Month: September 2010

Categories
German

2 cm s PzB (Solothurn s/8-1100): A.T. Gun (Ex-Swiss)

2 cm s PzB (Solothurn s/8-1100): A.T. Gun (Ex-Swiss)

This gun, an improved version of the Solothurn 1933 model manufactured in Switzerland by the Waffenfabrik, is a magazine fed, recoil operated, semi-automatic shoulder weapon which can be fired from a bipod or a low-lying, pneumatic-wheeled carriage. The combined weight of gun and mount is approximately 200 pounds; the gun itself weighs 103 pounds.

The barrel is easily changed by giving it a half turn, thereby disengaging two lugs. Two types of magazines are used; one holding five rounds and the other ten.

The bolt is forward and all parts rigid when the firing pin strikes the cap of the projectile. When the last shot in the magazine is fired, the cartridge case is automatically ejected; then when a new magazine is inserted, the bolt is again thrown forward automatically and the gun is ready to fire.

Construction of all parts is exceptionally rugged and simple. The gun, which fires semi-automatically, is extremely accurate and easily handled. In comparison with the earlier model, the new gun shows a slight decrease in weight, increased muzzle velocity, and high armor-penetrating qualities. It also possesses the advantage of a dust-proof breech mechanism.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         20 mm (.79 in.)
Weight of gun (complete) 103 lb.
Weight of barrel with muzzle brake (approx.) 44 lb.
Length of gun (overall) 7.1 ft.
Length of barrel 4.25 ft.
Rifling 8 lands and grooves; 5° uniform twist
Muzzle velocity (reported) 937-991 yds./sec.

German: p. 134

Categories
German

2 cm Flak (Madsen): A.A./A.T. Gun (Ex-Danish)

2 cm Flak (Madsen): A.A./A.T. Gun (Ex-Danish)

The Madsen 20 mm automatic antiaircraft and antitank gun, a Danish weapon used largely by the German Navy, is also in service in the Bulgarian, Finnish, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Spanish armies. This rapid-fire model is a heavy-caliber, air-cooled, recoil-operated cannon, which is much more sturdy than the ordinary Madsen.

The fixed parts of the gun comprise the barrel casing with the sights, the frame with the magazine receiver, and the trigger plate with the trigger device. Recoiling parts comprise the barrel, the breech, and the breechblock. The connection between the fixed parts and the recoiling parts is established by means of the recoil arm and the link of the breech, together with the return mechanism.

The muzzle of the barrel is threaded externally to take the muzzle brake, and at the chamber to fit into the breech. It is secured to the breech by a locking pin. The oblong breech has an elongated opening in its left wall to accommodate the 60-round drum magazine feeding device.

The trigger mechanism can be set for either single-shot or automatic firing by means of a change over swivel.

The sighting gear, placed on the upper side of the barrel casing, consists of a leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,800 m, and can be set in accordance with the graduations by means of the rear sight slide.

The cannon employs a universal mount.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         20 mm (.79 in.)
Weight in action 390 lb.
Weight of cannon 119 lb.
Length of cannon (overall) 7.38 ft.
Length of barrel 3.94 ft.
Rifling 10 lands and grooves; 5° twist
Rate of fire (practical) 200 rds./min.
Muzzle velocity 2,950 f/s
Range 6,015 yds.
Effective ceiling 6,960 ft.
Elevation 85°
Depression -5°
Traverse 360°
Ammunition H.E.; A.P.

German: p. 132

Categories
German

7.5/5.5 cm Pak 41: Tapered Bore Antitank Gun

7.5/5.5 cm Pak 41: Tapered Bore Antitank Gun

The 7.5 cm Pak 41, Germany’s latest antitank gun to be brought into service, is designed on the Gerlich or tapered-bore principle. The bore tapers from 7.5 cm at the breech to 5.5 cm at the muzzle, but the taper is not constant. The first part of the bore is cylindrical and rifled; the second, conical and unrifled; and the third, measuring 27.6 inches in length, is cylindrical and unrifled. There is also a muzzle brake. The life of the barrel is estimated at approximately 500-600 rounds. The weapon is long, low, and sturdy in appearance and has a semi-automatic breech mechanism of the vertical wedge type.

The carriage has a split trail and is mounted on metal wheels with solid rubber tires. As traction is by motor tractor, the carriage is fitted with pneumatic brakes controlled by the driver of the tractor. Torsion bar suspension is automatically cut out when the trails are opened.

An elevating mechanism of the sector type is on the right-hand side of the cradle, and a traversing mechanism of the screw type on the left. There is no equilibrator mechanism. The recoil mechanism contains a hydraulic cylinder and spring-type recuperator.

The sighting system, which is graduated up to 1,500 meters (1,635 yards), has four scales for use according to the actual muzzle velocity of the gun. Muzzle velocity drops considerably because of wear.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber           7.5/5.5 cm
Weight in action         1.4 tons
Length of barrel (approx.)         170 ins.
Muzzle velocity (estimated)         4,123 f/s
Elevation         -10° to 18°
Traverse         60°
Armor penetration—A.P.C.

       Range in yards          Thickness of armor in inches 
                   Normal               30°    
       500  6.67  5.75  
       1,000  5.94  5.12  
       1,500  5.28  4.49  
2,000  4.63  3.94  

German: p. 123

Categories
German

5 cm l. Gr. W. 36: Light Mortar

5 cm l. Gr. W. 36: Light Mortar

The German 5 cm light mortar, developed in 1936, is a compact piece which can be easily broken down into two loads for transport. It differs radically from the conventional mortar design in that it is trigger-fired.

A short, seamless tube is threaded at its base to the breech ring containing the firing mechanism. The firing-pin assembly is actuated by a manually operated trigger, fixed to the rear half of the breech ring. Two large holes in the rear of the ring serve as trunnions by which the mortar is fastened to the cradle, and about which the mortar is elevated.

The forward end of the mortar tube is connected to the base plate by means of two brackets and the elevating mechanism. The front bracket is tightened around the tube by a bolt; the rear one fits around the breech ring and is locked by a set screw.

Two elevating mechanisms, one coarse and one fine, permit a total range of elevation from 43.5° to 90°. A range scale, calibrated in meters from 0 to 525 is screwed to the left side of the breech ring. A hook-shaped lever, pinned to the rear left side of the cradle, rides along the range scale as the elevation of the mortar is changed and serves as an indicator. The combination leveling and traversing mechanism allows a total traverse of 30°, 15 to the right and left, respectively. Center traverse is indicated by an arrow, pointing to an “0” engraved on the rear top of a ball joint about which the cradle traverses.

The base plate, constructed of sheet metal, is reinforced by ribs welded to the bottom side. Two ribs, serving as the main spades, are set at an angle of 23° from the vertical at front and rear of the plate. Reinforcing ribs, welded perpendicularly to the base plate and running lengthwise as well as crosswise, also act as spades.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         50 mm (1.969 ins.)
Weight (complete) 31 lb.
Length of tube 13.75 ins.
Mount Cradle and base plate, no bipod
Firing mechanism Trigger-operated
Method of loading Muzzle
Muzzle velocity 230 f/s
Range (maximum at 45° elevation) 550 yds.
(minimum at 85° elevation) 50 yds.
Elevation (maximum) 90°
       (minimum) 43.5°
Traverse 30° (15° right; 15° left)
Elevating and traversing mechanisms Enclosed, well-sealed
Direct-sighting equipment None
Cross leveling system, Operated by leveling knobs and bubble
Ammunition         H.E. (equipped with fin assembly, point-detonating fuze, & booster). Wt. 2.00 lb.

German: p. 124

Categories
German

12 cm s. Gr. W. 42: Mortar

12 cm s. Gr. W. 42: German Heavy Mortar 120mm WW2

The Gr. W. 42, now being manufactured in Germany, closely resembles the Russian 12 cm mortar after which it is modeled. This weapon is of conventional design, consisting of a tube, base plate, and bipod. The bipod is clamped to the center base of the tube; the base of the tube fits into the circular base plate by a ball and socket joint. Elevating and traversing gears are operated in the usual way by small handles located at the top of the bipod.

The mortar may be either percussion or trigger-fired. The trigger mechanism can be set at “Einzel-Feuer”—single shot, or “Dauerfeuer”—continuous fire.

A two-wheeled, rubber-tired carriage is used for transport. Hooks on the upper surface of the base plate engage with U-shaped pieces attached to the carriage, and a clamp secures the barrel to the trail of the carriage. The bipod is apparently carried clamped to the mortar ready for action.

Three types of high-explosive bombs are fired from the Gr. W. 42 as well as Russian ammunition captured by the Nazis.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         120 mm (4.7 ins.)
Weight in action 606.1 lb.
Weight (including carriage) 880 lb.
Length of barrel (including breech piece) 6.12 ft.
Length of bore (approx.) 5 ft.
Width of carriage 5 ft.
Range (maximum) 6,560 yds.
Elevation 45°-80°
Traverse         3½° right and left at 45° elevation

German: p. 106

Categories
German

m. Zgkw. 8 t (Sd. Kfz. 7): Medium Semitrack Prime Mover

m. Zgkw. 8 t (Sd. Kfz. 7): Medium Halftrack Semitrack Prime Mover

The medium semitracked prime mover, like all German semitracks, is highly maneuverable. Its maneuverability is due to an epicyclic-controlled differential drive for the track with a brake linkage connected to the front-wheel steering system. These brakes are applied to the epicyclic on the side to which the turn is being made when the front wheels are turned. This results in easy steering.

This vehicle has a seating capacity for 12 (with driver), a trailer load capacity of 8.5 tons and a maximum highway range of 155 miles on a fuel capacity of 50 gallons. Its combat weight is 12.7 tons.

Body cross members are made up of flat steel welded to form an I-beam construction. All brackets, supports, etc., are welded and a minimum of rivets and bolts are used. Rather than cut holes in the frame to attach the body, a C-clamp is used.

Both spring and torsion bars were utilized in its suspension. A transverse spring, concave downward, is used as the suspension for the front end. The track portion of this vehicle has a total of four springs, two on each side, that make up the spring suspension for the rear. In addition, the trailing idler of each track is mounted eccentrically on a torsion bar which allows the tracks to be readily adjusted.

The power plant is a Maybach, valve-in-head, 6-cylinder gasoline engine, rated 140 hp. at 2,600 r.p.m. The power train includes a feature well worth reviewing. Incorporated in the clutch assembly is a brake that is located to the rear of the clutch disks. When the clutch is disengaged, the brake functions and retards the speed of the drive shaft to the transmission. This results in very easy gear-shifting.

This semitrack is equipped with inertia starter in addition to the electric starter, and a cable winch, capable of lifting 3.8 tons, is fitted in the rear.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         10.7 tons
Length 22 ft., 5 ins.
Width 7 ft., 10 ins.
Height 8 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 15.7 ins.
Tread centers (Wheel, 78 ins.), (Track, 70 ins.)
Ground contact 7 ft., 4 ins.
Width of track 14 ins.
Track links 54
Pitch of track 7 ins.
Fording depth 25 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 155 miles
     Cross-country 62 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h. (est.)
     Cross-country 18 m.p.h. (est.)
Armor
     Front plate None
     Sides None
Trailer load 8.5 tons
Engine Maybach HL TR, 140 hp.
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering Epicyclic controlled differential
Crew 12

German: p. 54

Categories
German

m. gp. Beob. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 254): 4-Wheeled/Tracked Armored Observation Vehicle

Saurer m. gp. Beob. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 254): 4-Wheeled / Tracked Armored Observation Vehicle

The four-wheeled, tracked armored observation vehicle is designed to run on either wheels or tracks. Four pneumatic-tired wheels are mounted on the outside of the tracks. These may be lowered when the vehicle is stopped, by power take-off from the transmission, thus raising the tracks from the ground. It is operated by a crew of five.

The superstructure is constructed of sloping, welded plate ranging from 10 to 15 mm in thickness. The hull is roomy due to the absence of a basket and turret. The driver’s entrance is located forward in the right side of the hull. There are two double doors at the rear and two hatches, with double-hinged flaps, on the roof. A railing type of aerial for W/T is fitted round the top of the superstructure.

The track suspension, used for difficult terrain, consists of six small hollow steel bogie wheels on each side mounted on four hull stub axles. The front and rear bogie wheels are mounted singly and each is sprung by a coil spring. The remaining four are in articulated pairs sprung by coil springs. There are also a front drive sprocket, rear idler, and four hollow steel return rollers. A girder connects the first three hull stub axles on the outside of the suspension assembly.

The alternate suspension, used for normal terrain and hard roads, consists of four pneumatic-tired wheels sprung on torsion bars with a wheel base of 7 feet, 10 inches.

The vehicle is powered by a 4-cylinder, water-cooled Diesel engine rated at 70 horsepower. The power train is comprised of a single-plate, multiple-spring type clutch incorporated in the flywheel, a synchromesh transmission with five speeds forward and one reverse, controlled differential, and final drive reduction gears to the sprockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         7 tons
Length 14 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Width 7 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Height (on tracks) 7 ft., 3 ins.
Height (on wheels) 7 ft., 7 ins.
Ground clearance 12 ins. (on tracks)
Tread centers 4 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 9 ins.
Width of track 9 1/2 ins.
Size tires 8.25 x 20
Wheel base 7 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Fording depth 3 ft. (on wheels)
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 310 miles (on wheels)
     Cross-country 62 miles (on tracks)
Speed
     Roads Unknown
     Cross-country Unknown
Armor
     Front plate 15 mm
     Sides 10 mm
Armament L.M.G.
Ammunition
Engine Diesel, 4 cyl., 70 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering
Tracks Controlled differential
Wheels Normal steering wheel
Crew 5

German: p. 48

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. “Tiger” für 12.8 cm Pak 44 (Sd. Kfz. 186): S.P. Gun

Pz. Jäg. "Tiger" für 12.8 cm Pak 44 (Sd. Kfz. 186): S.P. Gun

Information is being sought on this weapon.

SPECIFICATIONS

Armament            12.8 cm Pak 44

German: p. 40

Categories
German

Gw. III/IV (Hummel) für 15 cm s.F.H. 18/1 (Sd. Kfz. 165): S.P. Heavy Field Howitzer “Bumblebee”

Gw. III/IV (Hummel) für 15 cm s.F.H. 18/1 (Sd. Kfz. 165): S.P. Heavy Field Howitzer "Bumblebee"

This equipment, known as the “Bumble Bee,” is composed of the 15 cm heavy field howitzer mounted on a modified Pz. Kw. IV tank chassis. It should not be confused with the 10.5 cm l.F.H. 18/2 (“Wasp”), which is the 10.5 cm light field howitzer mounted on the chassis of a Pz. Kw. II tank. The road performance of the “Bee” will approximate that of the Pz. Kw. IV tank.

In the construction of this vehicle the following modifications were made to the hull of the Pz. Kw. IV tank. The turret top plate mounting the turret traversing ring, the front vertical plate, and the rear partition separating the engine from the fighting compartment have been removed. The engine, cooling-fan assembly and exhaust pipes have been moved forward up to the gear box. A partition has been built across the width of the hull dividing the driver and assistant driver from the fighting compartment. A steel plate separates the engine from the fighting compartment. In place of the driver’s entrance hatches a cover similar to a cupola, with lid and shutter type vision, is provided.

The superstructure is in the form of a sloping four-sided shield 10 mm (.39 inch) thick. The front of the shield provides a bulging slot for the traverse and elevation of the gun while the rear plate is fitted with a hinged door.

The gun is mounted well back on the top of the engine cover plate by means of angle iron and steel brackets so that its muzzle projects almost flush with the nose of the hull. It retains its original buffer, recuperator and compensator, and elevating and traversing gears. Its overall length including muzzle brake, with which it must be fitted when firing charge 8, is 17 feet, 4 1/4 inches. The muzzle velocities of this piece are: Charge 6, 1,020 f.s.; Charge 7, 1,375 f.s.; Charge 8, 1,965 f.s. The maximum ranges are: Charge 6, 10,550 yards; Charge 7, 12,140 yards; Charge 8, 14,380 yards. Its elevation is 0°-39°; traverse each side 16°.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         28 tons
Length 20 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Height 9 ft., 4 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 98
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
     Roads 96 miles
     Cross-country 62 miles
Speed:
     Road 25 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor:
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
     Shield 10 mm
Armament 15 cm s.F.H. 18/1
Ammunition
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRKM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 35

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. III/IV (“Nashorn”) für 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 (Sf) (Sd. Kfz. 164): S.P. Antitank Gun—”Rhinoceros” (formerly “Hornet”)

Pz. Jäg. III/IV ("Nashorn") für 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 (Sf) (Sd. Kfz. 164): S.P. Antitank Gun—"Rhinoceros" (formerly "Hornet")

The German 8.8 cm gun was designed in 1934 as the standard semimobile antiaircraft gun. Encouraged by success in Spain against armored vehicles the Germans went ahead with the production of A.P. ammunition for the weapon and the design of a more mobile carriage. Both were ready in time for the Battle of France. The 8.8 cm gun was a success in this battle, when it proved capable of dealing with the heavier French tanks, against which the standard German 3.7 cm A.T. gun was comparatively ineffective. The Germans next provided the gun with a new mounting from which the gun could engage tanks without being taken off its wheels. Finally a self-propelled mounting was introduced from which the gun can be fired against ground targets but cannot be used in its original A.A. role. Such an equipment is the tank destroyer “Hornet,” which consists of the 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 mounted on the chassis of a modified Pz. Kpfw. IV tank, the engine of which has been moved forward to a central position to provide a clear space for the fighting compartment at the rear. The “Hornet” mounts in effect the same gun as the “Ferdinand” but it is much more lightly armored and relatively much faster. Comparative figures for weight and maximum road speed of “Hornet” and “Ferdinand” are: 28 tons and 22 m.p.h., 80 tons and 12 1/2 m.p.h., respectively.

The 8.8 cm gun, fitted with muzzle brake, is mounted over the engine within a high, open-topped superstructure of thin armor plate and extends well over the front of the chassis. Its length, with muzzle brake, is 21 feet, 6 inches and its muzzle velocity with H.E. shell is 3,280 f.s.; with A.P.C.B.C. shell, 3,214 f.s. It will defeat 5 1/2 inches of homogeneous armor at 1,000 yards range and 30° angle of attack. Its maximum horizontal range is 16,200 yards and its rate of fire 15 to 20 rounds per minute.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         25 tons
Length (excl. gun) 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 98
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
     Roads (est.) 100 miles
     Cross-country (est.) 65 miles
Speed:
     Road 22 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor:
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 8.8 cm Pak 43/1
Ammunition
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 34