World War II Military Equipment: Hotchkiss H-35 Light Tank

Construction

In the early 1930s, a competition was announced in France to develop a light infantry support tank that could replace the FT-17. Although a competing Renault R-35 project was chosen, the Hotchkiss-built H-35 had some advantages that it was decided to expand.

The tank was a two-seater and had to be armed only with a machine gun. The car did not have a turret, and the armor in the thickest place was 34 mm. The drive was a 75 hp engine. As part of the amendments, the shape of the hull was changed and a tower was added, almost identical to that of the P-35. Thanks to this, it became possible to arm the Puteaux SA wz tank. 1918. 37-mm and 7.5-mm machine gun. The modified gearbox allowed to reach a speed of 35 km / h, which is much faster than the P-35.

Production and use in France

Despite these changes, the infantry abandoned this model due to insufficient armor. According to French military doctrine, the tank was supposed to serve as support for infantry or cavalry. It was decided to equip the H-35 with French cavalry units, that is, light motorized divisions.

Production began in 1936, but it turned out that the engine used was too weak. Another one was presented, with a capacity of 120 hp. Tanks with this engine were designated H-39 and had an almost horizontal raised rear armor plate. Before the outbreak of hostilities with Germany in 1940, about 1,100 H35 and H-39 tanks were produced. Tank — similar to other, armed Puteaux SA wz. 1918. 37mm - could not seriously threaten German armored vehicles.

In addition, the tactics of dividing tanks into many small parts did not allow achieving a local advantage in armored vehicles. Tanks captured in France were used by the Germans under the designations PzKpfw 35H 734 (f) and PzKpfw 39H 735 (f). Many tanks were converted into tank destroyers. The latter served until 1956 in the Israeli army.

In 1937, the BBT experimental workshop in Ursus began to create a prototype. However, there were many problems with finding a powerful enough engine. The tank required an installation with a capacity of at least 250 hp, and there was no such unit in the country. As a result, it was decided to buy an American la France engine. However, it soon became obvious that its actual power is less than the manufacturer's stated. Unfortunately, there was no other way out then.

Usage in Poland

Poland purchased 3 H-35s in 1939 for experimental purposes. We reached the country by P-35 transport. After the start of hostilities, a group of three P-35s was formed, which participated in the battles of the Dubno group. All the tanks were destroyed in the battles. 1xBet India betting company pays huge attention to India residents and offers 10400 Indian rupees entering new 1xbet promo code india to claim your exclusive offer 130% bonus up to 26000 INR. On top of the increased maximum bonus, the exclusive code created for our readership will give you the chance to make the most of your winnings by matching your deposit by 130%. 1xbet India is one of the most popular online operators and you can register to unlock betting options like live cricket betting, football, casino, and much more.