Landsverk Lynx

{{Infobox weapon | name = {{big|Landsverk Lynx}} | image = Lynx m39.JPG | image_size = 300 | caption = Swedish pbil m/39 Lynx | origin = [[Sweden]] | type = [[Armored car (military)|Armoured car]]  | is_vehicle = yes  | service = 1939–1940 (Denmark) 1939–1958 (Sweden) 1956–1990 (Dominican Republic) | used_by = [[Denmark]] [[Sweden]] [[Dominican Republic]] | wars = [[World War II]] [[Dominican Civil War]]  | designer = [[AB Landsverk]] | design_date = | manufacturer = AB Landsverk, [[Volvo]] | unit_cost = | production_date = 1939-1941 | number = 48 | variants = PV M39 Pbil m/39 Pbil m/40  | spec_label = | weight = {{convert|7.8| t|abbr=on}} | length = {{convert|5.1| m|ftin|abbr=on}} | part_length = | width = {{convert|2.28 |m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|2.2| m|ftin|abbr=on}} | diameter = | crew = 6 | passengers =  | armour = up to {{convert|13| mm|in|abbr=on}} | primary_armament = 1 × [[20 mm Madsen cannon]] (PV M39) 1 × [[M/40 Automatic cannon|20 mm Bofors cannon]] (pbil m/39, m/40) | secondary_armament = 3 × 30-cal Madsen or Browning machine guns | engine = Scania-Vabis (m/39) or Volvo (m/40) 6-cylinder petrol | engine_power = {{convert| 135|-|142| hp|abbr=on}} | pw_ratio = 16.6-17.5 hp/t | transmission = | payload_capacity = | suspension = 4 x 4 | clearance = | fuel_capacity = | vehicle_range = {{convert|200|km|abbr=on}} | speed = {{convert|70|km/h|abbr=on}} | guidance = | steering = Four-wheel }}

The '''Landsverk Lynx''' was a series of Swedish 4x4 [[Armored car (military)|armoured car]]s developed by [[AB Landsverk]] just prior to World War II.

In Danish service it was designated as ''PV M39'',<ref name="armyvehicles.dk">{{cite web |title=Landsverk Lynx (PV M 39) |url=https://www.armyvehicles.dk/lvlynx.htm |website=armyvehicles.dk |access-date=2023-06-02}}</ref> in Swedish service as ''pansarbil m/39'' (''pbil m/39''), or ''pansarbil m/40'' (''pbil m/40'') for a later [[Volvo]] production series.<ref name="ointres lynx">{{cite web |title=Pansarbil m/39-40 |url=http://www.ointres.se/pansarbil_m_39-40.htm |website=ointres.se |publisher=Rickard O. Linström |access-date=2023-06-02}}</ref>

== History == [[AB Landsverk]], who had developed the [[Landsverk L-180|L-180]], [[Landsverk L-181|L-181]] and [[Landsverk L-182|L-182]] family of armored cars, began developing the ''Lynx'' in 1937 as a private project.<ref name="te pbil m/39">{{cite web |url=https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/sweden/Pansarbil_M-39.php |title=Pansarbil m/39 armoured truck (1939) }}</ref> Sweden wasn't particularly interested so AB Landsverk pitted it against the British [[Alvis-Straussler AC3]] in [[Denmark]], after which an order for 18 vehicles were placed by the [[Danish army]]. The first prototype was available for trials in January 1938 and three vehicles were shipped to Denmark in April 1938, outfitted with a [[Madsen 20 mm cannon]] and Madsen machine guns. Fifteen more vehicles were supposed to be delivered to Denmark but the [[German invasion of Denmark (1940)]] derailed this plan and the vehicles were instead requisitioned by [[Sweden]], refitted with new turrets and 20 mm cannons from Bofors and designated '''pansarbil m/39''' ({{literally|armored car m/39}}).<ref name="te pbil m/39"/> Thirty more vehicles were ordered by Sweden but, since Landsverk did not have the capacity to produce them, the contract was fulfilled by [[Volvo]] and these vehicles bear the designation '''pansarbil m/40''' due to a variety of changes, such as being fitted with 145 hp Volvo engines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://elfnet.hu/haditechnika/pancelautok/pansarbilm39.php |title=Pansarbil m/39 - Elfnet.hu }}</ref>

== Characteristics == The Lynx had a low slung body with well sloped, but thin, armor and used a modified [[Landsverk L-60]] turret. The 140 hp [[Scania-Vabis]] engine was in the middle on the left side. It was able to be driven from both the front and the rear<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sphf.se/Axvall/pbil40.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814190734/http://www.sphf.se/Axvall/pbil40.htm |archive-date=2010-08-14 |title=Pbil m/40 }}</ref> and featured a crew of six (commander, 3 gunners, and front and rear drivers). All models were armed with three machine guns and a main autocannon.<ref name="te pbil m/39"/>

Wheels were produced by ''Overman Gummifabriks AB Sundbyberg''.{{cn|date=August 2024}}

== Operational history == The three Lynx delivered to Denmark were numbered PV9, PV10 and PV11, which formed the basis of two armored car squadrons attached to cavalry regiments. These were captured and used by German police units. Between 1941 and 1943 the Swedish m/40 models were completed and participated in exercises with reconnaissance units.<ref name="te pbil m/39"/> In 1956 thirteen Pansarbils were sold to the [[Dominican Republic]].

== Further reading == * Leland Ness (2002) ''Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles: The Complete Guide'', HarperCollins, London and New York, {{ISBN|978-0-00-711228-9}} * [http://www.ointres.se/pansarbil_m_39-40.htm ointres.se – Pansarbil m/39-40, by Rickard O. Lindström]

== References == {{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pansarbil m 39}} [[Category:Landsverk vehicles]] [[Category:Main battle tanks of the Cold War]] [[Category:Armoured cars of the interwar period]] [[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Sweden]] [[Category:World War II armoured cars]] [[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1930s]]