Tag: antitank

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)

Categories
German

7.62 cm Feldkanone 36 (r): Field Gun (Ex-Russian)

7.62 cm Feldkanone 36 (r): Field Gun (Ex-Russian)

The 7.62 cm F. K. 36 (r) is a gun of Russian design and manufacture. The Germans captured so many pieces during the early months of the invasion of Russia that they were adopted by the German Army both in the original form for standard divisional field guns and as antitank guns known as the 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r) described on page 116.

Both weapons have the same general characteristics: built-up tubes fitted in reinforcing jackets, vertical sliding breech blocks, hydropneumatic recoil mechanisms, and split trail carriages. In addition to a number of minor changes, the principal difference is in the much greater chamber length of the Pak 36 (r)—28.25 inches compared with 15.20 inches, and the addition of a muzzle brake to the Pak 36 (r).

The breech mechanism may be operated either by hand or semi-automatically. Extractors housed in the breech ring are operated by cams when the block opens. A hand control on the left side of the breech ring is provided in case the cartridge fails to eject. The firing mechanism is a continuous pull type.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber     76.2 mm (3 ins.)
Weight (complete)3,619 lb.
Weight (firing position)3,564 lb.
Length (overall)22 ft. 6 1/4 ins.
Length of gun153 ins.
Height (traveling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Width of trail spread
Length of rifling120 ins.
Length of tube12 ft. 2 ins.
No. of grooves32 R.H. Polygroove form; Twist-1 in 25 Uniform
Width of grooves0.196 in. (5 mm)
Depth of grooves0.033 in. (0.84 mm)
Width of lands0.078 in. (2 mm)
Muzzle velocity (A.P.H.E. shell)2,249 f/s (H.E.—2,335 f/s)
Max. range (horizontal) (A.P.-H.E.)14,000 yds.
Rate of fire
Traverse60°
Elevation72°
Depression4°
Length of recoil (average)H.E.-A.P.H.E.—31.1 ins.
AmmunitionH.E.-A.P.H.E.-A.P. 40
Wt. of ProjectileH.E.—13.45 lbs.
 A.P.H.E.—14.2 lbs.
 A.P. 40—9.2 lbs.

German: p. 116.1

Categories
German

8.8 cm Pak 43: Antitank Gun

German 8.8 cm Pak 43: Antitank Gun

The 8.8 cm Pak 43 is an electrically fired, semiautomatic gun, mounted on a cruciform platform (Kreuzlafette) and transported on two single axle limbers similar to those used on the 8.8 cm Flak 18. It has a very low silhouette, on wheels the height to the top of the shield is 5 feet, 6 inches, and to the trunnions, 4 feet. When emplaced it is 12 inches lower.

The gun can be fired from its wheels without extending the side legs, if the direction of fire does not exceed 30° either side of the longitudinal girders. If the direction of fire is greater than 30°, the side legs must be extended and the pads brought firmly in contact with the ground. There is an automatic electric cut-out to the firing gear which restricts elevation to 12° on early equipments and 16° on later equipments when firing over the mounting legs.

There are several other versions of the Pak 43. The Pak 43/41 (page 113) has a two-wheeled carriage with split trails. The Pak 43/1 (page 34) is a self-propelled gun called the “Rhinoceros.” Its chassis is a combination of a Pz. Kw. III and Pz. Kw. IV. The Pak 43/2 (page 39) is a self-propelled gun called the “Elephant”; it is also mounted on the chassis of the Panther (Pz. Kw. V). All of these guns use the same ammunition and have the same ballistic characteristics.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber      88 mm (3.46 ins.)
Weight (traveling position)13,000 lb.
Weight (firing position)7,900 lb.
Length (traveling position)
Length (firing position)
Height (traveling position)5 ft., 6 ins.
Height (firing position)4 ft., 6 ins.
Width (overall)
Length of barrel (w/o muzzle brake)247.5 ins.
Length of bore236.9 ins.
No. of grooves32
Width of grooves.202 in.
Depth of grooves.048 in.
Width of lands.134 in.
Muzzle Velocity (A.P.C.B.C. shell)3,280 f/s
       (H.E. shell)2,460 f/s
Max. range (horizontal)17,500 yds. (H.E. shell)*
Max. range (vertical)
Rate of fire
Traverse360°
Elevation40°
Depression-8°
Length of recoil (normal)47.5 ins.
AmmunitionA.P.C.B.C.; H. E.
Wt. of projectile(H.E.) 20.68 lbs.*
 (A.P.C.B.C.) 22 lbs.

*Unconfirmed
**AP 40 round (tungsten carbide core)
          Pzgr. Patr. 40/43  . . . . . . . . . 16 lb.
          Gr. Patr. 39 HL/A and B . . . . . 16.8 lb.

German: p. 112.1

Categories
German

12.8 cm K. 44: Medium Field Gun

12.8 cm K. 44: Medium Field Gun

There are two versions of the 12.8 cm dual purpose, antitank/field gun, one manufactured by Rheinmetall and the other by Krupp. The Rheinmetall model has a slightly longer breech ring; the carriage has one rear axle and two front axles, whereas the Krupp model has one rear and one front axle. Reports indicatethat there may be a third version designated 12.8 cm K. 81.

The tube, of monobloc construction, is equipped with a cylindrical muzzle brake having perforations on both sides. The muzzle brake of the Krupp model is shorter and has the greater number of perforations. The manually operated breechblock is of the horizontal sliding type.

A variable hydropneumatic recoil mechanism is provided, the recoil and recuperator cylinder being carried within the cradle. Two hydropneumatic equilibrators, one on either side of the tube, compensate for muzzle preponderance.

The piece is mounted on a cruciform platform. The carriage, which incorporates torsion bar suspension, is jacked off the wheels in firing and, with the outriggers extended, a 360° traverse may be obtained. Elevating and traversing handwheels are fitted to both sides of the carriage, and a seat for the gunner is provided on the left.

A single shield is used with the Krupp gun, while the Rheinmetall version is equipped with a spaced shield. Both types, however, are angular in appearance and the sides are swept back towards the rear.

SPECIFICATIONS

          Rheinmetall         Krupp
Length of gun (including muzzle brake and breech ring)312 1/2 ins.299 ins.
Length of gun (including breech ring)277 1/2 ins.277 1/8 ins.
Length of chamber (from rifling)41 3/4 ins.41 3/4 ins.
Length of rifling219 1/2 ins.219 1/2 ins.
Overall length (traveling position)not determined433 ins.
Overall width (traveling position)108 1/4 ins.98 ins.
Overall height (traveling position)81 ins.90 ins.

German: p. 106.2 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. “Tiger” (P) “Elefant” für 8.8 cm Pak 43/2 (Sd. Kfz. 184): S.P. Antitank Gun—”Elephant”

Pz. Jäg. Tiger (P), Elefant, für 8.8 cm Pak 43/2 (Sd. Kfz. 184)

The “Elephant,” weighing 72 tons, was the first of German heavy self-propelled antitank guns to be manufactured. It was designed and built under the supervision of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and was first introduced under the name of “Ferdinand” in the Summer of 1943. The vehicle is actually improvised to utilize an unsuccessful tank produced by Dr. Porsche. Ninety of these vehicles were so converted. The armor is approximately 8 inches thick in the front of the hull and the sloping fighting compartment. The sides of the hull are 2 1/2 inches, the fighting compartment 3 3/4 inches thick; while the rear plates of the hull are 4 1/3 inches, and the fighting compartment 3 1/3 inches. The roof of the fighting compartment and belly plates are approximately 1 1/2 inches thick.

The “Elephant” is powered by two 12-cylinder Maybach H.L. 120 T.R.M. engines mounted centrally in the hull. From the engine the drive is taken forward directly to generators and thence to electric driving motors having a capacity of 230 Kw. at 1,300 r.p.m. which are mounted across the rear of the vehicle, under the floor of the fighting cab.

The suspension consists of six dual bogie wheels 26 3/4 inches in diameter on each side, mounted in pairs on stub axles which are bolted and welded to the hull; rear drive sprocket, and front idler. There are no return rollers.

The armament consists of a long-barreled 8.8 cm gun, with muzzle brake. It has an overall length of 22 feet, 11.63 inches, of which 13 feet, 1 1/2 inches projects beyond the mantlet. The gun is mounted on trunnions 8.8 cm in diameter which are located inside the ball joint in the front armor plate of the fighting compartment. The maximum elevation of the piece is 25°; traverseis 12° left and right.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       72 tons
Length 22 ft., 11 ins.
Width 11 ft., 5 3/4 ins.
Height 9 ft., 10 ins.
Ground clearance 19 1/2 ins.
Tread centers
Ground contact
Width of track 25 1/2 ins.
Pitch of track 5 ins.
Track links
Fording depth
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads 65 miles
   Cross-country 35 miles
Speed
   Road 12.5 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 6-9 m.p.h.
Armor
   Front plate 200 mm
   Sides (hull) 60 mm
Armament 8.8 cm Pak 43/2
MG 34
Ammunition 8.8 cm gun—70-90 rds.
MG—2,000 rds.
Engine 2 Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp. each
Transmission Gas-electric, D.C. current, 650 amps @ 385 volts.
Steering Field control
Crew 6

German: p. 39 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

7.92 mm M SS 41: Antitank Rifle

7.92 mm M SS 41: Antitank Rifle

This antitank weapon, a manually operated, magazine-fed, air-cooled, high-velocity rifle which was standardized for production in 1941, fires the same necked-down cartridge as the Panzerbüchse 39. Although classified as an antitank rifle, the use of heavier armor on modern tanks has rendered the weapon effective against lightly-armored vehicles only.

A hinged bipod similar to that of the MG 34 is attached to the front of the receiver jacket. It folds forward for convenience in carrying. The gun is also equipped With carrying handle and sling; the former is fitted to the top of the barrel group, and the latter is attached on the right side at the bipod and back plate assembly.

A “U” type rear sight and an adjustable front sight of the square block type fold to the rear when not in use.

The gun is put in a “Safe” position by pulling the barrel housing lock extension 1/4-inch to the rear so that its rear alignment mark is aligned with the mark “S” on the barrel housing lock. When in this position, the trigger cannot be pulled, nor can the action be opened. If the trigger is pulled while the action is not entirely closed, the gun will not fire. It is necessary to release the trigger and pull it again in order to release the sear. When the magazine is empty, the action is kept open by the protrusion of the magazine follower which stops the rearward movement of the barrel housing.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight (with empty magazine)29 3/4 lbs.
Length (overall)59 1/4 ins.
Sight radius30 15/16 ins.
Principle of operationManually operated
Feeding deviceMagazine
Capacity of feeding device6 rounds
Cooling systemAir
Ammunition types13 mm case necked down to 7.92 mm. Same as used in the PZ B39. See Page 211.)
Rate of fire
Type of sight“U” type rear sight; square block type front sight.
Weight of barrel (w/fittings)13 1/4 lbs.
Length of barrel43 3/8 ins.
Length of rifling
Rifling
     TwistR. H.
     Form
     No. of grooves4
     Depth of grooves
     Width of grooves
Muzzle velocity (estimated)3,540 f/s
Type of mountBipod

German: p. 210.1 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
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)