The car was going to be used as an assault SAU ARL V39. Serial production planned to begin in the second half of 1940, but in connection with the occupation of France, it was not started.
In order to strengthen army formations, in addition to tanks of purely “infantry” specialization, shortly before the war, France began to implement a program of self-propelled artillery systems intended for fire support. One of such self-propelled guns was developed by ARL, and its project turned out to be one of the best. To take on the development of a self-propelled unit prompted a purely tank program G1, which by the beginning of 1939 had suffered a complete failure. At that time, among the manufacturers was Baudet-Donon-Roussel, whose project was very much like the medium tank B1bis. The project differed from its “prototype” in more rational tilt angles of armor plates and a less complicated chassis.
In terms of tactical and technical characteristics, the French 75-mm ACS turned out to be no worse than the German StuG III Ausf.B, and in some respects the “Frenchman” looked even more preferable. The most important advantage was the presence of 75 mm with a stereoscopic rangefinder, which allowed to fight enemy armored vehicles at distances beyond the range of the German SAU. However, he also had shortcomings – it suffices to recall the archaic chassis and the commander’s tower, instead of which the installation of a conventional observation dome would be enough.
On October 15, 1939, the army finally placed an order for 72 self-propelled guns, of which 24 were to be delivered in the unarmed commander version. By May 1940, it was planned to have already armed with 108 ARL 40 V39, but in practice only two unarmored prototypes were assembled (according to other data only one), distinguished by small details and different gun barrels. In view of the rapid onset of the German troops, the command ordered the overtaking of all new equipment to the south of the country, from where it was to be evacuated to the African colonies. At least one ARL 40 V39 got into Morocco, but it did not find any practical use for itself.
In the world of tanks online game, the French self-propelled unit is on level 6. In the arsenal of the player has a choice of 5 guns. Each has its own characteristics that can significantly affect the course of the battle. 75 mm APX mle. 1938, 75 mm AC SA44, 105 mm AC mle. 1930 S, 90 mm AC canon DCA 30, 90 mm AC DCA 45.
The gun 90 mm AC DCA 45 has the exact and best indicator on armor penetration and ammunition. Punches 212 millimeters of armor and deals one-time damage of 240. According to its spread and information, these tools can be used at medium and long distances. But have to get used to the speed of the projectile.
Cannon 105 mm AC mle. 1930 S has powerful one-time damage of 300 units per shot. It is better to play with this instrument at middle and near distances. Because of not very good indicators on the spread of 100 meters and its information, as well as the speed of the projectile. But even from close ranges, using this gun will be particularly difficult to shoot. Since the indicators of armor do not match the performance of assault tanks.
Reservations for the French ARL V39 self-propelled self-propelled gun is 60 millimeters in frontal projection. The tank is easily punched by classmates. And the design of the tank itself, or rather its large turret only complicates the game in close combat. It will not be possible to play from the relief, enemy tanks will have time to shoot at the turret before the player has the opportunity to look out of the relief for a shot.
And the declination angles of the gun down are 6 degrees. This is not enough for the game from the relief and the construction as mentioned above does not allow using such a mode. From here, and we can conclude that playing on this anti-tank self-propelled gun ARL V39, better standing in the bushes is not a small hill. And while being in the second row from their allies, playing the role of a tank of support.