Somua S35 vs. Type 95

Attribute	Somua S35	Type 95
Origin	France	Japan
Weight	19 tons	15 tons
Crew	3	3
Main Armament	47 mm SA 35 gun	57 mm Type 90 gun
Secondary Armament	7.5 mm Reibel machine gun	7.7 mm Type 97 machine gun
Speed	40 km/h	38 km/h

Introduction

When it comes to World War II era tanks, the Somua S35 and Type 95 are two iconic vehicles that played significant roles in their respective armies. Both tanks had their strengths and weaknesses, and in this article, we will compare the attributes of these two tanks to see how they stack up against each other.

Armor

The Somua S35 was known for its well-armored hull and turret, providing good protection for its crew. The front armor of the S35 was 47mm thick, which was quite impressive for its time. On the other hand, the Type 95 had thinner armor compared to the S35, with only 25mm of frontal armor. This made the Type 95 more vulnerable to enemy fire, especially from tanks with larger caliber guns.

Firepower

When it comes to firepower, the Somua S35 had a 47mm SA 35 gun, which was effective against most enemy tanks of its time. The gun had good penetration capabilities and could take out enemy tanks with ease. In comparison, the Type 95 was equipped with a 57mm gun, which had slightly better penetration than the S35's gun. However, the Type 95's gun had a slower rate of fire, which could be a disadvantage in fast-paced battles.

Mobility

Both the Somua S35 and Type 95 were relatively fast tanks compared to other tanks of their time. The S35 had a top speed of 40 km/h, while the Type 95 could reach speeds of up to 45 km/h. This made both tanks suitable for reconnaissance missions and rapid maneuvers on the battlefield. However, the S35 had better agility and handling due to its smaller size and lower weight compared to the Type 95.

Crew Comfort

One area where the Somua S35 excelled was in crew comfort. The S35 had a well-designed interior with ample space for the crew members, making long hours inside the tank more bearable. The Type 95, on the other hand, had a cramped interior with limited space for the crew. This could lead to discomfort and fatigue during extended missions, affecting the crew's performance on the battlefield.

Reliability

Reliability is a crucial factor in any tank, as breakdowns can be costly in the heat of battle. The Somua S35 was known for its reliability, with a robust engine and drivetrain that could withstand the rigors of combat. The Type 95, however, had a reputation for being less reliable, with frequent mechanical issues that could hamper its performance on the battlefield. This made the S35 a more dependable choice for military operations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Somua S35 and Type 95 were formidable tanks in their own right, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The S35 excelled in armor protection, firepower, and crew comfort, making it a reliable and effective tank on the battlefield. On the other hand, the Type 95 had better firepower and speed, but suffered from thinner armor and reliability issues. Ultimately, the choice between these two tanks would depend on the specific requirements of the mission and the preferences of the commanding officers.