Background on the Fiat Ansaldo M14/41
The Fiat M14/41, or Carro Armato M 14-41, was essentially the M13/40 fitted with a more powerful diesel engine that was equipped with air filters designed to cope with the harsh conditions of the desert. Production amounted to 752 of these vehicles which had a similar specification to the M13/40 except for an increase in speed to 20 mph (33 km/h) and in weight to 14.5 tons.
This Fiat-Ansaldo M14/41 can be seen with tracks being used for additional armor protection.
The vehicle made its introduction in 1941. Besides the powerful engine, the Fiat M14/41 had different outlet radiator grills, mud clearing blades at the drive sprockets and elongated fenders. Six tank battalions were equipped with this tank and they were the 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th. The last Fiat M14/41 to arrive in North Africa landed in Bizerte, Tunisia in late 1942. It last saw action in Tunisia in 1943.
A column of Fiat- Ansaldo M14/41’s in Tunisia.
Effectiveness
The Carro Armato M14/41 suffered from a variety of deficiencies such as unreliability and easily caught on fire when hit.
Production
1941: 376
1942: 376
Total: 752
Variant
The Fiat M14/41 chassis was used on the Semovente da 90/53 tank destroyer.
Fiat M14/41 Specifications
| Specifications | Fiat-Ansaldo M 14/41 |
|---|---|
| Class | Medium Tank |
| Armor | 6 mm to 30 mm |
| Range | 210 km |
| Weight | 14.5 Tons |
| Length | 16.12 ft (4.915 m) |
| Width | 7.48 ft (2.28 m) |
| Height | 7.7 ft (2.37 m) |
| Armament | 47mm Ansaldo 47/32 87 Rnds (2) 8 mm Breda Model 38 MG’s (2,664 rounds) |
| Crew | 4 |
| Speed | 21 mph (33 km/h) |
| Powerplant | Fiat SPA 15T V-8 Deisel Engine with 145 HP |
