Month: September 2010

Categories
German

Stu. G. IV (“Brummbaer”) für 15 cm Stu. H. 43 (Sd. Kfz. 166): S.P. Heavy Infantry Gun “Grizzly Bear”

Stu. G. IV ("Brummbaer") für 15 cm Stu. H. 43 (Sd. Kfz. 166): S.P. Heavy Infantry Gun "Grizzly Bear"

The 15 cm heavy infantry gun, in addition to being mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. I, II, and 38 (t) chassis, is also mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis. In this combination it is known as the “Grizzly Bear.” While this vehicle is several tons heavier than the Pz. Kpfw. IV tank, the road performance of the two is similar. It is manned by a crew of five.

With the exception of the front, which incorporates the ball mounting for the gun, the sloping, four-sided gun shield is similar in construction to that of the “Bumble Bee,” although it is set farther forward on the hull. It is also similar to the shield on the “Wasp.”

It is probable that some rearrangement of the mechanical components of the chassis have been made in the “Grizzly Bear” as in the “Bumble Bee.” It is known that the armor on the hull front of the original tank has been increased from 50 mm to 100 mm and that on the sides from 30 mm to 40-50 mm. An additional circular strip of armor plate is bolted to the front of the shield around the ball mount of the gun.

The gun, which is a standard German infantry weapon, has a total length of 64.57 cm, approximately half of which extends beyond the ball mounting. No details of the performance of the gun in the above arrangement have been reported. However, comparative details may be found in the descriptive analysis of the equipment known as “15 cm s.I.G. 33 (Sfl.) auf Pz. Kpfw. II” in this catalogue. No auxiliary armament appears to be mounted on the “Grizzly Bear.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         28.6 tons
Length 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height (est.) 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 95 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed:
     Road 25 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 100 mm
     Sides 40-50 mm
     Shield (est.) 10 mm
Armament Stu. H. 43 (15 cm s.I.G. 33)
Ammunition 24 rds.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 33

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 37 (t) (Brno): Heavy Machine Gun (Ex-Czech)

7.92 mm M.G. 37 (t) (Brno): Heavy Machine Gun (Ex-Czech)

The M.G. 37 (t), 7.92 mm machine gun is one of the weapons taken over by the Germans after the occupation of Czech territory. It is gas-operated, belt-fed, air-cooled, and has a flexible mount.

The M.G. 37 has been designed for use on tanks and other Armored Force vehicles, but it is also effective as a heavy ground machine gun when mounted on a tripod.

The firing-control mechanism used in this weapon is different from that in other tank-mounted guns. Adjustments can be made for rapid and slow fire by use of a pivoting buffer system, and full-automatic or semi-automatic fire by use of an indicator on the trigger casing. A buffer is used to reduce the shock of the recoiling parts, and to insure smoother action. Initial cocking is accomplished by moving the cocking slide forward, the sear in this gun being moved to the front. By moving forward instead of to the rear, the type of cocking in this weapon makes it more adaptable for use in confined spaces such as tanks or other vehicles.

The weapon, being of Czech origin, uses an action similar to that of such guns as the Czech ZB, the Bren, and the British Besa. It is possible to change the barrel very easily on this weapon, although it is not a quick-change barrel. The gun does not have to be dismounted when this change is made.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 45 lb., 10 oz.
Length 43 1/2 ins.
Weight of barrel 14 lb., 14 oz.
Length of barrel 28 7/8 ins.
Operation Gas-operated
Feed Belt-fed
Rate of fire         520 rds./min.—slow
820 rds./min.—fast

German: p. 216

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 42: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 42: Dual-Purpose Machine Gun

This is the latest known type of German machine gun. It is apparently intended eventually to replace the M.G. 34 which it resembles somewhat. The M.G. 42, however, is far easier to manufacture than the earlier gun and is less finished in appearance, because of the wide use of stamping, welding, and riveting.

The M.G. 42 is air-cooled, recoil-operated, gas-assisted, belt-fed, and is fitted with a quick barrel-changing device. It has a much higher rate of fire than the M.G. 34, but it is said to be less accurate than the earlier weapon.

This gun can be used on a bipod as a light machine gun, on a tripod as a heavy machine gun, as an antiaircraft machine gun, and for numerous other special purposes on special mounts. The barrel jacket and receiver are constructed of pressed steel welded lengthwise with runways welded into the receiver for the bolt. The cover and feed mechanism, which is made of stamped steel, is hinged at the front of the receiver. The shoulder stock is plastic. The right side of the barrel jacket is left open so that when the bolt is retracted the barrel may be removed and changed. A lever in a recess on the right side of the barrel jacket forces out the rear of the barrel. This is a very simple and fast barrel change.

The action is different from the M.G. 34 in that the bolt does not lock to the barrel extension by a turning bolt head, but rather by two rolls set in the bolt head which lock bolt and barrel extension together by running into camways in the barrel extension when the bolt head hits the barrel extension.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight of gun with bipod 26 lb.
Weight with heavy machine gun tripod mounting 65 1/2 lb.
Overall length 48 ins.
Principle of operation Recoil, assisted by muzzle recoil booster
Cooling system Air
Feeding device Metallic non-disintegrating link belt
Capacity of feeding device 50 rd. lengths and multiples thereof, and 50 rd belt drums
Sights (a) Inverted V front sight and leaf rear sight with open V notch graduated from 200 to 2,000 meters.
  (b) Separate antiaircraft rear sight hinged on the rear sight base.
  (c) Antiaircraft ring-sight to be fitted on barrel jacket.
  (d) Telescopic sight on a tripod when used as a heavy machine gun.
Rifling 4 grooves right-hand concentric
Muzzle velocity 2,500-3,000 f/s
Maximum range (as L.M.G.) 2,200 yds.
Effective range (as L.M.G.) 600 yds.
Rate of fire (cyclic) 1,335 r.p.m.
Ammunition used All 7.92 mm Mauser ground types (except antitank rifle ammunition)

German: p. 215

Categories
German

7.5 cm l.I.G. 18: Light Infantry Howitzer

7.5 cm l.I.G. 18: Light Infantry Howitzer

The 7.5 cm infantry howitzer is a close support weapon that can be split into six loads for transport. The barrel, approximately 30 inches long, is housed in a slipper block which is bored centrally to take a firing-hole bushing at the front, and a striker, main spring, and cover at the rear. The muzzle end of the barrel is formed with trunnions which move in recesses in the slipper block.

The breech mechanism operates on a different principle from that of most standard German artillery. When the breech mechanism lever is pulled to the rear, the movement causes the actuating link to be revolved in the slipper block. The inner stud of the actuating link, being displaced from the bearing center of the link, is given a circular motion causing the slide to be raised and drawn slightly to the rear. The slide, dovetailed to the breech ring, revolves the barrel about its trunnions and raises the breech end to the open position. The gun cannot be fired again until the barrel is properly closed.

There are two versions of the box type carriage, one on artillery wheels and the other on pneumatic-tired disk wheels. The shield is in five parts.

The recoil system is carried in the cradle of the carriage; the buffer on the left and the hydropneumatic recuperator on the right. A communicating channel with a valve to regulate the flow connects the cylinders. The elevating and traversing gears are located on the right and left sides respectively.

A sighting system which works on the reciprocating principle is used. It is fitted with a range drum graduated to 1,320 meters, a correction scale for the five charges used, and a Rundblickfernrohr 16 (Rbl. F. 16) dial sight.

Ammunition used with the l.I.G. 18 is of the high-explosive and hollow-charge type.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight in action 880 lb.
Length of piece 10 cals.
Carriage Box type
Recoil mechanism Hydraulic & spring type
Rate of fire (sustained) 6 rds./min.
Muzzle velocity 730 f/s
Range (maximum) 3,880 yds.
Elevation 73°
Depression -10°
Traverse 12°

German: p. 122

Categories
German

10.5 cm Flak 38, 39: Multi-Purpose Gun

10.5 cm Flak 38, 39: Multi-Purpose Gun

This gun, of which two models are in service, is the standard German heavy antiaircraft weapon. While this is its primary use, it is also provided with antitank sights and A.P.C. shells. It is produced in both static and mobile versions and is also mounted on railed vehicles.

Its horizontal range is slightly greater than the 88 mm Flak, but it does not possess as great a vertical range. Elevation, depression, and traversing are the same as in the 88 mm gun.

Both the loading and fuze-setting mechanisms are power operated. The carriage has two outriggers which are folded up for transport. The traversing and elevating gears have two speeds for manual operation; provision is also made for power operation.

There are three types of ammunition fired in this weapon:

(a) H. E. Shell with Time Fuze—(10.5 cm SPGR. L/4.4 mit ZT.Z.S./30)

This shell is fuzed for antiaircraft firing and is fitted with the same clock-work fuze, the ZT.Z.S./30, that is used with the 8.8 cm AA ammunition.

(b) H.E. Shell with Percussion Fuze

(c) A.P.C. Shell

The following are estimated penetration figures for the weapon firing an A.P.C. Shell against homogeneous armor:

Range Thickness of Armor
     30°     Normal 
1,000 yds.         (5.5 ins.)         (6.5 ins.)
1,500 yds. (5.1 ins.) (6.0 ins.)
2,000 yds. (4.7 ins.) (5.6 ins.)

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         10.5 cm (4.14 ins.)
Length of tube 21 ft.
Weight (travelling position) 13.8 tons
Weight (firing position) 9.8 tons
Length (travelling position) 27 ft., 7 ins.
Length (firing position)
Height (travelling position) 9 ft., 6 ins.
Height (firing position) 71 in.
Width (overall); (travelling position) 96 ins.
Width of trail spread
Length of bore 18 ft., 2 ins.
No. of grooves 36
Width of grooves .23 in.
Depth of grooves .05 in.
Width of lands .13 ins.
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 2,887 f.s.
Max. range (horizontal) 19,355 yds.
Max. range (vertical) 13,914 yds.
Rate of fire 12-15 r.p.m.
Traverse 360°
Elevation +85°
Depression -3°
Length of recoil (H.E.) 31 3/8 ins.
Ammunition H.E. and A.P.
Wt. of projectile (H.E.) 33.2 lb

German: p. 109

Categories
German

10.5 cm l.F.H. 18: Gun—Howitzer

10.5 cm l.F.H. 18: Gun—Howitzer

This howitzer is a counterpart of the United States 105 mm howitzer, and is the standard divisional field artillery howitzer of the German Army. It is approximately 116 inches long with very heavy, simply designed breech mechanism. The recoil and recuperator system is of the hydropneumatic type. The top carriage is principally of welded design, made of sheet steel 0.3 cm thick. The trunnion caps are of the split bearing type. The completely inclosed elevating mechanism allows a total elevating arc of 47°. The traversing mechanism is of the screw and nut type, almost completely inclosed with a total traversing arc of 56° 16′.

The piece can be emplaced for firing with a minimum number of operations, as it is automatically placed in three-point suspension when the trails are opened. The bottom carriage is of more complicated design than the United States equipment. The wheels of the l.F.H. 18 are made of a light alloy and are of the fluted disk type with solid rubber tires. The shield is lightly constructed. Optical fire control equipment is very similar to that used on the American equipment.

Model l.F.H. 18M has been fitted with a muzzle brake and a somewhat different carriage, with wooden-spoked wheels. This gun is mounted on the German Pz. Kw. II tank chassis which takes the name of “Wasp” (Wespe). Ammunition Charge F is the long-range charge (Fernladung) which can only be used when the gun is fitted with a muzzle brake.

The most recent model of the German 10.5 cm howitzer is the l.F.H. 42. It differs from the l.F.H. 18 in that its chamber is bored out and has interchangeable sleeves, making the regular use of a 6-charge propellant possible. The l.F.H. 42 is also approximately 11 inches longer.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         10.49 cm (4.13 ins.)
Length of tube 9 ft.
Weight (travelling position)
Weight (firing position) 4,312 lb.
Length (travelling position) 18 ft., 4 ins.
Length (firing position) 19 ft., 8 ins.
Height (travelling position) 6 ft., 2 ins.
Height (firing position) 6 ft., 2 ins.
Width (overall) 78.8 ins.
Width of trail spread 11 ft., 9 ins.
Length of bore 94.2 ins. (22.8 cals.)
No. of grooves 32
Width of grooves .223 in.
Depth of grooves .047 in.
Width of lands .174 in.
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 1,542 f.s.
Max. range (horizontal) 11,674 yds.
Traverse 56°
Elevation 40°
Depression -7°
Length of recoil 43.3 ins.
Ammunition H.E.—A.P. tracer—A.P.C. tracer—hollow charge—smoke
Wt. of projectile (H.E.) 32.6 lb.; A.P. 31.25 lb.

German: p. 108

Categories
German

2.8/2.0 cm Pz. B. 41: Tapered Bore Antitank Gun

2.8/2.0 cm Pz. B. 41: Tapered Bore Antitank Gun

The German antitank gun, Pz. B. 41, captured in the vicinity of Halfaya Pass during the Libyan campaign in 1941, is the first tapered-bore weapon to be found in combat use. Served by a five-man crew, it is normally towed on a trailer, but can be broken down into five loads and transported on a truck or in an airplane.

The tube, which is of heavy monobloc or cold worked construction, is modeled on the Gerlich principle—that is, it is tapered from 28 mm at the breech to 20 mm at the muzzle in order to increase the velocity. No provision is made for cooling the barrel, which is good for about 400 rounds. The forward end of the tube has a muzzle brake threaded to it; the back is attached to the breech ring by an interrupted screw arrangement.

The firing mechanism, of the inertia type, consists of the firing-pin, firing-pin guide, spring and retainer. A breechblock of the horizontal sliding block type is actuated, after cocking, by an operating handle attached to the top of the breech ring.

Both the carriage and pedestal are of welded construction. Shields fixed to the carriage by metal hooks and spring plungers are constructed of steel plates about 3/8 inch thick. Detachable trunnions for fastening the gun and recoil mechanisms to the pedestal permit quick assembly and breakdown of the piece.

The wheels are of the perforated disk type and have pneumatic tires mounted on them. These tires, which are probably Lynthetic, have no valve stems, indicating that they are filled with a cushioning material.

The trails are of the split type and can be locked together or spread at an angle of about 45°.

The gun is flexible on its mount, and as no elevating or traversing gears are employed, these operations are most likely manual. A straight tube telescope is used.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber            28 mm at breech
20 mm at muzzle
Weight (complete) 491 lb.
     (tube) 76 lb.
     (barrel & brake) 80 lb.
Length of barrel 61.36 ins.
Breech mechanism Horizontal sliding block
Firing mechanism Inertia type
Recoil mechanism Hydro-spring
Normal recoil 9.34 ins.
Rate of fire 8 to 10 rds./min.
Muzzle velocity 4,550 f/s
Range (effective) 500 yds.
Ammunition A.P. (9,754.4 grs.)
Peneration

        Range       Thickness of armor in inches
Yards         30°         Normal
1002.73.3
2002.53.0
3002.22.8
400       2.1       2.6

German: p. 131

Categories
German

l. gp. Man. Trsp. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 252): Light Armored Ammunition Carrier

l. gp. Man. Trsp. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 252): Light Armored Ammunition Carrier

This is the light armored ammunition carrier with the chassis of a light semitrack prime mover. Except for its sloping rear superstructure and small personnel compartment it is similar in appearance to the Sd. Kfz. 250 and 253, all of which are armored counterparts of the Sd. Kfz. 10. Unlike the Sd. Kfz. 10, however, the suspension of this armored version has only four straddle-mounted bogie wheels on each side instead of five.

The power plant and power train in this vehicle are the same as those of the Sd. Kfz. 10 and, although the Sd. Kfz. 252 is heavier, the road performance of the two is similar.

The maximum highway range of this vehicle is 198 miles on a fuel tank capacity of 35 gallons. Its maximum speed is 35 m.p.h. and is operated by a crew of two.

The net weight of the vehicle ready to drive is 10,406 pounds. The combat weight is 12,606 pounds. Weight distribution on the front axle is 2,618 pounds and on the track 9,988 pounds. A power cable winch having a lifting power of 5,500 pounds is fitted as standard equipment. Outside measurement of the turning radius is 35 feet.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         5.2 tons
Length 15 ft., 5 ins.
Width 6 ft., 5 ins.
Height 5 ft., 4 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Width of track 9 1/2 ins. (wheel 7.5 ins.)
Pitch of track 6 5/16 ins.
Track links 40
Weight on front axle 2,618 lb.
Fording depth 27 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 198 miles
     Cross-country 130 miles
Speed
     Roads 35 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 25 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 15 mm (est.)
     Sides 8 mm (est.)
Armament
Ammunition
Engine Maybach, 6-cyl., 100 hp., HL 42 TRKM
Transmission Preselective—7 speeds forward, 3 reverse
Steering 15° and over, epicyclic controlled differential
Crew 2

German: p. 46

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus D, E (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. II Ausf D, E (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Produced in 1939. Comparatively few of these models were made and these were later converted to flamethrower tanks (Pz. Kpfw. II, Aus. (F)).

Model D—Although the hull, turret, and superstructure of this model are similar to preceding models, its suspension arrangement of four large, rubber-tired, Christie-type bogie wheels which touch the top and bottom of the track make it easy to recognize. Models D and E are the only Pz. Kpfw. II tanks with this type of suspension. The bogie wheels are large enough to eliminate return rollers. The front drive sprocket, rear idler, and the dry-pin, center-guide track complete the suspension assembly. The track can be fitted with snow spuds. These are inserted in the outer web members and held by a split cotter-pin.

The power plant is the Maybach HL 62 TR, six-cylinder, water-cooled engine rated at 140 B.H.P. The transmission provides five forward speeds and one reverse. The steering system embodies the epicyclic clutch and brake principle.

The normal Pz. Kpfw. II armament of one 2 cm Kw.K. 30 with one coaxial 7.92 mm M.G. 34 is mounted. Armor plate thicknesses range from 30 mm front to 15 mm sides.

Model E—Same as Model D.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         10 tons
Length 16 ft.
Width 7 ft., 6 ins.
Height 6 ft., 9 ins.
Ground clearance 12 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 10 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 10 ins.
Width of track
Pitch of track
Track links 96 (est.)
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 125 miles
     Cross-country 85 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 30 mm
     Sides 15 mm
Armament 1—2.0 cm Kw.K. 30
1—7.92 M.G. 34
Ammunition
Engine Maybach 140 B.H.P.
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 3

German: p. 8

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus A, B, C (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus A, B, C (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Model A was produced in 1937, followed by B and C in 1938. It is not known whether there are any important differences between these models. All had a suspension consisting of five equally spaced rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side mounted independently on suspension arms pivoted on hull and provided with quarter elliptic leaf springs. There are four 8½ in. diameter return rollers on each side, a 2 ft., 7 in. diameter sprocket, and a 2 ft., 1 in. diameter idler.

The frontal armor of this series was originally only 15 mm thick and the hull had a rounded nose formed by the bending of a single plate which also incorporated the glacis and nose plate. At some time after the battle of France (1940) the armor of these models was reinforced by bolting 20 mm armor plates on the front of the tank. The additional armor on the front of the hull consisted of flat nose and glacis plates which entirely altered the appearance of the hull and nose and gave the effect of spaced armor in front of the rounded part of the basic plate. The gun mantlet armor was thickened by the addition of a 15 mm plate.

The Maybach, HL 62 TR, 6-cylinder gasoline engine, which comprises the power plant, has a rating of 140 h.p.

The armament consists of a 2.0 cm gun which is fired by a trigger on the elevating handwheel, and a coaxial 7.92 mm M.G. 34 which is fired by a trigger on the traversing handwheel.

These models are often converted for use as mounts for heavy anti-tank guns such as the 7.5 cm Pak 40 and the 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r), as well as the 10.5 cm l.F.H. 18 M, known as the Wasp, and the 15 cm s.I.G. 33; the suspension for the latter having a sixth bogie wheel.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         10 tons
Length 15 ft., 2 3/4 ins.
Width (overall) 7 ft., 4 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 3/4 ins.
Ground clearance 13 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 2 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 10 ins.
Width of track 11 1/8 ins.
Pitch of track 3 5/8 ins.
Track links 105
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 125 miles
     Cross-country 85 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 15 + 20 mm
     Sides 15 mm
Armament One 2.0 cm KwK 30
One 7.92 mm M.G. 34
Ammunition 2.0 cm gun 180
M.G. 1425
Engine 140 h.p. Maybach HL 62 TRM
Transmission Crash-type gear box, 6 fwd. speeds, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 3

German: p. 7