Categories
German

Aushilfsrichtmittel 38: Auxiliary Quadrant Sight 38

Aushilfsrichtmittel 38: Auxiliary Quadrant Sight 38This quadrant sight is called a “substitute aiming device” by the Germans. It will fit into the sight mount found on the 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r), the 5 cm Pak 38, and the 7.5 cm Pak 40. The device has apparently been designed as a cheap instrument for indirect laying and may be used with any weapon having a suitable adapter.

The elevating worm wheel housing fits into the adapter bracket and is retained by the elevation worm wheel. The telescope bracket, which is made of cast aluminum, is fastened to the elevation worm wheel by holding screws. The cross-level vial and longitudinal level vial are part of the telescope bracket assembly.

The cross leveling mechanism consists of a worm meshed with a worm wheel segment cut on the adapter bracket. Turning the cross leveling knob causes the telescope bracket and elevation worm wheel assembly to be tilted in relation to the adapter bracket. The azimuth mechanism consists of a worm and worm wheel provided with a rather unique anti-backlash arrangement.

Both the elevation and azimuth scales are divided into increments of 100 mils, and each is supplemented with a micrometer for 1 mil settings. The elevation scale is graduated from 0 to 1300 mils. There is a simple elbow telescope with a reticle design consisting of a large inverted “V” and two vertical lines such as is found in the German panoramic telescopes.

SPECIFICATIONS

Power of telescope         3 diameters
Field of view of telescope 8°
Overall height of instrument 8 1/8 ins.
Overall width of instrument 3 1/4 ins.
Complete weight of instrument 3 lbs., 12 ozs.

German: p. 184 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Rundblickfernrohr 32 (Rbl. F. 32): Panoramic Telescope 32

Rundblickfernrohr 32 (Rbl. F. 32): Panoramic Telescope 32

Rundblickfernrohr 32 (Rbl. F. 32): Panoramic Telescope 32This panoramic telescope is used on all standard field equipment. It is a 4-power, fixed-focus type with a field of view of 10 degrees. The line of sight may be raised or lowered by rotation of the angle of site knob. The angle of site scale is graduated from 100 mils to 500 mils (300 mils in normal). The angle of site micrometer is graduated in mils from 0 to 100 mils. The azimuth scales on the vertical barrel of the telescope are graduated in 100-mil intervals; the upper scale, 0 to 64, is fixed in relation to the rotating head. The lower has two semi-circular scales numbered 0 to 32 and can be rotated independently of the rotating head. A knurled portion permits adjustment. The azimuth micrometer includes two scales graduated in mils from 0 to 100 mils. The outer scale can be rotated independently of the azimuth worm. Evidently the fixed azimuth scale and micrometer are used for initial laying of the piece and the second scale and micrometer are then zeroed and used to measure base deflection. A throw-out lever is provided for rapid setting in azimuth. A locking lever locks the azimuth micrometer in any setting. The reticle pattern is shown above.

The existence of Panoramic Telescopes 36 and 37 has been confirmed. They are believed to be very similar to the Rbl. F. 32.

SPECIFICATIONS

Power           4X
Field of view 10°
Weight 5 lbs.

German: p. 183 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Mortar Sight

German Mortar SightThis instrument is designed to be used for laying the German 81 mm Mortar in azimuth and elevation. It embodies means for obtaining right or left lateral deflection, elevation or depression, and a collimator sight for sighting on an aiming point.

The elevation scale is graduated from 0 to 16, representing 0 to 1600 mils. The lateral deflection scale is graduated from 0 to 64. The collimator sight consists of a reticle having horizontal and vertical translucent slits located at the focal length of a single eye lens. The grooves on the top and side of the collimator are used as an open sight.

German: p. 182 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Rundblickfernrohr 16 (Rbl. F. 16) and Rundblickfernrohr 16/18 (Rbl. F. 16/18): Panoramic Telescopes 16 and 16/18

Rundblickfernrohr 16 (Rbl. F. 16) and Rundblickfernrohr 16/18 (Rbl. F. 16/18): Panoramic Telescopes 16 and 16/18The Panoramic Telescope Rbl. F. 16, which has been replaced by the Rbl. F. 32 and 36, is still used on the 7.5 cm l. I. G. 18. It is a 4-power, fixed-focus type with a cross level and longitudinal level for checking the alignment when the telescope and bracket are secure to the mount. Since the levels are not readily visible in this position, a mirror is provided on the telescope. The elevation scale and micrometer of the head resembles those of the standard telescope, Rbl. F. 32. The azimuth scale is graduated in 100-mil intervals and numbered from 0 to 64. The azimuth micrometer scale is graduated in units of one mil. The throwout and locking mechanism is the same as that of the usual type of panoramic telescope.

The Model 16/18, shown herewith, is very similar to the 16.

German: p. 182 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Sight Mounts for Self-Propelled Artillery: On-Carriage Fire Control

Sight Mounts for Self-Propelled Artillery: On-Carriage Fire Control

RANGE SCALES: In the above sight mounts there are four scales engraved about the periphery of a vertical range drum. The first scale, used for the Pzgr. 40, is graduated from -300 to 1400 meters; the second for the Spr. is graduated from 100 to 3300 meters, and the third for the Pzgr. 39, is graduated from 200 to 2400 meters. The fourth scale on the drum is a micrometer for the elevation scale located immediately to the right and above the telescope bracket. The elevation scale is graduated in units of 100 mils from 0 to 500.

MOUNTS: The telescope mount for the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 is attached to a bracket to the left of the weapon and is connected by a linkage bar so that elevation of the weapon is relayed to the telescope mount. The mount does not automatically compensate for trunnion cant. The telescope used with mounts of this type is of periscopic design and has a removable head. Quadrant elevation is obtained by placing the range drum index in agreement with the proper scale and depressing the telescope mount through the super-elevation angle necessary for the range and then elevating the gun until the apex of the triangle on the telescope reticle is superimposed on the target. There is no angle of site mechanism on the telescope mount, nor is there a longitudinal level vial or index arm to indicate when the gun has been moved through an angle equal to the original movement of the telescope mount. Deflection is introduced by operating the knurled knob at the top-right of the instrument. The deflection scale is graduated in increments of one mil from 0 to 20 on each side of zero.

Sight Mounts for Self-Propelled Artillery: On-Carriage Fire Control

MOUNTS: The telescope mounts for these two guns are of the same general design, the only differences being in the ballistic cam and markings on the range drum. They are of the rocking bar type and have a range drum graduated for the various types of ammunition used in the weapons. A three power, straight tube telescope is used as the sighting component. For indirect fire, a panoramic telescope, the Aushilfsrichmittel 38 can be fitted.

Sight Mounts for Self-Propelled Artillery: On-Carriage Fire Control

Sight Mount for 10.5 cm (Stu. H. 42) on Pz. Kpfw. III chassis.

RANGE SCALES: There are three scales engraved above the range drum: the top scale is the elevation micrometer for the elevation scale which is graduated from 0 to 300 mils; the next, a range scale, used with the Spr. F. H. Gr., is graduated from 100 to 3300 meters; and the third scale, for the 10.5 cm Gr. 39 HL/A, HL 18, is graduated from 400 to 1500 meters.

MOUNT: The telescope mount for the 10.5 cm Stu. H. 42 is basically the same as the telescope mount for the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40. The principles of operation are identical.

Sight Mount for 15 cm s. F. H. 13 on Lorraine chassis.

RANGE DRUM: The range drum is quite broad, but there are only two scales on it. The first is a range scale graduated from 100 to 8150 meters. The inner scale is engraved from 0 to 800 mils in 2 mil steps. An elevation scale graduated in units of 100 mils is engraved on a plate fastened to the left trunnion bearing. This scale in conjunction with a pointer actuated by the gun trunnion indicates the angle of elevation imparted to the gun.

MOUNT: The telescope mount for the 15 cm s. F. H. is not an azimuth compensating type. A panoramic telescope bracket is attached to a rack gear and is moved through vertical angles by operation of the knurled knob in the center of the range drum. Angle of site is introduced by turning a wing nut immediately below the telescope bracket. The angle of site scale is engraved about a spiral groove cut into a plate; the index is fitted with a lug that fits in the groove and raises up or down as the scale is turned. Operation of the angle of site mechanism when the range mechanism is locked causes the panoramic telescope to be tilted through an angle equal and opposite to the angle of site. The mount is cross-leveled by turning the wing nut below and forward of the range drum. There is no level vial to indicate a horizontal plane.

German: p. 179, 180, 181

Categories
German

Sight Mounts for Antitank Guns: On-Carriage Fire Control

7.5 cm Pak 41
Sight Mount for 7.5/5.5 cm A.T. Gun: 7.5 cm Pak 41
Sight Mount for 7.5/5.5 cm A.T. Gun

RANGE SCALES: There are five scales engraved about the periphery of the range drum. The first is an elevation scale graduated from 0 to 80 mils. The other four are range scales, numbered from 0 to III and graduated from 0 to 4200, 3800, 3400, and 3200 meters respectively. The range scale on the sector is graduated for ranges from 0 to 1500 meters.

TELESCOPE MOUNT: The telescope mount for the 7.5/5.5 is of simple construction. There is a range drum with its axis parallel to the axis of the telescope and a range scale inscribed on an arc that is located on the right side of the telescope mount. A deflection mechanism is located below the range setting handle.

8.8 cm Pak 43/41
Sight Mount for 8.8 cm A.T. Gun: 8.8 cm Pak 43/41
Sight Mount for 8.8 cm A.T. Gun

RANGE DRUM GRADUATION: The range drum has three scales engraved about its periphery. These scales, from left to right are: an elevation scale in steps of 2 mils from 0 to 800; a range scale marked for 8.8 cm Sp. Gr. L/4.7 with limits of 0 to 5500 meters; and a range scale marked 8.8 cm Sp. Gr. 39H1 with limits of 0 to 3000 meters.

TELESCOPE MOUNTS: There are two telescope mounts mounted side by side on the left side of the weapon. The first telescope mount is of the rocking bar type and is designed primarily for anti-tank use. There is no deflection mechanism apparent on the available model. The range drum is graduated from 0 to 4000 meters. The second telescope mount is of the same general design as that used with the 7.5 cm, 10.5 cm and 15 cm howitzers. Both its use and operation are also the same.

German: p. 178

Categories
German

Sight Mounts for Howitzers: On-Carriage Fire Control

MOUNTS: The telescope mounts of all three howitzers are of the same basic design. All are of the azimuth compensating type and automatically compensate for trunnion cant when cross-levelled. The angle of site mechanism has a scale graduated from 100 to 500 mils with 300 mils representing normal.

OPERATION: Range or super-elevation is introduced by turning the large handwheel below the bracket for the panoramic telescope. Operation of this knob causes the range drum to be rotated past the index and the index arm to be moved through an angle equal to super-elevation.

Angle of site is introduced by two operations. The first operation is to offset the angle of site level vial an amount equal and opposite to the angle of site. This is done by turning the small knob between the super-elevation handwheel and panoramic telescope bracket. The second operation is to rotate the telescope mount by means of the knurled knob beneath the super-elevation handwheel until the angle of site level is again on a horizontal plane. This second step moves the index arm an additional amount and positions it in an angle equal to quadrant elevation.

The second index arm which is actuated by the gun is brought into agreement with the first index arm by elevating the gun. The gun is then laid for quadrant elevation.

It is necessary to operate the angle of site mechanism on the panoramic telescope to bring the line of sight back on its original plane.

7.5 cm le. F. K. 18
Sight Mount for 7.5 cm Howitzer: 7.5 cm le. F. K. 18
Sight Mount for 7.5 cm Howitzer

RANGE DRUM GRADUATION: The range drum above has two scales: an elevation mil scale numbered from 0 to 800, divided into two mil units, and a range scale graduated in hectometers and numbered from 1 to 15.

10.5 cm le. F. H. 18
Sight Mount for 10.5 cm Howitzer: 10.5 cm le. F. H. 18
Sight Mount for 10.5 cm Howitzer

RANGE DRUM GRADUATION: The mil scale on the range drum for the above instrument is graduated in the same manner as for the 7.5 cm howitzer. The range scale is graduated for zone 5; the scale is divided into 50 meter units from 100 to 9150 meters.

15 cm s. I. G. 33
Sight Mount for 15 cm Howitzer: 15 cm s. I. G. 33
Sight Mount for 15 cm Howitzer

RANGE DRUM GRADUATION: In addition to the 0 to 800 mil scale on the above instrument there is a second mil scale, filled with red, placed to the right of the 0-800 scale. This second scale is graduated in 2 mil steps from 800 to 1330 mils. The range scale is preceded by the Roman Numeral I and is divided in increments of 25 meters from 25 to 1475 meters.

German: p. 177

Categories
German

Kommando-Gerät 36: Antiaircraft Director

Kommando-Gerät 36: Antiaircraft Director

The Kommando-Gerät 36 is a goniographic director, thus differing from directors which operate on plan prediction or angular travel methods. The present instrument measures target course and speed and solves the problem by setting up to scale in ground plan the various distances involved. Ballistic data are obtained from graphical drums; varying heights are accepted, and corrections can be applied for wind, drift, displacement, dead time, and variations in muzzle velocity.

The instrument which has a built-in range finder is large and heavy and has a 4-wheeled traveling carriage for mobile use. A crew of thirteen men is required to operate it.

Readings must be called out to the appropriate operator on the director. Information is passed from one operator to another by voice and via a telephone system.

The instrument is manufactured by Zeiss and displays excellent workmanship. This director, however, has been criticized by fire control experts for poor coordination of basic design and for the excessive number of men needed to operate it.

German: p. 175

Categories
German

3.7 cm Flak 18 and 36: Antiaircraft Gun

3.7 cm Flak 18 and Flak 36: Antiaircraft Gun

The performance of both the Flak 18 and the Flak 36 are approximately the same, the latter being the lighter and the more mobile version. The weapon is transported on a trailer; the chassis consisting of a “U” shaped steel frame mounted on two pneumatic tires. The weapon and its firing mount may be detached from the chassis by the aid of two winches. In firing position the mount rests on three adjustable firing pads. There are three seats provided; two for the gun pointers and one for the ammunition loader.

The gun has a monobloc tube. The firing mechanism is operated by recoil and residual pressure of gas in a manner similar to the 2 cm Flak 38.

The recoil mechanism is located inside the trough-shaped cradle with the buffer above and the recuperator below. Traversing and elevating mechanisms are operated by handwheels; the former providing a 360° traverse with 35 1/2 turns, and the latter giving a rate of about 4° for each turn. The gun is fired by means of a foot pedal connected to the trigger by a system of levers.

Armor-piercing ammunition is provided in addition to the regular high explosive ammunition, permitting the guns to be employed as antitank weapons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       37 mm (1.45 ins.)
Weight (traveling position) Flak 36—5,290 lbs.
Weight (firing position) Flak 36—3,430 lbs.
Length of piece (including flash hider) 129 ins.
Length of rifling 71 ins.
Height of trunnions 44 ins.
Width (overall)
Length of bore
No. of grooves 20—R.H. plain section,
  Twist, increasing (1 in 50 to 1 in 40)
Width of grooves 0.197 in.
Depth of grooves 0.02 in.
Width of lands 0.08 in.
Muzzle velocity (H.E. Shell) 2,610 f/s*
Max. range (vertical) 13,775 ft.*
Max. range (horizontal) 7,080 yds.*
Effective ceiling 5000 ft.*
Rate of fire (practical) 80 r.p.m.
Traverse 360°
Elevation 85°
Depression -5°
Length of recoil
Ammunition A.P., H.E.
Wt. of projectile A.P.—1.5 lb.
  H.E.—1.4 lb.

*Not verified.

German: p. 130.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

5 cm Pak 38: Antitank Gun

5 cm Pak 38: German Antitank Gun

The 5 cm Pak 38, introduced during the 1941 campaigns in Greece and Egypt, was developed to combat the more heavily armored vehicles of the Allies.

The gun has a barrel of monobloc construction, threaded at the muzzle for attaching a two-baffled muzzle brake. Because of the position of the breech-operating cam, a minimum length of recoil of approximately 18 1/2 inches is needed to operate the semi-automatic breech mechanism which is of the sliding horizontal block type. The recoil recuperator system is hydropneumatic.

The carriage, constructed of welded steel, is mounted on metal disk wheels with solid rubber tires. Torsion bar suspension is automatically locked when the tubular trails are spread. A 5 mm spaced armor shield and single apron protect the gun crew. The left side of the shield has a sighting port.

There are five types of ammunition fired from the Pak 38: an armor-piercing capped, high-explosive projectile; a high-explosive shell; an A.P.-H.E. (uncapped) shell; a tungsten carbide core arrowhead type projectile (A.P. 40), and a stick grenade similar to the 3.7 cm grenade described on page 306.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber     50 mm (1.97 ins.)
Weight (complete)2,015 lbs. (approx.)
Length of gun (overall) 15 ft., 3 ins.
Length of barrel (overall)9 ft., 3 ins.
Width C-C 5 ft., 1 in.
CarriageWelded steel w/solid rubber tires and tubular trails
Breech mechanismHorizontal sliding block
Recoil mechanismHydropneumatic
Rifling20 lands & grooves; right-hand twist
Muzzle velocity
   A.P.C.-H.E. 4.5 lb.—2600 f/s
   H.E. 4.0 lb.-1800 f/s
Elevation 22°
Depression -4°
Traverse 80°
Sights Straight tube telescope
AmmunitionA.P.; A.P.C.; H.E.; A.P. 40
Penetration

         Range Thickness of armor in mm
 Yards        30°       Normal
 5002.63.1
 7002.42.9
10002.22.6
12002.02.5

German: p. 126 (June 1, 1945)