Month: July 2010

Categories
German

m. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 251): Medium Armored Personnel Carrier

m. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 251): Medium Armored Personnel Carrier

This vehicle is a medium armored personnel carrier with the chassis of the Sd. Kfz. 11 (light semitracked prime mover). The Sd. Kfz. 11 has been modified by placing armor on the chassis, altering the cooling arrangement, and mounting the steering wheel in an inverted position. The armor plate thickness measures 7.5 mm on the radiator cover, 8.5 mm on the sides, and 15 mm on the lower front plate, set at angles to the horizontal of 81°, 55-60°, and 55° respectively. It has been reported that these vehicles were used by the motorized infantry of armored divisions. Eight variations are known to exist with designations 251/1 through 251/8. The vehicles are used for infantry, ammunition and as command vehicles with built-in wireless, or ambulances.

The suspension is the same as that utilized for the Sd. Kfz. 11, as is also the power plant and the power train.

The armament normally consists of two 7.92 mm M.G. 34’s, one on a mount welded to the front of the chassis and one on an antiaircraft pedestal mount in the rear of the vehicle. Reports have been received that the 2 cm Kw.K. 30 is also mounted. The vehicle has a seating capacity for eleven men, including the driver.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         7.7 tons
Length 19 ft.
Width 7 ft.
Height 7 ft.
Ground clearance 12 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact 5 ft., 11 ins.
Width of track 11 ins.
Track links 55
Pitch of track 5.5 ins.
Fording depth 20 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 185 miles
     Cross-country 80 miles
Speed
     Roads
     Cross-country
Armor
     Front plate 15 mm
     Sides 8.5 mm
Armament 2 7.92 M.G. 34’s
Ammunition (rds.)
Trailer load 3.3 tons
Engine Maybach, NL 42 TUKRR, 100 hp.
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering Front wheel and track epicyclic
Crew 11

German: p. 45

Categories
German

l. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 250): Light Armored Personnel Carrier

l. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 250): Light Armored Personnel Carrier

This is a light armored personnel carrier with the chassis of a 1-ton light semitrack. It is often used by antitank units and, towing a small trailer, by infantry units in motorized formations. The front of the chassis, with its pneumatic tires mounted on disk-type wheels, and the forward superstructure are similar to that of the ordinary motor car. The riding compartment at the rear is built low and has a seating capacity for six men including the driver. Four vision ports are provided, two in the front plate of the driving compartment and one at each side thereof. The thickness of the superstructure plate averages from 10 to 15 mm.

The vehicle is powered by a Maybach, 6-cylinder, water-cooled engine rated 100 horsepower. The transmission, of the semiautomatic preselective type, provides seven forward speeds and three reverse. The drive is taken to the final drive sprockets from the spiral beveled gear on the forward end of the lower gearbox shaft, through a gear train and a differential unit of the spur gear and pinion type. The steering brakes, utilized for turns over 15° are built into the gear train and act on the epicyclic reduction units.

The flexible track suspension consists of front sprocket and rear idler and four pairs of rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side. The front of the vehicle is mounted on two single pneumatic-tired wheels, fitted on an axle suspended by a single transverse semi-elliptic spring.

Armament for this vehicle is a machine gun mounted within a shield at the forward end of the riding compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         5 tons
Length 15 ft.
Width 6 ft., 5 ins.
Height 6 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Width of track 9 1/2 ins.
Pitch of track 6 5/16 ins.
Track links 38
Fording depth 27 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
    Roads 190 miles
    Cross-country 130 miles
Speed
    Roads
    Cross-country
Armor
    Front plate 15 mm (approx.)
    Sides 10 mm (approx.)
Armament M.G. 34
Ammunition
Engine Maybach, 6-cyl., 100 hp. HL 42 TRKM
Transmission Preselective—7 forward speeds, 3 reverse
Steering 15° and over, epicyclic controlled differential
Crew 6

German: p. 44

Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231, 232, 263): 8-Wheeled Armored Cars

Panzerspahwagen

The “8 Rad Panzerspahwagen” is the standard heavy armored car now in use by the Germans. It is a highly mobile, cross-country vehicle used by reconnaissance units. The car is armed with one 20 mm automatic cannon and one 7.92 mm machine gun, coaxially mounted in the turret. A 9 mm M.P. 38 or 40 is also carried. It is also equipped with periscope attachments for the camera used on scouting missions.

This vehicle is unusual in that all eight wheels are powered, and a steering control system at each end enables the crew to operate it from either end quite efficiently. The rear end control can be engaged or disengaged, whereas the front end control is permanently engaged.

The wheel suspension is very flexible. It consists of four longitudinal semi-elliptic springs, two on each side of the frame. Each spring is secured to the vehicle frame at its center on a fiber bearing to permit easy maneuvering over rough terrain.

The engine is a water-cooled, V-8, gasoline type of approximately 155 horsepower. The transmission has six speeds that can be used in either direction.

There are several variations of this car: one with radio and antenna and another without; one with a rotating turret; one with a fixed turret; and a turretless type mounting the 75 mm short tank gun, Kw.K.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         8 1/2 tons
Length 19 ft., 2 ins.
Width 7 ft., 3 ins.
Height 7 ft., 10 ins.
Ground clearance (belly) 13.7 ins.
Suspension 8 single wheels; knee action; semi-elliptic springs
Wheel base (overall) 13 ft., 5 1/2 ins.
Size tires 8.27 x 18
Fording depth 2 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
    Roads 165 miles
    Cross-country 110 miles
Speed
    Roads 50 m.p.h.
    Cross-country 20 m.p.h.
Armor
    Front plate 15 mm
    Sides 8 mm
Armament 2 cm Kw.K. 30
  7.92 mm M.G. 34
  9 mm M.P. 38 or 40
Ammunition 2.0 cm gun — 180 rds.
  7.92 mm M.G. — 2,100 rds.
  9 mm M.P. — 192 rds.
Engine Bussing-NAG, V-8, 155 B.H.P.
Transmission Constant mesh, helical ear—6 speeds forward, 6 reverse
Steering Worm and nut
Crew 4

German: p. 43

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 15: Flexible Aircraft Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 15: Flexible Aircraft Machine Gun

The M.G. 15, a reliable weapon, was the standard flexible aircraft machine gun in the German Air Force until it was replaced by the M.G. 81, because the latter is more easily manufactured. It is still used in some aircraft, however, and has been recently modified by the addition of a bipod and ground sights for use as a ground weapon for air force troops. Its efficiency as a ground gun is questionable because of the difficulty of changing barrels.

It is a recoil-operated, gas-assisted, drum-fed, air-cooled, automatic gun. The M.G. 15 has a Solothurn-type action, except that the locking arrangement is placed on the rear of the bolt instead of on the bolthead as in other German Solothurn-type guns. It was the first Nazi weapon to be fed by a saddle-type drum.

The Japanese have painstakingly copied it, even to the ammunition, and call their version the Model 98 (1938) 7.92 mm Aircraft Flexible Gun.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Ammunition All 7.92 mm Mauser types
Weight 15 lb., 2 oz.
Feed Saddle-type drum (75-rd. capacity)
Rate of fire (cyclic) 1,000–1,100 rds./min.
Mount Flexible ball or ground bipod
Sights Aircraft ring and post or ground type.
Front—Blade. Rear—Adjustable open sight graduated 0-1200 meters (0-1308 yds.) in graduations of 200 meters.

German: p. 219

Categories
German

9 mm M.P. 34/1 (Bergmann): Submachine Gun

9 mm M.P. 34 Bergmann Submachine Gun

The Bergmann 9 mm machine pistol, M.P. 341, is a semi- or full-automatic, air-cooled, blow-back-operated submachine gun which is fed by a box magazine containing 32 rounds. It is manufactured commercially in Germany for use by the German Army. It is also used by other countries in modified forms. This is only one of several types of submachine guns.

The barrel and moving parts are, except for the trigger mechanism, housed in a long cylindrical tube. The forward end of this tube is perforated and forms a cooling jacket for the barrel; the rear portion serves as a receiver or housing for the bolt group. The M.P. 341, unlike the M.P. 181, is cocked by a turning bolt handle, and has a positive safety mechanism.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         9 mm (actually .347 in.)
Length 33 ins.
Length of barrel 7 3/4 ins.
Weight 9 lb.
Feed Box magazine—capacity 32 rds.
Rate of fire 500 rds./min. (maximum)
  120 rds./min. (practical)
Range 218 yds. (effective)
Sights Front—blade
  Rear—Leaf on ramp, graduated up to 1,000 meters

German: p. 204

Categories
German

9 mm M.P. 38 and M.P. 40 (Schmeisser): Submachine Gun

MP 38 and MP 40 Schmeisser Submachine Gun

This submachine gun was originally designed for use by parachute troops but is now in general use in all combat units of the German Army. It is a gun of simple construction, reliable operation, and general accuracy.

The Model M.P. 40 like its predecessor the M.P. 38 is air-cooled, blowback operated, and fitted for a 32-round box magazine. It can be used as a shoulder or hip weapon, being equipped with a folding shoulder stock.

As the trigger is pulled, the sear disengages the sear notch in the bolt. As the bolt travels forward it pushes the top round from the magazine into the chamber. The extractor keeps the firing pin from hitting the primer until the round is chambered then snaps under the cannelure of the cartridge allowing the base of the cartridge to come back against the face of the bolt. As the cartridge is fired, the bolt starts to recoil. At the proper point, the ejector hits the base of the cartridge, pivoting it out into the ejection opening. The bolt compresses the operating spring at the same time. The buffer plunger hits the end of the small operating spring tube, compressing the buffer spring and stopping the recoil of the bolt. The bolt then moves forward to repeat the cycle of operation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       9 mm (actually .347 in.)
Weight with loaded magazine 10 lb., 7 oz.
Weight with empty magazine 8.87 lb.
Length with stock extended 33.25 ins.
Length with stock folded 24.75 ins.
Barrel length 10 ins.
Capacity of magazine 32 rounds
Sights
   Front Partridge type ramp with hood
   Rear
      Fixed Open V notch, sighted at 100 meters
      Folding Open V notch, sighted at 200 meters
Muzzle velocity 1,040 f/s-1,250 f/s
Range, effective 200 yds.
Rate of fire (practical) 80 to 90 r.p.m.
   (cyclic) 518 r.p.m.

German: p. 206

Categories
German

Tiefld. Anh. F. Pz. Kpfw. (Bs. Ah. 642): Heavy Tank Transporter

Tieflader für Panzerkampfwagen: Tiefld. Anh. F. Pz. Kpfw. (Bs. Ah. 642): Heavy Tank Transporter

The German heavy-transport trailer is used primarily for transporting tanks and similar automotive equipment. It is capable of carrying a load of 60 tons.

The trailer consists of front and rear bogies with a load platform suspended between them. The platform is constructed of two main I-beams and two secondary I-beams parallel to each other. The platform is attached to the bogies by securing the two fingers of the bogie section in rectangular slots of the primary I-beam by means of large pins. The front bogie attachment is semipermanent while the rear bogie attachment is removable, providing a low ramp angle.

Each bogie assembly consists of two axles carrying four single pneumatic-tired wheels independently sprung on leaf-type springs 4 feet in length. The size of the 16 ply tires is 13.50 x 20. All four wheels of the front bogie assembly steer by means of a drawbar attached to the prime mover. Rear bogie wheels are steered by the trailer driver who operates a steering wheel. When the trailer is under full load the driver is aided in steering by a double-acting air piston tied into the linkage so that power is exerted whenever the wheel is turned. The air for the steering and for the air-brakes is furnished by the towing vehicle. Four air-reservoir tanks are provided, one on the front bogie for the front air-brakes and three on the rear bogie, one used for rear air-brakes and two for steering. When aided by rear steering the turning radius of the trailer is approximately 58 feet. The driver on the rear bogie is provided with a steering-indicator dial on the steering-wheel column. On either side of this dial are two small indicator-lamps used to indicate steering instructions from the driver of the prime mover.

SPECIFICATIONS

Total weight, unloaded     31,810 lb.
Front bogie section weight 9,560 lb.
Platform weight 10,850 lb.
Rear bogie section weight 11,400 lb.
Load-carrying capacity 60 tons (est.)
Length 38 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Width 8 ft., 3 1/2 ins. (tire centers)
Ground clearance 22 ins.
Ground to platform top 27 ins.
Platform size 19 ft., 1 in. x 9 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Front bogie section length 9 ft., 9 ins.
Rear bogie section length 9 ft., 7 ins.
Drawbar length 5 ft., 4 ins.
Wheelbase (front bogie to rear bogie) 28 ft., 8 ins.
Wheelbase (within bogie) 4 ft., 6 ins.

German: p. 62

Categories
German

15 cm s. I. G. 33: Heavy Infantry Howitzer

15 cm s. I. G. 33: Heavy Infantry Howitzer

The 15 cm s. I. G. 33 (schweres Infanterie Geschütz 33) is a standard German infantry support weapon that may be used for either high- or low-trajectory firing. Both high-explosive and smoke shells are used with the gun.

The breech mechanism is of the usual German design, a horizontal sliding block opening to the right. A trough-shaped cradle is provided with guide ways in which guides on the gun move during recoil. On either side, at the front of the cradle, is a pad to receive the unabsorbed force of run out. Between the pads is the expansion chamber which receives the buffer fluid forced from the buffer by expansion as it becomes heated. Both the buffer and recuperator are housed in a casing underneath the barrel. The recoil system differs from that of most German artillery in that the expansion chamber of the buffer is outside the buffer itself, connected to it by a pipe; and no cooling cylinder is provided.

Toward the rear are the two small cradle arms to which the trunnions are fixed. Each trunnion is provided with a cranked compensator lever which compresses the equilibrator spring. The elevating arc is secured underneath and the recoil indicator at the right rear. When traveling, the cradle is secured to the carriage by a clamp which is operated by a lever secured to the clamp shaft.

The box-type carriage is fitted with a fixed spade and a detachable sand spade. Spring equilibrators situated one on either side of the carriage neutralize muzzle preponderance at all angles of elevation. The elevating gear, consisting of a worm gear, rack, pinion, and shaft, is operated from the right of the carriage; the traversing gear is operated from the left side by a system of gear wheels and shafting. A standard German Zieleinrichtung 34 is used for sighting.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       150 mm (5.9 ins.)
Weight in action 1.5 tons
Length 5.38 ft.
Rifling 44 grooves, twist 8° constant
Chamber capacity 11.5 tons per sq./in.
Muzzle velocity 790 f/s (charge #6)*
Wt. of projectile 83.6 lb.
Range (maximum) 5,140 yds. (charge #6)*
Elevation 73°
Depression 0°
Traverse 11° 15′
Ammunition H.E. (two types), Smoke

*There are six zones of propellant. The maximum is obtained in Zone 6.

German: p. 104

Categories
German

17 cm K. mit Mrs. Laf. 18: Field Gun on 21 cm Mrs. Laf. 18 Carriage

17 cm K. mit Mrs. Laf. 18: Field Gun on 21 cm Mrs. Laf. 18 Carriage

The 17 cm gun was developed to meet the need for a long-range mobile gun. Although the gun and carriage weigh 19.25 tons, the piece can be put in and taken out of action very quickly and with little effort.

The tube, usually transported separately from the rest of the weapon, is of the built-up type consisting of a main tube, locking ring, breech jacket, and breech ring. A manually operated breechblock is of the horizontal sliding wedge type with six rollers mounted almost flush with the bottom face to decrease the surface contact area. Extractors and firing mechanism are of conventional heavy German artillery design.

One unusual feature of the Mrs. Laf. 18 is that two recoil mechanisms absorb the shock of firing. A variable hydropneumatic recoil mechanism with the buffer cylinder within the cradle, and the recuperator cylinder mounted above the tube permits recoil of the gun; and another recoil mechanism mounted in the bottom carriage permits recoil of the upper carriage.

The gun is mounted on the 21 cm Mrs. Laf. carriage which has four hard rubber tired wheels. As there is no spade, the trails rest on an oblong float which houses an arc that permits 16° of traverse by means of a traversing handwheel. The firing platform when fully lowered fits into two sockets in the bottom carriage. Three rollers on vertical legs rest on the platform stabilizing the weight. The rear roller is mounted on a jack screw threaded leg. When more traverse is desired than that permitted by the arc, this roller is screwed down, lifting the float clear of the ground. One man, with the aid of a trail spike, can then swing the entire carriage about the firing platform 360°.

The prime mover for this weapon is reported to be the Sd Kfz. 8 semitracked vehicle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber     172.5 mm (6.79 ins.)
Weight of weapon (firing)19.25 tons
Length of tube46 cal.
Breech mechanismHorizontal sliding block
Firing mechanismContinuous pull
Recoil mechanismTwo independent hydropneumatic systems—variable
Length of recoil of the piece at 50° (normal)33.86 ins.
Length of recoil of top carriage at 10° (normal)49.21 ins.
RiflingIncreasing R.H. twist—4° 16′ 40″ to 5° 58′ 42″—48 lands and grooves
Chamber capacity
   Shell KGr 392,538.6 cu. ins.
   Shell KGr 38 (Hb)2,513.2 cu. ins.
Muzzle velocity138 lb. shell—3035 f/s
Range (maximum)138 lb. shell—32,370 yds.
M.V.150 lb. shell—2821 f/s
Range (maximum)150 lb. shell—30,621 yds.
Elevation50°
Depression-1°
Traverse (carriage)16° (360° by using the pivot platform)
SightsIndependent type using combination of range drum and panoramic sight mount—left trunnion.
AmmunitionTwo semifixed high-explosive rounds
   K. Gr. 39150 lb.
   K. Gr. 38 (hb)138 lb.

German: p. 103