Month: July 2010

Categories
German

27 mm Leuchtpistole (Walther): Signal & Grenade Pistol

27 mm Leuchtpistole (Walther): Signal & Grenade Pistol

The Walther 27 mm Signal Pistol is a smooth-bore weapon firing a variety of some forty different signal cartridges. In addition, two grenades are fired from this weapon: the 27 mm Signal Pistol Grenade 326 L.P., which consists of a small high-explosive projectile weighing approximately 4 ounces, contained in a light-alloy cartridge case; and the Signal Pistol Grenade 361 L.P., which consists of a standard egg grenade attached to a projector stem fitting into the barrel of the pistol, which in this case is provided with a loose smooth-bore liner.

The Kampfpistole (“Battle pistol”), a later development of the signal pistol, is the original pistol modified by boring out and rifling the barrel. A small circular bubble-sight is attached to the left side of the pistol. The four types of ammunition designed for this weapon are: high-explosive, smoke, indicator, and single illuminating star on parachute.

Leuchtpistole WW2The new Kampfpistole is still a further development. In this weapon, the original model has not been modified by rifling, but a loose steel liner has been fitted. A removable sight is fixed on the barrel, and a folding stock is added. All parts can be readily assembled when in the field. By removal of the liner, any type of ammunition suitable for the original pistol can be fired. However, the H.E. Grenade 361 L.P. cannot be fired from the rifled liner, but use must be made of the smooth-bore liner provided. Furthermore, none of the ammunition designed for the Kampfpistole can be fired in the new Kampfpistole, with or without liner. A new type hollow-charge projectile similar to the hollow charge rifle grenades has been developed for this weapon, but as yet no further information is available.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         5 1/2 lb.
Length 23 ins. unfolded
  12 ins. folded
Caliber 27 mm without liner (1 in.)
  23 mm with liner (.9 in.)

German: p. 201

Categories
German

9 mm Pistole 08 (Luger): Automatic Pistol

WW2 German Parabellum Pistol

The German 9 mm Luger ’08 or Parabellum pistol, one of the official sidearms of the German army, is a semi-automatic weapon of unquestionable power and accuracy. Extensive tests have proved that the American .45 Colt automatic is superior because of greater shock effect.

Action of the Luger is based on the design of an American, Borchardt. The original Borchardt pistol utilized a recoil-operated mechanism with the breechblock locked to the barrel at the moment of discharge. The breechblock was unlocked by a toggle-joint action which was free to move after the breechblock and barrel had recoiled together for a short distance.

The pistol, which was heavy, clumsy, and badly balanced, was redesigned in 1900 and designated the Luger. The toggle-breech mechanism and retractor-spring housing of the Luger were much more compact than those of the Borchardt. The simpler 1908 model of the gun uses the German 9 mm Parabellum ball ammunition fed by an 8-round magazine fitted into the butt or grip. The bolt group indicates after firing whether a new cartridge has been inserted, in which case the extractor projects above the chamber showing the inscription “Geladen” (loaded) on the left side. There are two versions of the Luger, one with a short barrel, and the other with a long barrel and shoulder stock attachment. A 32-round drum magazine which enables a higher fire capacity may be used with either type, but the long barrel type with the shoulder stock and drum magazine has been replaced by the submachine gun in the current war.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         9 mm (actually .347 in.)
Weight 30 oz. (1 lb., 14 oz. with empty magazine)
Length 8 3/4 ins.
Length of barrel 4 ins.
Capacity 8 rounds
Action Recoil—semi-automatic
Range 50 ft.—effective
  150 yds.—maximum
Muzzle velocity 1,075 f/s-1,250 f/s

German: p. 202

Categories
German

20 cm Leichte Ladungswerfer: Spigot Mortar

20 cm Leichte Ladungswerfer: Spigot Mortar

This electrically fired weapon, recently developed for service in engineer units of the German Army, is used principally to destroy minefields, concrete fieldworks, wires, etc. Two types of ammunition are used with the mortar: a heavy high-explosive bomb and a smoke bomb. The range is comparatively short.

The weapon comprises a spigot with supporting arm, a bipod mounting, and a base plate. The barrel, or spigot, consists of a drawn steel tube reduced at its lower end and screw threaded externally to receive the supporting arm and base plate. It is bored transversely at its lower end to receive contact pieces and insulation for the electrical firing gear. A T-shaped contact tube, held in position by an insulating spacing washer at the front end, extends from the contact pieces up into the spigot. The front end of the spigot is closed by a screw plug which is bored centrally to house a contact plug, the insulating bushes, and the firing needle and spring. The front face is prepared with an undercut groove to form a bayonet joint when the cartridge is placed in position.

The tubular supporting arm is elbow shaped. The rear is formed with a boss bored to receive the spigot; the front is solid and screw-threaded to receive a collar for positioning in the cradle.

The base plate, of usual German mortar design, is constructed with strengthening webs and spikes on the bottom. Elevating, traversing, and cross-leveling gears are all located on the bipod mounting which is attached to the supporting arm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         200 mm (7.87 ins.)
Weight in action (total) 205 lb.
Weight of bipod 43 lb.
Weight of spigot and supporting arm 73.5 lb.
Weight of base plate 84 lb.
Length of spigot 1.76 ft.
Diameter of spigot 3.5 ins.
Range (max. with H.E. bomb) 766 yds.
Sight Collimating sight (Richtaufsatz 39)

German: p. 102

Categories
German

21 cm Mrs. mit Mrs. Laf. 18: Heavy Howitzer

21 cm Morserlafette 18 Heavy Howitzer

The 21 cm Morserlafette 18 is the standard heavy howitzer in use by German troops. The piece comprises a loose barrel, half jacket, and breech ring. A lug on the collar of the barrel secures it to the breech ring; ring and jacket are fastened together by a key which fits into a key way in the latter. The ring, jacket, and barrel are clamped together by a securing ring at the front of the jacket.

During recoil, the piece is supported by a pair of rollers below the jacket and another pair under the rear of the breech ring. A bracket at the top of the breech ring receives the piston rod, and a lug on its lower face receives the buffer piston rod.

The breechblock is of the horizontal sliding block type. On the rear face of the breech ring is a lever which operates (a) a plunger in a vertical boring in the bottom of the breech opening, and (b) a catch engaging a slot in the buffer nut interlocking the breech mechanism.

The carriage is interchangeable with that of the 17 cm K. mit Mrs. Laf. 18, with the exception of the following points: the safety limit of recoil of the upper mounting is 58.27 inches, whereas in the case of the 17 cm K. mit Mrs. Laf. 18 it is 56.30 inches; and the air pressure in the compensators is 464 lb./sq. in. against 626 lb./sq. in. in the case of the 17 cm K. The latest model of the 21 cm and 17 cm Mrs. Laf. 18 carriage is equipped with a pivot platform attached to a supporting frame situated near the center of the lower carriage body, which allows complete and continuous 360° traverse.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         21 cm (8.27 ins.)
Weight of gun in action 18.5 tons
Weight of piece 5.79 tons
Length of howitzer (travelling) 41 ft., 2 ins.
Length of bore 17 ft., 3 ins.
Length of chamber 25.31 ins.
Number of grooves 64
Rate of fire 1 rd./min.
Muzzle velocity 1,854 f/s
Range (maximum) 18,263 yds.
Elevation 70°
Traverse 16° (360° with the pivot platform)
Ammunition High-explosive (wt. 249 lbs.)
  Anti-concrete shell (wt. 268 lbs.)

German: p. 101

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. “Panther” (7.5 cm Kw. K. 42 L/70) (Sd. Kfz. 171): Heavy Tank “Panther”

Pz. Kpfw. Panther (7.5 cm Kw. K. 42 L/70) - Sd. Kfz. 171 WW2 Heavy Tank

Introduced in 1942, the “Panther,” a standard medium tank weighing 50 tons in battle order, is designed, by means of sloping armor plates, to present the most difficult angles of attack.

Unlike previous German tanks, its hull and superstructure form a single unit, and the sloping sides and rear of the latter, of 45 mm thickness, overhang the tracks. Its armor plate is of homogeneous machinable quality and, in addition to welding, the main joints have been strengthened by the mortised interlocking of the edges of the plates. The front glacis plate, 85 mm in thickness, is sloped upward at an angle of 33° from the horizontal and the purpose of its construction is to deflect projectiles in such a manner as to clear the gun mantlet. The turret, which has an inner ring diameter of 5 feet, 5 inches, is power traversed but can, in an emergency, be traversed by hand.

The suspension is composed of eight rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side, 33 1/2 inches in diameter. The rear idler has a diameter of 22 1/4 inches. The track is 26 inches wide and has a pitch of 6 inches.

The engine is either the Maybach 60° V-12, HL 210, or the HL 230, the former rated at 642 B.H.P. and the latter 690 B.H.P.

The main armament is a 7.5 cm high-velocity, parallel-bore gun fitted with a double baffle muzzle brake. Some “Panthers,” probably those of early production, are known to have mounted the 7.5 cm Kw. K. 42, while others of more recent production are reported to mount the 7.5 cn Kw. K. 43. The precise differences between the guns are not known. A 7.92 mm MG 34 is coaxially mounted in the turret.

The “Panther” may be equipped to be fully submersible to depths limited by the height of the air-intake pipe—14 feet, 9 inches—but not all are so equipped.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       47 tons
Length (excl. gun)22 ft., 7 1/2 ins.
Width11 ft., 3 ins.
Height9 ft., 6 1/2 ins.
Ground clearance
Tread centers
Ground contact13 ft., 5 1/2 ins.
Width of track2 ft., 2 ins.
Pitch of track6 ins.
Track links86
Fording depth14 ft., 9 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads105 miles
     Cross-country75 miles
Speed
     Roads30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate (turret)100 mm
     Sides45 mm at 48° from horizontal
Armament7.5 cm Kw. K. 42
 1 MG 34
Ammunition7.5 cm gun—75 rds.
 MG—2500 rds.
EngineAlternative types—Maybach HL 210 or HL 230.
TransmissionSynchromesh—6 forward speeds, 3 (unconfirmed) reverse.
SteeringBelieved similar to Pz. Kw. VI (“Tiger”)
Crew5

German: p. 37

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. V: Heavy Tank—Experimental

Neubaufahrzeug

Although this tank represents a great deal of Germany’s early experimental development, it is reported that only three were produced (1937), and that two were seen in Norway (1941) where they were destroyed, while the third was destroyed by the Russians near the Rumanian border.

The Pz. Kpfw. V, weighing 36 tons equipped for action, was manned by a crew of seven—commander, driver, main gunner, loader, wireless operator/machine gunner, and two auxiliary turret machine gunners. In addition to the main turret which mounted a 7.5 cm Kw. K. and coaxial 3.7 cm gun and machine gun, there were two additional revolving machine-gun turrets fitted in the front right and rear left of the hull, each fitted with a 7.9 mm machine gun.

Its suspension consisted of ten small bogie wheels mounted in articulating pairs, and four return rollers. Between the high front idler and first bogie assembly an additional independent roller resisted the track. The driving sprocket, unlike usual German procedure, is mounted in the rear, as is the engine, a V-12 HL 120 TRM, and the transmission and differential assemblies.

The sloping turret and the circular superstructure employed considerable riveted as well as welded construction. The commander’s cupola, fitted with periscope, was situated at the rear of the turret. Access doors were located on each side of the turret. Riveted armor skirting was fitted along the length of the tank between bogie wheels and return rollers. Two access doors were located in the forward portion of the skirting on the right side and one on the left.

This was considered a heavily armed vehicle, but it in no way represented German design technique for that period but rather that of several years previous.

German: p. 36

Categories
German

s. Zgkw. 18t (Sd. Kfz. 9): Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

s. Zgkw. 18t - Sd.Kfz. 9: Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

This 18-ton vehicle is the heaviest of the German semitrack prime movers. It is often used by the Germans in the evacuation of their damaged tanks. It has a net weight of 16.8 tons and a combat weight of 19.8 tons. Its personnel capacity is 8, including driver and helper, and it can tow a trailer load of 20 tons. The maximum highway range of action is 160 miles on a fuel tank capacity of 72 gallons. Its weight distribution is as follows: front wheels, 5,289 pounds; track, 34,320 pounds.

The front suspension is comprised of a tubular floating axle mounting two pneumatic-tired, heavy duty wheels with transverse leaf springing. The track suspension is the standard semitrack system consisting of straddle-mounted rubber-tired bogie wheels sprung on torsion bars housed in cross tubes; front sprocket, rear idler, and needle-bearing track.

The power plant is the V-12 cylinder, Maybach gasoline engine rated at 230 horsepower. The transmission provides four speeds forward and one reverse with high and low range. Steering is effected by normal steering wheel and an epicyclic-controlled differential drive for the track with a brake linkage connected to the front-wheel steering system.

In addition to the electric starter, this vehicle is also equipped with a Bosch airplane-type inertia starter located on the right side of the engine.

A power winch is located at the rear, with facilities for passing the cable beneath the vehicle and out the front end. The winch-driving mechanism and the drum are located near the center of the chassis. The drum is horizontal and is driven by a propeller shaft from the rear of the transmission. The hub of the winch-driving mechanism is fitted with a slide gear which enables the operator to engage and disengage the winch from the rear of the vehicle. The winch-lifting capacity is 7.7 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         16.8 tons
Length 27 ft.
Width 8 ft., 6 ins.
Height 9 ft., 1 in.
Ground clearance 21 ins.
Tread centers (wheels, 82 ins.; track, 78 ins.)
Ground contact 9 ft., 4 ins.
Width of track 17.3 ins.
Track links 47
Pitch of track
Fording depth 30 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 161 miles
     Cross-country 62 miles
Speed
     Roads
     Cross-country
Armor
     Front plate
     Sides
Armament
Ammunition
Engine Maybach HL 98 TUK, 230 hp.
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering Normal and epicyclic-controlled differential
Crew 8

German: p. 56

Categories
German

s. Krad: Heavy Motorcycle with Sidecar

WW2 Motorcycle - s. Krad, Heavy Motorcycle with Sidecar

The motorcycle, due primarily to its economy of operation, has received extensive development in Germany. The following manufacturing types are known to exist: Ardie, B.M.W., D.K.W., Horex, U.S.U., Phänomen, Puch, Standard, Tornax, Triumph, Victoria, Zundapp, and C.S. (Czech). The vehicle described herein is the B.M.W. Its outstanding operational features are: (1) a shaft final drive instead of a chain drive; (2) sidecar wheel-drive arrangement; (3) high and low range transmission, and (4) hydraulic brakes. Its average road speed is 55 m.p.h.; maximum speed, 75 m.p.h.

The frame and fork are made of pressed steel. The wheels are spoked and have dismountable axles in front and rear. The front, rear, sidecar, and spare wheels are all interchangeable.

The vehicle is powered by a 2-cylinder, air-cooled engine rated 25.4 horsepower at 3900 r.p.m. It weighs 192 pounds, has a bore of 3.07 inches, and a displacement of 45.5 cubic inches. The ignition system is the Noris type ZG 2A with automatic spark control. Full-pressure lubrication is provided. The capacity of the gasoline tank is 6 1/3 gallons.

The power train includes the single dry disk clutch, the synchromesh transmission of four speeds forward and one reverse with high and low range, and the final shaft drive with bevel gear reduction of 5.69. In order to make the cycle and sidecar combination more capable of cross-country operation, the sidecar also drives. As the drive comes back from the transmission, it enters the rear gear case by means of a shaft mounted parallel to the direction of motion. The rear wheel of the cycle is driven by means of a ring and pinion gear. However, the wheel is not on the same center as the ring gear, a pair of spur gears being mounted between the ring and the wheel to afford a further gear reduction. This gives the wheel an offset of about 4 inches to the rear of the ring gear. From the right of the ring gear the drive passes through a differential to the sidecar wheel.

The rear and sidecar wheels have hydraulic brakes; the front wheel mechanical brakes.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         900 lb. (with sidecar)
Maximum load 1,000 lb.
Length 8 ft., 4 ins.
Width 5 ft., 10 ins. (with sidecar)
Height 3 ft., 4 1/4 ins.
Ground clearance 6 ins.
Suspension 3 spoked, interchangeable, pneumatic-tired wheels
Wheel base 4 ft., 9 ins.
Size tires 4.50 x 16
Fording depth 13 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 190 miles
     Cross-country 100 miles
Speed
     Roads 55 m.p.h. (average)
     Cross-country 20 m.p.h. (average)
Engine Bayrische Motorenwerke, 2-cyl., 25.4 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—4 forward speeds, 1 reverse, with high and low range
Crew 2

German: p. 58

Categories
German

8 cm s. Gr. W. 34: Heavy Mortar

8 cm s. Gr. W. 34: Heavy Mortar (WW2)

The German 8.1 cm heavy mortar, first manufactured in 1934, is of conventional design, consisting of a tube, base cap, and firing-pin mechanism. Wall thickness of the tube or barrel tapers from 0.288 inch at the base cap to 0.190 inch; a collar at the muzzle slightly increases the wall thickness at that point. A leather-covered handle attached to the collar clamp near the muzzle is used apparently to change elevations when the tube is hot. The firing pin mechanism can be adjusted for two positions. In the “On” position, the pin protrudes into the tube the correct length for firing; in the “Safe” position, the firing-pin head is retracted, permitting greater safety in unloading the mortar in the event of a misfire or other malfunction. The change in setting is readily made by means of an adjuster located on the side of the base ring. The mortar is supported by a bipod and base plate.

The bipod includes cross-leveling, elevating and traversing mechanisms. The legs, and all other nonsliding parts, are made of light white metal. These legs, which have spikes and feet attached to the bottom, are adjusted to any one of six positions by a lever and held in place by locking gears. General construction of the bipod is sturdy and compact. It is easily folded for carrying purposes by swinging the cradle, which is hinged on the traversing mechanism sliding housing, until the left hook at the rear of the cradle is mated in the slot at the top of the rear bipod connector plate. The cradle is then traversed to the left, locking the hooks into the connector plate, and the legs are brought together.

The sighting system, having a total weight of 2 1/2 pounds, includes a collimator, cross level, longitudinal level, and an elevating and lateral deflection mechanism. Machining of the sight parts is excellent, and when in use it is attached to a mount on the left side of the traversing mechanism mount.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber 81 mm (3.189 ins.)
Weight
     Mortar and Mount         124 lb.
     Mortar 40 lb.
     Mount 84 lb.
     Bipod 41 1/4 lb.
     Base plate 43 3/4 lb.
Length (overall) 44 7/8 ins.
Method of loading Muzzle
Firing mechanism Firing pin with safety feature
Rate of fire
     Maximum 45 rds./min.
     Practical 10 to 12 rds./min.
Muzzle velocity Not determined
Range
     Maximum 2,625 yds. with light bomb
2,100 yds. with heavy bomb
     Minimum 66 yds.
Elevation 40° to 85°
Traverse 370 mils
Cross leveling, max. correction for cant 15°
Sights Collimator type (similar to Brandt sight for 60 mm Mortar, M2)
     Lateral adjustment 6,400 mils
     Elevation adjustment 1,600 mils
Ammunition
     Weight of complete round (smoke shell) 7.80 lb.
     Ignition cartridge charge 150 grs.
     3 Increment propellents .35 oz. each

German: p. 114

Categories
German

8.8 cm Pak 43/41: Antitank Gun

8.8 cm Pak 43/41: Antitank Gun

The Pak 43, one of Germany’s newer antitank guns, is a more solidly built weapon than the 7.5 cm Pak 40. The gun is mounted on large rubber-tired metal wheels. A sloping double shield, 6 feet, 3 inches in height, is fitted to the carriage for the protection of the gun crew. Split trails, approximately 12 feet long, are also supplied.

A muzzle brake is fitted to the barrel. The semi-automatic breech mechanism of the horizontal sliding block type is operated by a small auxiliary cylinder on the left side of the breechblock.

The buffer and recuperator are contained in one cylinder which is fitted above the barrel; the balancing cylinders are mounted vertically on either side of the carriage.

The sight bracket is marked for 8.8 cm Pak 43/41 and 8.8 cm Pak 43 Sfl. This marking tends to confirm the opinion that the Pak 43 is a modification of, or development from, the 8.8 cm Flak 41, which it resembles superficially. This marking also confirms the information that this gun, with the designation 43/1, is used in the self-propelled piece Pz. Jag. III/IV (the “Hornet”).

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         88 mm (3.46 ins.)
Weight of gun 4.8 tons
Length of piece (including muzzle brake) 21 ft.
Diameter of wheels 4 ft., 6 ins.
Recoil (maximum) 2.46 ft.
Muzzle velocity Not known
Range Not known
Elevation 38°
Depression -5°
Traverse 58°
Ammunition A.P.C.: H.E.; Hollow-charge
Height 6 ft., 3 ins.

German: p. 113