The CKD/Praga TNH Light Tank aka PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S

The CKD/Praga TNH Light Tank aka PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S

The TNH was a light tank developed by Czech Firm CKD during the 1930’s as a private venture. 50 were exported to Iran and 90 for Sweden, however theirs were awaiting delivery and seized by Germany when it invaded Czechoslovakia. Germany captured Czech LT-38 medium tanks and were converted to meet German requirements and re-designated the PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf A. The 90 for Sweden were also converted and designated the PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S.

After the takeover of Czechoslovakia, Germany ordered continued production of the model as it was considered an excellent tank, especially compared to the Panzer I and Panzer II tanks that were the Panzerwaffe’s main tanks. It was first introduced into German service under the name LTM 38; this was changed on 16 January 1940 to Panzerkampfwagen 38(t); the 38(t) was used by the German Army as a substitute for the Panzer III.

The small turret of the Panzer 38(t) was incapable of carrying a gun big enough to destroy more modern tanks such as T-34, so manufacturing of the tank version ceased in June 1942. Production of tanks for Germany continued into 1942, and amounted to more than 1,400 examples. Examples of the 38(t) were also sold to a number of German allies, including Hungary (102), Slovakia (69), Romania (50), and Bulgaria (10).

The CKD/Praga TNH Light Tank aka PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S Specifications

Armaments: 37mm Main Gun & x2 7.92mm MG’s
Armour: 25mm steel plate
Crew: 3
Dimensions: Length 4.51m / Width 2.08m / Height 2.3m
Weight: 8.2 tonne
Engine: Praga TNHVP OHV 6-Cylinder 125bhp Petrol
Top Road Speed: 38km/h
Range: 200 km