Italy's Autoblinda AB 40, AB 41, and AB 43 armored cars

Photos

Autoblinda AB 41 armored car:

Autoblinda AB 41 armored car:

Autoblinda AB 41 armored car:

Autoblinda AB 41 armored car, on patrol through a village in North Africa:

Autoblinda AB 43 armored car

Design

The requirements for a new armored car for the Italian Colonial Police and the Italian Cavalry were combined into one specification.^3,4,5

The four wheel steering did cause problems for the Autoblindas.⁴ There were two drivers in the crew as there were positions in the front and the rear that could drive the Autoblinda.^3,4

Wheels

The Autoblindas could be outfitted with extra wide sand tires for used in North Africa.^4,5

There were also kits that could allow the Autoblindas to ride on railroad tracks.^3,4 These could be changed in 30 minutes by the crew.⁴ These were primarily used in anti-partisan patrols in the Balkans.³

Prototype

The first Autoblinda prototype appeared in 1939.³

Production

Production started in 1940 with the AB 40.^3,4 These were the most produced Italian armored car in World War II.⁴

• AB 40: 24
• AB 41: 550
  • Manufacturer: Ansaldo²
• AB 43:

Variants

• AB 40: Initial production model.³ Initially had two machine guns in the turret, one of which was facing to the rear.^3,4 A few had a 20 mm gun in the turret.³
• AB 41: Turret from L6/40 was used.^3,5 Was 4-wheeled drive. 25% of the vehicles had a mount for an anti-aircraft gun.³
• AB 43: This was to mount a 47 mm gun but was never put into production.
• ??: One that had no turret and was used as a command vehicle or artillery observation post.

Usage

Autoblinda 41

The Autoblinda 41 was used in North Africa, the Soviet Union, Italy, and Hungary.

Anti Partisan

The Autoblinda 41s were used widely in the Balkans against partisans.⁵

German Captured Use

• Panzerspähwagen AB41 201(i): 37 (57⁴) confiscated from Italian Army in September 1943.^2,4 20 (120⁴) more were produced.^2,4 Later models had a new motor installed and were called the AB41/43.² This had a 108 HP engine, could go 81 kph, and go 350 km.²

Specifications