World War II Database

Contributor: Alan Chanter

ww2dbaseThe Italian motor industry had gained considerable experience in creating vehicles suitable for desert use due largely to their longer commitment in their African colonies. One such vehicle was the Fiat-Spa TL 37 light artillery tractor which was selected after winning a design competition between SPA (Società Piemontese Automobili, a subsidiary of Fiat) and Breda Meccanica Bresciana. The TL 37 entered service with the Italian military in 1938 as one of a number of related Fiat-SPA models built on the same chassis (such as the AS 37 light truck and the SPA S37 and SPA AS43 armoured cars); some being fitted with open truck-type bodies with enclosed cab or with different types of steel or spoked wheels with detachable rims and solid rubber tyres). The TL 37 was powered by a 4,053-cubic centimetre four-cylinder petrol engine driving a five forward and one reverse gearbox to both axles. Steering was on all four wheels (allowing a 4.5-metre turning circle) or just the front by selection. In the desert the canvas top was typically kept up to provide the crew with some protection from the sun, It could tow artillery pieces of 75-millimetre and 100-millimetre at a road speed of 40 kilometres per hour while carrying a five gun-crew in addition to the driver and 250 kilograms of artillery ammunition. It was also able to climb a 40-degree slope. A self-propelled gun variant was also built in small numbers, armed with a 75/27 cannon in the hull. After the Italian Armistice in 1943, the TL 37 continued to be used by German forces and was also purchased by Hungary. Post-war, it remained in service with the Italian Navy until 1948. A total of 2,267 of these artillery tractors would be produced.

SPECIFICATIONS

TL 37

Machinery	One Fiat 18T1 4cyl 4,053cc petrol engine rated at 57 bhp
Suspension	Wheeled 4x4
Crew	6
Length	4.13 m
Width	1.83 m
Height	2.18 m
Weight	3.6 t
Speed	38 km/h
Range	170 km

Photographs