
It is known about the intention in 1941 to adopt about 1000 (probably 100 tanks) copies of these light tanks, but the consequences of the Second World War did not allow the Spaniards to realize this possibility (lack of finance). The further fate of the tanks is little known, perhaps not one of the tanks did not receive the go-ahead from the Spanish military. Serially light tanks "Verdeja" did not produce.
As for the Verdeja ACS, a prototype is created in the 1945 year, under the influence of the Second World War. As a weapon was chosen 75mm gun. It is known that in the 1944 year, the Spanish army received 20 copies of German self-propelled guns "Stug III Ausf.G"
Information sources:
http://alternathistory.org.ua/legkii-tank-verdekha-verdeja-ispaniya
http://raigap.livejournal.com/131842.html
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