Month: August 2010

Categories
German

kl. K. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 2): Motorcycle Tractor

Kettenkrad - kl. K. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 2): Motorcycle Tractor

The invasion of Crete (1941) revealed for the first time the use by the Germans of the motorcycle tractor. This vehicle, which retains the standard front wheel and handle bars of a normal motorcycle with the rear wheel replaced by two caterpillar tracks, is used primarily for towing light guns and supply, trailers, and for carrying dispatches in localities where difficult terrain precludes the use of wheeled vehicles. The mobility of this vehicle is as good as most tanks and its ability as a light prime mover, because of its wide gear selection, is excellent. Without load attached it has a maximum speed of 45 m.p.h. on level ground, and is capable of climbing 60 per cent grade.

The chassis is a boxlike structure of pressed steel in two sections, welded together in a horizontal plane below the track guards. It contains the driving compartment, engine, and a transverse seat accommodating two men facing the rear. A hand rail is provided on each side of the back. The driver is seated on a saddle seat directly above the transmission and clutch housing. Gasoline tanks are mounted on each side and, together with the battery and tool compartments, make up the side walls of the vehicle.

Power is furnished by the centrally mounted Opel Olympia 4-cylinder, water-cooled gasoline engine developing 37 gross B.H.P. in a displacement of 91.5 cu. in. Cooling is accomplished by a radiator, with a shaft-driven fan coupled to the crankshaft, at the rear. Six forward and two reverse speeds are available.

The suspension consists of four straddle-mounted, rubber-tired bogie wheels on torsion bars, a front driving sprocket, and a rear idler. The inner bogie wheels are of the hollow-spoke type while the outer wheels are of the removable disk type. The track, made up of 40 links per strand, is equipped with needle bearings and replaceable rubber pads.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         3,400 lb. (combat)
Weight 2,700 lb. (empty)
Length 9 ft., 10 ins.
Width 3 ft., 3 1/2 ins.
Height 3 ft., 11 ins.
Ground clearance 9 ins.
Tread centers 2 ft., 8 ins.
Ground contact 2 ft., 8 ins. (approx.)
Width of track 6.7 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 40
Fording depth 20 ins. (approx.)
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 155 miles
     Cross-country 100 miles
Speed
     Road 45 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 25-30 m.p.h.
Trailer load 980 lb. (normal weight)
Size of front tire 3.50 x 19
Engine Opel, 37 hp.
Transmission 3 speeds forward, 1 reverse with high and low range
Steering Controlled differentially, mechanical brakes
Crew 2 (driver and helper)

German: p. 50

Categories
German

l. Zgkw. 1t (Sd. Kfz. 10): Light Semitrack Prime Mover

l. Zgkw. 1t (Sd. Kfz. 10): Light Semitrack Prime Mover

This vehicle is used as a troop carrier and for towing light artillery and supply trailers. Accommodation for a crew of seven, including driver, is provided in the well of the body, the sides of which are sufficiently deep to obscure personnel to shoulder height when seated. With all inspection hatches of the hull closed the main body of the vehicle is practically watertight in traversing deep water.

The chassis of this vehicle is used for several specialized mountings: (1) for the 2 cm Flak 30 gun; (2) for gas-detector truck (Sd. Kfz. 10/1); (3) for light decontamination vehicle (Sd. Kfz. 10/2) carrying a hopper for spreading bleaching powder; (4) for light bulk contamination vehicle (Sd. Kfz. 10/3) fitted with a tank for blister gas and spraying device.

The power plant of the later models consists of a Maybach H.L. 42 T.R.K.M. straight-six, water-cooled engine rated at 100 horsepower. The Maybach N.L. 38 T.R.K.M. rated at 95 horsepower was formerly used. The power train is comprised of the twin-plate clutch, the preselective type transmission with four forward and one reverse speeds with high and low range, and the differential unit of spur-gear and pinion type. Steering is effected by normal steering wheel for turns under 15°; turns over 15° are negotiated by the combined action of turning the front wheels and braking the appropriate epicyclic-drive sprocket by means of the steering brakes mounted on the driving shaft.

The pneumatic-tired front wheels are of the disk type and are fitted on a normal type axle suspended by a single transverse semi-elliptic spring. Two hydraulic shock absorbers are fitted. Each of the flexible rear tracks is borne by a driving sprocket at the front end and an idler wheel at the rear, while between these are five pairs of pressed-steel, rubber-tired bogie wheels.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         3.7 tons
Length 15 ft., 7 ins.
Width 6 ft.
Height 5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 13 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 2 ins.
Ground contact 4 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 9.4 ins.
Track links 41
Pitch of track 6.25 ins.
Fording depth 27 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 176 miles
     Cross-country 93 miles
Speed
     Roads 40 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 25 m.p.h.
Trailer load 1.1 ton
Engine Maybach HL 42 TRKM—100 hp.
Transmission 4 forward speeds, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering Over 15° epicyclic
Crew 7

German: p. 51

Categories
German

Motor-Karrete (Austro-Daimler) ADMK: Wheeled/Tracked Reconnaissance Vehicle

Motor-Karrete (Austro-Daimler) ADMK: Wheeled/Tracked Reconnaissance Vehicle

The German wheeled/tracked reconnaissance vehicle is particularly effective in steep and hilly terrain, and in swamps and marshy lowlands where high traction and light weight are desirable. The personnel-carrying capacity is six, and it is capable of towing a trailer load of 2,640 pounds. The Motor-Karrete is capable of operating as a wheeled vehicle and will turn on a radius of 27 feet. It can also operate as a half track vehicle with a turning radius of 8 feet, 2 inches. As a full track vehicle its turning radius is 6 feet, 8 inches.

The three adaptations are accomplished by raising or lowering the front wheels which appear to be mounted on a bell-crank, torsion-type front axle, while the rear wheels (when dismounted from the rear suspension) are mounted on a false axle supported above the rear of the vehicle. The dry-pin steel track is guided from the outside center over a single-tooth front sprocket and a single-flange rear idler. Four small bogie wheels articulate in pairs on a common structure attached to the rear axle. The suspension includes semi-elliptic spring over the rear axle, while rotation of the vehicle is stabilized by a quarter elliptic spring from the front sprocket axle.

The 20 hp. engine is mounted in the rear. The fuel tank capacity is 10 gallons and fuel consumption on highways is 14 m.p.g.—on average terrain 6.8 m.p.g.

The net weight of the vehicle is 3,806 pounds; combat weight, 5,060 pounds. The weight distribution is: front axle 990 pounds; rear axle 4,070 pounds.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight        3,806 lb.
Length 12 ft.
Width 5 ft.
Height 4 ft., 9 ins.
Ground clearance Unknown
Tread centers (wheel, 50 ins.), (track, 34 ins.)
Ground contact 53 ins.
Width of track 7.5 ins. (wheel, 5.5 ins.)
Track links 70
Pitch of track
Fording depth 20 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 124 miles
     Cross-country 68 miles
Speed
     Roads
     Cross-country
Armor
     Front plate
     Sides
Armament
Ammunition (rds.)
Engine 20 hp.
Transmission
Steering
Crew 6

German: p. 49

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 34/41: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 34/41: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

The German 7.92 mm machine gun, M.G. 34/41, represents one of the later developments of the M.G. 34. These developments occurred in the following order: the M.G. 34; M.G. 34 modified; M.G. 34s; M.G. 34/41. In the course of development, the original pattern of the weapon has been largely retained, but each stage has tended toward simplification and elimination of machined parts.

The M.G. 42 is a new design but has the same tactical employment. It is distinguished by a high cyclic rate of fire and fewer machined parts. The M.G. 42 is described on a separate page.

The M.G. 34 modified is used principally in armored vehicles and differs from the M.G. 34 in that it has a heavier barrel jacket adapted to fit ball-type tank hull mounts, a simplified firing-pin nut lock, and bipod clamps for attaching bipod in emergency use; it has no A.A. sight bracket. It can also be mounted on antiaircraft and heavy ground mounts.

The M.G. 34s and the M.G. 34/41 are identical in appearance, except for the barrel jackets, but are marked as distinct models. They differ from the M.G. 34 as follows: provision for full-automatic fire only; simplified trigger group; shorter barrel with enlarged muzzle end; elimination of firing-pin lock nut; large buffer group; heavier recoil spring; modified feed mechanism. These models can be used on antiaircraft mounts but appear designed for the heavy ground mount.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 24 1/2 lb. w/o bipod
Weight of barrel 3 3/4 lb.
Length 44 1/4 ins.
Length of barrel 19 3/4 ins.
Muzzle velocity* 2,500-3,000 f/s
Rate of fire 800-900 rds./min. cyclic
Operation Recoil, gas assisted
Ammunition All 7.92 mm Mauser ground types

*Muzzle velocity varies according to ammunition used.

German: p. 214

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 34: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 34: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

The M.G. 34 is a standard machine gun of the German Army. It cannot be compared directly with any American automatic weapon. It is a multi-purpose weapon and is used as a light machine gun, a heavy machine gun, an antiaircraft machine gun, and also on tanks and other vehicles. Because of its adaptability, it is the most common automatic weapon used by the German Armed Forces.

Without bipod mount, the M.G. 34 weighs 24 1/4 lb., and is occasionally fired by the use of a second soldier’s shoulder as a rest. A light bipod adapts it for prone fire and with tripod mount this becomes a heavy machine gun.

The M.G. 34 is a recoil-operated, gas-assisted weapon, belt-fed, and air-cooled. It operates on the Solothurn rotating bolt-head principle. A simple mechanism makes it easy to exchange a heated barrel for a cool one. It is designed to deliver semi-automatic or full-automatic fire.

Studies at Aberdeen Proving Ground show that it is very easy to disassemble in the field, but cannot be regarded as an easy gun to manufacture on a mass production basis, as compared with the M.G. 42.

Studies of captured guns show that this weapon has a high rate of fire—too high for a light machine gun—resulting in poor accuracy in full-automatic operation. When used as a heavy machine gun it shows excellent stability. It is extremely critical as to adjustment, lubrication, and foreign matter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight of gun with bipod26 1/4 lb.
Weight with H.M.G. Tripod mounting68 1/2 lb.
Overall length48 ins.
Principle of operationRecoil, assisted by muzzle booster. Solothurn type action.
Cooling systemAir
Cartridge feedFlexible metallic link belt containing 50 rds. and multiples thereof. Also 50 rd. belt drums and 75 rd. saddle-type drums.
Sights(a) A blade front sight and vertical leaf rear sight with open V notch graduated from 200 to 2,000 meters.
(b) An aperture rear sight for use with a “cartwheel” type antiaircraft front sight.
(c) A telescopic sight is used on the heavy machine gun tripod mount.
Rifling4 grooves right-hand concentric
Muzzle velocity2,500 to 3,000 f/s depending on type of round used.
Maximum range5,000 yds.
     Effective—heavy3,827 yds.
     Effective—light600 yds.
Rate of fire (cyclic)800-900 r.p.m.
     (practical)100–120 r.p.m.

German: p. 213

Categories
German

7.5 cm Pak 97/38: Antitank Gun (Ex-French)

7.5 cm Pak 97/38: Antitank Gun (Ex-French)

The 7.5 cm Pak 97/38, introduced by Germany in 1942, consists of the 7.5 cm French Model ’97 equipment which was modified in 1940 as an antitank gun, and the German 5 cm Pak 38 carriage. The built-up tube, to which a Solothurn type perforated muzzle brake is fitted, has four hoops sweated on for additional strength.

The breechblock is the Nordenfeld eccentric screw type commonly used in the French 75 mm tube. The high-pressure, hydropneumatic recoil mechanism contains a floating piston with nitrogen gas in the recuperator cylinder which brings the gun back into battery. The recoil cylinder is of smaller diameter and contains the piston rod which recoils with the tube and forces the recoil oil into the recuperator cylinder where throttling checks the rearward movement of the tube.

The elevating and traversing mechanisms are located on the top carriage; the elevating handwheel is slightly in front of and to the left of the traversing handwheel. There is a single hydropneumatic equilibrator at the right trunnion. The protecting armor consists of two sheets of 4 mm steel plate curved to envelop the front of the weapon. Below the spaced armor is an 8 mm hinged apron. There is also a small shield above the apron that moves with the tube in elevation.

The sighting gear, which is the same as that used with the 5 cm Pak 38, is situated on an arm and bracket which move with the left trunnion. An opening in the shield allows vision for sighting instruments.

The low-slung, light-weight carriage has relatively short split trails of tubular steel. The wheels are of small diameter spokes made of compressed steel and entirely covered with buna rubber tires 4 inches wide. They are independently mounted to absorb traveling shock by free wheeling action. When the trails are spread, however, the free wheel movement is locked by a bracket so the gun will not bounce on firing. A third wheel supports the rear of the trails for transportation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight (complete) 2,870 lb.
Length of tube & breech ring 8.8 ft.
Length (overall) 15 ft.
Breech mechanism Eccentric screw
Firing mechanism Percussion hammer
Recoil mechanism Hydropneumatic
Rifling 20 lands and grooves; R.H. twist
Muzzle velocity (reported) 2,100 f/s
Elevation 18°
Depression 10°
Traverse 60°
Ammunition H.E.; A.P.-H.E.; Hollow charge
Also some Polish types of ammunition
Penetration 60 mm @ 900 yds., 30°

German: p. 121

Categories
German

7.5 cm l.F.K. 18: Light Field Gun

7.5 cm l.F.K. 18: Light Field Gun

The 7.5 cm Gun, l.F.K. 18, was standard equipment for German Divisional Field Artillery until it was replaced by the 7.5 cm l.F.K. 38 and 7.62 cm F.K. 39 (r). The barrel is a solid-forged tube that screws into a detachable breech. The breech mechanism is a crank-operated, single-motion, horizontal sliding block type, fitted with a repeating trip-lock. It can be arranged for firing from the right-hand side only, or from either side at will. The top carriage is arranged to traverse about a vertical pivot up to 30° right and left. The cradle is mounted on the top carriage by trunnions set far to the rear. Forward preponderance is balanced by a pair of equilibrators, located one on either side of the cradle.

The screw type traversing gear is operated by a handwheel on the left side of the carriage; the elevating gear, of the toothed arc type, may be operated from either side in the case of light guns, and from the right-hand side only with heavier types.

Sighting gear consists of a pointed or indicating system on the left side. The sight is adapted to correct for 7° transverse out-of-level at any angle up to 45°. Adjustment for angle of site is provided up to +/- 12°. A panoramic telescope is also used.

The carriage of split trail construction is provided with spring suspension which is put into action automatically by closing the trails for traveling and out of action by splaying out the trails for firing. A traveling brake of the expanding type acts upon the inside of the brake drums on the wheels.

Separate-loading, high-explosive or shrapnel ammunition is used.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber 75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight of gun in action        2,259 lb.
Weight of gun 628.1 lb.
Weight of gun in traveling position (including 3 rounds of ammunition) 2,975 lb.
Length in calibers 6.4 ft.
Length of recoil (maximum) 3.77 ft.
Length of recoil (minimum) 2.13 ft.
Muzzle velocity (maximum) 1,558 f/s
Range 10,935 yds.
Elevation 45°
Depression -7°
Traverse 30°

German: p. 120

Categories
German

7.5 cm L.G. 40: Recoilless Airborne Gun

7.5 cm L. G. 40: Recoilless Airborne Gun German

The “Recoilless Gun” is a short rifled howitzer containing a tube of monobloc steel construction, a breech ring, breech mechanism and block, and a venturi tube. Intended for airborne operations, the weight of the L.G. 40 has been kept to a minimum by the use of hollow machine parts, plastic washers, tubular platform, and aluminum alloy body. It is used for antitank and antipersonnel purposes.

Interrupted collars on the breech end of the tube are used to attach it to the breech rings. The tube is also machined to seat the extractor and the barrel lock. The breech, which is of the horizontal sliding block type, is operated by a lever. This lever, when depressed, also cocks the piece.

The gun has no recoil or counterrecoil system. A funneled tube (venturi) attached to the rear of the bored breechblock allows the gases to escape to the rear, thus eliminating recoil.

The sighting equipment consists of a base bracket, oscillating bracket, cross-leveling gear, range gear, telescope carrier, and telescopes.

The carriage has a circular base to which three tripod legs are pivoted in lugs. The wheels, which can be detached for transport, are light-weight metal disks fitted with solid rubber tires.

The gun can be traversed 360° by locking the elevating mechanisms, but its ordinary traverse is 60°. Elevation is limited to 42° by stops, but the rack can be locked at 20°.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        7.5 cm (2.95 ins.)
Length of tube
Weight (travelling position) 325 lb.
Weight (firing position) 321 lb.
Length (travelling position) 45 ins.
Length (firing position)
Height (travelling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Width of trail spread
Length of bore 17.5 ins.
No. of grooves 28
Width of grooves .2 in.
Depth of grooves .03 in.
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 1,197 f.s.
Max. range (horizontal) 7,400 yds.
Max. range (vertical)
Rate of fire
Traverse 30° x 2—360°
Elevation -15 +42°
Depression -15°
Length of recoil
Ammunition 3 types
Wt. of projectileH.E. 12 lb., 9 oz.; A.P.C.B.C. 15 lb.; hollow charge 10 lb., 2 oz.

German: p. 119

Categories
German

7.5 cm Geb. G. 36: Mountain Gun

7.5 cm Geb. G. 36: Mountain Gun: Gebirgsgeschütz

The 7.5 cm Geb. G. 36, used in the Tunisian campaign, is of comparatively recent manufacture. It can be broken down into six loads, each load having a maximum weight of 300 pounds. This enables the weapon to be used in mountainous country, as it can be easily transported by pack animal or in an airplane.

The tube is of monobloc construction, fitted with a perforated, six-baffled muzzle brake (some models of the gun are fitted with a perforated Solothurn type). The rear end of the piece is rectangular in shape, and dovetailed to fit into prepared recesses of the breech ring. A horizontal sliding type breech mechanism and continuous pull type firing mechanism are used in this gun. The recoil mechanism is hydropneumatic, but contrary to the usual design, both buffer and recuperator are positioned below the barrel.

The carriage is constructed of riveted and welded steel, with trunnion bearings to the rear. To preserve the proper balance, a spring equilibrator is located in the carriage immediately under the cradle. As is usual with most mountain guns, there is no shield. The carriage is mounted on steel disk wheels with solid rubber tires, and supported in firing position by riveted steel split trails with spade attachments.

The sight is graduated in mils from 0 to 1,250 (0° to 70° approx.) and also in meters from 0 to 1,000 (0 yds. to 1,094 yds.) for use with the hollow charge shell, 7.5 cm Gr. 38.

Both hollow-charge and high-explosive ammunition is used.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight (complete) 1,090 lb. (approx).
Length of gun (overall) 66 ins.
Length of barrel (overall) 56 ins.
Carriage Steel, mounted on solid disk wheels with solid rubber tires
Breech mechanism Horizontal sliding block
Firing mechanism Continuous pull
Recoil mechanism Hydropneumatic
Rifling Lands and grooves; R.H. twist
Elevation 65°
Depression 8°
Traverse 30°

German: p. 118