The Laffly V15T was a French all-terrain military vehicle developed in the 1930s, primarily designed as a light reconnaissance and artillery towing vehicle, like the 25 mm SA anti-tank gun. Built by the Société Laffly, it was part of the French military’s efforts to modernize and mechanize its forces in the lead-up to World War II.
Powered by a 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing around 45 horsepower, the Laffly V15T had a top speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) and a range of 150-200 km (93-124 miles) on roads. Its wheeled design allowed for good mobility on both hard surfaces and rough terrain, though it was less suited for extreme off-road conditions compared to tracked vehicles. Despite this, the V15T was highly effective for light reconnaissance, communication, and transport duties.
The vehicle featured a lightly armored body, offering basic protection from small arms fire and shrapnel, making it suitable for reconnaissance missions but not for frontline combat. It could carry a small crew of 3-4 soldiers, and was often used for towing lighter artillery pieces, such as the 75mm field gun, or transporting supplies and personnel.
The Laffly V15T was used extensively by the French Army during the early stages of World War II, but after the fall of France, many were captured and utilized by German forces. Its reliability and versatility made it a valuable asset in the French motorized units.
