Swedish Tanks

List of Tanks in the Swedish Army

The names of the Swedish tanks begin with "Stridsvagn" (tank) followed by its designation. • Renault FT, 1 in Swedish service 1922 – 1926 • Stridsvagn m/1921, 10 in Swedish service 1922 – 1934 • Stridsvagn m/1921-29, 5 in Swedish service 1930 – 1939 (converted Stridsvagn m/21) • Stridsvagn fm/1928, 1 in Swedish service 1926 - 1936 • Tankette m/Carden-Loyd (Mk V), 1 in Swedish service 1931- 1939 • Tankette m/Carden-Loyd (Mk VI), 1 in Swedish service 1931 – 1939 • Stridsvagn m/1931, 3 in Swedish service 1935- 1940 • Stridsvagn fm/1931, 1 in Swedish service 1935 – 1940 • Stridsvagn m/1937, 48 in Swedish service 1937 - 1953 • Stridsvagn m/1938 (L-60), 16 in Swedish service 1938 – 1957 • Stridsvagn m/1939 (L-60), 20 in Swedish service 1941 - 1957 • Stridsvagn m/1940L (L-60), 100 in Swedish service 1941 - 1957 • Stridsvagn m/1940K (L-60), 80 in Swedish service 1944 - 1960 • Stridsvagn m/1941, 116 + 104 in Swedish service 1942 – 1960? • Stridsvagn m/1942, 282 in Swedish service 1943 - 1955 • Stridsvagn 74, 225 in Swedish service 1958 – 1984 (converted Strv m/1942) • Stridsvagn 81, 240 (80 + 160) in Swedish service 1953 – 1966 • Stridsvagn 101, 102 and 104; in Swedish service 1959 - 2000 • Stridsvagn 103, 290 in Swedish service 1967 – 2001 • Stridsvagn 121 and 122

Stridsvagn m/1942 (Lago)

Stridsvagn m/1942 is a Swedish tank designed and manufactured by Swedish company AB Landsverk in the early 1940s. A total of 282 tanks were produced from April 1943 to January 1945. Stridsvagn m/1942 was originally available in four variants in three different designs, but an armored recovery vehicle was also built and an armored bridge-laying vehicle was tested. In parallel with the 1942 Defense Act, an armor committee began work on proposals for the type of tanks the new armored troops would have. The committee recommended that in addition to 10-ton tanks, heavier tanks with a maximum total weight of 22 tons should also be acquired. They were to be armed with a 75 mm gun and with frontal protection equivalent to 60 mm armor-piercing steel. In June 1941, the Royal Swedish Army Material Administration (Swe: Kungliga Arméförvaltningen, KAF) authorized the acquisition of 160 medium tanks. Landsverk proposed a completely new tank for the armed forces of 22 tons equipped with a newly designed turret with the short 75 mm tank gun from Bofors. The image shows Stridsvagn m/1942 during an exercise during WWII. Image: Krigsarkivet. The Swedish tank was given the designation Stridsvagn m/1942 and was manufactured with a reinforced chassis that was larger in both length and width. In November 1941 the first order for Stridsvagn m/1942 was placed with AB Landsverk. The contract was for 100 tanks out of the 160 authorized. The tanks were equipped with two Scania-Vabis truck engines, each of 160 hp. They were also fitted with an electromagnetic gearbox from the German Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen (ZF), originally designed for use in rail buses. This configuration gave Stridsvagn m/1942 the additional designation TM (T = twin-engined and M = electromagnetic gearbox), i.e. Stridsvagn m/1942 TM. The remaining 60 tanks were ordered in January 1942. As Landsverk had no more production capacity, this order went to Volvo. The contract with Volvo resulted in two more versions of the Stridsvagn m/1942. There were 55 tanks with the additional designation TH (twin- engines from Scania-Vabis with a hydro-mechanical gearbox) and 5 tanks with the additional designation EH (single engine, the new A8B of 410 hp from Volvo, and a larger and improved hydro- mechanical gearbox). Under the Defense Act of 1942, 122 additional m/1942 tanks were ordered in June 1942. As with the previous order for the tank m/1942, it was divided between AB Landsverk and Volvo. From Landsverk 70 Stridsvagn m/1942 TH and 10 EH were ordered. From Volvo 42 Stridsvagn m/1942 EH were ordered. In total, 282 Strv m/1942 were produced. There were 100 m/1942 TM, 125 TH, and 57 EH. The deliveries of Stridsvagn m/1942 took place between April 1943 and January 1945. Stridsvagn m/1942 had some initial problems. The new Volvo A8B engine from Volvo was in itself problematic, but it was the undersized electromagnetic gearbox in the TM version that was the big problem. The inadequate electromagnetic gearbox in the m/1942 TM meant that all 100 TM tanks produced were progressively modified. 70 of these were fitted with a new mechanical gearbox and were subsequently re-designated Stridsvagn m/1942 TV. The remaining 30 m/1942 ™ tanks were converted to Stridsvagn m/1942 TH. This increased the number of tanks of the TH variant to 155. 26 tanks out of the ordered variants of the tank m/1942 were modified into battle command vehicles. In these vehicles, a 70W radio station was mounted in the space for the machine gun to the right of the driver. Variants of Stridsvagn m/1942: 1. Stridsvagn m/1942 TM: twin-engine and electromagnetic gearbox. 100 produced 1943- 1944. 2. Stridsvagn m/1942 TH: twin-engine, each with a hydraulic gearbox. 125 produced in 1944 + 30 converted TM tanks, 155 in total. 3. Stridsvagn m/1942 EH: single engine and hydraulic gearbox. 57 produced 1944-45. 4. Stridsvagn m/1942 TV: twin-engine, each with a mechanical gearbox. 70 converted TM tanks in 1948. When Stridsvagn m/1942 was developed it was quite comparable to other contemporary tanks, it had good firepower and good protection. But over time, the firepower that the tank's 75 mm gun could provide proved inadequate. In the mid-1950s, Stridsvagn 81 (Centurion) replaced the now old Stridsvagn m/1942 in the heavy companies of the armored brigades. However, Stridsvagn m/1942 lived on in various new guises. Between 1957 and 1960, all 225 tanks of the twin-engined variants of Stridsvagn m/1942, i.e. the TH and TV variants, were rebuilt as Stridsvagn 74. The 57 tanks of the single-engine Stridsvagn m/1942 EH were simultaneously converted into Infantry combat vehicle 73 (Swe: Infanterikanonvagn 73). When the Stridsvagn m/1942 and Infantry combat vehicle 73 were finally decommissioned, the gun turrets were used as part of the coastal defense. These turrets were designated Värntorn 4A and 4B. Specifications m/1942: • Crew 4 (Commander, driver, gunner, and loader) • In Swedish service 1943 – 1955 (Ikv 73 till 1965,) • Mass 22.5 ton • Main armament 1 x 75 mm gun • Secondary armament 4 x machine gun 8 mm m/39 strv • Length 6.22 m • Width 2.34 m • Height 2.58 m • Armor 9 – 55 mm • Max. speed 42 km/h (TM, TH, EH), 45 km/h (TV) • Engine: 2 x Scania-Vabis, L 603/l, 2 x 160 hp (TM, TH, TV) • Engine EH: 1 x Volvo, A8B, 380 hp • Transmission Electromagnetic gearbox (TM), hydraulic (TH, EH), mechanical (TV) • Fuel Petrol • Numbers, Sweden: In total: 225. • TM: 100 (later converted to 70 TV and 30 TH) • TH: 125 + 30 converted TM • EH: 57 • TV: 70 (converted TM) Images:

The mass indicated on the tanks is in metric tons. "Strv" is the Swedish military abbreviation of Stridsvagn. To the List of Tanks in the Swedish Army

Related Links

• Tanks - Home page • Tanks, page-2 • Tanks, page-4 • Combat Vehicles, page-1 • Uniforms of the Armored Troops • Unit designation listing of the Swedish armored troops • Uniforms of the Swedish Army, 1900s • Sweden’s Military Preparedness 1939 - 1945 • Military Images, Sweden, 1939 - 1945 • Swedish Military Aircraft

Source References

1. Svensk PansarHistorisk Förening 2. Pansar by Rickard O. Lindström 3. Arsenalen, militärt fordonsmuseum, Tank Museum, Strängnäs, Sweden 4. Armémuseum, Army Museum, Stockholm 5. Wikipedia 6. Digitaltmuseum Top of page

Stridsvagn 74

Stridsvagn 74 was a Swedish-made tank that was in service during the years 1957-1984. The 74H variant was in service until 1984. In the early 1950s (1953?), each new tank model was assigned a tank number as a designation instead of the previous model year. The very last digit is a serial number for the model in question while the first digit or two reflects the caliber of the tank gun in cm. For example, Stridsvagn 74, where 7 means that the tank has a gun with a caliber of 7 cm (more precisely 7.5 cm). In this case, the four in 74 means that the tank was the fourth Swedish tank project. Stridsvagn 74 is a converted Stridsvagn m/1942 with a new turret. Stridsvagn m/1942 no longer had the firepower required to fight enemy tanks. The solution was a newly developed turret that was placed on the old chassis of Stridsvagn m/1942. New armament was installed and it consisted of the Bofors 7.5 cm high-velocity gun m/1936-1937 which was being phased out in the Anti-aircraft Defense. Its long gun barrel length would give the tank the firepower it needed. The old towers of the tank m/1942 were then used as fortification towers for coastal defense. It was the twin-engined Stridsvagn m/1942 TM and TH that were rebuilt (155 of the TH and 70 of the TV) and their chassis and engines were reused in the rebuilt tanks. The image shows Stridsvagn 74, no 708, Södermanland Regiment, P 10. Photo: Per-Olof Rosén 1974. Image: Arsenalen, ID: ARSF.000157. A new, much larger, and more modern turret was designed for the converted tanks with a steeply sloping front. A VW engine was installed in the rear of the turret, which supplied power to the gun sight, heating system, and ventilation system via a 6 kW generator. Furthermore, the tank was equipped with 65 mm wider tracks, which significantly increased its off-road mobility. The total power of the two engines was increased to 340 hp (2 x 170) on the converted tanks. The communication radio equipment consisted of three separate radio sets; Ra 400 for external communications, Ra 121 for intra-battalion communications, and Ra 130 for infantry communications. Local communication in the tank between the crew members was carried out using throat microphones and headphones. Series production of the Stridsvagn74 began in early 1957. Stridsvagn 74 was available in two variants, the H- variant (Stridsvagn 74 H) which was the converted Stridsvagn m/1942 TH with a 2-speed hydraulic gearbox, and the V-variant (Stridsvagn 74 V) with a 5- speed mechanical gearbox. The Stridsvagn 74 was narrow with a tall silhouette but otherwise had a good performance. Deliveries of the 225 Stridsvagn m/1942s converted to Stridsvagn 74s took place in 1957-1960. Stridsvagn 74 was part of the armored brigades, with 48 tanks per brigade, until 1967 when deliveries of Stridsvagn103 (also known as Stridsvagn "S") began. Thereafter, Stridsvagn 74 was transferred to independent corps tank companies. The tank then completed its service career in the infantry brigades' assault gun companies. Stridsvagn 74 V was withdrawn from the war organization in 1981, while Stridsvagn 74 H was used for another 3 years. Finally, after Stridsvagn 74 was decommissioned, the gun turrets were deployed in fixed concrete defense bulwarks at ports and along the coast designated Värntorn 74. Specifications Stridsvagn 74: • Crew 4 • In Swedish service 1958 – 1984 • Mass 26 ton • Main armament 1 x 75 mm gun strv 74 • Secondary armament 2 x machine gun 8 mm m/39 B strv • Length 6.08 m • Width 2.43 m • Height 3.30 m • Armor 9 – 55 mm • Max. speed 45 km/h • Engines 2 x Scania-Vabis 607, 2 x 170 hp • Transmission Hydraulic (74 H), mechanical (74 V) • Fuel Petrol • Numbers, Sweden 225 Images

Stridsvagn 81 (Centurion)

Stridsvagn 81, i.e. the Centurion, was a British tank, which was produced during the years 1946-1962. After the Second World War, the Royal Swedish Army Material Administration (KAF) carried out a study that recommended the 50-ton British Centurion Mk III tank with an 8.4 cm gun. However, Britain could not deliver such a tank until their own needs were met, which was estimated to take five to fifteen years. Sweden, therefore, tested the French 15-ton AMX-13 tank, among others, but the Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces (ÖB) General Nils Swedlund, preferred a heavier tank. In December 1952, however, the UK changed its mind and at the end of 1952/1953, Minister of Defense Torsten Nilsson decided to buy Centurion for the Swedish armed forces. An order for 80 Centurion Mk IIIs was signed in January 1953 and the first tanks arrived on 2 May 1953 when they were taken from British mobilization stocks. In Sweden, the Centurion tanks were designated Stridsvagn 81. The armor protection was 150 mm frontally in the turret and superior to most of the contemporary competitors. The image shows Stridsvagn 81 (Centurion) at Skaraborg Regiment P 4, 1996. Image: Garnisonsmuseet Skaraborg, ID: GMSF.010887. In 1955, 160 Centurion Mark Vs (also with an 8.4 cm gun) were purchased to upgrade the armored brigades. Both the Mk III and Mk V were made in British Imperial inch dimensions, including the instrumentation. This tank had, among other things, a new gun barrel (type B) with a gunpowder gas ejector. The first Stridsvagn 81s lacked communication radio but were later fitted with the Ra 121, Ra 130, and Ra 400 radio sets. As time went by, an intercommunication system was introduced, which enabled conversations between crew members. In 1958 it was decided to purchase 110 Centurion Mk X with a 10.5 cm gun, which were delivered in 1959 - 1960. It had the metric system for measurements and screws as well as the instrumentation. In Sweden, this tank was designated Stridsvagn 101. See below. During the period 1964-1966 all Centurion Mark III and V were rebuilt and received the same 10.5 cm gun as Stridsvagn 101. The rebuilt tanks were then given the new designation Stridsvagn 102. Stridsvagn 102 was equipped with new communication radio equipment and now had two Ra 421's. This was also the case in Stridsvagn 101. At this time, radio helmets were also introduced for the crews. Specifications Stridsvagn 81: • Crew 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) • In Swedish service 1953 – 1966 • Mass 50 ton • Main armament 1 x 8,4 cm gun • Secondary armament 2 x machine gun 8 mm • Length 7.55 m (9.62 m incl. gun barrel) • Width 3.37 m • Height 2.94 m • Armor – 155 mm • Max. speed 35 km/h • Engine Rolls Royce Mk4B, 650 hp • Fuel Petrol • Numbers, Sweden 240 (80 Mk III + 160 Mk V) Images

Stridsvagn 101, 102 and 104 (Centurion)

Stridsvagn 101: In 1958 it was decided to purchase 110 Centurion Mk X tanks with a 10.5 cm gun, which were delivered in 1959 - 1960. In Sweden, this tank was designated Stridsvagn 101. Between 1959 and 1960, 110 Centurion Mk X tanks were delivered to Sweden with gyro-stabilized 10.5 cm tank gun, better front armor (120 mm armor steel instead of 76 mm), larger fuel tank, etc., and as the tanks were newly manufactured for Sweden, the instrumentation was in metric units as were the screw threads. This was the first tank with a caliber over 10 cm in Sweden. The improved gyro- stabilization of the piece in elevation and sideways enabled hits when firing while underway. A small 8 hp Morris engine was fitted in the engine compartment to drive a 3,000 W power plant and a ventilation fan for overpressure in the battle compartment. Furthermore, the turret was equipped with a floor that prevented the loader from "running along" with the turret's movements. In the early 1980s, Stridsvagn 101 underwent a so- called REMO (refurbishment and modification) and was given the suffix R, i.e. Stridsvagn 101R. The renovation of Stridsvagn101 was completed in 1983 and the tank was given an extended service life until 1990. Stridsvagn 102: To bring the older Stridsvagn 81 to the same standard as the newly purchased Stridsvagn 101, these tanks underwent a modernization program. Between 1964 and 1966, all 240 Stridsvagn 81s were modified and fitted with a 10.5 cm cannon, a new ammunition rack, and equipped with two new Ra 421 radio sets (incl. Stridsvagn 101 too) and given the new designation Stridsvagn 102. At this time, tele-helmets were also introduced for the crews. In the early 1980s, Stridsvagn 102 underwent a REMO (refurbishment and modification) and was given the suffix R, i.e. Stridsvagn 102R. Part of this was extra armor to achieve the same protection as Stridsvagn 101 and reactive armor with an increased level of protection. The modifications of the 101/102 tanks in the early 1980s included the addition of night vision equipment, a targeting computer, and a new sight with a laser range-finder. As an additional protective measure, all tanks were fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA) on the chassis and turrets. This extended the technical service life until 1995. Reactive armor is steel plates filled with explosives that are attached to the outside of ordinary armor. Reactive armor is a means of protection against weapons with shaped charges. Stridsvagn 104: In the early 1980s, it was necessary to refurbish the oldest Centurion tanks (Stridsvagn 102), which were the most worn. In 1984-1986, 80 Stridsvagn 102 tanks underwent a REMO. They consisted of 24 tanks from the 1953 delivery and 56 from the 1955 delivery. At the same time, these tanks were equipped with a new diesel engine and automatic gearbox for considerably increased mobility. These modified tanks were then designated Stridsvagn 104. With the Stridsvagn 104 upgrade, the technical life of these tanks was extended to the year 2000. The image shows a Stridsvagn 104 with ERA (explosive reactive armor) on the chassis and turret. Photo in 1994. Image: Garnisonsmuseet Skaraborg, ID: GMSF.009812.