Stock Photo - World War II - FRANCE. Tanks, Hotchkiss H-39, Hotchkiss H38 rear. The Hotchkiss H39 was a French tank developed before the Second World War. It was used by the French Army during the invasion of France in 1940. The Hotchkiss H39 was a medium tank with the ability to fire a 47mm main gun and up to three 8mm machine guns. It was powered by a 4-cylinder gas engine and had a top speed of 20 mph. The tank used a Christie suspension system, which allowed it to run on tracks or wheels. It was considered relatively reliable and was well-armored, although its armament was deemed insufficient. It was soon superseded by more advanced French tanks such as the Somua S35 and Hotchkiss H35.