Source: http://yuripasholok.livejournal.com/4306033.html
Hello everyone,
Yuri Pasholok posted another bit of info on the French vehicles, that we will see in the game. This time, it’s the Somua S40. By April 1939, the requirements for the modernization of the Somua S35 cavalry tank were laid down. The vehicle, that was to be based on them, was proposed to be mass-produced from October 1940. The requirements mentioned an overhaul of the hull and the suspension, but other changes were connected with the planned production of the CAM 2 (Somua SAu 40) self-propelled gun, which was 3 tons heavier than the S35.
By the end of 1939, a prototype of the tank, recieving the factory designation of AC 5 (later recieving the name Somua S40), was made. Apart from the improved suspension, the vehicle also had a modified hull, based on the model used in the development of the SAu 40 SPG, as well as in the building of a 20 ton medium tank for the G1 program. One more new thing was the engine with its power improved to 220 hp at 2000 RPM (at 2200 RPM, the power actually peaked to 230 hp). The tank would weigh 20 tons and the engine would give it a rather good power-to-weight ratio of 11,5 hp/t, which is 1,5 hp/t more than the one of Somua S35. Its maximum speed was increased to 45 km/h.
As was written in an earlier article, the first 80 Somua S40 tanks were supposed to be equipped with APX 1 CE turrets (the same ones Somua S35 used). Nevertheless, even the first prototype was also tested not only with a new, boxy turret mount mockup, but also with the new ARL 2C turret mockup (welded instead of cast). By the way, not only a mockup was made of that turret, a real metal prototype was built as well (same goes for the hull). The first S40 hull was built in January 1940 in the Creusot plant, by April it was two more and by May, yet 5 more were assembled. As such, the plan to start the mass-production by July 1940 was completely realistical. However, because of the German invasion, it was all over as early as mid-June 1940.
This is the Somua S40 with S35 (APX 1 CE) turret, the first 80 tanks were supposed to look like this:
Comparing the hulls (original drawings, S35 above, S40 below)
So Sau40 wasn’t a slow POS IRL. Fuck WG.
It’s pretty close. Should be a bit more mobile (like S35, really, they are switched around in mobility), but probably by not so much like you imagine…
It have less hp/t than a KV-1 irl mind you.
has*
Isn’t that bad, considering it’s post-WWII
Pre-WWII*
It isn’t*
As such, the plan to start the mass-production by July 1940 was completely realistical. However, because of the German invasion, it was all over as early as mid-June 1940.
Sounds Pre-WWII to me
*EARLY World War II.
hp/t is not everything in therms of speed/acceleration/handling
Sau? the Warpig? My warpiggy likes to gore out the t4-5 =3
It’s not as bad as most ppl claim. turns preety fast on max engine and 100%+clutch. the 105mm is decent-fast. the 75mm is a bane for lights. only problem is the bigass wart on top but guess that makes the SaU a War Warthog, eh? =D
why do I get this feeling that the Somua’s gonna be the Matilda II’s rival when it comes to tanks that have craptons of armor and poent guns as well?
Well… it’s got 40 mm armor all around instead of 75 mm and about 70 mm pen instead of 121 mm, I doubt it will be a rival.