The Hotchkiss H39 was an improved version of the Hotchkiss H35 tank. Char léger modèle 1935 H modifié 39 or Modified Model 1935 H39 light tank was its full French designation at that time. The Hotchkiss H39 had the longer 37 mm gun. The Hotchkiss was intended as Infantry tank, slow as it was and well armored it was hard to steer and control off road. The French Cavalry units adopted the tank into their ranks. It was in service in numerous countries and in three wars until 1952. The H39 had 40 mm of armor on its turret, 34 on the hull, a 37 mm gun and a 7,5 mm Reibel Machine gun.