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The Lancia

Based on the Lancia IZ Truck, the IZ armored car was an advanced design for it's day. For firepower the vehicle was equipped with a turret mounted machine gun and a further small turret on top with another (later models)- giving this car considerable firepower. Steel rails were added over the top tor cutting wire. Little used in WW1 due to terrain on which the Italians fought, many were sent to North Africa for police work. Total production from 1914 - 1918 was 120. After WW1 some were sent to Albania where they formed the sole armored force of the country for many years. Some were sent to Spain and used by the Italians during the Spanish Civil War. At this point they performed poorly due to being outmoted. Czechoslovakia owned 2 of these units and operated them between 1918 and 1921.

Skoda Fiat-Torino

12 units produced in 1920. The Czechs officially called them the Fiat Torino.

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Praga L

One prototype produced in 1922

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Skoda PA-I

The PA-I was a prototype. Only 2 units were built in 1923. The left picture is the wooden mock up used for demonstration prior to production. The right most picture shows the only 2 units made leading a parade of PA-II vehicles in Milovice.

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Skoda PA-II "Zelva" (Turtle)

Twelve PA-II were produced in 1924 - 25 and used by the Czechs. Two, without armor, were used for drivers training. Unofficially their name was also known as OA vz.23. Three units were sold to the Austrian Vienna Police in 1927.

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Skoda PA-II Delovy

Only one prototype produced in 1927. The vehicle was deemed as too heavy, expensive, and under powered.

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Skoda (PA-III) OA vz.27

Fifteen units plus one prototype were produced in 1929. Three units were captured by Romania in 1939 during the final breakup of Czechoslovakia. The newly created state of Slovakia inherited three. The remainder were taken by Germany in 1938.

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PA-IV

First produced in 1927, this improved verion featured a built in searchlight in the rear the the turret. Additional featured included dual controls with allowed the vehicle to be driven and steered on all four wheels. Self sealing tires were used.

Tatra Koprivnice (T-72) OA vz.30

51 vehicles were produced between 1933-34.

Vickers Mk. VI (Carden-Loyd Mk.VI)

3 vehicles were purchased in 1930. Widely exported to many countries in many different models, CKD built 3 CL-P (Carden Loyd-Praga) tankettes in license with a Praga AH engine and AN gearbox. These were rebuilt as P-I prototypes later.

Czech P-I Tankette (Tancik vz.33)

A Czech built tankette produced by Adamov Works in Brno from 1933 to 1934. The design was influenced by the Vickers Mark VIb, and the Polish TK tankette. The Adamov Tancík vz. 33 vehicles were only used by Czech border guards as the Czech army rejected this model. Some did see action against the Germans during the Slovak Uprising. A total of 70 plus 4 prototypes were produced. One prototype was sent as a gift to the Shah of Iran.

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KH-50/60/70

Following WW1 and a side trip to deliver the "M-21" to Sweden, Josef Vollmer, the former chief designer for the German War Department's motor vehicle section, came to reside in Czechoslovakia. Joining Skoda, he set to work on a wheel/track light tank. His KH-50 design had roadwheels mounted on the drive sprockets and a jockey wheel behind to keep the tracks up off the ground. Despite impressive specifications - 13mm armor, a 37mm turret mounted gun, and a 50hp engine capable of pushing the tank up to 8mph (tracks) and 22mph (wheels), it was rejected by the Czech army. However, the Czech army was impressed. The army liked the hybrid Kolohousenka wheel/track arrangement and commissioned further studies. Further designs would be the KH-60 and 70. Notable differences would be the engine power was increased to 60 and 70hp and a better system of switching between track and wheel. The left three photos are the the KH-50, the right two are of the KH-60. The middle photo is of the wheel change device. This simple ramp device allowed the track to wheel change to happen in under 10 minutes. The actual years of production and testing were 1925 - 30. During which time, 2 KH-50 prototypes were built. One was rebuilt into a KH-60 and the other scrapped. Actual production included 2 KH-60 to the USSR and 1 KH-70 to Italy. As time passed, this vehicle came to be regarded as more of an experiment rather than a military war vehicle.

Škoda MU-2

This armored vehicle was a loose copy of the Carden-Loyd. Only 1 prototype was produced. The turret could rotate only 290 degrees a serious defect for battle conditions.

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Skoda MU-4 - a.k.a S-I and T-1

The Skoda MU-4  was also known as the S-I, T-1. One prototype was produced sometime between 1932 and 1934. It appears that the name of the tankette changed with modifications over a 2 year period. The Skoda MU-4 was a two-man 'Tancik' designed by Skoda to compete against the CKD/Praga P-I 'Tancik'. It had an all-welded construction with front drive. Rejected by the Czech Army. This vehicle has survived and is now restored and viewable at the Prague Military Museum.

Skoda MU-6

The Skoda MU-6  was a prototype produced sometime 1933. Rejected by the Czech Army the unit was rebuilt in 1934 as a carrier for the 4cm Z1 dual purpose gun. Again it was rejected by the army. The reason for both times was that the chassis was considered too light for military needs.

Skoda S-I-P (after 1939 as the T-2)

The Skoda S-I-P  was built as a prototype only in 1937. Orginally developed as Skoda's own project of a reconnaissance light tank. In this form it carried a small turret meant for the ZB-60 15mm heavy machine gun. In 1939 it was modified into the pictured version shown above with one light and one heavy MG. It was modified again and retested in 1943 with a center drive sprocket. Rejected by the Czech Army and German Army.

Skoda S-I-d

The very first Skoda assualt gun prototype. The prototype was made in 1935. Rejected by the Czech Army, the prototype unit was purchased by the Waffen SS in 1940.

T-32 (Skoda S-I-d) Assault Gun

This tank was not accepted for the Czech army. Export only. See the Yugoslavia section for details.

T-3D (Skoda S-I-j) Assault Gun

In 1938 this vehicle design for Yugoslavia was produced at prototype level and accepted for production. Before production, the breakup of Czechoslovakia began. The prototype was purchased by the German Waffen SS. No other vehicles were produced. This vehicle has the distinction of being the last assualt gun ever designed by Skoda.

CKD AH-IV

The vehicle also enjoyed considerable success in the export market, the basic design often being scaled up or down to suit the customer's requirements.

Foreign users included: (for details see their respective sections in TANKS!)

Romania: 35 AH-IV-R - see the Romanian R-1.
Ethiopia: AH-IV-Hb (this was done in the 1950's by updating the Romanian prototype).
Sweden: 48 AH-IV-Sv - Sweden produced 48 Stvr m/37 with imported parts and a license.
Iran: 50 AH-IV plus 1 prototype.

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F-IV-H

Two prototypes were built between 1938 and 1941. The vehicle had superior mobility in the water even by today's standards. Not accepted for the Czech or German army.

Skoda SOT Light Amphibious Tank

One prototype built between 1938 and 1939. Not ready for the Czech army to test prior to the final breakup of Czechoslovakia. Rejected by the Germans.

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Czech Renault FT

Designated the Renault FT by the Czechs. The French Renault FT light tank was tested as a prototype in 1917 and immediately accepted at Type M.17.FT (in France). At the end of WW1, the French army had 3177 of these "Mosquitos" as they were fondly called. Built under license in the USA and Italy and without a license in Poland and the USSR, it's popularity was such that nations either built them or bought them. Renault's were expensive despite being small. The prototype cost 43,430 Francs (a prototype should be the most expensive unit), but the production vehicles were much more expensive as shown below:

1918 - 51,890 Francs
1920 - 100,000 Francs
1922 - 120,000 Francs (talk about milking the market!!!)

At the end of 1919 the Czech army decided to obtain some of these tanks. The Czech army ordered 6 expecting to then develop more armor domestically either by using a license or with new designs. General Pelle of the French Military Mission had other ideas and with a nod of blessing by Klofac, the Minister of National Defense, an entire battalion of 75 tanks was purchased. The cost was somewhere between 40 - 50 million Kc. The Czech army command was horrified at the thought of being stuck with only this kind of tank and with the help of the Finance Ministry, halted the order. The French were so angry at this they then refused to sell Czechoslovakia a single tank!

Buying tanks was again raised by the French as a question about 6 months later but by this time the Czech army was out of funds and it's budget was in the process of being cut further. Following some rather difficult "horse trading" with the French (these guys were really money hungry) the Czechs got things their own way and finally ordered 1 unit in 1921. Four more were ordered (2 cannon, 2 machine gun) in 1922 and a final two (one command and one radio) were ordered in 1923. These would be the only tanks in the Czechoslovakian army for some 10 years! These tanks were so heavily used that they all had to be rebuilt in 1927 and first unit was scrapped in 1933 with over 2249km of wear on it. The turret and gun from the scrapped tank was moved to the radio tank and the radio scrapped. This kept up the number of gun tanks. Two more were scrapped in 1935, another in 1936. The remaining 3 were used for training and finally abandoned. These three were finally scrapped in the 1950's!

Skoda SU (later S-II)

1 prototype produced in 1934. This was the direct predecessor of the S-II-a. This vehicle introduced pneumatic steering and gear shifting. A real improvement in reducing driver fatigue.

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The CKD (P-II) LT vz.34

The prototype was presented to the army in 1932 and production started in 1934. By 1936, when production halted, 50 had been made.

The CKD P-II-a

One prototype was presented to the army in 1935. This unit was not accepted for production.

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Skoda - CKD (S-II-a) (T-11) LT vz.35

Hurried into service in 1935 without proper testing, this tank was considered a "lemon" by the army. Many were sent back to the factory for modifications and repairs. Gradually the faults were worked out and the tank actually gained a good reputation. An unusual feature of this tank was that the transmission and steering were assisted by compressed air to reduce driver fatigue. This feature worked well until these tanks encountered the famous Russian winter. Romania purchased 126 units and named them the R-2. The Germans took over as many units as possible when they occupied the country. The German designation was Panzerkampfwagen 35(t). A further 219 were built to the specifications of the German army. By 1940, the German army was in such shortage of tanks that the 6th Panzer Division was heavily equipped with the 35(t) just in time for the Battle of France. Most continued in service until 1942 as main battle tanks and were then converted to a host of roles such as mortar tractors (Morserzubmittel) and artillery tractors (Zugkraftwagen). Still other were converted to maintenance vehicles.

Skoda S-II-b Light Tank - Infantry Version

One prototype was presented to the army in 1936. This unit was not accepted for production.

CKD P-II-b Light Tank - Infantry Version

One prototype was presented to the army in 1936. This unit was not accepted for production.

Skoda CKD SP-II-b Light Tank - Infantry Version

One prototype was presented to the Czech and German army in 1938 - 39. This unit was not accepted for production.

Skoda SP-III Medium Tank

Two prototypes was presented to the Czech army in 1934 - 38. This unit started as a wheel-cum-track. After prolonged development the design was deemed unsuccessful and scrapped.

Tatra T-III Medium Tank

Two prototypes was presented to the Czech army in 1934 - 39. Condurrently developed with the Skoda S-III. The engine was considered powerful but tended to overheat. Very poor fuel milage was noted. After prolonged development the design was deemed unsuccessful and scrapped.

Skoda S-II-c (After 1939 called the T-21) Medium Tank

One prototype was produced in 1938. This design retained the pneumatic steering and gear changing of the S-II-a. This design was considered excellent. License for the design was sold to Hungary.

(No Photo)
CKD LKMVP Anti Tank Gun Carrier

One prototype was produced in 1938. The gun was carried on the vehicle but could also be towed. It was possible to fire the gun from the vehicle. Not accepted for service.

Skoda LKMVP Anti Tank Gun Carrier

One prototype was produced in 1938. After 1939 it was called PUV-6. The prototype was purchased in 1940 by the German Waffen SS. The gun was carried on the vehicle but could also be towed. It was possible to fire the gun from the vehicle.

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CKD V-8-H (ST vz.39)

Two prototypes produced and ready in 1938. The Czech army had approved this model for production but the breakup of the nation prevented it. One prototype was produced for the Czechs in 1938 and another in 1939 for the Germans. The Germans tested the prototype but did not produce the model. The right bottom photo shows the tank with a concrete block in place of a turret. This was the model produced for the Germans.

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CKD TNH, TNHP

This tank was designed by CKD (Ceskomoravska Kolben Danek) for export. When the Czech army called for companies to submit designs and models to replace the trouble plagued LT vz.35, the TNH was chosen. Later this tank would be known the the LT vz.38. Known for it's reliability, almost 3500 miles of testing, of which nearly 1000 were over rough terrain, showed no serious defects. Modifications were made by the Czech Army and the tank was renamed to the LT vz 38. After German occupation, CKD's name was changed to BMM (Bohmisch Mahrische Maschinenfabrik). One prototype was built + 50 built and exported to Iran.

CKD MT Light Artillery Tractor 1925

The MT towed 3.5 tons. Plans were made to convert it into a tank but these were never realized. Two units produced.

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Breifeld - Danek Light Artillery Tractor

The BDXX towed 3.0 tons. Built under license. 6 BD25 units produced. 12 BD30 units produced. Years of production were 1925 to 26.

Skoda MTH

55 units were produced between 1935 and 1939. The Czechoslovak designation was MTH 1, MTH 2, and MTH 3. The German designation was Leichter Raupenshlepper MTH. It is indicated that the Germans only kept the MTH 3 model. This unit was exported to the Slovak army (the MTH 3 model). It was capable of towing 2.5 tons and carrying 800kg.

Skoda STH

Only two prototypes were produced between 1932 - 36. Could tow 4.4 tons and carry 1 ton.

CKD Praga III

32 units produced 1935. The Czech designation for the tractor was the Praga III. The German army designated them Leighter Raupenschlepper T-III(t). Three units were exported to Slovakia. This vehicle could tow 1.8tons and carry 600kg.

CKD Praga IV

114 + 1 prototype were produced between 1935 to 1939. Could tow 4.5 tons and carry 1.16 ton. The Czech designation for the tractor was the Praga IV. The German army designated them Mittlerer Raupenschlepper T-IV(t). 38 units were exported to Slovakia.

Czech 37mm and 47mm Anti Tank Guns

No additional information available.

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Soviet T34

A Czechoslovak tank commander in his commanders copula in a Soviet T-34 model 1943. Czech patriots fought alongside the Soviets on the eastern front. The man on the picture is Lt. R. Tesarik.

Warposter

Thorleif Olsson
Author of:
Baltic AFV's & Armored Trains 1918-1940

John Stevens

Kristjan Tedre

David Barrett

Ionica Fonosch

Daniella Carlsson

Bill Morran

Last Update: Thursday, February 13, 2003