Category: German

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German

Pz. Jäg. “Panther” für 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (Sd. Kfz. 173): S.P. Antitank or Assault Gun (Gun Motor Carriage)

Jagdpanther - Pz. Jäg. Panther für 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (Sd. Kfz. 173)

The standard Model A Panther chassis is used for building this vehicle. The vehicle embodies all of the engineering principles and methods of design accumulated by the Germans up to the time of its production, and is quite effective as an antitank or assault weapon.

The hull and fighting compartment are of all welded construction. The fighting compartment is 45 inches in height at the front and 57 inches at the rear. The length of the roof is 93 inches and the width 72 inches.

The steering mechanism, “one radius steering,” is new. It is unnecessary to engage the transmission in order to turn or traverse the tank through 360 degrees. The use of either steering lever will traverse the tank in a small radius or on the spot. The annulus gear of each of the two epicyclics is driven by the transmission output shaft and is subject to seven speeds forward and one reverse. The sun gears are held stationary on the straightaway by steering brakes. In making a turn, the inside sun gear is released to rotate backward for a sharper turn, the inside sun gear is driven by engagement through a steering clutch with the engine.

The vehicle is armed with the 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 gun in a massive cast steel mantlet which is flexibly mounted in a cast steel ring welded to the front plate. Traverse is 11 degrees. Stowage is provided for 29 rounds of each of two types of ammunition. One M.G. 34 is ball mounted in the front plate to the right. Driver’s vision is by periscope. Fuel capacity is 193 gallons, of which 34 gallons are held in auxiliary.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         45 tons
Length (overall) Including gun 28 ft., 4 ins.
     Excluding gun 22 ft., 8 ins.
Width (overall) 10 ft., 10 ins.
Height (overall) 9 ft., 10 ins.
Ground clearance 21 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 7½ ins.
Ground contact 12 ft., 9½ ins.
Width of track 26 ins.
Pitch of track 6 ins.
Track links 67
Fording depth 67 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 124 miles
     Cross-country 62 miles
Speed
     Roads 34 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15-18 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 80 mm at 55° to the vertical
     Sides 45 mm at 30° to the vertical
     Rear 40 mm at 30° to the vertical
     Top 17 mm at 85° to the vertical
Armament 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (MV 3.280 f/s, A.P.C.B.C.), M.G. 34
Ammunition (Rds.) 58 (8.8 cm)
Engine Maybach HL 230 P 30 V12 gasoline
Transmission Synchromesh 7 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering One radius double drive epicyclic
Crew 5

German: p. 38.1 (August 1, 1945)

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German

28/32 cm schweres Wurfgerät 40 and 41: Transportable Rocket Projectors

28/32 cm schweres Wurfgerät 40 and 41: Transportable Rocket Projectors These two rocket projectors, or ramps, differ from each other only in construction details and in the material used. The Schweres Wurfgerät 40 is made of wood and weighs 115 pounds; the 41 model is of metal, weighing 243 pounds. Each is designed to carry four crates of the 32 cm incendiary rocket (page 353) or the 28 cm high explosive rocket (page 354).

Either model is adjustable for elevation. Firing is accomplished by the hand electric firing system provided for the crates themselves. Maximum ranges for these projectors are identical: 2,106 yards for the 28 cm Wurfkörper Spr. and 2,406 yards for the 32 cm Wurfkörper M. Fl. 50.

German: p. 349 (May 1, 1945)

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German

28/32 cm Nebelwerfer 41: Rocket Projector

28/32 cm Nebelwerfer 41: Rocket Projector This rocket projector fires the 28 cm high explosive rocket (page 354) and the 32 cm incendiary rocket (page 353). Ranges are given below.

This device, which functionally does not differ from the 15 cm and 21 cm Nebelwerfers, consists of six projectors grouped in two tiers of three each, mounted on a two-wheel trailer. The cages are constructed of round steel bars shaped to the outside contours of the 32 cm rocket. Detachable liners for the forward end of the projectors permit the use of 28 cm rockets. The portion of the projector holding the propelling chamber remains the same for both rounds.

The firing mechanism is electric. Traverse (approximately 30°) and elevation (from 0 to 45°) are bymeans of cranks.

The piece is fired from its mounting and is held in position by two jacks in front and a small spadelike arrangement in the rear.

The equipment weighs approximately 2,460 lbs.

German: p. 349 (May 1, 1945)

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German

8.8 cm R. Pz. B. Gr. 4322: High Explosive-Antitank Rocket Grenade

8.8 cm R. Pz. B. Gr. 4322: High Explosive-Antitank Rocket Grenade

This fin stabilized rocket projectile is fired from the German counterpart of the U.S. “Bazooka” (see page 217) and has a maximum effective range of 165 yards. Eight and one-half-inch armor penetration has been obtained in static tests with a standoff of approximately 6 1/2 inches.

The complete round consists of a point fuzed high explosive, hollow charge loaded projectile assembled to a steel tube with a venturi and stabilizer assembly attached, containing an igniter, propellant and electric primer. The AZ 5095 fuze is of the point detonating type which in tests gave an approximate fuze functioning time of 0.0002 seconds (impact to detonation). The projectile assembly consists of the following stamped sheet steel parts: a body which contains the bursting charge, an adapter, a collar, a band, and a slightly heavier sheet steel nose. A detonator-booster of the German Kl. Zdlg. 34 NP type is embedded in the bursting charge to the rear of the flash tube. The bursting charge is cyclotol (41.2% TNT, 58.8% cyclonite) weighing 1 lb., 7.2 ozs. The propellant and tube assembly consists of the propellant tube and the seven propellant grains and igniter assembly, located in the forward end which it holds. The seven propellant powder grains are approximately 7.6 inches in length x .45 inch outside diameter, and have a central perforation .22 inch in diameter throughout their length. The composition is 64½% nitrocellulose and 34½% DEGN, with a small percentage of stabilizer.

A new type of ammunition, the R. Pz. B. Gr. 4999 is reported to give good performance up to a range of 220 yards, 25° C. (77° F.).

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (complete, rocket as fired)       7.26 lbs.
Weight of high explosive filler 1.47 lbs.
Weight of fuze assembly .175 lb.
Weight of igniter assembly .021 lb.
Weight of propellant charge .382 lb.
Length (overall) 25.56 ins.
Diameter (external) 3.437 ins.
Burnt velocity at 50° F. (approx.) 340 f/s*
Burning distance (approx.) 7 ft.*
Fuze functioning time (approx.) .0002 seconds
Maximum pressure 6,910 lbs. per sq. in.*
Maximum thrust 1,716 lbs.*
Impulse 87 lbs. second**
Maximum effective range 165 yds.

*These figures are from firing a single round.
**These values doubtful; only one rocket motor was statically tested with propellant temperature 41° F.

German: p. 357 (August 1, 1945)

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German

20 cm K. (E): Railway Gun

20cm-railway-gun

Batteries of these railway guns in concrete emplacements were found on both the Cherbourg and Brest Peninsulas in France. Equipment consisted of the gun, carriage, turntable, power plant and electrical operating unit, and ammunition car.

The piece is of the built-up type, consisting of a tube and two jackets. It is screwed into the breech ring. The breechblock is of the horizontal sliding wedge type. The hydropneumatic recoil system has two cylinders located under the carriage; the pistons are fastened to the lower end of the breech ring.

The carriage, when mounted on a turntable, has a traverse of 360 degrees; it is estimated that elevation is from 0 to 840 mils.The turntable, consisting of two sections bolted together, rotates on a central pivot and a portable circular track. Four wheels at each end of the turntable support it on the track. Electric motors are geared through these wheels to rotate the piece in azimuth. It is very similar to the 28 cm K. 5 (E) reported on page 100.2.

A small ammunition car, equipped with a removable roof, is mounted on trucks and runs on a two-rail track which is built in as a part of the turntable track.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight of gun       45,500 lbs.
Weight of carriage w/ gun 189,000 lbs.
Caliber 203 mm (7.982 ins.)
Weight (firing position) 92.5 tons
Length (traveling position) 63 ft. (approx.)
Height (traveling position) 13 ft.
Height (firing position)
Width (overall) 13 ft. (approx.)
Track Std. railway gage 56 1/2 ins.
Length of tube 30 ft., 7 ins.
Length of tube and breech 32 ft., 8 1/2 ins.
Length of rifling 22 ft.
Rifling Uniform R.H. twist
No. of grooves 64
Width of grooves 0.188 in. (approx.)
Depth of grooves .125 in. (approx.)
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (shell) 2,800 f/s
Range (est.) 36,000 yds.
Traverse (on turntable) 360°
Elevation (estimated) 47°
Depression 0°
Length of recoil (from recoil index slide) 25 1/2 ins.
Ammunition APCBC, APBC, HE, Practice, Illuminating with parachute
Wt. of projectile 259 lbs.
Wt. of propellant (max. charge) 96.5 lbs.

German: p. 102.1 (May 1, 1945)

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German

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

The chassis of this self-propelled antitank gun is a modified version of the chassis for the Czech Model 38 tank. The lower nose of the hull is 60 mm thick set at 40° and interlocked with the sides and upper nose plate. The upper nose plate is 60 mm thick. It is positioned at an angle of 60° and extends to the top of the superstructure. Brinell hardness is approximately 240. All-welded construction is employed except in attaching roof and superstructure rear plates which are bolted on for reasons of accessibility. The two latter plates are 8 mm horizontal and 8 mm at 70° respectively. The side superstructure plates are 20 mm set at 40° with a brinell hardness of approximately 195. The hull floor plate is 10 mm. Side apron plates of 5 mm give added protection against high explosive shell fire.

The 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48), mounted 15 inches to the right of the hull center line, has an improved type of recoil mechanism. This allows the muzzle brake to be discarded. Elevation is from -6° to +10°. Traverse overall is 16° (-11° right -5° left). A new type machine gun mount is built in the roof. The machine gun is fitted with a periscopic sight and extended trigger, and may be traversed in any direction and fired from within. A Sfl ZF 1a sight and an episcope is provided for the main gunner. The sight projects through the roof. The loader has an episcope fitted in the rear portion of his hatch fixed at 6 o’clock.

The steering mechanism is the usual controlled differential type which allows curves of 29½ foot radius without “steering losses.” Curves of smaller radius are obtained by using the track brakes of the additional clutch brake system also provided.

There are two fuel tanks with a total capacity of 85 gallons. Ground pressure is 11.9 pounds per square inch. The power to weight ratio is approximately 9 HP per ton. The Fu 5 radio is fitted. Commanders equipments carry an additional Fu 8.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight in action       17.6 tons
Length (overall excluding gun) 15 ft., 11 ins.
Width (overall) 8 ft., 7 1/8 ins.
Height (overall) 6 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft., 4 3/4 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 8 ft., 11 1/2 ins.
Width of track 1 ft., 1 3/4 ins.
Pitch of track 4.1 ins.
Track links 96
Fording depth 2 ft., 11 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 50 miles
Speed
     Roads 16 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 9 m.p.h.
Armor
     Hull nose plate (lower) 60 mm at 40°
     Hull side plate 20 mm undercut 15°
     Hull tail plate 20 mm at 15°
     Glacis plate (upper nose) 60 mm at 60°
     Superstructure side plates 20 mm at 40°
     Superstructure rear plate 8 mm at 70°
     Gun mantlet 30 mm rounded
Armament 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48); one M. G. 34; one M. G. 44.
Ammunition (Rds.) 7.5 cm gun, 41 rds.; M. G. 34, 600 rds.;* M. G. 44, 180 rds.
Engine Czech EPA (Type TZJ), 6-cyl., inline, 158 hp. at 2,600 r.p.m.
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake type
Crew 4

*In addition to the ammunition mentioned above, 12 rounds of signal ammunition, 20 egg hand grenades, and 6 smoke candles are carried.

German: p. 20.1 (April 1, 1945)

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German

leichtes Schützenpanzerwagen (2 cm) (Sd. Kfz. 250/9): German Halftracked Armored Car

Leichtes Schutzenpanzerwagen Sdkfz 250/9

This vehicle, adapted from the light armored personnel carrier, mounts the 2 cm tank gun, Kw. K. 38, and is effective for reconnaissance, action against lightly armored ground targets, protection of troop and supply trains, and as a personnel and supply carrier.

It differs from the basic vehicle principally in the addition of an armored turret which has been found in three forms: 10, 8, and 6-sided. The turret is of truncated cone shape and is similar to that used in the German 4-wheeled armored cars. The turret has no roof, but instead is provided with a wire mesh grill as anti-grenade protection.

The gun is mounted in the center with a 7.92 mm M. G. 34 on the left, and a telescopic sight on the right. The armament is controlled by one man who sits in a seat suspended from the right rear of the turret. A single handwheel controls traverse and elevation, or, by use of a small lever, the gun may be locked in a horizontal position. Counterbalance is maintained by two spring equilibrators, one mounted on each side. The turret is mounted on a ring permitting traverse through 360 degrees. Access to the turret is through a large entrance door in the left rear of the superstructure. The vehicle is provided with a transmitter-receiver, Fu. Spr. f, with intercommunicating facilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)       6 tons
Trailer load capacity
Length 15 ft.
Width 6 ft., 5 ins.
Height 6 ft., 10 3/4 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Track width 10 1/4 ins.
Track links 38
Fuel tank 20-25 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth 27 ins.
Speed 35 m.p.h.
Engine 6 cylinder Maybach: Watercooled, 100 hp.
Bore and stroke 90 x 110 mm
Ignition Bosch magneto
Battery 12 volt
Transmission Semi-automatic, preselective type. 7 speeds forward, 3 reverse.
Steering Front wheel-track epicyclic
Crew 3
Armament 1 20 mm tank gun (Kw. K. 38)
  1 7.92 mm machine gun (M. G. 34)
Armor
     Front plate (approx.) 15 mm
     Side plate (approx.) 6 mm
     Rear plate (approx.) 8 mm

German: p. 44.1 (April 1, 1945)

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German

Goliath – B I: Cable-Controlled Demolition Vehicle

Goliath: German Cable-Controlled Demolition Vehicle
This miniature tank, weighing less than 700 pounds, is controlled by a 2000-foot electric cable from a hand control box carried in the rear. It is used to send a demolition charge to a point at which detonation destroys the tank as well as the target. The hull is fabricated from a mild 16 gauge steel with front upper and lower sloping plates 9 mm thick. These are set at 48 degrees and 50 degrees to the vertical. The hull contains three compartments. The rear compartment houses the cable and drum; the central compartment houses the power unit and control mechanism; and the front compartment contains the high explosive charge.

The power plant consists of a 2-cylinder, 2-cycle air-cooled engine. Ignition is by coil and 6 volt battery. The power is transferred through chain drives to each track by means of electromagnetic clutches. The total reduction from the clutches to the sprocket is 9.33:1. Steering is accomplished by breaking the circuit to the side to which the turn is to be made. This releases the magnetic clutch, cutting the power from the engine for that side of the vehicle. The suspension consists of five small bogie wheels on the bottom with two return rollers on top, and an idler wheel at the rear. Each bogie is independently sprung by coil springs. The chain driven sprocket is at the front of the vehicle. The track is 6 5/16 inches wide, with a simple grouser placed on every other track pin.

This vehicle carries an estimated 100-125 pounds of explosive, and has sufficient power to operate on practically all types of terrain. The control cable consists of three strands, in pairs, two for steering, and the third for setting off the detonator. In operation, the engines are started by a hand crank, the clutches engaged, and the tank then handled from the control box through the cable. Another version of this tank is powered by two electric motors.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight      650 lbs.
Length 5 ft., 3 ins.
Width 2 ft., 10 ins.
Height 2 ft.
Ground clearance 5 1/4 ins.
Tread centers 2 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact 2 ft., 6 1/2 ins.
Width of track 6 5/16 ins.
Pitch of track 2 13/16 ins.
Track links 47
Theoretical radius of action 770 yds.
Speed 4 to 6 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate (upper and lower nose) 9 mm
     Hull 16 gauge steel
Armament (100-125 est.) pound explosive charge
Engine Inline 2 cylinder, 2 cycle
Transmission Chain drive, through electric magnetic clutch.
Steering Controlled by two electric clutches

German: p. 40.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Kommando-Gerät 40: Antiaircraft Director

kommando-gerat-40
The Kommando-Gerät 40 is a director used principally for major caliber weapons such as the 8.8 cm and 10.5 cm antiaircraft guns. However, by installing the proper ballistic cams, it may be used with any type of gun.

The director is operated by five men. Two are required to track in azimuth and elevation; a third sets in slant range by means of a 4-meter base stereo range finder mounted on the director; the fourth man sets in horizontal angle of approach; and the fifth man operates various switches. Data are transmitted to the guns for reception by a signal-light manual follow-up system. A trailer equipped with devices for lifting the director is used for transport.

The Kommando-Gerät 40 computes continuously Case III data (for invisible targets) by a target speed and angle of approach method, and can handle diving and curving target courses. The time from initial pickup to first round is estimated to be 20 or 30 seconds. When shifting to a new target in the vicinity of the target previously tracked and flying an approximately parallel course, as little as 10 seconds may be required.

A change in course which requires a change in operating procedure upsets firing data for only a few seconds. In principle, the director will predict correctly for a target flying at constant speed with a constant rate of change of altitude and constant curvature. The stability is not affected by gradual changes in course.

After an abrupt change in speed, altitude rate, or course azimuth, about 10 to 15 seconds are required to evaluate the new course.

SPECIFICATIONS

Azimuth       No limit
Elevation -1.5° to 90.5°
Slant range 1,200 to 18,000 m
Present horizontal range 570 to 14,500 m
Future horizontal range 570 to 14,500 m
Future altitude -500 to 12,000 m
Present altitude 0 to 12,000 m
Ground speed of target 0 to 300 m/s
Vertical speed of target 0 to 200 m/s
Horizontal travel during time of flight 0 to 6,000 m
Lateral deflection +/- 1,065 mils
Course azimuth correction +/- 1,600 mils
Altitude prediction +/- 3,000 m
Maximum tracking rates
     Azimuth +/- 130 mils/sec.
     Slewing +/- 700 mils/sec.
     Elevation +/- 105 mils/sec.
     Time of flight 0 to 30 sec.
     Horizontal parallax 500 m
     Vertical parallax +/- 210 m
     Fuze dead time 0 to 10 sec.
     Wind velocity 0 to 28 m/s
     Muzzle velocity 24 numbers (Gebrauchsstufe)
     dØ +/- 60/16°
     dA +/- 70 mils
     dF due to dead time +/- 5 secs.
     dF due to MV and wind +/- 5 secs.

German: p. 176

Categories
German

15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sd. Kfz. N. W. 41): Self-Propelled Rocket Projector

15-cm-panzerwerfer-42

The chassis of this self-propelled rocket projector follows the half-track design but differs materially from the standard German half-track series of prime movers.

A standard commercial chassis manufactured by Opel (Chevrolet) has been modified to carry a spacious armored body of welded plates. The hull thus formed provides a firm and stable firing platform, and permits of easy mass production. The armor is intended only for protection against small arms fire of .30 caliber. The rear wheels and springs of the original truck chassis have been displaced by a track assembly, prefabricated and then bolted to the original frame. The original rear end differential has been retained but the drive shaft has been shortened and the asembly moved forward to mount the drive sprockets. The hydraulic brake system is retained only for the front wheels. A separate cable for each sprocket brake is connected to two hand levers mounted to the right of the driver’s seat. Normal steering is assisted by the sprocket brake when necessary.

The rocket projector consists of ten tubes mounted in two layers of five each. Provision is made for a simple optical sight, and for hand wheels for a maximum of 80° elevation and a maximum traverse of 290°. The projectiles are the same as those fired from the 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 and can be electrically fired, singly or ripple, by means of a squib placed in each round. They are loaded with high explosive, smoke, and chemical warfare ammunition.

Auxiliary weapons include one 7.92 mm machine gun, M. G. 34, and three 9 mm submachine guns. Ammunition stowage is provided for ten extra rockets, 2,000 rounds for the M. G. 34, and 2,000 rounds for the submachine guns.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (net)       13,558 lb.
Trailer load capacity 2,425 lb.
Length (overall) 19 ft. 5 ins.
Width (overall) 7 ft. 2 ins.
Wheel base (approx.) 130 ins.
Height (overall) 8 ft. 6 ins.
Armor 5/32 ins. to 5/16 ins.
Ground clearance (minimum) 10 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft. 2 ins./5 ft. 11½ ins.
Ground contact (tracks) 78 ins.
Track width 10¼ ins.
Track links 82
Fuel tank 22.4 gals.
Fuel consumption Unknown
Fording depth 32 ins.
Speed 25 m.p.h.
Engine Open (Chevrolet) 6 cyl. O.H.V.
Displacement 220 cu. ins.
Horsepower 67 U.S.A.
Ignition Bosch 12 Volt (Coil)
Battery 12 Volt with special heater
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Normal assisted by differential brake
Crew 3

German: p. 48.1