Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Fu.) (Sd. Kfz. 232): Heavy Armored Scout Car

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Fu.) (Sd. Kfz. 232): Heavy Armored Scout CarGerman nomenclature: schwerer Panzer­späh­wagen (Fu.) (Sd. Kfz. 232) mit Fahr­gestell des leichter gelände­gän­giger Last­kraft­wagen (o).

English designation: Heavy armored scout car with special chassis of the light cross-country truck.

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight         5,500 kg         12,125 lb.
Pay load
Gross weight 6,250 kg 13,778 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,900 kg 4,188 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,175 kg 4,795 lb.
Length (overall) 5,600 mm 18 ft., 4 ins.
Height (overall) 2,900 mm 9 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 240 mm 9 1/2 ins.
Tread centers 1,700 mm 5 ft., 7 ins.
  1,840 mm 6 ft.
Wheelbase 2,500/900 mm 98/35 ins.
Wheel width 170/350 mm 6 3/4/13 3/4 ins.
Angle of approach   55°
Angle of departure   40°
Seating capacity
Fording depth 600 mm 23 ins.
Climbing ability   13°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)   55°
Overturn gradient (crosswise) 35°
Turning radius 16 meters 52 ft., 6 ins.
Trailer load
Engine horsepower 70 c-v 69 hp
Piston displacement 4,600 cu cm 276 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 100 liters 26.4 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   5.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption   3.6 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.64

Categories
German

7.92 mm Gewehr 41 (W) (G.41 W.): Semi-Automatic Rifle

7.92 mm Gewehr 41 (W) (G.41 W.): Semi-Automatic Rifle

This is the German semi-automatic rifle performing approximately the same tactical mission as the United States, Cal. 30, M1 rifle. It is gas-operated, clip-fed, and air-cooled. It is a shoulder weapon, slightly heavier than the American semi-automatic. Three versions exist, the G 41 (M) which is probably an interim model, the G-41 and the G 41 (W) which are more than likely the final or production types.

The rifle is well made, but quite difficult to manufacture. Stampings are used wherever possible.

In lieu of the customary gas port, a form of gas trap is used, so designed that when attached to the muzzle it makes it necessary for the bullet, after leaving the barrel, to jump a gap and momentarily block the muzzle opening of the cone. The resulting gas pressure then drives a gas piston, in the form of a collar around the barrel, to the rear. The action is imparted to an operating rod the end of which is in contact with the forward end of the retractor slide which is also driven to the rear. A projection on the underside of the retractor slide engages the bolt locking lugs, withdrawing them from the locking recesses in the receiver. The bolt assembly and retractor slide then recoil together for the remainder of the recoil distance. Extraction and ejection are accomplished in the usual manner.

A thorough test at Aberdeen proved the G 41 (W) is much inferior to the U.S. Rifle, Cal. 30, M1, in reliability under severe conditions. It fell down especially in the mud and rain tests, and breakages were very numerous.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight of rifle w/o bayonet and sling 10 1/4 lb.
Length w/o bayonet 45 ins.
Length of barrel 21.6 ins.
Principle of operation Gas—semi-automatic
Cooling system Air
Magazine system and capacity
     Fixed vertical box 10 rds. staggered
     Method of feed two 5-round Mauser rifle clips
Sight radius 21.2 ins.
Sights Blade front sight with “T” base and tangent leaf rear sight graduated from 100 to 1,200 meters. No windage adjustment.
Rifling 4 grooves, uniform right-hand twist
Muzzle velocity 2,408 f/s (in a worn barrel)
Trigger pull 7-8 lb.
Ammunition used All 7.92 mm Mauser rifle types
Total number of parts 102
Number of coil springs 13
Number of flat springs 4
Time to fieldstrip 3 1/4 seconds
Time to assemble from fieldstrip 4 3/4 seconds
Time to diassemble 3 min., 57 sec.
Time to assemble         8 min., 32 sec.

German: p. 208

Categories
German

l. gp. Beob. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 253): Light Armored Reconnaissance Car

l. gp. Beob. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 253): Light Armored Reconnaissance Car -- SdKfz 253 leichter Gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen

This vehicle is an armored version of the l. Zg. Kw. 1 ton (Sd. Kfz. 10) used for reconnaissance purposes. In appearance it closely resembles the light armored personnel carrier (Sd. Kfz. 250). There are a number of minor differences in the suspension of the armored versions as compared with the Sd. Kfz. 10, the principal one being one less bogie wheel.

The mechanical components of the chassis are the same as those utilized in the Sd. Kfz. 10, therefore the road performance of the two vehicles is similar.

The net weight of the vehicle ready to drive is 11,022 pounds; the combat weight 12,540 pounds. The weight on the front axle is 2,552 pounds; the weight on the tracks 9,988 pounds.

Its maximum highway range is 198 miles on a fuel tank capacity of 35 gallons. The crew consists of four, including the driver.

This vehicle, like all semitracks, is equipped with a power cable winch having a lifting power of 5,500 pounds. The turning radius measures 35 feet.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         5.5 tons
Length 15 ft., 5 ins.
Width 6 ft., 4 ins.
Height 5 ft., 11 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers (Wheel, 64 ins.), (Track, 62 ins.)
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Width of track 9.4 ins. (Wheel, 7.5 ins.)
Track links 38
Pitch of track 6 5/16 ins.
Fording depth 27.5 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 198 miles
     Cross-country 130 miles
Speed
     Roads 40 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 25 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate
     Sides
Armament
Ammunition
Engine Maybach 6-cyl. NL 42 TRKM—100 hp.
Transmission
Steering Under 15°—normal; over 15° epicyclic
Crew         4

German: p. 47

Categories
German

Gw. I für 15 cm s.I.G. 33: S.P. Heavy Infantry Howitzer

Gw. I für 15 cm s.I.G. 33: S.P. Heavy Infantry Howitzer -- Bison I

This equipment consists of the 15 cm heavy infantry howitzer mounted on a turretless Pz. Kpfw. I model “B” chassis. This howitzer is also mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. II, and the Pz. Kpfw 38 (t) chassis. Due to the additional weight carried by the chassis, which approximates 3 tons more than its normal Pz. Kpfw. I complement, its road performance does not equal that of the Pz. Kpfw. I tank. The general appearance suggests that the equipment is overloaded.

The howitzer, which probably retains its wheels and trails, in addition to its original shield, traversing and elevating mechanisms, is mounted high in a tall, three-sided shield, and fires forward. The shield is 10 mm thick and is open at the top and rear.

The 15 cm. s.I.G. 33 is a standard German infantry support weapon. It has a length of 64.57 ins. and is used for either high or low trajectory shooting. It has a muzzle velocity of 790 f.s. and a maximum effective range of 5140 yards firing the 83.6 lb. H.E. shell with percussion fuze s.I. gr. Z. 23. The breech mechanism is of standard German type, and is similar to the 10.5 cm. l.F.H. 18 breech mechanism. The elevating gear is operated from the right. It consists of a worm gear, rack, pinion and shafting. The traversing gear is operated from the left by a system of gear wheels and shafting. The recoil system of buffer and recuperator is housed in a casing underneath the barrel.

Two types of ammunition are fired, the 15 cm I. Gr. 33 and the 15 cm I. Gr. 38. The two types of ammunition are for all practical purposes identical except that the former has a screwed-in base plate. The only other shell that this weapon is known to fire is a smoke shell, the 15 cm I. Gr. 38 Nb. The same percussion fuze, s.I. Gr. Z. 23, which weighs 75 lb., is used in each case.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         9 tons
Length 14 ft., 6 ins.
Width 6 ft., 9 ins.
Height (approx.) 11 ft.
Ground clearance 11 1/2 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 8 ft.
Width of track 11 ins.
Pitch of track 3 11/16 ins.
Track links 99
Fording depth 2 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 87 miles
     Cross-country 72 miles
Speed
     Roads
     Cross-country
Armor
     Front plate 15 mm
     Sides 10 mm
     Gun shield 10 mm
Armament 15 cm S.I.G. 33
Ammunition (rds.)
Engine 100 h.p. Maybach Model N.L. 38 T
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew         Probably 4

German: p. 5

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. I für 4.7 cm Pak (t): S.P. Antitank Gun (Czech)

Pz. Jäg. I für 4.7 cm Pak (t): S.P. Antitank Gun (Czech)

This equipment, which is primarily a tank-hunter, was created by combining the 4.7 cm Czech antitank gun with the chassis of the Pz. Kpfw. I, Model B tank. Consequently its road performance approximates that of the Model B tank.

The turret arrangement consists of a three-sided welded shield, open at the top and rear, bolted to the superstructure by means of internal flanges. The driver’s seat is on the floor to the left rear of the gear box.

The fitting of the gun to the chassis is crude in many respects and not up to the usual standard of German workmanship or design. The gun is mounted on a steel frame, within the shield, in the front half of the vehicle. It is a single shot, high velocity weapon. The barrel is a one-piece forging fitted with a large and heavy muzzle brake and flash eliminator. The breech mechanism is of the vertical sliding block type. The gun is automatically cocked when the breech is opened. The elevating gear is on the left hand side of the gun and is controlled by an elevating wheel with a folding handle. The traversing gear is behind the elevating hand wheel. Traverse is limited by a spring-loaded stop to 15 deg. left or right. The recoil mechanism, which consists of a spring recuperator and liquid buffer, is housed in a cylindrical casing above the piece.

The gun utilizes the following types of ammunition—(1) A.P. tracer shell, (2) H.E. shell. At 300 yards the A.P. projectile effects a penetration of homogeneous armor of 2.3 ins. at 30 deg. obliquity; 3.0 ins. normal, and at 1000 yards will penetrate 1.8 in. at 30 deg. obliquity; 2.4 ins. normal.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         8.4 tons
Length 14 ft., 6 ins.
Width 6 ft., 9 ins.
Height 7 ft.
Ground clearance 11 1/2 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 8 ins.
Ground contact 8 ft.
Width of track 11 ins.
Pitch of track 3 11/16 ins.
Track links 99
Fording depth 2 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 87 miles
     Cross-country 72 miles
Speed
     Roads 26 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 15 mm
     Sides 10 mm
     Shield 15 mm
Armament 4.7 cm. Pak (t)
     Muzzle velocity (AP) Wt. 3.6 lb.—2540 f.s.
(HE) 1300 f.s.
     Effective range (HE) 1520 yds.
     Overall length 187.5 ins.
     Traverse 30°
     Elevation 12°
     Depression 8°
Ammunition (rds.) 74
Engine 100 h.p. 6-cyl. Maybach Model NL 38 TR
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Clutch brake
Crew         3

German: p. 4

Categories
German

Pz. Fu. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 263) (8 Rad): Armored Radio Car

Pz. Fu. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 263) (8 Rad): Armored Radio CarGerman nomenclature: Panzer­funk­wagen (Sd. Kfz. 263) (8 Rad).

English designation: Armored radio car (8 wheels).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight         7,550 kg         16,644 lb.
Pay load
Gross weight 8,100 kg 17,857 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,950 kg 4,298 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,100 kg 4,630 lb.
Length (overall) 5,850 mm 19 ft., 2 ins.
Width (overall) 2,200 mm 7 ft., 3 ins.
Height (overall) 2,900 mm 9 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 270 mm 101 ins.
Tread centers 1,600 mm 5 ft., 3 ins.
Wheelbase 1,350/1,400/1,350 mm 53/55/53 ins.
Wheel width 190 mm 7 1/2 ins.
Tire size
Angle of approach   60°
Angle of departure   60°
Seating capacity
Fording depth 1,000 mm 39 ins.
Climbing ability   30°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)
Overturn gradient (crosswise)   35°
Turning radius 10.5 meters (all wheels) 34 ft., 5 ins.
Trailer load
Lifting power of winch
Engine horsepower 160 c-v 157.8 hp
Piston displacement 8,000 cu cm 480 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 180 liters 47.5 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   3.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption   2.2 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.66

Categories
German

Pz. Fu. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 263): Armored Radio Car

Pz. Fu. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 263): Armored Radio CarGerman nomenclature: Pan­zer­funk­wagen (Sd. Kfz. 263) mit Fahr­ge­stell des leichter ge­lände­gän­giger Last­kraft­wagen (o).

English designation: Armored radio car with special chassis of the light cross-country truck.

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight        5,250 kg        11,573 lb.
Pay load
Gross weight 5,800 kg 12,786 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,800 kg 3,968 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,000 kg 4,409 lb.
Length (overall) 5,570 mm 18 ft., 4 ins.
Height (overall) 2,930 mm 9 ft., 7 ins.
Ground clearance 240 mm 9 1/2 ins.
Tread centers 1,700 mm 5 ft., 7 ins.
  1,840 mm 6 ft.
Wheelbase 2,500/900 mm 98/35 ins.
Wheel width 170-350 mm 6 3/4/13 3/4 ins.
Tire size
Angle of approach   55°
Angle of departure   40°
Seating capacity
Fording depth 600 mm 23 ins.
Climbing ability   13°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)   55°
Overturn gradient (crosswise)   35°
Turning radius 16 meters 52 ft., 6 ins.
Trailer load
Lifting power of winch
Engine horsepower 70 c—v 69 hp
Piston displacement 4,600 cu cm 276 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 100 liters 26.4 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   5.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption               3.6 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.66

Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231) (8 Rad): Heavy Armored Scout Car (8 Wheels)

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231) (8 Rad): Heavy Armored Scout Car (8 Wheels)German nomenclature: schwerer Pan­zer­späh­wagen (Sd. Kfz. 231) (8 Rad).

English designation: Heavy armored scout car (8 wheels).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight         7,600 kg         16,720 lb.
Pay load 700 kg 1,578 lb.
Gross weight 8,300 kg 18,298 lb.
Weight: Front axle 2,050 kg 4,519 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,100 kg 4,630 lb.
Length (overall) 5,850 mm 19 ft., 2 ins.
Width (overall) 2,200 mm 7 ft., 2 ins.
Height (overall) 2,350 mm 7 ft., 8 ins.
Ground clearance 270 mm 101 ins.
Tread centers 1,600 mm 5 ft., 3 ins.
Wheelbase 1,350/1,400/1,350 mm 53/55/53 ins.
Wheel width 190 mm 7 1/2 ins.
Angle of approach   60°
Angle of departure   60°
Seating capacity
Fording depth 1,000 mm 39 ins.
Climbing ability   30°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)
Overturn gradient (crosswise)   35°
Turning radius 10.5 meters (all wheels) 34 ft., 5 ins.
Trailer load
Engine horsepower 160 c-v 157.8 hp
Piston displacement 7,600 cu cm 456 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 180 liters 47.5 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   3.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption   2.2 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.63

Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231): Heavy Armored Scout Car

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231): Heavy Armored Scout Car 6-radGerman nomenclature: schwerer Panzer­späh­wagen (Sd. Kfz. 231) mit Fahr­gestell des leichter gelände­gangiger Last­kraft­wagen (o).

English designation: Heavy armored scout car with special chassis of the light cross-country truck (standard commercial vehicle).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight         5,300 kg         11,684 lb.
Pay load 700 kg 1,543 lb.
Gross weight 6,000 kg 13,227 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,850 kg 4,078 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,075 kg 4,574 lb.
Length (overall) 5,600 mm 18 ft., 4 ins.
Width (overall) 1,850 mm 6 ft., 1 in.
Height (overall) 2,250 mm 7 ft., 4 ins.
Ground clearance 200 mm 8 ins.
Tread centers 1,840 mm 6 ft.
Wheelbase 2,500/900 mm 98/35 ins.
Wheel width    
Angle of approach   55°
Angle of departure   40°
Seating capacity 600 mm 23 ins.
Fording depth
Climbing ability   13°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)   55°
Overturn gradient (crosswise)   35°
Turning radius 16 meters 52 ft., 6 ins.
Trailer load    
Engine horsepower 70 c-v 69 hp
Piston displacement 4,600 cu cm 276 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 100 liters 26.4 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   5.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption   3.6 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.63

Categories
German

8.8 cm Pzgr. patr.: 8.8 cm A.P.C.B.C., H.E. Ammunition

8.8 cm Pzgr. patr.: 8.8 cm A.P.C.B.C., H.E. Ammunition

The German 8.8 cm A.P.C.B.C., H.E. ammunition consists of an armor-piercing capped projectile of conventional design, crimped in a primed brass cartridge case. The projectile is loaded with a TNT bursting charge and fuzed with a base-detonating fuze containing a tracer. The brass cartridge case holds a double base, single-perforated propelling charge with a nitrocellulose powder igniter and a short percussion type primer.

The projectile as fired weighs 20.71 pounds. Both the projectile body and the armor-piercing cap are made of steel. The cap is soldered to the body, and a sheet steel windshield is attached to the cap by a series of spot welds. The large fuze body occupies a considerable part of the explosive cavity which is comparatively large for an armor-piercing projectile. The weight of the explosive charge is approximately 1.8% of the total weight of the projectile. The bursting charge is contained in an aluminum case conforming to the contour of the cavity except that the forward end is flat. A molded plastic button which conforms to the contour of the cavity is located between the front of the charge case and the small forward end of the cavity. This button acts as a cushion for the charge upon impact of the projectile on the target. A tar-like compound fills the space between the projectile walls and the aluminum charge case to prevent the case from slipping upon rotation of the projectile.

The pressed bursting charge has 5.5% wax blended with it. The base fuze has a steel body with a threaded extension at the base end to receive a tracer assembly.

The fuze has a slight delay and arms on centrifugal force.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type of ammunition         A.P.C.B.C., H.E.
Weight of complete round         32.74 lb.
Weight of projectile         20.71 lb.
Weight of bursting charge         37 lb. (1.8% of wt. of proj.)
Weight of propellant         2,471 grams
Weight of fuze with tracer and detonator assembly         2.18 lb.

German: p. 308