Month: December 2009

Categories
German

15 cm K. 39: Medium Field Gun

German 15 cm K. 39: Medium Field Gun

The K. 39 was gradually replacing the K. 18 as Germany’s standard medium mobile artillery weapon. It is basically the same design as the earlier model, and has an identical range, muzzle velocity, and chamber pressure. Modifications to the piece, while extensive, were confined largely to the carriage, which resembles the 15 cm s.F.H. 18, page 105.

The tube is approximately two inches longer than that of the K. 18, and the rifling was changed from a 6° constant twist to a variable one, increasing from 4° 17′ to 5° 59′. The breech mechanism is of the horizontal sliding block type. The hydraulic recoil cylinder is apparently the same as that on the K. 18, but the hydropneumatic counterrecoil cylinder is shorter and larger in diameter than that of the earlier model. Length of recoil varies from 1250 mm to 1500 mm (49.2 inches to 59.2 inches). The equilibrators of both the K. 18 and the K. 39 are of the push type, but those on the K. 39 are spring activated. Elevation and traverse are accomplished in much the same manner, changes being principally in the location of the handwheels. A rigid gunners’ platform constructed of a non-skid open steel lattice work is bolted to the upper carriage. Although awkward in appearance, it performs the function for which it was intended without hampering the movements of the crew about the gun.

Traverse has been increased from 12° to 60° by the use of a split trail with detachable spades instead of the box-type trail used on the K. 18.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        149 mm
Weight (traveling position)
Weight (firing position) 27,300 lbs.
Length (traveling position)
Length (firing position)
Height (traveling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Width of trail spread
Twist of rifling—increasing 4° 17′ to 5°
Length of barrel 325 ins.
Length of rifling 256.6 ins.
Volume of chamber 1,829 cu. ins.
M uzzle velocity 2,840 f/s
Max. range (horizontal) 24.7 km
Rate of fire
Traverse 60°
Elevation 45°
Depression 4°
Length of recoil (max.) 1,500 mm
Ammunition types H.E.; anticoncrete, APHE
Weight of max. charge 41.2 lbs.
Weight of projectile (HE) 94.6 lbs.
German: p. 104.4 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

15 cm K. 18: Medium Field Gun

15 cm K. 18: Medium Field Gun - German Artillery

This weapon was being replaced by the 15 cm K. 39 during the closing months of the European war. For transport, the K. 18 may be broken down into two loads and drawn by either horse or truck.

The built-up tube consists of a main tube, breech jacket, and breech ring. Rifling is a 6° constant twist. Hydraulic recoil and hydropneumatic counterrecoil cylinders are of standard German design. The buffer is located below, and the recuperator above the piece.

A rectangular breech ring has a crank-operated horizontal sliding type breechblock opening to the right. Two pneumatic, push-type equilibrators are incorporated in the design.

Elevation and depression are accomplished by means of an off-center elevating arc which is operated by a handwheel on the left side of the piece. The traversing handwheel is also located on the left.

The carriage is mounted on two rubber-tired wheels and has a hollow, box-type trail allowing a total traverse of 12 degrees.

The ammunition is semi-fixed; there are three charges.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber      149 mm
Weight (firing position)28,400 lbs.
Maximum chamber pressure41,200 lbs./sq. in.
Length of barrel323 ins.
Twist of rifling, constant6°
Length of rifling253 ins.
Volume of chamber1,770 cu. ins.
Muzzle velocity2,840 f/s
Max. range (horiontal)27,000 yds.
Traverse12°
Elevation43°
Depression2°
Length of recoil1,450 mm
Ammunition typesHE; anticoncrete
   Weight of max. charge42.5 lbs.
   Weight of projectile (HE)94.6 lbs.

German: p. 104.3 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

15 cm K. 16: Heavy Field Gun

German 15 cm K. 16: Heavy Field Gun

The 15 cm K. 16 differs from other German 15 cm guns by reason of its appreciably heavier projectile. The ammunition employed in the K. 16 is not interchangeable with other guns of the caliber.

This weapon is generally regarded as obsolete, although it may be employed as a coast defense weapon or in some other static role. The piece may be used on the 21 cm Howitzer carriage and then may be known as 15 cm K in Mrs. Laf.

Features of the 15 cm K. 16 are: the location of the buffer and recuperator below the piece; a large three-ribbed collar which surrounds the piece just forward of the breech ring; a cylindrical breech ring; and a box-type trail terminating in a spade of massive dimensions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber          150 mm (5.9 ins.)
Weight in action 24,000 lbs.
Length of piece 248 ins.
Elevation 42°
Depression -3°
Traverse 8°
Maximum range 21,370 yds.*
Maximum muzzle velocity 2,480 f/s*
Ammunition H.E. Capped
Weight of projectile 113 lb.
Propellant
       16 lb. Ngl R.P. plus 3 oz. igniter powder
       26 lb. Ngl R.P. plus 3 oz. igniter powder
       29 lb. Ngl R.P. plus 3 oz. igniter powder

*Not verified.

German: p. 104.1

Categories
German

21 cm K. 39: Heavy Field Gun

Skoda 21 cm K. 39: Heavy Field Gun

The 21 cm heavy field gun (K. 39), an original Skoda design, was taken over by the German Army shortly after the invasion of Czechoslovakia. For transport, the equipment may be broken down into three loads, each of which is mounted on two 2-wheeled, pneumatic-tired bogies.

The piece consists of an autofrettaged monobloc barrel and loose liner, and a breech ring. The breechblock is of the interrupted screw threaded type, incorporating an obturator pad, obturator spindle and percussion firing lock. On recoil, the piece slides in a cylindrical sleeve in the cradle.

The upper carriage is fitted to a turntable which revolves on a ball race mounted in the platform. The platform consists of a rectangular sheet steel box which is dug into the ground. Four removable arms located at the corners of the platform support it by bearing on the ground by means of special feet. During transport, the arms are lowered and serve to support the platform on its bogies.

The traversing and elevating mechanisms, each with two-speed gearing, are operated from handwheels on the left of the carriage.

Four types of ammunition are used in the gun: the original Czech high explosive shell; a German version of the same shell with the base fuze omitted; an anti-concrete shell with ballistic cap and base fuze; and an armor-piercing shell with base fuze. It is loaded at 8° elevation with the help of a special 2-wheeled shell trolley.

There are two other versions of the weapon, the K. 39/40 and the 39/41. Although the two later models are modifications of the original Skoda design, they do not differ in main performance details

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber      210 mm (8.27 ins.)
Weight (traveling position) Three loads approx. 16 1/2 tons each
Weight (firing position) 37.2 tons
Length of barrel including breech ring 31.3 ft.
Muzzle velocity (max.) 2,625 f/s
Max. range (horizontal) 32,800 yds.
Traverse 360°
Wt. of max. charge 82.8 lbs.
Elevation 45°
Depression -4°
Ammunition H.E.; Anti-concrete; A.P.
Wt. of projectile All 298 lbs.

German: p. 100.3 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

28 cm K5 (E): Railway Gun

28 cm K5 (E): Railway Gun

The German 28 cm K5 (E) has an unconfirmed range of 31 miles and fires a pre-engraved projectile weighing approximately 550 pounds. It is fired from a turntable affording a 360° traverse.

The gun has a 70-foot 8-inch barrel held in a sleeve-type cradle. The barrel recoil mechanism, fitted between two arms projecting downward from the cradle, consists of two hydropneumatic cylinders and a single hydraulic buffer cylinder. The cradle is supported by trunnions which rest in bearings on top of a box-like frame, of girder construction, which in turn is supported on two pintles resting in bearings in the center of two 12-wheel trucks. The front pintle bearing rides in a rail on the front truck and can be positioned six inches either side of center, thereby allowing a car traverse of approximately 1°.

The equipment in effect has a double recoil action. Besides the barrel recoil which is approximately 32 inches, the gun car recoils. It is coupled to the front of the turntable platform by a hydraulic buffer and a hydropneumatic counterrecoil mechanism which returns the car to battery position.

A turntable platform is transported as part of the equipment and in transport forms a flat car with a 103-foot bed resting on two 8-wheel trucks.

A central jack helps support the tremendous weight of the gun and carriage which amounts to around 230 tons and also serves as a central pivot for the turntable.

The powder chamber is approximately 10 feet 5 inches long. Obturation is obtained by means of a short brass cartridge case and the breech is closed with a horizontal sliding type of breechblock. Firing is of the percussion type.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber      280 mm (11 ins.)
Length of barrel 70 ft., 8 ins.
Length of tube 67 ft., 5 ins.
Length of rifling 57 ft.
Rifling Right Hand uniform twist
Weight of barrel (Leopold)* 187,880 lb.
Length of car 95 ft., 7 ins.
Length of carriage 69 ft., 8 ins.
Width of carriage (overall) 8 ft., 8 1/2 ins.
Number of grooves 12
Width of grooves 5/8 in.
Depth of grooves 17/64 in.
Max. range 54,680 yds.**
Traverse on turntable 360°
Carriage traverse (approx.) 1/2° R; 1/2°
Elevation (estimated) 50°
Ammunition Separate loading—steel splined projectile
Weight of projectile (approx.) 550 lb.

*Two of these guns were found in Italy; one was called “Leopold,” and the other “Robert.” The weight of the barrel on the latter model is 187,165 pounds.
**Not verified.

German: p. 100.2

Categories
German

Portable Gantry Crane

Portable Gantry Crane

The portable Gantry Crane was manufactured in 1942 by J.S. Fries & Son, Frankfurt, Germany. It has a capacity of 33,000 pounds, and is used by field tank maintenance units in removing turrets and engines from heavy German tanks.

With a crew of eight men, the crane can be erected from traveling position to the operating position in an estimated time of twenty minutes. When the crane is in the operating position, it can be moved on its bogies on hard surface ground, or it can be run on rails that engage the flanges on the inside of the bogie wheels.

The equipment has a tendency to be top heavy in the traveling position. It is easily erected to the operating position because of its jack-knife tubular legs which are equipped with wire cable tackle blocks and manual winch.

The bridge is fabricated from welded “I” beams and angle iron shapes. The hoisting winch and motor assembly are permanently mounted at one end of the bridge. The motor, a ten-horsepower, three-phase, fifty-cycle 220/380-volt squirrel cage induction type, is equipped with magnetic friction brake and a two-station start-and-stop starter.

The hoisting block, a twin sheave type using a six-37-strand three-quarter-inch galvanized cable, can be raised or lowered manually when power is off.

The trolley is supported by four ball bearing flanged wheels and has ball bearing equipped sheaves. The trolley is traversed manually by a chain.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        17,250 lb.
Weight on front wheels 9,170 lb.
Weight on rear wheels 8,180 lb.
Length (overall) 48 ft.
Length of bridge 30 ft., 5 ins.
Length of bridge track 23 ft., 9 ins.
Length of drawbar 11 ft.
Width (overall) 7 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width of bridge 3 ft., 3 ins.
Height (overall) 22 ft., 8 ins.
Height in traveling position 8 ft., 2 ins.
Height of bridge 2 ft., 7 1/2 ins.
Center to center of bridge track 2 ft., 3 ins.
Tread centers (front) 5 ft.
Tread centers (rear) 6 ft., 8 ins.
Ground clearance at axles 1 ft.
Ground clearance at bogie wheels 5 1/2 ins.
Tire size 34 x 7 (8.00 x 20)
Bogie wheel size 150 x 410 mm – 5.9 in. x 16.1 in.
Capacity 15 tons

German: p. 62.1

Categories
German

Trippel S.G. 6 Schwimkraftwagen: Amphibious 1/4-ton Truck, Model 1942

Trippel S.G. 6 Schwimkraftwagen: Amphibious 1/4-ton Truck, Model 1942

Development of this vehicle began prior to 1939 at the Trippelwerke Hamburg Saar. According to German press reports, in 1941 Mr. Hans Trippel, the inventor, made improvements over his earlier models as a result of experiments and his plant prepared to go into mass production. The above vehicle was manufactured in 1942. Field examination shows that the application of its design to combined land and water transportation is successful. Simplicity of design throughout makes it possible to produce the vehicle in large quantities very easily.

The body is arranged with a front engine compartment, a center crew compartment, and a rear stowage compartment. Water sealing is accomplished by means of rubber seals throughout. The only openings in the rear of the body are for the wheel and propeller drive and for the shafts of the shock absorbers. In the front of the body there are three openings on each side as follows: one for the shock absorber rod, the radius rod, and for the wheel drive.

Four-wheel drive with independent double coil spring suspension contributes to the cross-country mobility which is said to be remarkable. The shock absorbers are mounted inside the hull and connect with the suspension through an auxiliary shaft that is stuffing box sealed.

A special transmission is provided with three speeds forward and one reverse for highways plus three speeds forward and one reverse for cross-country and a forward and reverse gear for operation in the water. The three-bladed propeller is lowered to position when in the water and is protected inside the body work when on land. Steering is accomplished by front wheels. A one-shot lubrication system is operated from the dash.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (net)        3,860 lb.
Cargo capacity (land) 2,400 lb.
Cargo capacity (water) 2,100 lb.
Length (overall) 190 ins.
Width (overall) 71 ins.
Height (overall—top of windshield) 74 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread center to center 58 1/2 ins.
Tire (Continental, cross-country type) 6.00 x 18 ins.
Wheel base 98 ins.
Freeboard 12 ins.
Speed (highway) 44 m.p.h.
Speed (water) 6-10 m.p.h.
Radius of action (land) 130 miles
Radius of action (water) 46 miles
Fuel tank 15 1/2 gal.
Fuel consumption (land) 9.7 m.p.g.
Fuel consumption (water) 4.35 m.p.g.
Engine Double radiator, water-cooled, details unknown.
Brakes 4-wheel hydraulic
Crew 5
Ignition and Electrical System 12-volt Bosch

German: p. 58.2

Categories
German

M.G. 151/15 und M.G. 151/20 Drilling auf m. S.P.W. (Sd Kfz. 251/21): Triple Machine Gun on Semitracked Vehicle

M.G. 151/15 und M.G. 151/20 Drilling auf m. S.P.W. (Sd Kfz. 251/21): Triple Machine Gun on Semitracked Vehicle

This is the 3-ton, armored semitrack mounting triple 15 mm or 20 mm heavy machine guns of the Model 151 aircraft type. The equipment is an assault weapon intended for ground combat, and engagement of low flying aircraft is a secondary role.

The three guns, which are cocked manually and percussion fired, are set coaxially and in the same plane. Each gun is held in a standard MG 151 aircraft cradle, less the body extension. The cradles are bolted to a common block on the top bracket of the pedestal, pivoting on trunnions for elevation and depression. The top bracket is bolted to a bottom conical skirt and the whole rotates freely on a cone pedestal fixed to the floor of the vehicle. Elevation (-5° to 49°) and traverse (360°) are shoulder controlled by the firer. A brake locking device is provided for traverse.

The guns, capable of firing 700 r.p.m. each, are belt fed, the belts being contained in steel boxes, one for each gun. A total of 3,000 rounds of ammunition in belts is carried in the vehicle. Penetration of A.P. projectiles fired from the 15 mm MG 151 is reported as 18 mm from 100 meters at 30 degrees.

Sighting apparatus consists of a telescopic sight with a magnification of 3 and a field of view of 8 degrees; a cartwheel type antiaircraft sight, and a hand periscope with a magnification of 8 and a field of view of 7.5 degrees.

A further description of the components of this equipment is available on pages 45 and 252.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight      8 tons
Trailer load capacity3.3 tons
Length19 ft.
Width7 ft.
Height
Ground clearance12 ins.
Tread centers5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact5 ft., 11 ins.
Track width11 ins.
Track links55
Radius of action186 miles
Fuel tank42.5 gals.
Fuel consumption (roads)5 miles per gal.
Fording depth20 ins.
Speed30 m.p.h.
EngineMaybach, NL 42 TUKRR
Bore and stroke90 x 110 mm
Horsepower100
IgnitionBosch magneto
Battery12 volt
Transmission4 speeds forward, 1 reverse. High and low range.
SteeringFront wheel and track epicyclic
Crew4

German: p. 46.2 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

m. Flammpanzerwagen (Sd. Kfz. 251/16): Armored Flamethrower Vehicle

m. Flammpanzerwagen (Sd. Kfz. 251/16): Armored Flamethrower Vehicle

This flame-throwing vehicle is employed in association with more heavily armored panzer units. It is an adaptation of the medium armored personnel carrier on which have been mounted the various items of equipment required.

There are two large projectors mounted well back on either side of the vehicle in V-shaped shields. Each of these has a nozzle .55 inch in diameter, and a traverse of 160 degrees. The third flamethrower takes the form of the cartridge ignition projector used in the small portable flamethrower Model 42, on the end of 33 feet of hose, connecting it to the propulsion unit and fuel tank through the back of the vehicle. The nozzle of this projector is .28 inch in diameter.

Fuel propulsion is by a pump driven by a small gasoline engine supplied by a 5 1/2-gallon tank which will run the engine for two hours. One hundred and fifty-four gallons of fuel for the flamethrowers is carried. This allows about eighty bursts of one or two seconds’ duration each.

The effective range of the large flamethrowers is about 40 yards; that of the portable unit about 30 yards.

1,850 gallons of fuel are carried in the three 3-ton lorries of platoon transport. This is sufficient for two refuels for all six flamethrower vehicles of the flamethrower platoon.

The crew of the vehicle consists of one vehicle loader who also acts as wireless operator and machine gunner, two flamethrower operators, and a driver.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)     8 tons
Trailer load capacity3.3 tons
Length19 ft.
Width7 ft.
Height7 ft.
Ground clearance12 ins.
Tread centers5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact5 ft., 11 ins.
Track width11 ins.
Track links55
Fuel tank42.5 gals.
Fuel consumption5 miles per gal.
Fording depth20 ins.
Speed30 m.p.h.
EngineMaybach, NL 42 TUKRR, 100 hp.
Bore and stroke90 x 110 mm
IgnitionMagneto
Battery12 volt
Transmission4 speeds forward, 1 reverse. High and low range.
SteeringFront wheel and track epicyclic
Crew4
Armor
   Radiator cover7.5 mm at 81 degrees
   Sides8.5 mm at 55-60 degrees
   Front plate15 mm at 55 degrees
Armament2 large flamethrowers
1 portable flamethrower
2 7.92 mm M.G. 34’s

German: p. 46.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Radio-Controlled Demolition Vehicle—B IV

Radio-Controlled Demolition Vehicle - Borgward B IV

This vehicle is designed to convey a heavy demolition charge to a selected tactical objective, at which point the load may be dropped, the vehicle retracted, and the charge detonated. While it may be driven near the target, its special feature is the remote radio-control with which it may be operated after the driver leaves. Its chief use is to demolish pillboxes and strongpoints.

The hull, which is of one piece welded construction, is divided into three compartments. The engine, radio equipment, and hydraulic mechanism are contained in the rear compartment, the transmission units in one of the forward compartments, and the driver’s controls and instruments in the other. Three overlapping flaps of 8 mm armor protect the top of the driver’s compartment.

The vehicle is powered by a 6-cylinder, inline, water-cooled, gasoline engine, similar to commercial types. It develops approximately 80 horsepower and is supplied by two fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 28.6 gallons.

From the engine, the drive is taken forward through a fluid coupling to the gear box. Two speeds forward and two speeds reverse are provided by high and low range gears. Power is transmitted to the forward sprockets through a train of four spur gears. Suspension is on torsion bars. There are five double rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side. The cast steel center guide tracks have detachable rubber pads and are 7 3/4 inches wide.

An 800-pound explosive charge is carried in a container on the sloping front. Drop arms hinged to the sides of the front permit the warhead to be lowered to the ground, jettisoned, and the vehicle withdrawn from the destructive arc before the charge is detonated by means of a time fuze or electric detonator.

Radio control of the vehicle is effected by transmitting a carrier of frequency between 24 Mc/s and 25 Mc/s which is amplitude modulated by audio frequency tones. The transmitter power is approximately 4 watts.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       4 tons
Length 12 ft.
Width 6 ft.
Height (including driver’s shield) 4 ft., 7 ins.
Ground clearance 12 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 2 ins.
Ground contact 5 ft. 10.5 ins.
Width of track 7.75 ins.
Track links 50
Pitch of track 5.5 ins.
Armor
   Front plate 10 mm
   Sides 13 mm (5 mm + 8 mm)
Armament 800-lb. explosive charge
Engine 6-cylinder, O.H.V. gasoline, 80 horsepower.
Transmission 1 fwd, 1 reverse with high and low range—hydraulic clutch.
Steering Epicyclic steering brakes either manually or hydraulically controlled.
Crew 1
 
RADIO EQUIPMENT
Type receiver Superheterodyne
Frequency 24,600 kilocycles
Local oscillator Crystal controlled
Intermediate frequency 464 kilocycles
Tubes
   Receiver 1 ECH 11 Mixer-Oscillator
  1 EF 13 Fixed i-f amplifier
  1 EBF 11 second i-f AVC, Second detector
  2 EF 12 Audio amplifiers
   Filter unit 5 EF 12 Relay control
  1 EF 13 Relay control
Power supply 12 v. storage battery with dynamotor
Voltage Plate—200 v.
  Filament—6 v.

German: p. 40.2 (April 1, 1945)