Difference between revisions of "H.35"

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{{Specs-Card|code=fr_hotchkiss_h35}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fr_hotchkiss_h35
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_H.35.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H''' is a pre-World War II French cavalry tank. In 1933, it was intended as a low-cost yet well-protected light infantry support tank. The hull was constructed of six bolted-together cast armour parts: the engine deck, the fighting compartment, the front of the hull, the back of the hull, and two longitudinal pieces on the left and right that formed the bottom. Even though the tank was not well regarded by the French Army in general, it was politically unacceptable to stop production. As a result, the first 300 vehicles were offered to cavalry regiments, who were forced to accept them because they would not have been given a budget for other tanks.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Hotchkiss light tank model 1935) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]]. The H.35 was removed from its reserve status and hidden from the main tech tree during [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]] after the ammo update, though it is still unlockable after reaching rank II French ground vehicles. During its session in the main tree, it was arguably the ''worst reserve vehicle in War Thunder''.  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]], the Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H was possibly the weakest vehicle in the French Army ground forces. Due to its low speed, mediocre manoeuvrability, and subpar main armament that struggles to penetrate most opponents in its rank, players should never use it in any combat in heavily contested zones. It is best utilized as a support vehicle, assisting allies by damaging enemy tanks' tracks and other crucial parts, making them easier to destroy.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
−
 
+
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
 
The armour is decent and it ''will'' protect you from incoming long-range shots... but nothing more than that. At close ranges, anything bigger than HMG fire can shred your tank very easily. If you're lucky enough to survive a shot, retreat and ask your allies for help.
 
The armour is decent and it ''will'' protect you from incoming long-range shots... but nothing more than that. At close ranges, anything bigger than HMG fire can shred your tank very easily. If you're lucky enough to survive a shot, retreat and ask your allies for help.
  
Line 35: Line 37:
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 81|rbMinHp= 66}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 81|rbMinHp= 66}}
  
−
With its low speed, don't even dream of bold flanking manœuvres, you must rely on road and downhills in order to achieve a decent speed. Climbing hills and turning on the spot are also a hard thing to achieve while driving this vehicle. The only thing "light" about this tank is the weight.
+
With its low speed, don't even dream of bold flanking manoeuvres, you must rely on road and downhills in order to achieve a decent speed. Climbing hills and turning on the spot are also a hard thing to achieve while driving this vehicle. The only thing "light" about this tank is the weight.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|SA18 L/21 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|SA18 L/21 (37 mm)}}
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 76 || rowspan="2" | -13°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Shoulder || 15.0 || 20.7 || 25.1 || 27.8 || 29.6 || rowspan="2" | 4.03 || rowspan="2" | 3.56 || rowspan="2" | 3.28 || rowspan="2" | 3.10
+
| rowspan="2" | 76 || rowspan="2" | -13°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Shoulder || 14.9 || 20.7 || 25.1 || 27.8 || 29.6 || rowspan="2" | 4.03 || rowspan="2" | 3.56 || rowspan="2" | 3.28 || rowspan="2" | 3.10
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:SA18 L/21 (37 mm)/Ammunition|Mle1937}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1937 || APCR || 36 || 33 || 24 || 16 || 8 || 5
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Mle1937 || APCR || 600 || 0.5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.91''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.27.2.40''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 107: Line 87:
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''76''' || 75&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 68&nbsp;''(+8)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 55&nbsp;''(+21)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 42&nbsp;''(+34)''
 +
|-
 
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|| '''76''' || 75&nbsp;''(+1)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+14)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+27)'' || 36&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+66)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+75)'' || Yes  
+
| 36&nbsp;''(+40)'' || 29&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 23&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 16&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+66)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+75)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
Notes:
+
'''Notes''':
−
* The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of shells as well as the number of shells per rack:
+
 
−
** 100 shells are modeled but you can only pack 76 shells, meaning some racks always empty (crossed out in the picture).
+
* The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of shells as well as the number of shells in rack 1:
 +
** 80 shells are modelled but you can only pack 76 shells, meaning some rounds are never present (crossed out in the picture).
 
** Rack 1 is modeled as 6 shells but contains only 2 shells.
 
** Rack 1 is modeled as 6 shells but contains only 2 shells.
−
* As they are modeled by sets of 6 or 7, shells disappear from racks 2 to 6 only after you fire all shells in the set.
+
* As they are modelled by sets of 6, 7, or 9, shells disappear from racks only after you've fire all shells in the set.
−
* Rack 7 disappears after you've fired all shells in the rack.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
<!--''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''-->
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 31 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="7" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
+
! colspan="5" | [[MAC 31 (7.5 mm)|7.5 mm MAC 31]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
+
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
−
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate <br> (shots/minute)
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="4" | 2,400 (150) || 1,350 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 2,400 (150) || 551 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
The small calibre of the MAC 31 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
Playing the H.35 is a hard task. Having such a bad gun, it cannot reliably engage a fight without getting the first shot off; hence, one must stick with its teammates in order to survive an encounter. Never drag attention on yourself since anything bigger than HMG fire will shred you at normal combat ranges (~500 m).  
+
Playing the H.35 is a hard task. Having such a bad gun, it cannot reliably engage a fight without getting the first shot off; hence, one must stick with its teammates in order to survive an encounter. Never drag attention on yourself since anything bigger than HMG fire will shred you at normal combat ranges (~500 m).
  
 
====Tactics====
 
====Tactics====
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Turn your back to the enemy and use your engine deck as a shield for the crew. Use this tactic anytime you are left alone and go find yourself another teammate. Don't use your reverse speed since it's too low: turn back and flee, your armour is as thick as on the front of your tank. Never stop to try a shot since your pursuers have a way better gun than yours.
 
Turn your back to the enemy and use your engine deck as a shield for the crew. Use this tactic anytime you are left alone and go find yourself another teammate. Don't use your reverse speed since it's too low: turn back and flee, your armour is as thick as on the front of your tank. Never stop to try a shot since your pursuers have a way better gun than yours.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
|-
 
−
!Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
−
!Protection
 
−
!Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
|I
 
−
|Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
|Parts
 
−
|Horizontal Drive
 
−
|-
 
−
|II
 
−
|Suspension
 
−
|Brake System
 
−
|FPE
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|-
 
−
|III
 
−
|Filters
 
−
|
 
−
|Crew Replenishment
 
−
|Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|-
 
−
|IV
 
−
|Transmission
 
−
|Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|Artillery Support
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Decent armour for its BR (at distances)
+
* Strong armour for its battle rating
−
* Good depression of -13°
+
* Good depression angle of -13°
−
* Tiny target
 
 
* Thick and sloped turret makes a good hull-down position
 
* Thick and sloped turret makes a good hull-down position
−
* Coaxial MAC 31 MG
+
* Good coaxial MAC 31 MG
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Arguably the '''worst''' beginner ground vehicle: very frustrating to play
+
* Among the worst rank I ground vehicles: very frustrating to play
 
* It has the worst APCR-shot in the entire game
 
* It has the worst APCR-shot in the entire game
−
* APCR deals only punctual damage: unable to one-shot anything but other French light tanks
+
* APCR deals only punctual damage: unable to destroy enemy tanks with a single shot
 
* Reload speed is a little on the slow side for the calibre
 
* Reload speed is a little on the slow side for the calibre
−
* Not very mobile for a light tank
+
* Extremely poor mobility:
−
* Tracks are narrow, offering poor cross-country capability
+
** Slow top speed
−
* HP/ton ratio is unsatisfying (8.49 HP/ton)
+
** Narrow tracks offering poor cross-country capability
−
* Only two crew member allows for no survivability, and barely so with crew replenishment
+
* Having only two crew members severely limits survivability, even with crew replenishment
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
Officially known as the Char Leger mle 1935 Hotchkiss (Hotchkiss Light Tank model 1935), this was a competitor with Renault's R.35 to replace the WWI-era FT-17 as France's infantry tank. While the infantry went with the R.35, the French cavalry adopted the H.35 to serve alongside the S.35 Somua. The R.35 and H.35 were very similar in construction and visual appearance, with the same turret and the SA 18 37mm main gun, a tank gun conversion of a 1916 infantry gun. Both tanks also used a cast hull, a novel idea in 1935. As with all French tanks, none were equipped with radios. The H.35, as a cavalry tank was heavier but also somewhat faster than the R.35.
+
Officially known as the Char Léger Mle 1935 Hotchkiss (Hotchkiss Light Tank model 1935), this was a competitor with Renault's R.35 to replace the WWI-era FT-17 as France's infantry tank. While the infantry went with the R.35, the French cavalry adopted the H.35 to serve alongside the S.35 Somua. The R.35 and the H.35 were very similar in construction and visual appearance, with the same turret and the 37 mm SA18 main gun, a tank gun conversion of a 1916 infantry gun. Both tanks also used a cast hull, a novel idea in 1935. As with all French tanks, none were equipped with radios. The H.35, as a cavalry tank was heavier but also somewhat faster than the R.35.
  
−
In total 400 of the Hotchkiss model would be built, 300 for the cavalry and another 100 for the 13th and 38th independent tank battalions. Cavalry units equipped with the H.35 during the fall of France included the 4th Cuirassiers, the 11th (Motorized), 13th, 18th and 29th Dragoons, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Armored Car Regiments, and the 5th Divisional Reconnaissance Group, in total comprising 16 squadrons of 16-20 tanks each. Another three H.35s were on trials with the Polish Army at the onset of war in September 1939. They, along with 4 stray R.35s, fought in an ad hoc unit on the Ukrainian front until the fall of Poland.
+
In total 400 of the Hotchkiss model would be built, 300 for the cavalry and another 100 for the 13th and 38th independent tank battalions. Cavalry units equipped with the H.35 during the fall of France included the 4th Cuirassiers, the 11th (Motorized), 13th, 18th and 29th Dragoons, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Armoured Car Regiments, and the 5th Divisional Reconnaissance Group, in total comprising 16 squadrons of 16-20 tanks each. Another three H.35s were on trials with the Polish Army at the onset of war in September 1939. They, along with 4 stray R.35s, fought in an ad hoc unit on the Ukrainian front until the fall of Poland.
  
−
Another 900 R.35s, using the same turret, the SA 18 gun and a very similar hull, were in service in 1940, in 20 tank battalions, making it the most common tank in French service during the war. In total, somewhere between 1400 and 2000 of the Renault model would be built. Another 190 of the R.35s were exported pre-war, to Poland (50), Yugoslavia (50), Turkey (50), and Romania (40). Most of those in Polish service was with the 21st Light Tank Battalion, which escaped to Romania without seeing combat; it is unclear how many of the Yugoslav-purchased tanks were even delivered before France fell, but those that arrived served with that country's 2nd Tank Battalion, which saw limited or no action during the 1941 invasion; after that country fell those R.35s would have been turned over to the Romanians as well. The Romanians would upgrade their R.35s with captured Russian 45 mm tank guns and continue to use them through to 1944.
+
Another 900 R.35s, using the same turret, the SA18 gun and a very similar hull, were in service in 1940, in 20 tank battalions, making it the most common tank in French service during the war. In total, somewhere between 1,400 and 2,000 of the Renault model would be built. Another 190 of the R.35s were exported pre-war, to Poland (50), Yugoslavia (50), Turkey (50), and Romania (40). Most of those in Polish service was with the 21st Light Tank Battalion, which escaped to Romania without seeing combat; it is unclear how many of the Yugoslav-purchased tanks were even delivered before France fell, but those that arrived served with that country's 2nd Tank Battalion, which saw limited or no action during the 1941 invasion; after that country fell those R.35s would have been turned over to the Romanians as well. The Romanians would upgrade their R.35s with captured Russian 45 mm tank guns and continue to use them through to 1944.
  
−
The SA 18-armed R.35 also continued in service with Vichy France until 1942 and were used in fighting in Syria and North Africa. Another 124 SA 18-armed R.35s were turned over by the Germans to Italy, where they fought and were lost in the invasion of Sicily in 1942. The Germans converted another 174 R.35s to tank destroyers (PanzerJager), generally armed with 47mm guns in the place of turrets and used primarily in France and secondary theatres. 110 of these were still in service at the start of 1944. Syria would employ these tanks in the 1947-1949 Palestine War, however they were vastly outdated and were employed more for more of a fear factor than tactical use. They would also later be refit with a QF 2 pounder gun and used in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis and would be the last recorded use of the vehicle.
+
The SA18-armed R.35 also continued in service with Vichy France until 1942 and were used in fighting in Syria and North Africa. Another 124 SA18-armed R.35s were turned over by the Germans to Italy, where they fought and were lost in the invasion of Sicily in 1942. The Germans converted another 174 R.35s to tank destroyers (PanzerJäger), generally armed with 47 mm guns in the place of turrets and used primarily in France and secondary theatres. 110 of these were still in service at the start of 1944. Syria would employ these tanks in the 1947-1949 Palestine War, however they were vastly outdated and were employed more for more of a fear factor than tactical use. They would also later be refit with a QF 2-pounder gun and used in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis and would be the last recorded use of the vehicle.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
{{Youtube-gallery|-KhcG7ajFSw|'''The Shooting Range #80''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:41 discusses the H.35.}}
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fr_hotchkiss_h35 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|-KhcG7ajFSw|'''The Shooting Range #80''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:41 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|COV8xPialEI|'''Hotchkiss Model 1935 H, French, Tier-1, Light Tank''' - ''Angry Nerd Gaming''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[H.39]] / [[H.39 "Cambronne"]]
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[R.35 (SA38)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wikipedia:Hotchkiss_H35|[Wikipedia] Hotchkiss H35]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/france/Hotchkiss_H35_39.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> Hotchkiss H35/39]
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Hotchkiss}}
 
{{France light tanks}}
 
{{France light tanks}}

Latest revision as of 22:54, 7 July 2024

H.35
fr_hotchkiss_h35.png
GarageImage H.35.jpg
ArtImage H.35.png
H.35
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H is a pre-World War II French cavalry tank. In 1933, it was intended as a low-cost yet well-protected light infantry support tank. The hull was constructed of six bolted-together cast armour parts: the engine deck, the fighting compartment, the front of the hull, the back of the hull, and two longitudinal pieces on the left and right that formed the bottom. Even though the tank was not well regarded by the French Army in general, it was politically unacceptable to stop production. As a result, the first 300 vehicles were offered to cavalry regiments, who were forced to accept them because they would not have been given a budget for other tanks.

Introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance", the Char léger modèle 1935 (Hotchkiss) H was possibly the weakest vehicle in the French Army ground forces. Due to its low speed, mediocre manoeuvrability, and subpar main armament that struggles to penetrate most opponents in its rank, players should never use it in any combat in heavily contested zones. It is best utilized as a support vehicle, assisting allies by damaging enemy tanks' tracks and other crucial parts, making them easier to destroy.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull34 / 34 / 34
Turret40 / 40 / 47
Crew2 people
Visibility73 %

The armour is decent and it will protect you from incoming long-range shots... but nothing more than that. At close ranges, anything bigger than HMG fire can shred your tank very easily. If you're lucky enough to survive a shot, retreat and ask your allies for help.

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (hull, turret, cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 34 mm (8-87°) Front plate
22 mm (75-85°) Upper glacis
34 mm (31°) Central glacis
34 mm (30°) Lower glacis 		34 mm (21-33°) Top
34 mm Bottom 		34 mm (31°) Top
34 mm Bottom (7-32°) 		22 mm (11-18°)
Turret 45 + 25 mm (5°) Turret front
45 mm (28-30°) Left side
25 mm (10-19°) Gun mantlet
35 mm (8-25°) View port 		40 mm (1-28°)
35 mm (6-16°) View ports 		40 mm (30°) 25 mm
Cupola 40 mm (spherical)

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are all 15 mm thick.
  • Belly is 8 mm thick.
  • Gun barrel is 10 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB32 / 6 km/h
RB and SB29 / 6 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight10.6 t
Engine power
AB143 hp
RB and SB75 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB13.5 hp/t
RB and SB7.1 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 32 6 10.6 81 143 7.64 13.49
Realistic 29 6 66 75 6.23 7.08

With its low speed, don't even dream of bold flanking manoeuvres, you must rely on road and downhills in order to achieve a decent speed. Climbing hills and turning on the spot are also a hard thing to achieve while driving this vehicle. The only thing "light" about this tank is the weight.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB106 → 136 Sl icon.png
RB95 → 122 Sl icon.png
SB111 → 142 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 970 Rp icon.png
890 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement fr.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm SA18 L/21 cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition76 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.1 → 3.1 s
Vertical guidance-13° / 20°
Main article: SA18 L/21 (37 mm)
37 mm SA18 L/21 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 76 -13°/+20° ±180° Shoulder 14.9 20.7 25.1 27.8 29.6 4.03 3.56 3.28 3.10
Realistic 9.3 11.0 13.3 14.8 15.7

With only 36 mm of penetration, poor post-penetration damage and a long reload time, this tank's main gun is the main failing of the H.35. With -13° of depression, it is actually a very depressing gun to shoot in a figurative and literal sense.

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Mle1937 APCR 36 33 24 16 8 5
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Mle1937 APCR 600 0.5 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the H.35
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty
76 75 (+1) 68 (+8) 62 (+14) 55 (+21) 49 (+27) 42 (+34)
7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
36 (+40) 29 (+47) 23 (+53) 16 (+60) 10 (+66) 1 (+75) Yes

Notes:

  • The visual discrepancy concerns the total number of shells as well as the number of shells in rack 1:
    • 80 shells are modelled but you can only pack 76 shells, meaning some rounds are never present (crossed out in the picture).
    • Rack 1 is modeled as 6 shells but contains only 2 shells.
  • As they are modelled by sets of 6, 7, or 9, shells disappear from racks only after you've fire all shells in the set.

Machine guns

7.5 mm MAC 31 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 400 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: MAC 31 (7.5 mm)
7.5 mm MAC 31
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,400 (150) 551 N/A N/A

The small calibre of the MAC 31 machine gun makes it largely ineffective against all armoured vehicles but the ones with an open compartment. It still can be used to ping targets as a rangefinding help or to mow down minor obstacles blocking your line of sight.

Usage in battles

Playing the H.35 is a hard task. Having such a bad gun, it cannot reliably engage a fight without getting the first shot off; hence, one must stick with its teammates in order to survive an encounter. Never drag attention on yourself since anything bigger than HMG fire will shred you at normal combat ranges (~500 m).

Tactics

Hull down:

Since your turret armour is decent, a good way to use this tank can be to hide the hull behind a rock, a hill or any shell-proof prop and wait for the enemy to fall in your sights. This way, you will either be able to shoot at their weak side or have enough time to aim before they can react to your presence. Ensure yourself to pick a spot near a choke-point such as a capture point or a popular main road.

"Brawling":

In urban maps, narrow streets and crossroad allow for many flanking and close-quarter action: follow your team, always cover behind allied vehicles and don't bother stealing a score from them since it's about the only good shots you will get on an enemy with such a poor vehicle.

Fleeing:

Turn your back to the enemy and use your engine deck as a shield for the crew. Use this tactic anytime you are left alone and go find yourself another teammate. Don't use your reverse speed since it's too low: turn back and flee, your armour is as thick as on the front of your tank. Never stop to try a shot since your pursuers have a way better gun than yours.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong armour for its battle rating
  • Good depression angle of -13°
  • Thick and sloped turret makes a good hull-down position
  • Good coaxial MAC 31 MG

Cons:

  • Among the worst rank I ground vehicles: very frustrating to play
  • It has the worst APCR-shot in the entire game
  • APCR deals only punctual damage: unable to destroy enemy tanks with a single shot
  • Reload speed is a little on the slow side for the calibre
  • Extremely poor mobility:
    • Slow top speed
    • Narrow tracks offering poor cross-country capability
  • Having only two crew members severely limits survivability, even with crew replenishment

History

Officially known as the Char Léger Mle 1935 Hotchkiss (Hotchkiss Light Tank model 1935), this was a competitor with Renault's R.35 to replace the WWI-era FT-17 as France's infantry tank. While the infantry went with the R.35, the French cavalry adopted the H.35 to serve alongside the S.35 Somua. The R.35 and the H.35 were very similar in construction and visual appearance, with the same turret and the 37 mm SA18 main gun, a tank gun conversion of a 1916 infantry gun. Both tanks also used a cast hull, a novel idea in 1935. As with all French tanks, none were equipped with radios. The H.35, as a cavalry tank was heavier but also somewhat faster than the R.35.

In total 400 of the Hotchkiss model would be built, 300 for the cavalry and another 100 for the 13th and 38th independent tank battalions. Cavalry units equipped with the H.35 during the fall of France included the 4th Cuirassiers, the 11th (Motorized), 13th, 18th and 29th Dragoons, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Armoured Car Regiments, and the 5th Divisional Reconnaissance Group, in total comprising 16 squadrons of 16-20 tanks each. Another three H.35s were on trials with the Polish Army at the onset of war in September 1939. They, along with 4 stray R.35s, fought in an ad hoc unit on the Ukrainian front until the fall of Poland.

Another 900 R.35s, using the same turret, the SA18 gun and a very similar hull, were in service in 1940, in 20 tank battalions, making it the most common tank in French service during the war. In total, somewhere between 1,400 and 2,000 of the Renault model would be built. Another 190 of the R.35s were exported pre-war, to Poland (50), Yugoslavia (50), Turkey (50), and Romania (40). Most of those in Polish service was with the 21st Light Tank Battalion, which escaped to Romania without seeing combat; it is unclear how many of the Yugoslav-purchased tanks were even delivered before France fell, but those that arrived served with that country's 2nd Tank Battalion, which saw limited or no action during the 1941 invasion; after that country fell those R.35s would have been turned over to the Romanians as well. The Romanians would upgrade their R.35s with captured Russian 45 mm tank guns and continue to use them through to 1944.

The SA18-armed R.35 also continued in service with Vichy France until 1942 and were used in fighting in Syria and North Africa. Another 124 SA18-armed R.35s were turned over by the Germans to Italy, where they fought and were lost in the invasion of Sicily in 1942. The Germans converted another 174 R.35s to tank destroyers (PanzerJäger), generally armed with 47 mm guns in the place of turrets and used primarily in France and secondary theatres. 110 of these were still in service at the start of 1944. Syria would employ these tanks in the 1947-1949 Palestine War, however they were vastly outdated and were employed more for more of a fear factor than tactical use. They would also later be refit with a QF 2-pounder gun and used in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis and would be the last recorded use of the vehicle.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #80 - Pages of History section at 06:41 discusses the H.35.
Hotchkiss Model 1935 H, French, Tier-1, Light Tank - Angry Nerd Gaming

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Hotchkiss
Tanks 
Light tanks  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"

France light tanks
AMC.34/35  AMC.34 YR · AMC.35 (ACG.1)
H.35/39  H.35 · H.39 · H.39 "Cambronne"
AMX-13  AMX-13 (FL11) · AMX-13-M24 · AMX-13 · AMX-13 (SS.11) · AMX-13-90 · AMX-13 (HOT)
Wheeled  AML-90 · AMX-10RC · Vextra 105
AMD.35  AMD.35 · AMD.35 (SA35)
E.B.R.  E.B.R. (1951) · E.B.R. (1954) · E.B.R. (1963)
Other  FCM.36 · R.35 (SA38) · Char 25t · MARS 15 · VBCI-2 (MCT30)
Austria  SK-105A2
Great Britain  ▄Crusader Mk.II
Netherlands  CV 9035NL
USA  LVT-4/40 · ▄M3A3 Stuart

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