Hotchkiss H39
A Militracks premiere! This originally French tank was used by the Wehrmacht in Norway during the World War II and sold by the Norwegian government as a “tractor” after the war. Later, it was rebuilt and then donated to the Norwegian Army Museum (Forsvarsmuseet) in early 2000s. The gun turret and the chassis come from two different vehicles.
The Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H modifié 39 is a significantly upgraded French cavalry tank from 1939. Starting in 1936, it was fitted with a more powerful 120 hp engine, leading to a longer hull and higher engine deck. It also gradually received a more effective 37 mm gun with improved anti-tank capabilities. Though it features thicker armor and better speed on flat terrain, it still underperformed compared to foreign tanks. On rough terrain, it was slowed down by its narrow tracks. All in all, as a support tank in close combination with infantry it was more useful than out in the open fields.
Picture by: Håvard Madsbakken / Copyright: Forsvarshistorisk Museum
