Month: January 2010

Categories
Japanese

Combination Prime Mover and Wrecker

Combination Prime Mover and Wrecker - Japanese WWII Tractor

This vehicle, in addition to its function as a prime mover and wrecker, may have been used as a tank recovery vehicle. It has a total seating capacity of thirteen men. Two front booms are provided, and a removable boom at the rear. The latter can be attached in such a manner as to act as a brace for the vehicle. The front booms, which are traversed by gears, are moved and operated independently by two different operators. There is a large towing winch behind the driver’s seat, and two smaller winches near the front end.

The prime mover/wrecker has been derived in part from components of the Japanese Medium Tank. There are five bogies on each side, four of which are mounted in pairs. Each pair connects to a coil spring, and the front bogie wheel is independently sprung by a separate coil spring. The drive sprocket is smaller than that employed in the Medium Tank.

The vehicle is powered by a 6-cylinder, valve-in-head, air-cooled Diesel engine located in the rear. The engine head is made of aluminum. There are two fuel tanks which have a capacity of thirty gallons each. The clutch, a single plate type, is housed in an aluminum clutch housing. The transmission provides four speeds forward and one in reverse. The power takeoff of the winches is from the transmission. The final drive system is quite unusual in that there are two separate drive shafts, and each track is driven by an independent final drive mechanism. Removable track grousers are supplied for use in difficult terrain.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight
Trailer load capacity
Winch capacity
Length (overall)        20 ft., 8 ins.
Length (less arms) 17 ft.
Width 7 ft., 5 1/2 ins.
Height 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground clearance 16 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 4 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 11 ins.
Track width 12 ins.
Track links
Fuel tanks 2—30 gals. each
Fuel consumption
Fording depth
Speed
Engine 6 cyl. valve in head, air-cooled Diesel
Bore and stroke 5.5 ins. x 6.5 ins.
Horsepower
Ignition
Battery 2—12 v.
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering
Crew

Japanese: p. 18.2 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

Armored Prime Mover

Armored Prime Mover - World War II, Japanese

The chassis of this Japanese armored prime mover incorporates the better design features of the tankette development shown on pages one to three. This vehicle is an important link in the chain of Japanese transportation of personnel and supply in the large mainland areas. Its construction proves that the Japanese attach considerable importance to the interchange and utilization of standard tank component parts on combat vehicles for greater simplification of their supply problem.

The hull provides for a layout of the engine and power train on the right, while the driver’s compartment is located on the left side. A large load and stowage compartment at the rear extends over the tracks. Tubular bows are raised for protective covering and camouflage nets. Double doors open at the rear, below which a towing pintle is attached. There is no main armament; however, there is an observation turret built in the roof of the crew compartment behind the driver. Speaking tubes with ear phones are used for crew communication. Four hinged flap-covered openings provide additional vision for the crew and allow employment of small arms weapons.

The power train in this vehicle is made up of the engine, four-speed and reverse transmission, controlled differential with steering brakes and a final drive single reduction gear. The engine is a four-cylinder in-line diesel with Bosch type automatic fuel injection. A 12-volt ignition system is also provided with spark plugs located in the fuel injection ports. The electrical system utilizes parts standard and interchangeable with other vehicles. Two fuel tanks hold 38 gallons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       5 tons
Length 12 ft., 8 ins.
Width 6 ft., 4 ins.
Height 5 ft., 2 ins.
Ground clearance 14 ins.
Tread centers
Ground contact 124 ins.
Width of track 8 ins.
Pitch of track 3 ins.
Track links 88
Fording depth 31 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads
   Cross-country
Speed
   Roads 28 m.p.h.
   Cross-country
Armor
   Front plate 6 mm
   Sides 12 mm
   Floor 12 mm
Armament Small arms weapons
Ammunition (Rds.) Unknown
Engine 4-cylinder air-cooled OHV Diesel
Transmission 4 speeds forward; 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential
Crew 2

Japanese: p. 18.1

Categories
Japanese

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95B (1935)

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95B (1935)

This prime mover makes use of the same chassis as the Model 95A, the only difference being its accommodation of a 6-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled, valve-in-head Diesel engine. The cylinder diameter is 140 mm, the piston stroke 190 mm, and compression ratio 15.5:1. The normal horsepower is rated at 145 at 1,300 r.p.m. Maximum hp. is 165. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. There is a 24-v., 300-w. capacity charging generator, two 12-v., 80 amp.-hr. batteries, and two 24-v., 6-hp. electric starting motors.

Details are lacking on the reduction gear, which has a ratio of 2.92:1. The steering system is of the clutch brake type assisted on short turns by hand- and foot-operated control brakes, which include a locking feature. The transmission is said to be synchromesh with 4 speeds forward and 1 reverse. The maximum speedis 8.68 m.p.h. A gear-type forced-feed system is used for distributing lubricating oil in the crankcase. An oil pressure gage and oil-level stick are also fitted. Diesel oil fuel is supplied from a total storage capacity of 68 gals. Forty-four liters (11.6 gals.) of water are circulated from the radiator to the engine block with the normal type pump. This vehicle is said to be capable of ascending a 15° grade while towing a 14-ton load, or a 7 1/2° grade pulling a 32-ton load. The winch capacity is 11 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       15 tons
Trailer load capacity 32 tons
Winch capacity 11.25 tons
Length 16 ft.
Width 7 ft., 6 ins.
Height 9 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft.
Tread centers 5 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 10 ft., 4 ins.
Track width 16 1/2 ins.
Track links
Fuel tank 68 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth
Speed 8.6 m.p.h.
Engine 6-cyl., water-cooled, Diesel
Bore and stroke 140 mm x 190 mm—5.51 ins. x 7.48 ins.
Horsepower 145 at 1,300 r.p.m.
Ignition Diesel
Battery 2 12-v., 80 amp./hr.
Transmission Synchromesh—4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew

Japanese: p. 18 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95A (1935)

13-Ton Prime Mover Model 95A (1935) - Japanese, World War II

This vehicle is powered by a 6-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled gasoline engine with a cylinder bore of 135 mm and piston stroke of 150 mm and a compression ratio of 5.1:1. Normal horsepower is 130 at 1,300 r.p.m.; maximum horsepower, 160 at 1,900 r.p.m. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Ignition for the vehicle is distributed by a high-tension type magneto. The electrical system includes charging generator; two 12-v., 80 amp.-hr. batteries, and a 24-v. electric starting motor of 8-hp. capacity.

The final drive has a reduction ratio of 2.93:1. A dry multiple plate clutch is used. Both foot- and hand-operated brakes are employed and the vehicle is steered by the clutch brake principle and is said to utilize a locking feature of the control brakes. The transmission is of the synchromesh type with 4 speeds forward and 1 reverse.

Lubricating oil is distributed by gear-type force-feed system through an oil-pressure regulator. The oil-pressure gage registers 29-44 lb. and an oil-level stick is used for checking the crankcase, which has a capacity of 5 3/4 gals. It has been stated that the fuel feed equipment includes a fuel pump between the carburetor and storage tank and that the heavy-duty type of fuel is forced fed to a NIPPON B 45 model carburetor.

There are two models of fuel storage tanks manufactured for this vehicle—one is the Mitsubishi type with main tank holding 70 gals. and an auxiliary holding 43 gals., and the other is the NIIGATA type main tank holding 50 gals. and an auxiliary tank holding 38 gals. Fuel consumption is stated to be 7.5 gals. per hour. The radiator holds 11 gals., circulated by a pump to the engine block. The grade-ascending ability of this prime mover is quoted as 14 tons up a 15° incline, or 32 tons on a 7 1/2° incline. The winch capacity is 11 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        14.3 tons
Trailer load capacity 32 tons
Winch capacity 11.25 tons
Length 16 ft.
Width 7 ft., 6 ins.
Height 9 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft.
Tread centers 5 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 9 ins.
Track width 16 1/2 ins.
Track links
Fuel tank Main, 70 gals.; aux., 43 gals.
Fuel consumption .83 m.p.g.
Fording depth
Speed 6.2 m.p.h.
Engine 6-cyl., water-cooled, gasoline
Bore and stroke 135 mm x 150 mm—5.31 ins. x 5.91 ins.
Horsepower 130 at 1,300 r.p.m.
Ignition High-tension magneto
Battery 2 12-v., 80 amp.
Transmission Synchromesh; 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew

Japanese: p. 17 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

5-Ton Prime Mover Model 92A (1932)

5-Ton Prime Mover Model 92A (1932): Japanese

It is reported that there are two variations of this vehicle. Model A is powered by a 6-cylinder in-line L-head Sumida gasoline engine, and Model B by a 6-cylinder in-line air-cooled Isuzu Diesel. As far as may be ascertained, with exception of a modification in radiator design, the general appearance and suspension of these two models is similar.

The Model A engine is an L-head type with the valves on the side. The cylinder bore is 110-mm, the stroke 135 mm, and the compression ratio is 4.5:1. The normal hp. is 64 at 1,200 r.p.m.; the maximum hp. is 98. Ignition is provided by a Bosch high-tension magneto with 12-v. charging generator and two 12-v. 60 amp.-hr. vibration-proof batteries. The electric starting motor is 12-v. with a rating of 2.5 hp. Bevel spur pinion and ring gears have reduction ratios of 2.66 and 5.

The steering system is the clutch brake type with both hand and foot-operated brakes. The transmission provides four speeds forward and one reverse. The maximum speed is 19 k.p.h. (11.8 m.p.h.). The lubricating oil is distributed by gear pump force-feed system. Oil pressure registers 1.0 kg. (2.2 lb.) at low speed and 2 kg. (4.4 lb.) at 1,100 r.pm. The oil capacity measures 14.65 liters (3.7 gal.). A vacuum fuel system is used with Stromberg UT 4 model carburetor. The main fuel storage tank holds 125 liters (32 gal.), the auxiliary tank 55 liters (14.5 gal.). Fuel consumption is 17 liters (4.5 gal.) per hour, or 1.05 liters per km. (2.4 mi./gal.). The cooling liquid is circulated by a centrifugal pump from a radiator, which carries 39.5 liters (10.4 gal.). The grade ability of this vehicle pulling a fixed weight is 30°. The winch capacity is 2.5 metric tons (2.8 tons). The winch cable length is 20 meters (65 1/2 ft.).

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        4.8 Metric tons—5.28 tons
Trailer load capacity 4.5 Metric tons—4.9 tons
Winch capacity 2.5 Metric tons—2.75 tons
Length 3.55 m—11 ft., 8 ins.
Width 1.71 m—5 ft., 11 ins.
Height 2.35 m—7 ft., 8 ins.
Ground clearance .295 m—11.75 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 11 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Track width 9 7/8 ins.
Track links 59
Fuel tank Main, 32 gals.; aux., 14.5 gals.
Fuel consumption 2.4 m.p.g.
Fording depth 24 ins.
Speed
   Hard roads 18 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 8 m.p.h.
Engine Sumida, 6-cyl., gasoline
Bore and stroke 110 mm x 135 mm—4.33 ins. x 5.31 ins.
Horsepower 64 at 1,200 r.p.m. (normal)
Ignition Bosch high-tension magneto
Battery 2 12-v., 60 amp.-hr.
Transmission 4 speeds forward. 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew 6

Japanese: p. 12 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

4-Ton Prime Mover Model 94 (1934)

4-Ton Prime Mover Model 94 (1934) - Japanese WWII

The 4-ton Prime Mover is powered by a 90°, V-8 air-cooled gasoline engine with a cylinder bore of 90 mm and a piston stroke of 125 mm. The normal horsepower is 73 at 1,600 r.p.m.; maximum horsepower is 88. The firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2. The electrical system includes a Bosch type magneto (Gesal model); a Bosch R.T.C. 900 LI model, 75-watt generator; a 12-v., 80 amp.-hr. storage battery, and a Bosch 2.5 hp. electric starting motor. The ratio of the final drive is 5.657:1. Clutch brake steering is used and both hand and foot operation applies the brakes. The transmission is the central selector type with 4 speeds forward and 1 reverse.

The vehicle is capable of towing its complement of artillery at 25 m.p.h. There is a main and auxiliary type of lubricating oil pump. Oil pressure is 4.4 to 6.6 lb. of gage pressure when warmed up. A Stromberg UR Z model carburetor is used. The main fuel storage tank has a capacity of 26.6 gals. In addition, there is an auxiliary tank having a capacity of 15.8 gals. A Sirocco type fan provides circulation for the air-cooled engine. A dry two-plate clutch is used. The grade-ascending ability is said to be 30° under the towing load. This vehicle can pivot turn. The winch capacity is 2.2 tons. The theoretical radius of action is 125 miles in 10 hours.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        4 tons
Trailer load capacity
Winch capacity over 2 tons
Length 12 ft., 5 ins.
Width 6 ft., 1 in.
Height 7 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 11.5 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 4 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 8 ins.
Track width 10 ins.
Track links 5 1/2 ins.
Fuel tank Main, 26.6 gals.; aux., 15.8 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth 20 ins.
Speed 25 m.p.h.
Engine V-8 cyl., air-cooled, gasoline
Bore and stroke 90 mm x 125 mm—3.54 ins. x 4.92 ins.
Horsepower 88 (max.)
Ignition Magneto
Battery 12 v., 80 amp.-hr.
Transmission Selector type; 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew 6

Japanese: p. 11 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

Medium Tank Model 2597 (1937) (Special)

Japanese Medium Tank Model 2597 (1937) (Special)

The Model 97 Special Medium Tank was first placed in operation in the early spring of 1942. It is a modification of the Model 2597 Medium Tank (see page 9) with a modified turret to accommodate the 47 mm Model 1 (1941) tank gun instead of the normal short-barreled 57 mm gun.

The 47 mm tank gun conforms to the 47 mm Model 1 (1941) antitank gun (page 106) in the dimensions of chamber, caliber, and rifling and its performance is similar. The tank gun, however, has a vertical sliding breechblock, while the antitank gun has the horizontal type. The tank gun has a total traverse of 22° with an elevation from -11° to +17°. It is shoulder-controlled, with geared elevation and depression. However, free movement can be obtained, if desired. Penetration tests on the antitank gun indicate a penetration of 2 1/2 inches of homogeneous plate at normal at a range of 1,050 yards.

The Special Tank is readily recognized by its elongated turret, slightly offset to the right. This turret measures six feet from front to rear and three feet across the rear bulge. There is a door 19″ x 16″ in the turret back plate, an exit hatch 23″ x 16″ in the turret top plate, and an observation hatch 25″ in diameter in the cupola with a vision port 4″ in diameter in the cupola top plate. The gun mantlet of 30 mm thickness, sloped at 10° to the vertical, is bolted to the turret front. A 7.7 mm Model 97 L.M.G. is mounted at the turret rear. Another is mounted in the superstructure front plate at the left of the driver.

The armor plate thickness of the Special Tank is essentially the same as that of its predecessor except that the hull side plates of the former have been increased in thickness to 35 mm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)      15 tons
Length18 ft., 1 in.
Width7 ft., 8 ins.
Height7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground clearance14 ins.
Tread centers6 ft., 7 ins.
Ground contact11 ft., 7 ins.
Width of track13 ins.
Pitch of track4 3/4 ins.
Track links96
Fording depth3 ft., 3 ins.
Theoretical radius of action 
   Roads100 miles
   Cross country 
Armor
   Turret front25 mm at 10° to vertical
   Gun mantlet30 mm cast at 10° to vertical
   Front vertical plate25 mm at 10° to vertical
   Glacis plate 17 mm at 80° to vertical
   Nose plate15 mm at 62° to vertical
   Side superstructure20 mm at 40° to vertical
   Side hull plates35 mm
   Top rear plate12 mm
ArmamentOne 47 mm model 1 (194) tank gun; two type 97 light machine guns.
Ammunition (Rds.)104 rounds of 47 mm ammunition; 2,575 rounds of small arms ammunition.
EngineAir-cooled, V-12 diesel.
TransmissionMain gear box—4 speeds forward, 1 reverse—high and low ratios.
SteeringClutch brake
Crew5

Japanese: p. 8.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

7.3 cm Propaganda Rocket Projectile and Launcher

7.3 cm Propaganda Rocket Projectile and Launcher

This is a rocket projectile of conventional design, but having instead of the usual high explosive filling a number of propaganda leaflets in the forward compartment. The projectile consists basically of two steel tubes screwed into a central sleeve. The upper tube carries the propaganda leaflets and is closed at the forward end by a bakelite ballistic cap; a small bursting charge in the sleeve serves to expel the leaflets. The lower tube contains the propellant and is closed at the lower end by a screwed-in base plug.

The leaflets are wrapped around a steel spring and are in turn inclosed in a light metal cylinder split horizontally. The ejection charge for the leaflets is fired by an igniter and a delay train when the split cylinder containing the leaflets is ejected; the spring around which the leaflets are wrapped forces apart the two halves of the cylinder and scatters the leaflets.

The projector used for launching the rocket is of simple design and construction. The base frame is formed of 1 1/4-inch tubular steel with three spades welded on the underside. A crosspiece of the same tubular steel acts as a brace and also forms a base for the elevation pivot of the rocket guide. This guide consists of a length of 1 3/4-inch angle iron 29 1/2 inches long.

The launcher is operated on the mortar principle, that is, the rocket is placed on the trough and is held about twenty inches above the striker (which corresponds to the firing pin of a mortar) by a release lever. A cord which the operator may pull from a safe distance leads from the release lever, thereby permitting the rocket to slide down against the striker.

SPECIFICATIONS

ROCKET
Overall length of complete round       16 3/32 ins.
Length of plastic cap 2.21 ins.
Length of message body 6.87 ins.
Length of propellant chamber 4.70 ins.
Length of nozzle assembly 1.30 ins.
Length of stick powder 5.234 ins.
Diameter of stick powder 2.308 ins.
Weight of complete round 6 lbs., 10 oz.
Weight of propellant 1 lb.
 
LAUNCHER
Overall length 45.7 ins.
Overall width 19.7 ins.
Length of guide 29.5 ins.
Overall height with guide at 45° 28 ins.
Weight 27 lbs.

German: p. 360 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

8 cm Raketen Sprenggranate: H.E. Unrotated Rocket

8 cm Raketen Sprenggranate: H.E. Unrotated Rocket

This rocket is actually 78 mm in diameter. Two features distinguish it from other German rockets: the use of tail fins to secure stability in flight without rotation, and the employment of a novel fuze arming device.

The complete round weighs 15.19 pounds and is nearly 28 inches long. Its two principal components are the nose fuzed high explosive war head and the rocket motor tube. The shell is attached by means of an adaptor ring and the motor tube is closed by a cone-shaped assembly carrying the fins and containing the venturi and propellant supporting grid. Six tubular sticks of cordite form the propellant ignited by a circular gun powder igniter set off by a wire ignition bridge. The launcher used is the Mantelrohr.

The nose fuze consists of a steel nose piece housing a light alloy striker held by a light spring, a percussion detonator, a magazine containing four pressed pellets, and a thermal arming device. When the rocket is fired, the heat of the propellant gases melts a ring of fusable metal, permitting the detonator and magazine to approach the striker. The main filling of the high explosive head is pressed flake TNT.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight of complete round      15 lbs., 3 oz.
Weight of motor unit with central adaptor      10 lbs.
Weight of high explosive head with central adaptor       6 lbs., 5 oz.
Weight of high explosive filling      1 lb., 5 1/2 oz.
Weight of fuze (approx.)      4 oz.
Weight of propellant sticks      2 lbs., 3 oz.
Length of rocket      27.7 ins.
Ground range (estimated)      6,300 yds.

German: p. 359 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

8.8 cm R. Pz. B. Gr. 4312: Antitank Rocket Grenade

German 8.8 cm R. Pz. B. Gr. 4312: Antitank Rocket Grenade

This projectile is fired from the German 8.8 cm Raketenwerfer 43 (Püppchen—see page 352.1). From this weapon, as limited by the sight, a maximum effective range of 700 meters (765 yards) is obtained. The explosive head is identical to that of the rocket fired from the German counterpart of the “Bazooka” (page 357).

The fuze (AZ 5095) functions as follows: the force of set back causes the set-back ring to move rearward, bending the two prongs of the stirrup spring. These prongs, by engaging in the inside groove of the set-back ring prevent the ring from returning forward. Meanwhile, the striker needle is held away from the primer detonator by a flat, coiled clock spring inside the set-back ring. The clock spring unwinds, expanding against the inside of the fuze body, thus providing a slight delay in the arming of the fuze.

The propellant is a double base powder in the form of a single grain with 14 perforations. There is a hole .364 inch in diameter through the center of the grain. Three lands on the outside of the grain insure an outside burning surface. A triangular-shaped spacer holds the head igniter firmly against the quickmatch. The quickmatch fits in a slight indentation in the head igniter. The primer used in the “Püppchen” rocket is the standard No. 26 percussion primer found in many German artillery fuzes.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (complete, as fired)        5 lbs., 13.06 ozs.
Weight of H.E. filler 1 lb., 7 1/4 ozs.
Weight of fuze with detonator 3.15 os.
Weight of motor and tail assembly 1 lb., 8.5 ozs.
Weight of propellant 1.63 ozs.
Overall length 19.64 ins.
Length of propellant grain 4.95 ins.
Diameter of propellant grain .85 ins.
External diameter 3.494 ins.

German: p. 358 (August 1, 1945)