TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces   LoneSentry.com

[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department Technical Manual, TM-E 30-451: Handbook on German Military Forces published in March 1945. — Figures and illustrations are not reproduced, see source details. — As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. — Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]


CHAPTER VII. WEAPONS

Section IV. ARTILLERY

2. Infantry Guns

a. 75-MM LIGHT INFANTRY GUN (7.5 cm le. I.G. 18). (1) General description. The 7.5 cm le. I.G. 18 is an infantry close-support weapon firing in both lower and upper registers. It has a box-type mount on pneumatic-tired disk wheels, and is fitted with a shield. A modification, the le. Geb. I.G. 18, has wooden-spoked wheels, a split tubular trail, and no shield , this version has similar performance and is used by airborne troops. Both models have an unusual tube, encased in a slipper block. Operation of the breech mechanism causes the rear of the tube to rise clear of the block for loading.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber   . . . . .   75 mm (2.95 inches).
Length of tube   . . . . .   34.75 inches.
Weight in action   . . . . .   880 pounds.
Maximum range   . . . . .   3,900 yards.
Muzzle velocity   . . . . .   725 feet per second.
Traverse   . . . . .   12°.
Elevation   . . . . .   -10° to +73°.
Traction   . . . . .   Motor- or horse-drawn.
Mountain version   . . . . .   Six pack loads. (heaviest 165 pounds).

(3) Ammunition. HE and hollow-charge rounds are fired by this gun. The HE rounds weigh 13.2 and 12.13 pounds.

b. 75-MM INFANTRY GUN (7.5 cm le. I.G. 37). (1) General description. The 7.5 cm le. I.G. 37, formerly called 7.5 cm. Pak 37, consists of a 75-mm tube, 21 calibers long, on the 3.7 cm Pak mount. The gun has a four-baffle muzzle brake which is square in cross section.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber   . . . . .   75 mm (2.95 inches).
Length of tube   . . . . .   5 feet 1.95 inches.
Weight in action   . . . . .   1,124 pounds.
Maximum range (with trails dug in 3 feet to increase elevation)   . . . . .   5,630 yards.
Muzzle velocity   . . . . .   1,165 feet per second.
Traverse   . . . . .   Under 60°.
Elevation   . . . . .   22° 30'.
Traction   . . . . .   Horse- or motor-drawn.

(3) Ammunition. HE and hollow-charge projectiles are fired. They are identical to those used with the 7.5 cm le. I.G. 18. The hollow-charge projectile will penetrate 75 mm (2.95 inches) at 30 degrees from normal.

c. 150-MM HEAVY INFANTRY GUN (15 cm s. I.G. 33). (1) General description. The 15 cm s. I.G. 33 is a standard infantry weapon, which can be used for high- or low-angle fire. The tube is monobloc, with a horizontal sliding breechblock and cartridge case obturation. The piece is mounted on a two-wheeled carriage with a box trail. Recently this gun has been issued with a stick bomb used against wire and minefields.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber   . . . . .   150 mm (5.9 inches).
Length of tube   . . . . .   5 feet, 4.57 inches.
Weight in action   . . . . .   3,360 pounds.
Maximum range (HE)   . . . . .   5,140 yards.
Muzzle velocity   . . . . .   787 feet per second.
Traverse   . . . . .   11° 15'.
Elevation   . . . . .   0 to 78°
Traction   . . . . .   Horse- or motor-drawn.

(3) Ammunition. HE and smoke projectiles are fired, in addition to a stick bomb. Projectile weights are: HE, 84 pounds; smoke, 85 pounds; and stick bomb, 197 pounds.


  

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