M15/42

Specifications M15/42 blueprint

The M15/42 was an Italian medium tank developed during World War II as an improvement over its predecessors, the M13/40 and M14/41. Designed by Fiat-Ansaldo, it aimed to address the shortcomings of earlier models and provide the Italian Army with a more effective armored fighting vehicle. The M15/42 was armed with a 47 mm Cannone da 47/40 main gun, an upgrade from the 47/32 gun used in the M13/40 and M14/41. This gun had better armor-piercing capabilities and a higher muzzle velocity, making it more effective against enemy tanks. The tank also featured four 8 mm Breda 38 machine guns, one coaxial with the main gun, one mounted in the hull, and two in anti-aircraft mounts. Armor protection on the M15/42 ranged from 14 mm to 45 mm, offering improved defense against small arms fire and shell fragments compared to its predecessors. However, it still struggled against the more powerful anti-tank weapons fielded by the Allies. The tanks riveted construction remained a vulnerability, as it was less durable than welded armor. The M15/42 was powered by a Fiat SPA 15TB M42 V8 petrol engine, producing 192 horsepower. This engine provided better performance than the diesel engines of earlier models, allowing the M15/42 to reach a top speed of around 40 km/h (25 mph) on roads. Its operational range was approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles), making it suitable for various combat operations. The M15/42 saw service primarily in the later stages of World War II, including the North African and Italian campaigns. It was deployed in response to the increasing threat posed by more advanced Allied tanks and the changing dynamics of the battlefield. Despite its improvements, the M15/42 was still outmatched by the superior armor and firepower of many Allied tanks, such as the Sherman and T-34. Mechanical reliability remained an issue, particularly in the harsh desert environment of North Africa. Nevertheless, the M15/42 represented the culmination of Italian medium tank development during the war, incorporating lessons learned from previous models and the demands of modern armored warfare. It was produced in limited numbers, with around 100 units built before the armistice in 1943. In summary, the M15/42 was an attempt to provide the Italian Army with a more capable and competitive medium tank, addressing many of the deficiencies of earlier designs. While it offered some improvements in firepower and mobility, it ultimately fell short in the face of increasingly advanced Allied armor and the broader strategic challenges faced by Italy during the later stages of World War II. On our website you can download a drawing of M15/42 in pdf svg png jpg ai eps formats Use it for 3d modelling different illustrations typography engineering and design projects All our drawings are made in high quality therefore they can be very helpful in your work study or research.