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AH-IV


R-1 | Strv m/37


Overview

R-1

Romanian service R-1 tankette, known as AH-IV-R by the manufacturer.
Source: www.tankarchives.com - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Czechoslovakia
Type
Tankette
Entered service
1936
Status
Out of service
Development
1935 - 1937
Developer
Czechoslovakia - ČKD
Production
1936 - 1937 (AH-IV-P)
1936 - 1938 (R-1)
1938 - 1939 (Strv m/37)
1949 - 1950 (AH-IV-Hb)
Producer
Czechoslovakia - ČKD
Sweden - Jungner, Oskarshamn (46 pcs)
Romania - Malaxa (1 pc)
Unit cost
GBP 1.629 for AH-IV-P in 1938
SEK 42.240 for Strv m/37
$ 26.750 for AH-IV-Hb in 1948
Number produced
50 AH-IV-P
36 R-1
48 Strv m/37
20 AH-IV-Hb
Designations
RH (Iranian service)
Strv m/37 (Swedish service)
Carul de recunoaștere R-1 (Romanian service)
Notable users
Iran
Romania
Sweden
Ethiopa

Variants

AH-IV-P

Original model, exported to Iran. Armed with ZB-35 heavy and ZB-26 light machine gun.

AH-IV-R

Romanian model. Local name R-1.

AH-IV-Sv

Swedish model. Local name Strv m/37. A 85 hp Volvo engine is fitted and the vehicle is a bit longer than the other AH-IV models. The armor is thicker up to 15 mm and was cast locally in Sweden. There is no bow machine gun, but two 8mm Ksp m/36 machine guns are installed in the turret, which is taller due to an observation cupola. The Strv m/37 is the only AH-IV variant with a radio.

AH-IV-Hb

Ethiopian model. Post World War 2 production akin to the original design with newer engine. This is the only model with welded steel armor. Armament consists of ZB-37 and ZB-26 machine guns. This vehicle was used in numerous conflicts and used until the mid 1980's.

Details

Facts AH-IV-P R-1 (AH-IV-R) Strv m/37 (AH-IV-Sv) AH-IV-Hb
General
Origin
Czechoslovakia
Type
Tankette
Crew
2 (driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
3.5 t
Length
3.2 m
Width
1.7 m
Height
1.67 m
Main armament
Type
7.92mm ZB-35 heavy machine gun
Mount
Main gun in one man turret
Ammunition
3.700 rounds in total
Traverse
360°, manual (estimate)
Secondary armament
Type
7.92mm ZB-26 light machine gun
Mount
Bow mount on the right side of the hull
Ammunition
3.700 rounds in total, 20 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse over forward arc
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 4 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Ground pressure
0.45 kg/cm²
Suspension
Leaf spring
Automotive
Engine model
Praga RH
(46 hp Praga AH engine in prototype)
Engine type
3.47 Liter 6-cylinder water-cooled petrol
Power output
55 hp at 2.500 rpm
Transmission
Praga-Wilson preselector gearbox
4 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
70 L (estimate)
Mobility
Speed
40 km/h on road
20 km/h off road
Range
150 km
Power to weight ratio
15.7 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.35 m
Wall
0.5 m
Trench
1.5 m
Fording
0.8 m
Protection
Armor type
Rivited steel
Armor thickness
5 to 10 mm
Equipment
Radio
No

Media

Armament

ZB-53

All AH-IV, except the Swedish model, were armed with the 7.92mm ZB-53 heavy machine gun, both the 1935 and later the 1937 model.

Read more about ZB-53

ZB-26

All AH-IV, except the Swedish model, were armed with the 7.92mm ZB-26 light machine gun as secondary armament.

Read more about ZB-26

Browning M1919

The Swedish Strv m/37 was armed with two 8mm m/36 machine guns in the turret. These are a derivative of the Browning M1919 design.

Read more about Browning M1919