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

4. Airborne Recoilless Guns

a. 75-MM AIRBORNE RECOILLESS GUN (7.5 cm L. G. 40). (1) General description. The 7.5 cm L. G. 40, formerly known as the 7.5 cm L. G. 1 (L) Rh., needs no recoil mechanism. The breech is designed to eliminate recoil by emitting part of the propellent gases to the rear. Weight has been reduced considerably by constructing the carriage largely of light alloys, and the gun may be dropped by parachute in two wicker containers. The thin horizontal sliding breechblock is hand-operated. A Venturi tube extends from the rear of the breech which is bored to allow gases to escape. Light metal disk-type wheels are fitted to the mount.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber   . . . . .   75 mm (2.95 inches).
Length of tube including breech ring and jet   . . . . .   45.28 inches.
Weight in action   . . . . .   321 pounds.
Maximum range (HE)   . . . . .   8,900 yards (estimated).
Muzzle velocity (HE)   . . . . .   1,238 feet per second.
Traverse with elevation -15° to +42°   . . . . .   30° right and left.
Traverse with elevation -15° to +20°   . . . . .   360° right and left.
Elevation with traverse of 360°   . . . . .   -15° to +20°.
Elevation with traverse of 30°, right and left   . . . . .   -15° to + 42°.
Traction   . . . . .   Airborne.

(3) Ammunition. HE, APCBC, and hollow-charge projectiles are fired. Projectile weights are: HE, 12 pounds, APCBC, 15 pounds; hollow charge, 10.13 pounds. The hollow-charge projectile will penetrate 50 mm at 30 degrees from normal.

b. 105-MM AIRBORNE RECOILLESS GUN (10.5 cm L. G. 40). (1) General description. The 10.5 cm L. G. 40, formerly known as the 10.5 cm L. G. 2 Kp., like the 7.5 cm L. G. 40, has a jet at the rear for the escape of part of the propellent gases instead of a recoil system. There is no breechblock. The firing mechanism is operated from the top of the breech ring and the striker hits a primer in the side of the cartridge. A modification of this weapon, the 10.5 cm L. G. 40/2, also exists.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber   . . . . .   105 mm (4.14 inches).
Length of tube, including jet   . . . . .   6 feet, 3 inches.
Weight in action   . . . . .   855 pounds.
Maximum range   . . . . .   8,694 yards.
Muzzle velocity (HE)   . . . . .   1,099 feet per second.
Traverse   . . . . .   80°.
Elevation   . . . . .   -15° to +40° 30'.
Traction   . . . . .   Airborne.

(3) Ammunition. HE and hollow-charge projectiles are fired. The base of the cartridge case has a circular Bakelite disk which is destroyed when the gun fires. Projectile weights are: HE, 32.63 pounds; hollow charge, 25.88 pounds.

c. 105-MM AIRBORNE RECOILLESS GUN (10.5 cm L. G. 42). (1) General description. The 10.5 cm L. G. 42, formerly known as the L. G. 2 Rh, differs from the 10.5 cm L. G. 40 in that it has a horizontal sliding breechblock bored for the passage of gases to the rear. The mount is made of fairly heavy tubing, and is designed for rapid dismantling and reassembly. Both air and pack transport are possible. A variation, known as 10.5 cm L. G. 42/1, differs in weight (1,191 pounds). It uses the same range tables.

(2) Characteristics.

Caliber   . . . . .   105 mm (4.14 inches).
Length of tube   . . . . .   6 feet, 0.28 inch (including jet).
Weight in action   . . . . .   1,217 pounds.
Maximum range (HE)   . . . . .   8,695 yards.
Muzzle velocity   . . . . .   1,099 feet per second.
Traverse   . . . . .   360° at elevations up to 12°; 71° 15' at elevations over 12°.
Elevation   . . . . .   15° to 42° 35'.
Traction   . . . . .   Airborne or pack.

(3) Ammunition. This weapon fires HE, hollow-charge, smoke, and HE incendiary projectiles. The projectile weights are: HE, 32.58 pounds: hollow charge, 26.62 and 27.17 pounds; smoke, 32.36 pounds; and HE incendiary, 33.52 pounds.


  

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