The ineffectiveness of the Italian Carro Veloce (Fast Tank) CV33 and CV35 tanks was rapidly identified. The CV33 was nothing more than a tankette, its armour was totally inadequate against infantry anti-tank weapons and the crew (of 2 men) suffered from the lack of spare parts. Other drawbacks were its slow speed (despite its light weight the CV never reached more than 45km/h), the fact that the starter mechanism was placed outside the vehicle. Due to its small size and vulnerability, Italian soldiers dubbed the CV33 the “sardine box” or “iron casket”
The ineffectiveness of the Italian Carro Veloce (Fast Tank) CV33 and CV35 tanks was rapidly identified. The CV33 was nothing more than a tankette, its armour was totally inadequate against infantry anti-tank weapons and the crew (of 2 men) suffered from the lack of spare parts. Other drawbacks were its slow speed (despite its light weight the CV never reached more than 45km/h), the fact that the starter mechanism was placed outside the vehicle. Due to its small size and vulnerability, Italian soldiers dubbed the CV33 the “sardine box” or “iron casket”