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The AS 42 Sahariana was developed by SPA-Viberti using the same chassis as the Autoblinda AB 41 armored car (http://thefewgoodmen.com/thefgmforum/threads/autoblinda-ab-41-armoured-car.24271/), including its four-wheel steering, specifically for desert operations, primarily in a reconnaissance role. This set was highly efficient and sophisticated for the time, with the four wheels steering, individual suspensions and 4x4 drive with locking center differential.
The only modification of the chassis in relation to Autoblinda was the elimination of the rear cockpit. On this mechanical set was mounted a low, wide cabin, non-armored, with front cockpit and engine in back.
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 forces, the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG).
One of its major features was the large amount of jerry cans of 20 liters externally loaded with fuel and water. Another peculiarity was the spare tire installed on a frontal position "buried" in front of the vehicle and the central position of the driver. Besides the pilot, the Sahariana could carry up to six men, but his crew was more common three to four crew.
The Saharianas had its baptism of fire with "Raggruppamento Sahariano Africa Settentrionale" in November 1942, with a total of 07 AS-42 (vehicles number 790B to 794B, 797B and 798B) and other support vehicles. Its primary mission was to combat the British LRDG and SAS (Special Air Service) and make the long distance armed reconnaissance in the desert. For this, these cars were armed with a combination of various weapons such as:
- Breda machine-gun - 8mm mod. 37, with 24 magazines (MG)
- Rifle AT Solothurn 20mm S18/1000 semi-automatic, with 10 magazines (ATR)
- Breda gun - 20mm mod. 35 Dual Purpose, with 12 magazines
The only modification of the chassis in relation to Autoblinda was the elimination of the rear cockpit. On this mechanical set was mounted a low, wide cabin, non-armored, with front cockpit and engine in back.
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 forces, the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG).
One of its major features was the large amount of jerry cans of 20 liters externally loaded with fuel and water. Another peculiarity was the spare tire installed on a frontal position "buried" in front of the vehicle and the central position of the driver. Besides the pilot, the Sahariana could carry up to six men, but his crew was more common three to four crew.
The Saharianas had its baptism of fire with "Raggruppamento Sahariano Africa Settentrionale" in November 1942, with a total of 07 AS-42 (vehicles number 790B to 794B, 797B and 798B) and other support vehicles. Its primary mission was to combat the British LRDG and SAS (Special Air Service) and make the long distance armed reconnaissance in the desert. For this, these cars were armed with a combination of various weapons such as:
- Breda machine-gun - 8mm mod. 37, with 24 magazines (MG)
- Rifle AT Solothurn 20mm S18/1000 semi-automatic, with 10 magazines (ATR)
- Breda gun - 20mm mod. 35 Dual Purpose, with 12 magazines