SPA-Viberti AS.42
The Camionetta Desertica Model 42 (also known as the SPA-Viberti AS.42 or Sahariana) was an Italian reconnaissance car of World War II. The AS.42 (Africa Settentrionale = North Africa) was developed by SPA-Viberti using the same chassis as the AB 41 armoured car, including its four-wheel steering, but with a 2x4 transmission specifically for desert operations, primarily in a reconnaissance role. Its origins trace back to requests stemming from units operating on the North African front for a long range, highly maneuverable vehicle, similar to those widely used by the highly successful British reconnaissance and raiding force, the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG).
| SPA-Viberti AS.42 | |
|---|---|
An AS.42 desert patrol vehicle of the Auto-Saharan Company | |
| Type | Reconnaissance vehicle |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1942-1954 |
| Used by | Royal Italian Army |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1942 |
| Manufacturer | Viberti |
| Produced | 1942-1943 |
| No. built | c.100 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4,500 kg (9,900 lb) |
| Length | 5.620 m (18 ft 5.3 in) |
| Width | 2.260 m (7 ft 5.0 in) |
| Height | 1.800 m (5 ft 10.9 in) |
| Crew | 5 |
Main armament | see Armament |
| Engine | 4,995 cc 6-cylinder petrol 100 hp (75 kW) |
| Payload capacity | 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) |
| Transmission | 6 forward 1 reverse |
Operational range | 300 km (190 mi), with spare cans 1,500 km (930 mi) 30 litres/100 km fuel consumption |
| Maximum speed | 84 km/h (52 mph) |
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