40M Nimrod (Nimrod Self-propelled Anti-aircraft tank)
The Hungarians adopted the Swedish Landsverk L-62 anti-aircraft tank design in 1940. It was seen as a duel purpose weapon that could serve in both the anti-tank and anti-aircraft role. It shared many common features with the Toldi tank (L-60), which the Hungarians were already producing. The Hungarians purchased one Swedish built L-62 in 1940 and tested it with the mobile troops who were generally pleased with its performance and the MÁVAG Company brought the licence to produce it in 1940.
The Hungarians made a few improvements to original L-62 design. The 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun remained its primary armament, but MÁVAG used the Hungarian manufactured version that they already produced. The turret was enlarged, allowing the 4 crew more room to operate, and modified to allow the 36M 40mm Bofors gun maximum traverse and elevation. The turret armour was increased to 28mm. The first vehicles were delivered in 1940, with a total of 135 Nimrod ordered between 1940 and 1941. They saw their first combat action against the Soviets in 1942 where, even with an improved anti-tank round developed for it and the 40M 40mm anti-tank gun, the T-34 and KV’s heavy armoured often proved too much.The Nimrods carried the registration numbers H050–095 (first batch) and 1H630–718.
Technical details
Weight: 10.5 ton
Crew: 6
Engine: 155 HP 8-cylinder Büssing NAG
Maximum Speed: 50 km/h
Range: 225 km
Armament: 36M 40mm Bofors gun
Armour: 6–28mm
Radio: R-5
In Flames Of War
The Nimrod is an excellent mobile anti-aircraft weapon, though only lightly armed and armoured can hold its own against light armour. It is mobile (Fully-tracked) and well armed (40mm 36M Bofors gun: Range 24”/60cm, ROF 4, AT 7, FP 4+) and its armour is enough to protect it from light weapons (Front 2, Side 1, Top 0).
