{{short description|Italian truck}} The '''Lancia Ro''', '''Lancia Ro-Ro''' and '''Lancia 3Ro''' were [[Two-wheel drive|4x2]] [[Truck|heavy truck]]s built by [[Italy|Italian]] manufacturer [[Lancia]] from the 1930s through the 1940s for military and civilian use. The 2-cylinder diesel Ro was produced from 1933 to 1939, the 3-cylinder diesel Ro-Ro from 1935 to 1939 and the improved 5-cylinder diesel 3Ro from 1938 to 1947.
Ro and 3Ro saw extensive military service during the [[Second Italo-Ethiopian War]] and [[World War II]], chiefly as two of the main heavy trucks of the [[Royal Italian Army]].
==Lancia Ro== {{Infobox weapon |is_vehicle=yes |name= Lancia Ro |origin={{flag|ITA}} |type= [[Military truck|Military heavy truck]] <!-- Service history --> |service= |used_by= [[Italy]], [[Germany]] |wars= World War II <!-- Production history --> |design_date= 1932 |manufacturer= [[Lancia]] |production_date= 1933–1938 |number= 1701 petrol, 3056 diesel <!-- General specifications --> |weight= {{convert|5140|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} |length= {{convert|7084|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |width= {{convert|2300|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |height= {{convert|3000|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} |payload_capacity= {{convert|6500|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} |fuel_capacity= 3,180 cc |engine= 3 cylinder petrol engine to 4771 cc<br/>2 cylinders diesel engine to 1900 t/mn CH |engine_power= xx CV petrol, 64 CV diesel |vehicle_range= 300 km (30 litres/100 km) diesel |transmission= 4 forward 1 reverse |fuel consumption= |speed= {{convert|32|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} diesel |crew= 1 }}
The '''Lancia Ro''' (or 264) was the first of a family of Lancia 4x2 heavy trucks, starting in 1933. The Ro was built with two versions, a three-cylinder [[gasoline]] (BM) engine or a two-cylinder [[Diesel engine|diesel]] (Nm) engine. The Ro was particularly robust truck, considered reliable, requiring little maintenance, and easy to drive.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}} It was the first Italian truck to receive a 4 speed transmission.
===Models===
====Ro NM==== The '''Ro NM''' (for ''Nafta Militare'' or "diesel, military") military truck was produced in 3,056 units from 1934 to 1938, and eventually replaced by the improved 3Ro.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=408}}
Built by Lancia under license from German firm [[Junkers]], the ''Tipo 89'' engine fitted to the Ro was a compact {{convert|3180|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}, four [[Opposed-piston engine|opposed-piston]], [[Straight-twin engine|straight-two cylinder]], [[Two-stroke engine|two-stroke]] [[Diesel engine|diesel]]. It developed {{convert|64|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 1,500 rpm.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=408}} The transmission used a ''Tipo 126'' 4-speed [[manual transmission]] with a 2 speed auxiliary, for a total of 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=408}}
====Ro==== From 1933 to 1939 429 civilian Ro trucks were built.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=408}} This version differed mechanically from the military type mainly for its wider tracks front and rear, as well for the availability of a longer {{convert|4250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wheelbase alongside the normal version.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=408}}
====Ro BM==== From 1934 to 1938 Lancia built 1701 military type Ros fitted with a petrol engine, intended for colonial duty—the '''Ro BM''' (364), for ''Benzina Militare'' or "petrol, military".{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=409}}
Its ''Tipo 98'' [[petrol engine]] was a [[side valve]] {{convert|5120|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} [[Inline-four engine|inline-four]], developing {{convert|65|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 1,700 rpm.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=409}}
====Ro-Ro==== The '''Lancia Ro-Ro''' (265) was an improved civilian-only, longer wheelbase ({{convert|4650|mm|in|1|abbr=on|disp=or}}) version of the Ro fitted with a Lancia-developed [[Straight-three engine|three cylinder]] version of the Lancia-Junkers two-cylinder diesel. It was built from 1935 to 1939 in 302 examples.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=409}}
The Ro-Ro was powered by a ''Tipo 90'' {{convert|4770|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} inline-three cylinders, opposed piston, two-stroke diesel developing {{convert|95|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 1,500 rpm.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=409}}
===Service history=== From 1934 to 1938 the [[Royal Italian Army]] acquired 4,757 Lancia Ros which were equipped with pneumatic tires where it was used to transport artillery and light tanks.
The Royal Italian Army deployed the [[Lancia]] Ro for the first time in [[North Africa]] in 1935–1936. The 228 Ro's sent there gave full satisfaction to the Italian Army. Ro's traveled over roads and tracks in all temperatures; and did not encounter difficulty in the mountain routes where grades can reach 25%. In [[Spain]] Ro's still proved reliable on roads, but its capacities over ground were very limited.
The [[Lancia]] Ro was used by Royal Italian Army and [[Wehrmacht]] in World War II in all theaters of the war. {{clear}}
==Lancia 3Ro== {{Infobox weapon |image=File:Lancia 3 ro 05.JPG |caption=Lancia 3 Ro Militare |is_vehicle=yes |name= Lancia 3Ro |origin={{flag|ITA}} |type= [[Military truck|Military heavy truck]] <!-- Service history --> |service= |used_by= [[Italy]], [[Germany]] |wars= World War II <!-- Production history --> |design_date= 1938 |manufacturer= [[Lancia]] <!--[[Lancia V.I.]]--> |production_date= 1938–1950 |number= 9490 diesel (WWII) <!-- General specifications --> |weight= 5,610 kg |length= 7,084 mm |width= 2,350 mm |height= 3,000 mm |payload_capacity= 6,500 kg |fuel_capacity= 6,875 cc |engine= 6.9L [[straight-five engine|I5]] |engine_power= (93 PS @ 1860 rpm) |vehicle_range= 450 km (24 litres/100 km) diesel |transmission= 4 forward<br/>1 reverse |speed= 45 km/h (diesel) |crew= 1 }}
The '''Lancia 3Ro''' 4x2 heavy truck evolved from the earlier Lancia Ro by receiving a stronger five cylinder engine to replace two and three cylinder engines, [[pneumatic tire]]s and an improved [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]]; it is best known for its role as one of the main trucks of the [[Royal Italian Army]] in [[World War II]]. The Lancia 3 Ro's design was simple, functional and was considered the most reliable heavy truck of the Royal Italian Army in World War II serving in all theatres of the war.
Besides the diesel military model, the 3Ro was also built in civilian versions, with petrol and [[gas engine]]s, as well as in extended wheelbase [[Coach (bus)|coach]] chassis. Production of the 3Ro chassis began in 1939, continued throughout the Second World War and finally ended in 1949, when it was superseded by the [[Lancia Esatau]].
===Specifications=== The 3Ro used a [[ladder frame]] and [[leaf spring]]-suspended [[solid axle]]s front and rear.
Powering diesel 3Ro was a Lancia ''Tipo 102'' {{convert|6875|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}} [[Straight-five engine|straight-five]] [[diesel engine]], with two parallel [[overhead valve]]s per cylinder, which developed {{convert|93|hp|0|abbr=on}} at 1,860 rpm.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=410}} Like on the Ro the transmission used a 4-speed plus reverse [[Manual transmission|gearbox]] complemented by a low range gearing, for a total of 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=410}}
Brakes were servo-assisted, mechanically operated [[Drum brake|drums]] on all four wheels, plus [[Hydraulic brake|hydraulic]] emergency [[hand brake]] also on all four wheels.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=410}}
===Models===
====3Ro NM==== The '''3Ro NM''' (564B), for ''Nafta Militare'' or "diesel, military", military truck was produced in 9,490 units from 1938 to 1943.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=410}} It was built with a {{convert|4300|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wheelbase.
====3Ro==== The civilian '''3Ro''' (564) truck was produced in 1,307 units from 1938 to 1945.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=409}} Mechanically the chassis was identical to the military version.
After the production of a modified civilian 3Ro began, coded 564C. In total between 1936 and 1947 3,336 were made.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=411}} [[File:Autocarro-3-ro-1938-1945 civile.jpg|thumb|300px|Civilian 3Ro with trailer]]
====3Ro P and PL==== The '''3Ro P''' (266P) and '''3Ro PL''' (266PL) were stretched chassis to serve as basis for buses and coaches, whose wheelbases measured respectively {{convert|4850|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} and {{convert|5600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=410}} Between 1939 and 1949 837 were made.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=410}}
In 1941 some 3Ro 266P were built with a ''Tipo 102C'' natural gas engine, developed from the inline-five diesel, with four valves per cylinder.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=411}}
====3Ro BM==== From 1943 to 1945 a total of 408 petrol-engined '''3Ro BM''' (564B), for ''Benzina Militare'' or "petrol, military", were produced.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=411}} Like the natural gas engine, the ''Tipo 102B'' inline-five petrol was derived from the diesel, with new 16-valve heads.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=411}}
====Esaro==== The '''Lancia Esaro''' was a shortened version of the 3Ro, produced from 1943 to 1946 in military and civilian versions, with 5-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. At {{convert|3650|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, the Esaro's wheelbase was {{convert|{{#EXPR:4300-3650}}|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} shorter than the military 3Ro's.{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=412}} Production amounted to 2000 of the petrol variant (made between 1943 and 1946), and just 21 diesels (all made during 1946).{{sfn|Amatori et al.|1992|p=412}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%; float:right;" |+ 3Ro wartime production |- ! Year !! Number |- | 1939 | align="right" | 657 |- | 1940 | align="right" | 2,646 |- | 1941 | align="right" | 3,162 |- | 1942 | align="right" | 1,643 |- | 1943 | align="right" | 1,205 |- | 1944 | align="right" | 51 |- | 1945 | align="right" | 1 |}
===Service history=== Over the course of the war many variants of the military 3Ro were made: [[Troopship|troop transport]], supply transport, 5,000-litre fuel tanker, 4,000-litre water tanker, mobile repair workshop, [[anti-aircraft]], and [[self-propelled gun]].
In [[North Africa]] and [[Sicily]] with the top of the cab cut away and lower sideboards the Lancia 3 Ro became well suited for [[desert warfare]] serving as a [[self-propelled gun]] porting the [[Cannone da 90/53]] as well as the [[10 cm M. 14 Feldhaubitze|100/17]] [[howitzer]]. German armed forces always in need of supplies and material made use of any Ro and 3Ro as well as any other equipment, Italian or otherwise, that came into their possession.
After the Italian [[armistice]] of September 8, 1943, the [[Wehrmacht]] absorbed commandeered Ro and 3Ro trucks from their former ally. In April 1944 with the Lancia factory in German controlled [[Italy]], German armed forces placed an order for 772 3Ro built between January 1944 and February 1945. After the end of the war the 3Ro remained in service in the Italian Army, with the last 3Ro truck being retired in 1964.
==See also== * [[List of Italian military vehicles of the Second World War]] * [[Lancia 1Z]] * [[Lancia Jota]] * [[Lince (armored car)|Lince]]
==References== {{reflist}}
==Bibliography== {{refbegin}} * {{cite book |title=Ruote in divisa: un secolo di veicoli militari |first=Brizio |last=Pignacca |publisher=Giorgio Nada Editore |edition=1st |place=Vimodrone (Milan) |year=2003 |isbn=88-7911-283-X |lccn=2003361187}} * {{cite book |title=Camion Lancia |first=Massimo |last=Condolo |publisher=Fondazione Negri |edition=1st |year=2001 |lccn=2002322840}} * {{cite book |title=Storia illustrata del camion italiano |year=1996 |publisher=Edizione Neri |isbn=978-88-900955-8-0}} * {{cite book |title=Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell'esercito italiano, vol. 1 |first1=Nicola |last1=Pignato |first2=Filippo |last2=Cappellano |publisher=USSME |edition=1st |place=Rome |year=2002 |isbn=88-87940-28-2 |lccn=2004424840}} * {{cite book |title=Gli autoveicoli da combattimento dell'esercito italiano, vol. 2 |first1=Nicola |last1=Pignato |first2=Filippo |last2=Cappellano |publisher=USSME |edition=1st |place=Rome |year=2002 |isbn=8887940290 |lccn=2004424840}} * {{cite book |title=La meccanizzazione dell'esercito fino al 1943 |first1=L. |last1=Ceva |first2=A. |last2=Curami |publisher=USSME}} * {{cite book |title=Gli autoveicoli del Regio Esercito nella seconda guerra mondiale |first=Nicola |last=Pignato |year=1998 |publisher=Storia Militare |isbn=88-87372-04-7}} * {{cite book |title=Italian Truck Mounted Artillery: In Action |first1=Ralph |last1=Riccio |first2=Nicola |last2=Pignato |publisher=Squadron/Signal Publications |series=In Action Series |year=2010 |number=2440 |isbn=978-0-89747-601-0}} * {{cite book |title=Storia della Lancia — Impresa Tecnologie Mercati 1906–1969 |first1=Franco |last1=Amatori <!--|first2=Florence |last2=Baptiste |first3=Giuseppe |last3=Berta |first4=Duccio |last4=Bifrazzi |first5=Maria Teresa |last5=De Palma |first6=Guido |last6=Bosani |first7=Giancarlo |last7=Subbrero--> |display-authors=etal |publisher=[[Fabbri Editori]] |year=1992 |location=Milan |page=350 |ref={{sfnref|Amatori et al.|1992}}}} {{refend}}
==External links== {{commons category|Lancia 3RO}} * https://archive.today/20080421175130/http://aermacchi.ifrance.com/photoscopelancia3.htm (French) * http://www.lancia-historie.de/lkw_3ro.html (German) * http://www.german.o5m6.de/lancia_3ro.html (English) * http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de/ (German and English) * https://web.archive.org/web/20110721001726/http://ww2armor.jexiste.fr/Files/Axis/Axis/1-Vehicles/Italy/10-Trucks/Lancia-Ro-3Ro/Lancia-Ro-3Ro.htm (French and English) * https://army1914-1945.org.pl/wlochy2/regio-esercito/uzbrojenie-wyposazenie-i-sprzet-regio-esercito/samochody-motocykle-i-pojazdy-specjalne/210-samochod-ciezarowy-lancia-3ro (Polish) * https://army1914-1945.org.pl/wlochy2/regio-esercito/uzbrojenie-wyposazenie-i-sprzet-regio-esercito/pojazdy-bojowe/213-samochod-opancerzony-lancia-3ro-blindato (Polish)
{{Lancia}} {{Lancia industrial vehicles timeline}}
[[Category:World War II vehicles of Italy]] [[Category:Military trucks of Italy]] [[Category:Lancia trucks|Lancia 3 RO]] [[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1930s]] [[Category:Vehicles introduced in 1933]] [[Category:Straight-five engines]]