ITALIAN VEHICLE NOTES
In the late 1930s the Italian Army officially committed itself to a program of mechanization, believing that if so equipped it could win swift and decisive victories, thereby avoiding the stalemates and appalling casualties of the Great War. Unfortunately for those ultimately involved in the impending conflict, the implementation of this program was severely impeded by a number of factors. Among these were a basic lack of raw materials, a relatively small industrial base with little experience in AFV design, a general lack of funds due to the financial stringencies of the 1930s, and the conservatism of certain high-ranking officers and officials. In the autumn of 1939 the army possessed about 1,500 "tanks", but the overwhelming majority of them were marginally useful L3 tankettes. When Mussolini declared war in June 1940, his army was far from ready. Its total number of "tanks" had increased only to some 1,660, while the army's rapid expansion had created widespread equipment shortages in areas from those as crucial as motor transport to items as normally taken-for-granted as helmets. Moreover, the approximately 11,700 infantry, artillery and AA guns of ≥ 65mm in service included less than 250 modern (i.e., '30s-era) pieces - the newest of the remainder being World War One veterans.
The small Italian armaments industry could not, in view of everything working against it, provide prodigious numbers of AFV. From June 1940 to August 1943 it produced only about 3,300 tanks, SP guns, and armored cars. The highest monthly total was but 170 vehicles, of which 65 were medium tanks. There was some discussion with the Germans of building the PzKpfw III, IV and V in Italy - but this withered on the vine for a number of reasons, including the opposition of several high Italian officials and industrialists.
Italian AFV were characterized by their light weight, generally low horsepower-to-weight ratio and thin armor (the latter a policy resulting at least in part from the constant shortage of funds and raw materials). The armor plate was of poor quality, tending to crack and split when hit; and was attached by rivets, which further diminished its overall integrity while increasing the danger to the crew inside. The design of new and radically better tanks was not accorded a high priority, due to both military conservatism and the loss in production that extensive retooling would cause. Indeed, Mussolini (who, unlike Hitler, neither fully understood the correct priorities in tank design nor took much interest in such matters) had to order the development of a tank with a 75mm gun (the P26/
At the start of the war, the nomenclature for Italian tracked AFV followed the format "letter #/#". The letter classed the vehicle as either light ("L"; ≤ 5 tons), medium ("M"; > 8 but ≤ 15 tons) or heavy ("P"; > 15 tons). The first number indicated the design weight in tons, and the second the year of acceptance.
[Note: All Allied Italian combat formations were re-equipped by the British in early 1945. Therefore, for DYO scenarios set in that year, the Allied Italian player may purchase British SC/
1. L5/21 &L5/30: Also known respectively as the Fiat 3000 A Model 1921 and Fiat 3000 B Model 1930, these were Italy's first series-produced tanks. They were based on the French Renault FT-17 but incorporated numerous improvements. (Indeed, the 3000 A was the fastest tank in the world in 1921.) The L5/
Availability for WW2 scenarios is limited to 6/ See also Italian Vehicle Note A. L3 were used at one time or another almost everywhere Italian units fought:10/35-4/36 in the conquest of Ethiopia; 2/ Dates and RF for use in North Africa are 6-12/40 (.9), 1/41 (1.1), 2/41 (1.2), 3/41 (1.4), 4-11/41 (1.2), 12/41 (1.4), 1/42 (1.5), and 2/42 (1.6). For East Africa they are 7/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes A, B, E, N, R. Either MG may be used as the MA. However, the BMG may not be used while the crew is CE, and the AAMG may fire only at a target that lies within the L3 aa's VCA. These are signified respectively on the counter by the MA being given as "MG", by "BMG:CE FP NA", and by "AAMG:VCA only". †If this AFV is marked with one or more Malfunction/ †RF is always .4 higher (1.6 maximum) than the corresponding (for date and area) RF of the L3/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes E, F, N, R. †RF is 1.5 in 1940 and 1.6 in 1941. See also Italian Vehicle Notes E, J, N. †"B11" applies to the BMG; "X11" applies to the FT. †The trailer's AF is "0". It may be voluntarily disconnected (unhooked) only at the start of its MPh-but only if the AFV is in neither Motion nor Melee, has not fired in the preceding PFPh, and its Inherent crew is/ †Dates for use in France are 6/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes E, N. L6/40 were authorized in the RECo (Raggruppamento Esplorante Corazzato; armored reconnaissance task force) in the armored and motorized divisions, and were also used in several independent recon units. A total of 72 were sent to North Africa. 55 went to Russia where they equipped the LXVII Battaglione Motocorazzato Bersaglieri in the 3rd Celere Division; they were the heaviest Italian tracked AFV used on that front. In Yugoslavia, L6/ †Dates and RF for use in North Africa are 12/41-6/42 (1.6), 7-9/42 (1.4), 10-11/42 (1.5), 12/42-1/43 (1.6), and 2-5/43 (1.5). For Russia they are 2-6/42 (1.3), 7-8/42 (1.2), and 9-12/42 (1.3). For Yugoslavia they are 4/41 (1.3) and 5/41-9/43 (l.5). For Italy they are 9/43 (1.3), and 44-5/45 (1.4; Fascist use only). See also Italian Vehicle Notes N, R. †B11 applies only to the 37 SA - as indicated by "B11:SA only" on the counter. All 1MT (D1.322) penalties apply to the CMG MA, which has 360° traverse independent of the bow mounted NT 37 SA. †Dates and RF for North African use are 8-12/40 (1.2), 1/41 (1.4), and 2/41 (1.6). For East Africa they are 7/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes A, N. †This AFV has no radio in scenarios set prior to 11/41 (see D14). As of 11/41 it is radio-equipped. †Dates and RF for use in North Africa are 12/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes B, C, N. †RF is 1.2 for 1-6/42, 1.0 for 7-11/42, 1.5 for 12/42-1/43, and 1.1 thereafter. See also Italian Vehicle Notes B, C, N. †Dates and RF are 9/43 (1.2), and 44-5/45 (1.4; Fascist use only). See also Italian Vehicle Notes B, C. †The CE DRM is +1 vs Indirect Fire, as well as vs Direct Fire that emanates from within the turret's rear Target Facing - as signified by "CE:+1RT" on the counter. †"(f)" in the piece name stands for "French" for ESB, etc., purposes. †RF is 1.2 for 7/43 and 1.4 for 8/43. See also Italian Vehicle Note I. †SMV M41 75/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes C, H, N. In mid 1943 about 25 SMV M42 were equipped with a version of the 75/ †SMV M42 75/ See also Italian Vehicle Note C. See also Italian Vehicle Note C. †The Inherent crew is always CE (with all this entails) in the same manner as a British Carrier (D6.84) - as signified by "Always CE" on the counter. †Dates and RF for use in Russia are 7-8/42 (1.5) and 9-12/42 (1.6). For Tunisia they are 12/42-5/43 (1.2). For Sicily they are 7/43 (1.3) and 8/43 (1.4). For Italy they are 9/43 (1.4), and 44-5/45 (1.5; Fascist use only). See also Italian Vehicle Notes N, R. †Most of the crew actually stood outside of and behind the AFV while serving the gun. Therefore, it cannot use TH Case E (i.e., it cannot fire at all if a Known enemy unit occupies its Location), and receives only a +1 DRM for being CE (no DRM if attacked through its unarmored Target Facing; D5.311) as signified by "CE:+1" on the counter. †When an Ammo Vehicle (E10.) is called for by SSR or DYO purchase, use an SMV 47/ †RF for use in Sicily is 1.3 for 7/43 and 1.6 for 8/43. See also Italian Vehicle Note D. †All versions of the AS 42 are termed Scout Cars in deference to their historical role. However, they are considered trucks for all purposes [EXC: see Italian Vehicle Note L.]. †AS 42 Dates and RF for use in North Africa are 11-12/42 (1.5) and 1-5/43 (1.4). For Sicily they are 7-8/43 (1.4). For Italy they are 9/43 (1.4), and 44-5/45 (1.5; Fascist use only). AS 42 aa and AS 42 cc Dates and RF are the same, but with .1 added to the RF. See also Italian Vehicle Notes G, J, L, N, AA. See also Italian Vehicle Note E. †This AFV may clear wire as if it were fully tracked (B26.53). †Availability for WW2 scenarios is limited to East Africa, with Dates and RF of 7/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes A, F, M. †For both types, availability for WW2 scenarios is limited to East Africa, with Dates and RF of 7/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes A, F, M. †AB 41 Dates and RF for use in North Africa are 8-10/41 (1.5), 11/41-5/42 (1.4), and 6/42-5/43 (1.3); for Russia they are 12/41-8/42 (1.5); for the Balkans they are 42-9/43 (1.4), and 44-5/45 (1.4; Fascist use only); for Sicily they are 7-8/43 (1.4); for Italy they are 9/43 (1.3), and 44-5/45 (1.4; Fascist use only). See also Italian Vehicle Notes A, I, N, R. †This vehicle is treated as an armored car for movement (and all related) purposes [EXC: Reverse Movement costs it four times its normal hex entry cost - as signified by "REV x4" on the counter]; otherwise it is treated as an armored halftrack. †Dates and RF for use in Russia are 10-12/42 (1.5) and 1-3/43 (1.6). For the Balkans they are 10/42-9/43 (1.4), and 44- 5/45 (1.5; Fascist use only). See also Italian Vehicle Note R. †"(b)" in the piece name stands for "British" for Hammada Immobilization and Sand Bog purposes. All Inherent armament on the vehicle is Italian-not British. †The optional AAMG of the Autocannone da 65/ †Autocannone da 20/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes G, H, N, R, AA. †Autocannoni da 75/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes D, N, AA. †TL 37 Dates and RF for North-Africa/the-ETO [EXC: the Balkans] are 6/ †TM 40 Dates and RF for North-Africa/the-ETO [EXC: the Balkans] are 9-11/40 (1.6), 12/ †TP 32 Dates and RF for North-Africa/the-ETO [EXC: the Balkans] are 6/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes L, N, R. †The optional AAMG is always available and has a 1.4 RF. †Dates and RF for use in North-Africa/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes K, N, R. †When this vehicle is bogged, one (only) CX squad (even a Prisoner -but not a Guard) on foot expending = four MF in the vehicle's Location (and declared to be assisting its unbogging) thereby allows the owning player to subtract two (one per crew/ †Availability in 1945 is limited to Fascist Italians only. See also Italian Vehicle Notes A, K, N, R. †RF for all three types is 1.3 for an 8/41-9/43 scenario set in North Africa/ See also Italian Vehicle Notes N, R. A. Make two To Kill DR when using the AP To Kill Table; only one DR (firer's choice) is used. This is signified on the counter by "2 TK DR". B. The 4-FP BMG may be Scrounged as one or two LMG (as per D10.5); however, it is considered one MG for malfunction, repair and disablement purposes. C. If this AFV is non-turreted, its AAMG may fire only at a target that lies within its VCA - as signified by "AAMG:VCA only" on the counter. If optional, the AAMG is always available with a 1.4 RF. D. The MA may use neither Motion Fire nor Bounding (First) Fire - as signified by "No Bnd(F)F" on the counter. E. If Stunned, this AFV may not regain CE status, may not fire any weapon, and is Recalled as per D5.341 - these are signified by "Stun=Recall & CE/ F. The MA and all MG have B11. This is signified by "B11" in red on the counter (red in the Vehicle Listing). If the vehicle is equipped with a hull Rear MG, that MG may be Removed as a dm MMG. G. The MA may not use Bounding First Fire, or Motion Fire, through its VCA - as signified by "BndFF NA VCA" on the counter. H. HEAT becomes available in September 1942, as signified by the superscript"S2+". I. The CMG of the MR/35 and the hull Rear MG of the AB 40 may be repositioned as a 2-FP AAMG. This can be done only by placing an AA counter on the AFV at the end of any friendly fire phase (not MPh) in which its Inherent crew is CE and could have fired the MG (even if malfunctioned) but did not. This AAMG may fire only at a target that lies within the AFV's TCA - as signified by "AAMG:TCA only" on the counter. The AAMG may be repositioned as the MR/35 CMG, or AB 40 hull Rear MG, by using these same principles to remove the AA counter. J. The 20L MA is an ATR, has a maximum To Hit range of 12 hexes (as signified by "[12 TH]" on the counter), and may be Scrounged/ K. If armed, this vehicle has an Inherent crew and thus a CS# instead of a cs#. L. This vehicle is treated as an armored car for movement (and all related) purposes. [EXC: It may not cross a hedge. Note M below also applies.]
M. Reverse Movement costs this vehicle three times its normal hex entry cost - as signified by "REVx3" on the counter. N. This vehicle was used in North Africa at some time from 6/ R. This vehicle was used in Russia at some time from 8/41 to 3/43 (within the limits of its own given Dates). AA. The MA has AA capability - as signified by "MA:AA" on the counter.
2. L3/35: Derived from the British Carden-Loyd Mk VI tankette, this AFV first appeared in 1933. The original model, designated the CV 33 (Carro Veloce ; fast tank), carried a single 6. 5mm MG, but later versions were equipped with two tandem-mounted 8mm MG (and the older models were thusly retrofitted). In 1935 the CV 35 went into production, featuring a number of minor modifications (but both types are equivalent in game terms). In 1938 their designations were changed to L3/
3. L3 aa: Some L3 were equipped with an AA mount on the superstructure roof in front of the commander-gunner's hatch. One of the AFV's MG could be moved to this mount, giving the vehicle a limited AA capability. Apparently not many were thusly equipped.
4. L3 cc: During the early months of the war a small number of L3 in Libya were modified by replacing their MG with a Solothurn 20mm ATR. This combination enhanced not only the AFV's A-T capability, but the mobility of the ATR and its crew's survivability as well. Apparently all the L3 cc were lost during the course of Operation Compass, the British counteroffensive of 12/
5. L3 Lf: Development of a flamethrower variant of the L3 (Lanciafiamme) began in 1935. The flame nozzle replaced one of the AFV's MG, and the FT fuel was carried in a lightly armored trailer. The design of the trailer was less than satisfactory however, and before long new versions of the L3 Lf appeared with the FT fuel carried in a shallow, box-shaped tank above the engine compartment. (But apparently not many of the new types saw action.) The L3 Lf first saw combat during April 1936, in Ethiopia. It was used in the Spanish Civil War, and later in France, the Balkans, North Africa and Italian East Africa. Examples of the L3 Lf remained in service after 1941 but apparently did not see significant combat again. Each L3 battalion was authorized one flamethrower platoon (of four L3 Lf) per L3 company; however, the cavalry's squadron groups did not use the FT version. It is not known how many L3 Lf were built, but it was the most numerous L3 variant. One example of the trailered version captured by the British was sent to England for evaluation, and probably was the inspiration for the Churchill Crocodile.
6. L6/
7. M11/
8. M13/
9. M14/41: This tank, which entered production in the latter half of 1941, was actually the M13/
10. M15/42: This, the last version of the M13 series, was slightly longer than the preceding models and featured a higher velocity gun, more powerful engine and improved armor. 112 were built before production was switched to the Semovente M42 da 75/
11. MR/
12. Semoventi M40 & M41 da 75/
13. Semoventi M42 da 75/
14. Semovente M43 da 105/
15. Semovente L40 da 47/
16. Semovente M41M da 90/53: This AFV consisted of the 90mm AA gun mounted on the rear of a lengthened M14/41 hull and chassis, with the engine moved forward from the rear of the vehicle to a central position. It was hurriedly designed and put into production in early 1942 but, due to the large gun's over-stressing the chassis and engine, its manufacture was halted after only 30 of the vehicles ordered had been completed. Another drawback was its lack of space for ammo stowage, only six rounds being carried on the SMV; consequently it was accompanied into action by a turretless L6/
17. AS 42, AS 42 aa & AS 42 cc: The AS 42 (AS stands for Autosahariana) was derived from the AB 41 armored car but, unlike the latter, was unarmored and lacked a rear driving position. Designed specifically for long-range reconnaissance in North Africa, it had an excellent cross-country range of almost 500 miles. It was also known as the Camionetta Desertica mod. 42 (Desert Weapons Carrier model 1942), and was nicknamed la Sahariana (the Saharan). Its armament varied, so three different versions have been included in the game. AS 42 saw action in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. After the armistice some were used by the Fascist Italians, and by the Germans (including on the Eastern Front and in the Battle of the Bulge). In all, about 200 were built.
18. Lince: The Lince (Lynx) was a close copy of the British Daimler "Dingo" scout car. It was first considered in 1941, and was accepted for service at the end of March 1943. Production, however, did not start until 1944; hence all went to the Germans, who handed over some to the Fascist Italians. It was used for reconnaissance and liaison. 263 chassis were built, but only 129 vehicles were completed.
19. Lancia 1ZM: In late 1912 Italy became the first nation to use armored cars in true war operations, when several fought in North Africa during the Italo-Turkish conflict. Later, in 1915, the Lancia 1Z appeared; then in 1917 came the lZM, derived from the 1Z. Both Lancia types saw action in WWI. In 1928 the 1ZMs' MG were replaced by more modern types. Afterwards, 1ZM were used by the Italians from 1937 in the Spanish Civil War, in the conquest of Ethiopia in 1935-36, and later in Italian East Africa. Some were also exported to China in 1937. A squadron comprised six cars; a section two. Each 1ZM was equipped with special rails to enable it to drive through and cut wire.
20. Fiat 611A & 611B: These armored cars, sometimes also referred to as AB 611 or AB 34, were built on the chassis of Fiat 6x4 military trucks. The 611A had two MG in the front of the turret, while the 611B carried a medium-velocity 37mm gun instead. Both types had a MG in the rear of the turret and another in the rear hull. Fiat 611 were used operationally in the 1935-36 conquest of Ethiopia and later in Italian East Africa. A total of 46 were built.
21. AB 40 & AB 41: These two automotively advanced designs filled the requirement for modern AC in the Italian Army. They featured a 4x4 layout with four-wheel steering and fully independent suspension, freely rotating spare wheels (midway along the sides of the hull) to help prevent "bellying" when crossing obstacles, and a rear driving position. The AB 40 carried two coaxial MG in the turret and a third MG in the rear of the superstructure; the AB 41 had a 20mm gun in place of one turret MG, as well as an increase in engine horsepower. 24 AB 40 and about 560 AB 41 were built. They were issued to the reconnaissance units of armored, motorized and cavalry divisions, and were also used in independent recon companies and platoons. An AB platoon comprised four such vehicles. The AB 40 was apparently used only in North Africa, while the AB 41 saw action on all major fronts (including 30 sent to Russia). The Germans confiscated 37 completed AB 41 plus another 20 in production. They also seized prototypes of the AB 43, a new model with a larger turret, 47mm gun and more powerful engine. After ordering certain modifications (including a reversion to the 20mm gun), they had 102 of this type built for them, which they designated AB 41/43.
22. Autoprotetto S37: This APC was based on the AS 37 truck, which in turn derived from the TL 37 AS, the desertized version of the TL 37 artillery tractor. The S37 was not intended as a carrier for armored infantry, but rather as a battlefield command/
23. Autocannoni da 20/
24. Autocannoni da 75/
25. TL 37, TM 40 & TP 32: From about 1926 the Italians produced various light, medium and heavy prime movers (which they called tractors) specifically for towing artillery. Three of the more common models were, respectively, the Fiat-Spa Trattore Leggero 37 and Trattore Medio 40, and the Breda Trattrice Pesante 32. All were 4 x 4 vehicles with large, oversize wheels and four-wheel steering (the latter to make them more maneuverable on narrow mountain roads). Most also had fully independent suspension. By 1942 the TL 37 was the authorized divisional-artillery prime mover for Italian units in North Africa. The TP 32 also represents other less common artillery tractors built in the early and mid 1930s. After September 1943, Italian artillery tractors were used by the Germans in Italy and elsewhere in Europe.
26. Autocarretta: As the portee method of transporting light guns lost favor, certain types of light trucks were produced/
27. Fiat 508 MC: Derived from the civilian Fiat 1100, the 508 MC (Militare Coloniale) was one of the more common field cars used by the Italians. Of 4x2 configuration, it was produced in large numbers and several different variants. However, its use was limited mainly to HQ units (e.g., a normal infantry regiment was authorized only one-for the regimental CO). In German service it was designated the 1100 Mil. The AAMG version actually represents the Furgone-a conversion of the 508 to somewhat the equivalent of a modern-day "mini-pickup" truck-with twin Fiat MG mounted on it. About 50 Furgoni were thusly armed, and were used for the AA defense of convoys in North Africa. ERRATA: Counters "C" and "D" should have "cs 2" on the back, not "CS 2".
The optional AAMG (i.e., the Furgone version) has a 1.4 RF, but is available only for 1942-43 scenarios set in North Africa. It may fire only at a target that lies within its VCA - as signified by "MG:VCA only" on the counter. It may not be Removed, but may be Scrounged as one or two LMG. The Furgone has no Passenger capacity.
28. Autocarri L, M & P: The Italian Army possessed many diverse types and makes of trucks, and for this reason the game pieces generically represent the light (Leggero), medium (Medio) and heavy (Pesante) classes. The payload capacity and minimum top speed of the latter two were standardized in 1937, but otherwise the manufacturers were largely free to use whatever engines, tires, etc. they wished. This, along with the existence of many vehicles produced prior to the standardization policy, caused no end of problems with spare parts. Italy began the war with some 42,000 vehicles (excluding cars and motorcycles), and through mid 1943 produced about 108,000 cars, trucks and artillery tractors. Generally speaking, motor transport was in short supply at all levels throughout the war. 
Efforts were made to keep at least the forces in North Africa and Russia at full establishment, but production could not keep up with losses despite receiving Opel Blitz and French Citroen trucks from the Germans. Even pressing into service as much captured British transport as possible could not greatly alleviate the transport shortage in Africa. Aside from a few specialized types, the Italians generally did not use trucks to tow their artillery.
ITALIAN MULTI-APPLICABLE VEHICLE NOTES