Stridsvagn L-60 (Strv L-60) (2024)

Stridsvagn L-60 (Strv L-60) History

Although the Swedish authorities remained neutral throughout WWII, they saw fit to modernize their military reserves and stock them with capable components to repel any attempted invasion. As such, the Stridsvagn L-60 light tank was developed in 1934 under the direction of Joseph Volmer to increase mobility and firepower in an increasingly mechanized world.

After evaluation, the model was mass-produced by AB Landsverk in Sweden, with the first L-60 delivered in 1935.

Volmer's early work included the A-7, K-Wagen and LK series of tracked vehicles for the German Army, and the m/21 - Sweden's first indigenously designed main battle tank. Volmer later sold the Landsverk L-10 to the Swedish Army, which became the m/31 in stock. The L-30 replaced the L-10 and recorded export sales.

Next, the L-60 came online, and for the foreseeable future, it marked the beginning of the development and production of Swedish tanks during the war.

The design of the L-60 is very traditional, with a rear-mounted engine compartment, central turret and a forward pilot position offset to the left side of the fuselage. The front wings are well sloping and consist of three fairings leading to the top of the fuselage. There is a flat superstructure below the turret to provide enough interior space for the crew and systems.

The driver's view is provided through a viewing slit in its dome. The turret is small and narrow and houses the gun mount and related systems, as well as the gunner and tank commander. The turret is accessed through the turret roof hatch or the turret side hatch. The vehicle was powered by its side rail system, which was rather cramped compared to its post-war counterparts.

On one side of the track are four twin-tire wheels with two track idlers, a chain tensioner at the rear and a drive sprocket at the front. Additional wheels and links can be carried externally by design if desired. The armor protection of the vehicle's various fairings ranges from 5mm to 13mm.

All told, the L-60 has an operating weight of 7.5 tons, a barrel length of 15 feet, a beam of 6.5 feet, and a height of over 6.6 feet.

The primary armament of the early L-60 production models was the 20mm Madsen cannon mounted in a 360 rotating turret. Madsen's 20mm system actually retains the origins of the Danish design manufactured by the Danish Industrial Syndicate (DISA) Ammunition, which further complements Finnish and Irish inventories. Secondary armament is a Danish .303 machine gun dating from 1896. The machine gun is mounted coaxially with the turret and is operated by the gunner.

Later production models upgraded the small caliber 20mm gun to a 37mm caliber design - better suited to the modern threats of the day.

Power for the L-60 frame is provided by a single Bussing-Nag 8-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 150-160 hp at 2,500-2,700 rpm. The listed range is around 168 miles, while in ideal conditions road speeds are equivalent to 30 mph and less off-road or rough terrain.

The L-60's suspension has proven to be excellent for off-road driving, while the same system can achieve relatively high speeds on the road.

The L-60 developed into five production brands, starting with the base L-60, followed by the L-60A, L-60B, L-60C and L-60D. The base model is armed with a 20mm Madsen gun, while the A, B and C models are all equipped with a 37mm gun. The L-60D was fitted with a brand new turret with a 37mm main gun and 2 x .303 machine guns.

The Hungarians produced the licensed model "Toldi 38" for the Hungarian army. These are manufactured by the Hungarian company Weiss and are based on the L-60B model. The L-60 laid the foundation for a similar design of the 1938 Strv m/38 light tank, essentially an improved version of the L-60. At least two L-60 tanks were sold to Ireland.

In total, no more than 150 L-60s were produced.

Stridsvagn L-60 (Strv L-60) Specification

Basic

Year:

1934

Staff:

3

Manufacturing:

AB Landsverk - Sweden / Weiss Company - Hungary

Production:

150 units

Roles

Dimensions

Length:

15.09 ft (4.6 m)

Width:

6.56 ft (2 m)

Height:

6.82 ft (2.08 m)

Weight:

8 tons (6,900 kg; 15,212 lb)

Performance

1 x Bussing-NAG V8 petrol engine, 160 hp.

Performance

Maximum Speed:

45 km/h

Maximum range:

168 miles (270 km)

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Armor

Ammo:

Not available.

Changes

L-60 - name of the basic series; 1 x 20mm Madsen; 1 x .303 machine gun.