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ARL V 39
ARL V 39
ARL V 39
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The ARL V 39, also known as the ARL 1940 V939 40, was a prototype armored fighting vehicle, designed to meet France's demands for a new self-propelled assault gun, prior to World War II.[2] Only two complete and functional prototypes were produced, armed with a modified 75mm field gun and 7.5mm machine gun. The design project was known as ARL 40, related to the char G1B medium tank. Designed in 1935, two prototypes were completed by 1940. However, due to the later occupation of France, mass production to meet orders was canceled and the prototypes evacuated to Morocco, ceasing any further development of the project.[3]

Key Information

Development

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Development of the project was started in mid-1935, arising from France's proposal for a new self-propelled, infantry support assault gun. Having no existing tanks of this type in service, two manufacturers submitted designs built upon existing medium tanks: SOMUA, with the Somua S40 based on the chassis of the SOMUA S35 medium cavalry tank, and ARL, with the ARL 40, developed using parts from the Char B1 heavy tank.[4]

The ARL V 39 was the only vehicle fully developed to meet the specification of the ARL 40 project, the first vehicle constructed of a soft steel was completed in June 1938, with military testing taking place 23–25 March 1939. Passing trials successfully, the project was approved for mass production with an initial order of 72 units, of which 24 were to be unarmed command vehicles.[1]

On 27 September, the unit distribution was changed to groups of 12 vehicles, divided into two groups consisting of two three-vehicle batteries, with additional command vehicles granted to each group. In October 1939, France's Prime Minister, Édouard Daladier, placed the revised order, the first five to be ready for service by October 1940, then to be proceeded by a production rate of 10 per month. However, at the beginning of the Battle of France in May 1940, no vehicle was combat ready, two working prototypes were shipped to Morocco to be hidden in a tunnel. The vehicles are confirmed to have reached Africa, but their fate beyond that is unknown. The future occupation of France then saw a cease in any further development in the ARL 40 project.[5]

SOMUA's S40 project also passed trials and was simultaneously granted a 36 unit order, 12 of which were to be unarmed command vehicles, which initially were to be allocated to battalions alongside the ARL V 39. However, problems arose with the SAu 40 when adopting the 75mm high-power APX gun used by the ARL V 39, leading to the order of 36 to be canceled on 1 May 1940. Instead the initial role was to be left to the ARL V 39, giving the SAu 40 the new role of tank destroyer using the 47mm mle 1937 artillery gun. Seventy-two SAu 40's were ordered in this configuration, but never reached production.[3]

Armament

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The ARL V 39 mounted the 75mm high-velocity APX gun. It was a modification of the 75mm 1929 casemate fortress gun. Muzzle velocity reached 400 m/s for high explosive rounds and 570 m/s for armor-piercing rounds. Penetration tests found that the armor-piercing shell had 50 mm of penetration at 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). Instrumentation included two sight and stereoscopic rangefinders, allowing for shots at up to 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) distance.[3] Traverse angles were 7° left and right and -10° to 30° vertically. When transporting the gun barrel could be drawn into the body to reduce the total length.[1][5] The gun had a semi-automatic breech mechanism, automatic charging, and a data recorder.[4]

References

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Further reading

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ARL V 39

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The ARL V 39, also known as the ARL 1940 V939 40, was a French prototype self-propelled assault gun developed in the late 1930s by Ateliers de Rueil (ARL) to provide infantry support units with mobile 75 mm artillery in a casemate design on a tracked chassis derived from heavy tank studies. Designed to meet the French Army's need for close-support firepower in armored divisions, it weighed approximately 25 tonnes and was armed with a 75 mm APX modèle 1929 howitzer capable of firing high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds, supplemented by a coaxial 7.5 mm machine gun. Its armor provided frontal protection up to 50 mm, with 30 mm on the sides and 15 mm on the roof, offering reasonable defense against light anti-tank weapons but vulnerability to heavier calibers. Powered by a Hispano-Suiza V12 gasoline engine producing 250 horsepower, it achieved a maximum road speed of 42 km/h and an operational range of about eight hours, operated by a crew of five. Development began in 1935 as part of studies for self-propelled 75 mm guns, with a prototype tested in 1939; an order for 72 vehicles (48 combat and 24 command variants) placed in October 1939 for four Divisions Cuirassées de Réserve (DCR) was expanded to 108 in May 1940, but only two prototypes were completed before the German invasion in May 1940 halted production. The prototypes were evacuated to North Africa but ultimately lost during the war, leaving the ARL V 39 as an unrealized design that reflected France's pre-war emphasis on fortified, infantry-accompanied mechanized warfare.

Development

Background and Requirements

Concepts for French self-propelled 75 mm guns originated in discussions by the Consultative Council on Armaments. A requirement formalized the need for a self-propelled vehicle, but an initial APX testbed proved unsuccessful, leading ARL to take over the project in 1938. In the mid-1930s, amid the of rearmament following the and rising tensions in Europe, the sought to modernize its support for ground operations. The requirement called for a self-propelled vehicle to deliver close fire support to divisions, enabling rapid accompaniment of advancing troops against fortified positions or enemy armor. This need arose from the limitations of towed in mobile warfare scenarios, with the vehicle envisioned to equip armored divisions in batteries structured to support eight battalions each, typically organized as groups of three vehicles per battery for concentrated firepower. The ARL V 39 was conceived as part of the broader ARL 40 project, initiated by the Atelier de Construction de Rueil (ARL) to develop heavy assault guns that could integrate with existing tank formations like the and series. This effort reflected France's push to balance defensive strategies with offensive capabilities during rearmament, prioritizing vehicles that could operate alongside medium tanks without compromising operational tempo. The project emphasized armored mobility over static defenses, drawing from observations in early 1930s army maneuvers that exposed vulnerabilities in relying solely on fixed fortifications. Key design mandates for the ARL 40 included a weight in the 25-tonne class to ensure transportability by standard recovery vehicles, frontal armor of 50 mm to withstand medium-caliber anti-tank fire, a 75 mm main gun for high-explosive and anti-armor roles, and mobility comparable to contemporary medium tanks, achieving a top speed of around 42 km/h. These specifications aimed to create a robust platform for direct support, capable of traversing rough terrain while maintaining pace with mechanized units. The 75 mm gun design was influenced by the fortifications of the , adapting proven fortress artillery for vehicular mounting to shift from static casemates toward dynamic battlefield artillery.

Prototyping and Testing

The development of the ARL V 39 involved a mild-steel mockup completed in June 1938 at the Atelier de Construction de Rueil (ARL) facilities to validate the overall design and layout. Two full prototypes followed, reaching completion by May–June 1940, while additional chassis were partially assembled as part of early serial production efforts before the German invasion disrupted work. These prototypes incorporated components derived from ARL's heavy tank studies to ensure compatibility with French armored doctrine. Trials commenced with field evaluations from March 23 to 25, 1939, at French proving grounds such as those near Mailly-le-Camp, where the mild-steel underwent mobility tests over rough terrain, demonstrating adequate cross-country performance and stability despite its of approximately 25 tons. Firing accuracy assessments confirmed the viability of the mounted 75 mm APX gun, with tests highlighting effective handling during on-the-move engagements, though some vibration issues were noted at higher speeds. A follow-up trial on July 4, 1939, at Mailly further evaluated the vehicle's stability and gun stabilization, yielding encouraging results that affirmed its role as an support . The successful demonstrations led to approval for production, with evaluators recommending minor adjustments to improve crew ergonomics, such as better access to the and refined seating to reduce fatigue during prolonged operations. These outcomes reflected the design's alignment with the original requirements for a self-propelled gun capable of supporting armored divisions. In late , specifically on , confidence in the prototypes prompted an initial order for 72 units, comprising 48 armed vehicles and 24 command variants equipped with radio sets but no main gun. This order underscored the French Army's intent to integrate the ARL V 39 into its forces by mid-1940, pending resolution of minor production hurdles like engine availability.

Design Features

Structure and Protection

The ARL V 39 featured a chassis derived from project studies, incorporating a low-profile to minimize its . This emphasized a compact form with enveloping tracks and side sponsons for stability, measuring 5.80 m in length, 2.57 m in width, and 2.45 m in height, which contributed to its suitability for close infantry support in operations. The armor configuration prioritized frontal defense, with a maximum thickness of 50 mm on the and plates, sloped at angles up to 60° to deflect anti-tank rounds effectively. Side armor was 30 mm thick, while the roof measured 15 mm and the floor 10 mm, providing adequate overhead and underbody protection against shrapnel and light threats but vulnerability to mines. These plates combined , rolled, and welded for durability in its intended role. The main gun had a vertical traverse of -10° to +30° and ground clearance was 0.4 m. Crew accommodations supported five members—a commander/observer, driver/gunner, radio/2nd gunner, loader, and artificier—housed in the fixed for efficient operation during assaults. Vision was enhanced through periscopes, including a commander's with a PPL block, binocular x8 sight, and , alongside an ER26 Ter/R61 radio set for coordination. At 25 tonnes, the vehicle's weight distribution balanced robust protection with sufficient mobility, avoiding excessive load on its rubber block spring suspension and system of eight double wheels per side in four bogies.

Armament

The primary armament of the ARL V 39 was a 75 mm APX gun, a modification of the 1929 model originally derived from the 1922 design for use. This weapon was mounted in a fixed , providing limited manual traverse of 12 degrees to allow for minor adjustments in engagements without repositioning the entire vehicle. For secondary armament, the vehicle featured a single 7.5 mm MAC 1931 , typically mounted coaxially with the main gun or on a for anti-infantry defense against close-range threats. Ammunition storage consisted of approximately 200 rounds for the 75 mm gun, comprising a mix of high-explosive and armor-piercing projectiles to support its role in assault operations (two 8-round ready bins and two 94-round racks), along with 1,500 rounds for the ; these were housed in ready racks within the fighting compartment for quick access by the crew. Fire control systems were basic, relying on optical sights integrated with a for accurate support, with an effective engagement range up to 1,000 meters against armored targets.

Mobility and Propulsion

The ARL V 39 utilized a V12 gasoline engine, derived from the J12 model and adapted for use, delivering 250 horsepower at 2800 rpm (with plans for a 300-340 hp upgrade). This powerplant provided sufficient torque for the vehicle's intended support role, balancing reliability with the performance needs of a self-propelled operating alongside units. The engine's design emphasized durability under field conditions, drawing on Hispano-Suiza's established expertise in high-output V12 configurations for both automotive and industrial applications. The incorporated a manual gearbox featuring eight forward gears and one reverse, paired with a conventional final drive system that transferred power to the tracks. Suspension was achieved through rubber block springs supporting bogie-mounted road wheels, enabling effective cross-country mobility while maintaining stability on varied terrain. This setup allowed the vehicle to accompany advancing forces without excessive mechanical complexity, prioritizing tactical responsiveness over extreme off-road prowess. Key performance metrics underscored the ARL V 39's design for operational flexibility, with a maximum speed of 42.3 km/h and an operational range of 400 km on internal fuel. At a combat weight of 25 tonnes, the ground pressure was optimized for soft soil and uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of bogging down during support missions in diverse European landscapes. Fuel storage comprised 450 liters in protected internal tanks (two 225-liter tanks), supplemented by mounting points for external jerry cans to prolong operational endurance in prolonged engagements.

Legacy

Production Plans and Cancellation

Following the successful trials of the ARL V 39 prototypes, the French Army approved the project for serial production, placing an initial order for 72 vehicles on 15 October 1939. This included 48 combat assault guns and 24 unarmed command variants equipped with enhanced radio systems for battalion coordination. Production was slated to begin in early 1940, primarily at the Ateliers de Construction de Rueil (ARL) facilities, with potential subcontracting to support scaling. The order was later expanded to 108 units on 9 May 1940, including 36 additional vehicles for cavalry divisions, reflecting growing urgency amid escalating tensions in Europe. The vehicles were designated for integration into the French Army's four planned Divisions Cuirassées de Réserve (DCR), the infantry's reserve armored divisions, to provide direct support at the level. Each DCR would receive 12 ARL V 39s, distributed across two s of six vehicles apiece, with each comprising two batteries of three guns. This organization aligned with evolving doctrines for support, emphasizing close-range fire assistance during breakthroughs, though full training programs had yet to be implemented by the war's outbreak. The program's ambitions were derailed by the German invasion of France on 10 May 1940, which sparked the and rapidly overwhelmed industrial capacity. Supply chains collapsed, factories were seized or evacuated, and no serial vehicles entered production despite the recent order increase. The signed on 22 June 1940 established the Vichy regime, which, under terms, restricted French forces to a token "" of 100,000 men and curtailed offensive weapons development in favor of limited defensive capabilities and compliance with German demands. This shift in priorities under effectively canceled the ARL V 39 initiative, leaving it as an unrealized design.

Fate of Prototypes

As the collapsed in June 1940, both completed prototypes of the ARL V 39 were hurriedly shipped to for safekeeping, arriving amid the rapid German advance and the impending armistice. They were stored in depots near under the control of the French regime, which maintained nominal authority over following the armistice. Postwar records regarding the prototypes are sparse and inconclusive, with no definitive confirmation of their destruction, scrapping, or use in combat. It is possible that they were captured by Allied forces during , the Anglo-American invasion of in , though contemporary accounts do not verify this. Alternatively, they may have remained in storage and deteriorated over time, as authorities prioritized resource allocation for other military needs. Efforts to trace the prototypes' history have been hampered by limited documentation from the chaotic wartime period and administration. Neither prototype survives today in any collection, underscoring the loss of many French experimental vehicles during the . The uncertain fate of the ARL V 39 prototypes highlights the broader disruption to French armored development, yet their concepts—particularly the integration of heavy in a mobile chassis—echoed in postwar French projects like the AMX series of medium tanks and assault guns, though any direct technical lineage remains unproven due to the prototypes' disappearance.
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