Category: German

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. VI (B) “Tiger” für 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43 L/71 (Sd. Kfz. 182): Heavy Tank (“King Tiger” or “Royal Tiger”)

Pz. Kpfw. VI (B) Tiger für 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43 L/71 (Sd. Kfz. 182): Heavy Tank (King Tiger or Royal Tiger)

This heavy tank designed for defensive warfare or for penetrating strong lines of defense made its combat appearance in 1944. It is distinguished by heavy frontal armor and by the employment of the heaviest German gun to be used in a turret with 360° traverse—the 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43 (L/71). This gun has a muzzle velocity of 3,280 f/s, and firing an A.P.C.B.C. projectile weighing 22.4 pounds against 30° homogenous plate has a reported penetration of 6.3 inches at 1,000 yards.

The hull and superstructure are of single-skin welded construction with interlocked joints. The hull front is formed of a single sloping plate 150 mm thick, and a lower nose plate 100 mm thick. Each of these plates is set at an angle of 50° from the vertical, resembling in design the Panther rather than the earlier Tiger. The pannier side plates, 80 mm thick, are set at a 25° angle and also resemble those of the Panther. The turret is located sufficiently back of the angle of deflection to be clear of direct hits on the front plate. The rounded front is 180 mm thick.

At the rear of the vehicle is a Maybach 60°, V-12, gasoline engine of 600 horsepower. The transmission, steering, and final drive are similar to those of the Tiger E. The suspension is made up of nine torsion bars on each side to carry the tank on steel tired road wheels. Five of these overlap the four internal ones. Every alternate track link has two ground contact bars.

This tank mounts the 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43 (L/71), two M.G. 34’s, an antiaircraft machine gun, and a smoke projector. A commander’s version of this tank was also manufactured.

The transport trailer for this tank is described on page 62.2.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       75 tons
Length 23 ft., 10 ins.
Width (overall) 12 ft., 7 ins.
Height 10 ft., 2 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft., 5 ins.
Tread centers 9 ft., 4 ins.
Ground contact
Width of track 32.5 ins.
Pitch of track 5.9 ins.
Track links 90
Fording depth 69 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads 106
   Cross-country
Speed
   Roads 23.6 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 10 m.p.h.
Armor
   Front glacis plate 150 mm
   Sides 80 mm
Armament (1) 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43; (2) 7.92 mm M.G.’s; (1) A.A. M.G.; (1) smoke projector
Ammunition (Rds.)—88 mm 80
Engine Maybach HL 230
Transmission 8 forward speeds; 4 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, hydraulically operated
Crew 5

German: p. 38.2 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. IV für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

Pz. Jäg. IV für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

This equipment consists of a Pz. Jäg. IV chassis upon which is mounted a 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48). The chassis is a modified Pz. Kpfw. IV, designed to mount either the 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48) or the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70).

The chassis has upper and lower nose plates sloped at 45° and 57° respectively. The all-welded construction of the hull is retained, and this structure is strengthened by limited interlocking of the front plates. The main armament is mounted in the sloping front plate of a squat all-welded superstructure, and is offset 8 inches to the off-side of the center line. The mounting is of gimbal type, and is protected externally by a heavy casting. The superstructure is bolted through angle sections to the lower hull. The sloping sides of the superstructure are extended beyond the vertical hull sides over the width of the tracks, and the rear edges of the floor of the sponsons so formed are locked upon the hull angle section. The rear superstructure and engine cover plates are similar to those of the Pz. Kpfw. IV. Spaced plates of 5 mm armor are bolted to brackets welded to the basic side plates of the rear superstructure sides. The armor is treated with Zimmerit. Mechanically, the vehicle is similar to the Pz. Kpfw. IV, but with small modifications. The final spur gear carries 41 teeth instead of the 40 on the tank. The final drive sprockets are of cast steel with webs of flat section instead of the rounded spokes of the tank sprockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight      
Length 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 130 miles
   Cross country 80 miles
Speed:
   Roads 28 m.p.h.
   Cross country 15 m.p.h.
Armor:
   Front plate of superstructure 60 mm at 50° angle
   Sides of superstructure 30 mm at 30° angle
Armament 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48)
Ammunition (Rds.)
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicylic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 34.2 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. IV für 2 cm Flakvierling 38: Antiaircraft Gun on Medium Tank Chassis

Pz. Kpfw. IV für 2 cm Flakvierling 38: Antiaircraft Gun on Medium Tank Chassis

This equipment consists of the four-barrelled 2 cm (.79 in.) antiaircraft gun mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis. The gun has been mounted in an open topped, nine-sided turret. Elevation is from 10° to 90° and traverse is 360°.

The gun is the normal 2 cm Flakvierling 38 with the triangular base removed. Two guns are mounted on either side of the cradle. The guns are fired by a set of foot pedals; each pedal operates the trigger mechanism of the two diametrically opposite guns. The weapon is traversed and elevated manually by the gunner who also aims and fires it.

The 2 cm Flakvierling 38 is supported by two four-inch I-beams which are located 15 inches below the normal tank turret ring. The I-beams are in the center below the turret opening and extend across the width of the tank chassis.

There is no traversing rack on the turret ring. A rod from the gun upper carriage supports the gunner’s seat and is fastened by a U-bolt to the turret to form a connection between the gun mount and the turret armor. At the front of each side of the upper carriage is a collapsible rod which also can be fastened to the turret armor. In this manner, the gun mount and turret traverse together.

The turret is 43 inches high, 6 feet, 6 inches wide, and 8 feet long. The armor plate is 15 mm thick. Each side of the turret is composed of two plates of equal dimensions welded together. The top plates are sloped at an angle of approximately 30 degrees and the bottom plates are undercut at the same angle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       26 tons (estimated)
Length 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 8 ins.
Height 9 ft.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 10 7/8 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 130 miles
   Cross country 80 miles
Speed:
   Roads 25 m.p.h.
   Cross country 15 m.p.h.
Armor:
   Front plate of superstructure 85 mm at 10° to vertical
   Sides of superstructure 30 mm
Armament 2 cm Flakvierling 38
Ammunition H.E. Shell, tracer; H.E.-Incendiary; A.P. shell, tracer.
Rounds 16 clips in turret (20 rds in each); 15 boxes in tank.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicylic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 34.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70) Sd. Kfz. 162: Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

Pz. Jäg. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70) Sd. Kfz. 162: Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

This self-propelled antitank gun consists of the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70) mounted on a modified Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis.

The vehicle is of all-welded construction except that the fighting compartment roof is bolted. The upper and lower nose plates are interlocked with each other and with the hull sides. The upper nose plate, set at an angle of 45° to the vertical, has a thickness of 80 mm. The lower nose plate, set at an angle of 55° to the vertical, has a thickness of 45 mm. The superstructure front plate is interlocked with the superstructure side plates and additional strength is provided by two brackets which are welded into recesses in the hull sides and bolted to plates welded to the superstructure front.

The crew compartment occupies the front three-quarters of the vehicle and accommodates a crew of five. The remaining quarter houses the engine which is the standard Maybach HL 120 as fitted in the Pz. Kpfw. IV.

The gun, which has no muzzle brake, is ballistically similar to the 7.5 cm Kw. K. 42 as mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. Panther. It is located eight inches to the right of the hull center line. The hydraulic buffer and hydropneumatic recuperator are mounted above the piece, the buffer being on the left. The recoil gear is protected by a cast mantlet with curved outer surfaces. Stowage is provided for 55 rounds of ammunition, all except four being stowed horizontally.

A port is provided in the superstructure front plate to the right of the 7.5 cm gun, behind which is a small machine gun ball mounting, five inches in diameter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)       28 tons
Length 19 ft., 9 1/2 ins.
Width 10 ft., 4 /4 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 1 1/4 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 130 miles
   Cross-country 80 miles
Speed
   Roads 28 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
   Superstructure, front 80 mm at 50° to vertical
   Superstructure, sides (fighting compartment) 40 mm at 30°
   Gun Mantlet 150 mm (rounded)
   Upper nose plate 80 mm at 45°
   Lower Nose plate 45 mm at 55°
   Hull sides 30 mm (vertical)
Armament 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70); one M.G.
Ammunition (Rds.) 55
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 32.3 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. IV (3.7 cm Flak 43): Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Gun

Pz. Kpfw. IV (3.7 cm Flak 43): Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Gun

This equipment consists of the standard Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis adapted to mount the 3.7 cm Flak 43. It is essentially an antiaircraft weapon, although the gun may be depressed for use against ground targets.

The superstructure is especially designed for the second purpose. The side and rear walls of the structure are two spaced 15 mm armor plates nine feet long, eight feet, eight inches wide, and four feet high. The sides can be pushed outwards and downwards to a horizontal position to permit fire against ground targets or to extend the area of the loading platform.

The 3.7 cm Flak 43, which has a 360° traverse and 90° elevation, is centrally mounted on a pedestal. It is hung from a single trunnion on the right through which passes the feed and ejection aperture. The monobloc barrel is fitted with a combination muzzle brake and flash hider. Both elevating and traversing handwheels are located to the right of the gun. A hydromatic-spring buffer with variable recoil is situated below the barrel, and two return springs lie side by side above the barrel. A tri-sectional gun shield sloped at 30° to the vertical is provided. The center section is 9 mm thick and two side sections each 6 mm thick. The height of the shield, measured up the slope, is four feet, 3 1/2 inches. The gun is fed horizontally from the left by clips of eight rounds each which are placed on a fixed loading tray.

The muzzle velocity of the 3.7 cm Flak 43 is reported as 2,750 f/s, and its theoretical rate of fire 250 rounds per minute. The ammunition issue laid down per equipment is reported as 1,600 rounds, 1,280 high explosive and 320 armor piercing.

An official German document states that the standard sight for this gun will be the Schwebedornvisier.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       26 tons (est.)
Length 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 130 miles
   Cross-country 80 miles
Speed
   Roads 25 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
   Front plate 50 mm
   Sides 30 mm
Armament 3.7 cm Flak 43
Ammunition (Rds.) 1,600
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 7

German: p. 32.2 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Stu. G. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48): Self-Propelled Assault Gun

Stu. G. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48): Self-Propelled Assault Gun

This equipment, consisting of the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48) mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis, represents a further development in German assault guns. The design follows that of its predecessor, the Stu. G. 40, mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. III chassis, with the exception that in the later equipment the usual keystone mantlet has been replaced by a cast steel mantlet with curved surfaces to offer the maximum projectile deflection. The mantlet, 130 mm thick, houses the buffer and recuperator.

Armor protection has been increased by the addition of slabs of concrete six inches thick attached to the front plate and the roof over the driver’s compartment by means of wire. The rest of the armor is the same as that provided for the Pz. Kpfw. IV.

The division of chassis space follows the usual design for this type of vehicle, with the driver’s compartment in the front, the fighting compartment in the center, and the engine compartment in the rear.

The gun, the Stu. K. 40 (L/48), with muzzle brake, is a lengthened version of the Stu. K. 40 (L/43) and is similar in design and performance to the Kw. K. 40 (L/48).

In the inset above is shown the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48) mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. III chassis which also has the improved type of rounded gun mantlet.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight     
Length19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height
Ground clearance15 ins.
Tread centers7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track15 ins.
Pitch of track4 3/4 ins.
Track links98
Fording depth3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads130 miles
   Cross-country80 miles
Speed
   Roads28 m.p.h
   Cross-country15 m.p.h.
Armor
   Front nose plate75 mm
   Sides30 mm
Armament7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48)
Ammunitions (Rds.)
EngineMaybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
TransmissionSynchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
SteeringEpicyclic, clutch brake
Crew5

German: p. 32.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

30 cm Nebelwerfer 42: Rocket Projector

30 cm Nebelwerfer 42: Rocket ProjectorThis rocket projector very closely resembles the 28/32 cm Nebelwerfer 41. The individual projectors are of similar construction, each one being shaped to the contours of the standard 30 cm rocket ammunition. The rear portion, however, is considerably larger than that of the 28/32 cm projector to accommodate the larger propelling chamber of the 30 cm rocket. As a result of the heavier charge, this rocket achieves a range of 4,976 yards.

Both traversing and elevating mechanisms are identical with those of the 28/32 cm piece. Total traverse is 30 degrees, and elevation is 45 degrees. The firing mechanism is electric with a contact box located at the right side of the piece.

A sight bracket is located at the rear of the framework.

There is a small spade under the frame in the rear, but no other evidence of supports.

The ammunition for this projector is described on page 354.1.

German: p. 350 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Schweres Wurfrahmen 40: Rocket Projectors on Semitrack Vehicles

Schweres Wurfrahmen 40: Rocket Projectors on Semitrack Vehicles This rocket projector is designed for use on half-tracked armored personnel carriers. The principal feature of the device is the carrier plate, three of which are mounted on each side of the half-track. Each is adjustable for elevation of 5° to 45°, and is believed to be equipped with an elevating scale. The actual projector consists of the crate in which the 28 cm or 32 cm rocket is packed, and which may be secured to the plates. Reports indicate that each vehicle carries six rounds, five of which are 28 cm high explosive and one 32 cm incendiary. Range figures are identical to those applying to the Schweres Wurfgerät 40 and 41 and the 28/32 cm Nebelwerfer 41. The photos above show the 3-ton armored semi-track (m. gp. Zgkw.) fitted with rocket projectors as described above.

German: p. 350 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

38 cm R. Sprgr. 4581: Rocket Projectile for Raketenwerfer 61

38 cm R. Sprgr. 4581: Rocket Projectile for Raketenwerfer 61

This projectile is fired from the Raketenwerfer 61 (see pages 38.3 and 38.4). It shows a radical departure from standard spin-stabilized rocket design by the use of insert splines at the after end of the motor body. These splines, fitting into the rifling of the projector liner, aid in giving an initial spin to the projectile.

The rocket consists of three main assemblies: the high explosive body, motor body, and nozzle assembly.

The high explosive body of two-piece welded construction is threaded internally at its after end to receive the motor body. The booster pocket and fuze adapter assembly is welded in position at the nose of the high explosive body. The bourrelet is located just behind the welded junction of the ogive and the cylindrical section.

The motor body is threaded externally to screw into the high explosive body and internally to receive the nozzle assembly. Both the explosive body and nozzle assembly are secured by means of two diametrically opposed set screws. Nine grooves for the splines are machined into the base of the periphery of the motor body. The high explosive body is filled with 270 pounds of the German explosive charge 13A, which is 50/50 poured amatol.

The 32 venturi holes in the nozzle plate are set at an angle of 14° to the axis of the rocket. In the center of the nozzle plate there is a threaded hole to receive the igniter primer for the rocket propellant.

A rear spacer ring welded to the nozzle plate aids in the positioning of the outer row of propellant charges.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         38 cm (15 ins. approx.)
Total weight of rocket 761 lbs.
Overall length (not including fuze) 56.68 ins.
Diameter of bourrelet 14.94 ins.
Maximum range 6,179 yds.
Weight of explosive charge 270 lbs.
Weight of propellant charge 88.5 lbs.
Fuze Point detonating
Weapon from which fired Raketenwerfer 61

German: p. 354.2 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

X 4: Aircraft Launched Antiaircraft Rocket

X4: German Aircraft Launched Antiaircraft Rocket

The X 4 is an antiaircraft rocket designed by the Germans to be launched from planes. It was manufactured and reported to have been successfully tested, but never reached the point of combat operation. It is a wire-controlled, rocket-propelled, fin-stabilized missile fitted with a proximity fuzed warhead. The propulsion system is a bi-fuel rocket. Stabilization is achieved by means of four large fins fitted to the body of the rocket, and four smaller fins fitted to the tail. The smaller fins bear solenoid-operated control surfaces through which two-dimensional directional control is achieved. These are operated from the parent aircraft by means of a control unit and two insulated wires leading to the rocket. These wires are about 3 3/4 miles long.

Precise information about the warhead and fuzing system has not so far been recovered. The warhead consists of an uncased moulded grain of dinitroglycol-based explosive which depends on high blast effect. The fuze is a combination of acoustic proximity, impact, and self-destroying type. The proximity feature is functioned by aircraft propeller noises and a delay of 1/50-second is provided to enable the missile to approach the target after the acoustic impulse initiates the fuze. The body of the rocket houses the helical aluminum tube fuel tanks and combined two-compartment steel air bottle. The venturi protrudes from the tail portion. The rocket is made to rotate about its axis at the rate of one rotation per second. This permits stabilization in line of flight by a single gyro. The missile is carried on the parent aircraft on a conventional bomb carrier modified for this special purpose

SPECIFICATIONS*

Length (overall)       200 cm (6 ft., 6 3/4 ins.)
Length of warhead45 cm (1 ft., 5 3/4 ins.)
Diameter of warhead (at base)22 cm (8.675 ins.)
Total weight before launching60 kg. (132.3 lbs.)
Weight of warhead20 kg. (44.1 lbs.)
Fuel4.5 liters (approx.) 98-100% nitric acid
 2 liters (approx.) 57% crude m-xylidine
                          43% triethylamine
Thrust Initial 270 lbs. to 315 lbs. falling off progressively to 45 to 68 lbs. after 30 seconds.

*Not verified.

German: p. 375 (August 1, 1945)