Categories
German

9 mm M.P. 38 and M.P. 40 (Schmeisser): Submachine Gun

MP 38 and MP 40 Schmeisser Submachine Gun

This submachine gun was originally designed for use by parachute troops but is now in general use in all combat units of the German Army. It is a gun of simple construction, reliable operation, and general accuracy.

The Model M.P. 40 like its predecessor the M.P. 38 is air-cooled, blowback operated, and fitted for a 32-round box magazine. It can be used as a shoulder or hip weapon, being equipped with a folding shoulder stock.

As the trigger is pulled, the sear disengages the sear notch in the bolt. As the bolt travels forward it pushes the top round from the magazine into the chamber. The extractor keeps the firing pin from hitting the primer until the round is chambered then snaps under the cannelure of the cartridge allowing the base of the cartridge to come back against the face of the bolt. As the cartridge is fired, the bolt starts to recoil. At the proper point, the ejector hits the base of the cartridge, pivoting it out into the ejection opening. The bolt compresses the operating spring at the same time. The buffer plunger hits the end of the small operating spring tube, compressing the buffer spring and stopping the recoil of the bolt. The bolt then moves forward to repeat the cycle of operation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       9 mm (actually .347 in.)
Weight with loaded magazine 10 lb., 7 oz.
Weight with empty magazine 8.87 lb.
Length with stock extended 33.25 ins.
Length with stock folded 24.75 ins.
Barrel length 10 ins.
Capacity of magazine 32 rounds
Sights
   Front Partridge type ramp with hood
   Rear
      Fixed Open V notch, sighted at 100 meters
      Folding Open V notch, sighted at 200 meters
Muzzle velocity 1,040 f/s-1,250 f/s
Range, effective 200 yds.
Rate of fire (practical) 80 to 90 r.p.m.
   (cyclic) 518 r.p.m.

German: p. 206

Categories
German

Tiefld. Anh. F. Pz. Kpfw. (Bs. Ah. 642): Heavy Tank Transporter

Tieflader für Panzerkampfwagen: Tiefld. Anh. F. Pz. Kpfw. (Bs. Ah. 642): Heavy Tank Transporter

The German heavy-transport trailer is used primarily for transporting tanks and similar automotive equipment. It is capable of carrying a load of 60 tons.

The trailer consists of front and rear bogies with a load platform suspended between them. The platform is constructed of two main I-beams and two secondary I-beams parallel to each other. The platform is attached to the bogies by securing the two fingers of the bogie section in rectangular slots of the primary I-beam by means of large pins. The front bogie attachment is semipermanent while the rear bogie attachment is removable, providing a low ramp angle.

Each bogie assembly consists of two axles carrying four single pneumatic-tired wheels independently sprung on leaf-type springs 4 feet in length. The size of the 16 ply tires is 13.50 x 20. All four wheels of the front bogie assembly steer by means of a drawbar attached to the prime mover. Rear bogie wheels are steered by the trailer driver who operates a steering wheel. When the trailer is under full load the driver is aided in steering by a double-acting air piston tied into the linkage so that power is exerted whenever the wheel is turned. The air for the steering and for the air-brakes is furnished by the towing vehicle. Four air-reservoir tanks are provided, one on the front bogie for the front air-brakes and three on the rear bogie, one used for rear air-brakes and two for steering. When aided by rear steering the turning radius of the trailer is approximately 58 feet. The driver on the rear bogie is provided with a steering-indicator dial on the steering-wheel column. On either side of this dial are two small indicator-lamps used to indicate steering instructions from the driver of the prime mover.

SPECIFICATIONS

Total weight, unloaded     31,810 lb.
Front bogie section weight 9,560 lb.
Platform weight 10,850 lb.
Rear bogie section weight 11,400 lb.
Load-carrying capacity 60 tons (est.)
Length 38 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Width 8 ft., 3 1/2 ins. (tire centers)
Ground clearance 22 ins.
Ground to platform top 27 ins.
Platform size 19 ft., 1 in. x 9 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Front bogie section length 9 ft., 9 ins.
Rear bogie section length 9 ft., 7 ins.
Drawbar length 5 ft., 4 ins.
Wheelbase (front bogie to rear bogie) 28 ft., 8 ins.
Wheelbase (within bogie) 4 ft., 6 ins.

German: p. 62

Categories
German

15 cm s. I. G. 33: Heavy Infantry Howitzer

15 cm s. I. G. 33: Heavy Infantry Howitzer

The 15 cm s. I. G. 33 (schweres Infanterie Geschütz 33) is a standard German infantry support weapon that may be used for either high- or low-trajectory firing. Both high-explosive and smoke shells are used with the gun.

The breech mechanism is of the usual German design, a horizontal sliding block opening to the right. A trough-shaped cradle is provided with guide ways in which guides on the gun move during recoil. On either side, at the front of the cradle, is a pad to receive the unabsorbed force of run out. Between the pads is the expansion chamber which receives the buffer fluid forced from the buffer by expansion as it becomes heated. Both the buffer and recuperator are housed in a casing underneath the barrel. The recoil system differs from that of most German artillery in that the expansion chamber of the buffer is outside the buffer itself, connected to it by a pipe; and no cooling cylinder is provided.

Toward the rear are the two small cradle arms to which the trunnions are fixed. Each trunnion is provided with a cranked compensator lever which compresses the equilibrator spring. The elevating arc is secured underneath and the recoil indicator at the right rear. When traveling, the cradle is secured to the carriage by a clamp which is operated by a lever secured to the clamp shaft.

The box-type carriage is fitted with a fixed spade and a detachable sand spade. Spring equilibrators situated one on either side of the carriage neutralize muzzle preponderance at all angles of elevation. The elevating gear, consisting of a worm gear, rack, pinion, and shaft, is operated from the right of the carriage; the traversing gear is operated from the left side by a system of gear wheels and shafting. A standard German Zieleinrichtung 34 is used for sighting.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       150 mm (5.9 ins.)
Weight in action 1.5 tons
Length 5.38 ft.
Rifling 44 grooves, twist 8° constant
Chamber capacity 11.5 tons per sq./in.
Muzzle velocity 790 f/s (charge #6)*
Wt. of projectile 83.6 lb.
Range (maximum) 5,140 yds. (charge #6)*
Elevation 73°
Depression 0°
Traverse 11° 15′
Ammunition H.E. (two types), Smoke

*There are six zones of propellant. The maximum is obtained in Zone 6.

German: p. 104

Categories
German

17 cm K. mit Mrs. Laf. 18: Field Gun on 21 cm Mrs. Laf. 18 Carriage

17 cm K. mit Mrs. Laf. 18: Field Gun on 21 cm Mrs. Laf. 18 Carriage

The 17 cm gun was developed to meet the need for a long-range mobile gun. Although the gun and carriage weigh 19.25 tons, the piece can be put in and taken out of action very quickly and with little effort.

The tube, usually transported separately from the rest of the weapon, is of the built-up type consisting of a main tube, locking ring, breech jacket, and breech ring. A manually operated breechblock is of the horizontal sliding wedge type with six rollers mounted almost flush with the bottom face to decrease the surface contact area. Extractors and firing mechanism are of conventional heavy German artillery design.

One unusual feature of the Mrs. Laf. 18 is that two recoil mechanisms absorb the shock of firing. A variable hydropneumatic recoil mechanism with the buffer cylinder within the cradle, and the recuperator cylinder mounted above the tube permits recoil of the gun; and another recoil mechanism mounted in the bottom carriage permits recoil of the upper carriage.

The gun is mounted on the 21 cm Mrs. Laf. carriage which has four hard rubber tired wheels. As there is no spade, the trails rest on an oblong float which houses an arc that permits 16° of traverse by means of a traversing handwheel. The firing platform when fully lowered fits into two sockets in the bottom carriage. Three rollers on vertical legs rest on the platform stabilizing the weight. The rear roller is mounted on a jack screw threaded leg. When more traverse is desired than that permitted by the arc, this roller is screwed down, lifting the float clear of the ground. One man, with the aid of a trail spike, can then swing the entire carriage about the firing platform 360°.

The prime mover for this weapon is reported to be the Sd Kfz. 8 semitracked vehicle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber     172.5 mm (6.79 ins.)
Weight of weapon (firing)19.25 tons
Length of tube46 cal.
Breech mechanismHorizontal sliding block
Firing mechanismContinuous pull
Recoil mechanismTwo independent hydropneumatic systems—variable
Length of recoil of the piece at 50° (normal)33.86 ins.
Length of recoil of top carriage at 10° (normal)49.21 ins.
RiflingIncreasing R.H. twist—4° 16′ 40″ to 5° 58′ 42″—48 lands and grooves
Chamber capacity
   Shell KGr 392,538.6 cu. ins.
   Shell KGr 38 (Hb)2,513.2 cu. ins.
Muzzle velocity138 lb. shell—3035 f/s
Range (maximum)138 lb. shell—32,370 yds.
M.V.150 lb. shell—2821 f/s
Range (maximum)150 lb. shell—30,621 yds.
Elevation50°
Depression-1°
Traverse (carriage)16° (360° by using the pivot platform)
SightsIndependent type using combination of range drum and panoramic sight mount—left trunnion.
AmmunitionTwo semifixed high-explosive rounds
   K. Gr. 39150 lb.
   K. Gr. 38 (hb)138 lb.

German: p. 103

Categories
German

s. Zgkw. 12 t (Sd. Kfz. 8): Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

s. Zgkw. 12 t (Sd. Kfz. 8): Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

The 12-ton heavy prime mover is highly mobile despite its bulky appearance. It can handle a trailer load of 13 tons and carry a crew of 11, including the driver. It has a weight distribution as follows: front wheels, 5,200 pounds; track, 21,300 pounds. Its combat weight is 16 tons.

The front suspension consists of a tubular axle of the oscillating, floating type carried by two pressed steel wheels, size 11.25 x 20, mounting extra heavy-duty tires. A traverse leaf spring is on a pivot in the center of the frame. One end of the spring is mounted to the axle through a shackle while the other end is free to slide. The rear, or track suspension, is made up of six twin rubber-tired bogie wheels mounted on torsion arms, attached to torsion bars and housed in cross tubes. The front drive sprocket and rear idler complete the assembly. The track is of the needle-bearing type with removable rubber pads.

Steering is by conventional steering wheel and through epicyclic-controlled differential to the track sprockets, being actuated by hydraulic brake bands.

Power is furnished by a Maybach V-12 over-head valve, liquid-cooled, HL 85 TUKRM gasoline engine, rated at 185 horsepower. Ignition is the conventional 12-volt Bosch magneto located behind the carburetors. All ignition wires are carried in a flexible aluminum conduit to the side of the engine.

The transmission provides four speeds forward, one reverse, with high and low range.

This vehicle is equipped with an inertia starter and a cable winch with a lifting power of 5.5 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       13 tons
Length24 ft.
Width8 ft., 2 1/2 ins.
Height9 ft., 2 ins.
Ground clearance16 ins.
Tread centers6 ft., 3 ins. (wheels, 6 ft., 9 ins.)
Ground contact8 ft., 3 ins.
Width of track15.7 ins.
Track links55
Pitch of track8 ins.
Fording depth25 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads155 miles
   Cross-country62 miles
Speed
   Roads30 m.p.h. (est.)
   Cross-country18 m.p.h. (est.)
Armor
   Front plateNone
   SidesNone
Armament
Ammunition (rds.)
EngineMaybach HL 85 TURRM, 185 hp.
Transmission4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering15° and over—Epicyclic controlled differential
Crew11

German: p. 55

Categories
German

7.5 cm Pak 40: Antitank Gun

7.5 cm Pak 40: Antitank Gun

The Pak 40, an antitank and antipersonnel weapon, has a barrel of monobloc con­struc­tion to which is screwed a two-baffled muzzle brake. The horizontal sliding type breechblock operates semi-automatically. Recoil and counterrecoil are effected by means of a hydraulic buffer and a hydropneumatic recuperator.

The welded steel carriage has tubular trails, light alloy steel wheels with solid rubber tires, and a 5 mm spaced armor shield for the protection of the gun crew. There are two types of brakes: air brakes, which are operated from the prime mover, and hand brakes for placing the gun in firing position.

Although no sighting equipment was captured with the gun, it is assumed that there was a telescopic sight for direct fire, a sight for indirect fire, and an auxiliary open sight. Mounts for these sights are attached to the breechring and the left trunnion.

There is also a gun known as the 7.5 cm Pak 97/40. This gun consists of a French Model 1897 piece mounted on the carriage of a German 7.5 cm Pak 40, but usually on Pak 38 carriage.

A modification of this gun is used on the chassis of the Pz. Kw. II tank and the Czech Pz. Kw. 38 (t) converting these vehicles into gun motor carriages.

The 75 mm tank gun, KwK. 40, used in Pz. Kw. IV is an adaptation of the Pak 40.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Length of tube126.1 ins.
Weight (travelling position)3,350 lb.
Length (travelling position)19 ft.
Length of bore96.89 ins.
No. of grooves32
Width of grooves.175 in.
Depth of grooves.025 ins.
Width of lands.116 in.
Muzzle velocity (A.P.C. shell)2525 f/s
Traverse65°
Elevation+22°
Depression-5°
Length of recoil35.43 ins.
AmmunitionA.P.-H.E.-H.E. hollow charge
Wt. of projectile (A.P.C.)15 lb.

German: p. 117

Categories
German

l. gl. Lkw. off. (o) — Pi. Kw. III: Light Cross-Country Truck (Open)

l. gl. Lkw. off. (o) — Pi. Kw. III: Light Cross-Country Truck (Open)German nomenclature: leichter ge­län­de­gängiger Last­kraft­wagen, offen (o).
     Pionier­kraft­wagen III (leichter ge­län­de­gängiger Lkw. (o)).

English designation: Light cross-country truck, open.
     Engineers’ truck III (light cross-coun­try truck), (standard com­mer­cial chassis).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight       3,300 kg       7,275 lb.
Pay load1,500 kg3,307 lb.
Gross weight 4,800 kg 10,582 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,100 kg 2,425 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 1,850 kg 4,078 lb.
Length (overall) 6,000 mm 19 ft., 8 ins.
Width (overall) 2,100 mm 6 ft., 11 ins.
Height (overall) 2,400 mm 7 ft., 10 ins.
Ground clearance 200 mm 7 7/8 ins.
Tread centers 1,600 mm 5 ft., 3 ins.
1,800 mm 5 ft., 11 ins.
Wheelbase 3,000/950 mm 118/37 ins.
Wheel width 170 mm 6 3/4 ins.
Angle of approach 60°
Angle of departure 40°
Seating capacity 12
Fording depth 600 mm 23 5/8 ins.
Climbing ability 20°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise) 50°
Overturn gradient (crosswise) 30°
Turning radius 19.5 meters 63 ft., 11 3/4 ins.
Trailer load 1,800 kg 3,968 lb.
Engine horsepower 65 c-v 64.1 hp
Piston displacement 3,500 cu cm 204 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 110 liters 29 gal.
Highway fuel consumption 6.7 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption 4.7 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.25

Categories
German

l. Lkw. mit geschl. Aufbau (o): Light Truck

l. Lkw. mit geschl. Aufbau (o): Light TruckGerman nomenclature: leichter Last­kraft­wagen mit geschlossenem Auf­bau (o).

English designation: Light truck with locked super­structure (standard com­mer­cial chassis).

SPECIFICATIONS
Net weight        2,500 kg        5,512 lb.
Pay load 2,000 kg 4,409 lb.
Gross weight 4,500 kg 9,921 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,500 kg 3,307 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 3,000 kg 6,614 lb.
Length (overall) 6,000 mm 19 ft., 8 ins.
Width (overall) 2,200 mm 7 ft., 3 ins.
Height (overall) 2,600 mm 8 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 200 mm 7 7/8 ins.
Tread centers 1,600 mm 5 ft., 3 ins.
1,800 mm 5 ft., 11 ins.
Wheelbase 3,600 mm 142 ins.
Wheel width 170 mm 6 3/4 ins.
Angle of approach 60°
Angle of departure 40°
Seating capacity 19
Fording depth 500 mm 19 7/8 ins.
Climbing ability 15°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise) 50°
Overturn gradient (crosswise) 30°
Turning radius
Trailer load 1,000 kg 2,205 lb.
Engine horsepower 65 c-v 64.1 hp
Piston displacement 3,500 cu cm 210 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 120 liters 31.7 gal.
Highway fuel consumption 5.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption7.8 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.25

Categories
German

l. Klw. off. (o): Light Commercial Truck (Open)

l. Klw. off. (o): Light Commercial Truck (Open)German nomenclature: leichter Last­kraft­wagen offen (o).

English designation: Light com­mer­cial truck, open (standard com­mer­cial ve­hicle).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight        3,000 kg        6,614 lb.
Pay Ioad        2,000 kg        4,409 lb.
Gross weight 5,000 kg 11,023 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,800 kg 3,968 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 3,200 kg 7,055 lb.
Length (overall) 6,600 mm 21 ft., 7 ins.
Width (overall) 2,200 mm 7 ft., 3 ins.
Height (overall) 2,600 mm 8 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 200 mm 7 7/8 ins.
Tread centers 1,600 mm 5 ft., 3 ins.
2,000 mm 6 ft., 7 ins.
Wheelbase 3,600 mm 142 ins.
Wheel width 170 mm 6 3/4 ins.
Angle of approach 50°
Angle of departure 50°
Seating capacity 20
Fording depth 500 mm 19 7/8 ins.
Climbing ability 15°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise) 50°
Overturn gradient (crosswise) 30°
Turning radius 16 meters 52 ft., 6 ins.
Trailer load 1,000 kg 2,205 lb.
Engine horsepower 65 c-v 64.1 hp
Piston displacement 3,500 cu cm 210 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 120 liters 31.7 gal.
Highway fuel consumption 6.7/9.4 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.24

Categories
German

l. Flkw. (Kfz. 81): Antiaircraft Unit Light Car

l. Flkw. (Kfz. 81): Antiaircraft Unit Light CarGerman nomenclature: leichter Flak­kraft­wagen (Kfz. 81) mit Ein­heits­fahr­gestell II für schwerer Pkw.

English designation: Anti­air­craft unit light car with stan­dard chassis II for heavy ar­mored car.

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight        3,150 kg        6,945 lb.
Pay load 1,250 kg 2,755 lb.
Gross weight 4,400 kg 9,700 lb.
Weight: Front axle 2,100 kg 4,630 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,300 kg 5,071 lb.
Length (overall) 4,850 mm 15 ft., 11 ins.
Width (overall) 2,000 mm 6 ft., 7 ins.
Height (overall) 2,040 mm 6 ft., 8 ins.
Ground clearance 230 mm 9 ins.
Tread centers 1,640 mm 5 ft., 4 ins.
Wheelbase 3,000 mm 118 ins.
Wheel width 215 mm 8 1/2 ins.
Angle of approach 55°
Angle of departure 45°
Seating capacity 8
Fording depth 500 mm 19 7/8 ins.
Climbing ability 25°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise) 45°
Overturn gradient (crosswise) 30°
Turning radius 13.5 meters 44 ft., 3 ins.
Trailer load 1,000 kg 2,205 lb.
Engine horsepower 90 c-v 88.8 hp
Piston displacement 4,000 cu cm 240 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 120 liters 31.7 gal.
Highway fuel consumption 6.7 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption 5.2 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.24