World War II Database

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseIn Feb 1932, the Soviet Union purchased British Vickers-Carden-Loyd Light Amphibious Tanks. After investigation, the British design inspired the T-37A design, which entered production in 1933, becoming the first mass-produced fully amphibious tanks in the world. Even though T-37A amphibious tanks were supposed to replace the older T-27 tankettes, the Soviet decision to keep both models in production at the No. 37 Plant named after N. Kozyrev in Moscow, Russia created problems, which were not equipped to maintain two distinct product lines. In the first half of 1933, only 30 examples were built (compared to the planned 255); in the second half of the year, 96 examples were built, which was still far below expectations. A change of management at No. 37 Plant in mid-1934, coupled with the start of T-37A production at the Izhorsky Plant in Leningrad, Russia and at subcontractor plants, finally increased production numbers, albeit at the cost of introducing wide variations between the vehicles produced at different locations. Production ceased in 1936 when the T-37A design was superseded by the T-38 design; between 1933 and 1936, about 1,200 examples were built. At the opening chapter of the European War, a large number of in-service T-37A amphibious tanks participated in the invasion of Poland, generally serving as reconnaissance vehicles and communications vehicles, and at times seeing combat as mobile machine gun platforms providing cover fire for advancing infantry. Many of them also served in Finland during the Winter War. They declined in numbers rapidly during the German invasion of 1941 as they were overrun by rapidly advancing German spearheads. As they had become obsolete by then, those surviving T-37A tanks were relegated to training and auxiliary defense roles in various parts of the Soviet Union.

T-37A Timeline

SPECIFICATIONS

T-37A

Machinery	GAZ-AA 3.3L 4cyl inline engine rated at 40hp
Suspension	Coil sprung bogie
Armament	1x7.62mm DT machine gun (585 rounds)
Armor	3-9mm
Crew	2
Length	3.75 m
Width	2.10 m
Height	1.82 m
Weight	3.2 t
Speed	35 km/h
Range	185 km

Photographs