Tag: artillery

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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

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German

7.5 cm I. G. 37: Light Infantry Howitzer

German 7.5 cm I. G. 37: Light Infantry Howitzer

The 7.5 cm I. G. 37, formerly known as the 7.5 cm Pak 37, consists of a short barreled piece fitted with a muzzle brake, and mounted on the carriage of the obsolete 3.7 cm antitank gun. The equipment has been utilized as a close support infantry weapon.

The barrel of monobloc construction is 20 1/2 calibers long. The muzzle brake is in the shape of a rectangular box with four baffles, each at approximately a 45° angle deflecting to the rear. There is a hydrospring recoil mechanism and a breech mechanism of the vertical sliding wedge type. The latter has no provision for semi-automatic operation. A percussion type firing mechanism is cocked automatically when the breech is closed, and the gun is fired by pressing a plunger on the elevating handwheel. There is an auxiliary firing lever on the left side of the breech ring.

The carriage, which is mounted on two rubber-tired wheels, has split tubular trails. The shield is in two main parts, the upper shield and the lower shield. The lower part hinges upward when travelling, and is swung downward when the weapon is in the firing position. The upper shield is in two sections, the upper half being hinged. This section can be folded forward in order to give a lower silhouette.

Traversing, elevating, and sighting are accomplished by one man. Direct sighting is obtained by means of a telescope. A quadrant plane is located on top of the breech ring, and there is also a range drum graduated for firing semi-fixed high explosive and fixed hollow charge ammunition. With the present fire control equipment, the maximum effective range is 2,900 yards.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight (traveling position)
Weight (firing position) 1,124 lbs.
Length (traveling position) 11 ft., 7 ins.
Length (firing position) 11 ft., 1 in.
Height (shield lowered) 38 ins.
Height (shield raised) 46 1/4 ins.
Width (overall) 5 ft., 3 1/2 ins.
Width of trail spread 9 ft., 1 in.
Length of rifling 42 3/4 ins.
Rifling R.H. twist
No. of grooves 24
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 920 f/s*
Max. range 5,630 yds.
Max. range (present fire control) 2,900 yds.
Traverse 60°
Elevation 22 1/2°
Depression 5°
Tires Pneumatic—6.00 x 20
Length of recoil (max.) 17 ins.
Ammunition H.E., Hollow Charge
Wt. of projectile H.E., I. Gr. 18—13.2 lbs.
  HE-AT, I. Gr. 38HI/A—6.6 Ibs.

*Muzzle velocity with hollow charge ammunition is 1,165 f/s. Range, 5,410 yds.

German: p. 122.2 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

7.5 cm Gebirgs Kanone 15 (Geb. K. 15): Mountain Howitzer

7.5 cm Gebirgs Kanone 15 (Geb. K. 15): Mountain Howitzer

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        75 mm (2.95 ins.)
Weight (traveling position) 2,449 lbs.
Weight (firing position) 1,351 lbs.
Length (traveling position)
Length (firing position)
Height (firing position)
Height of trunnions 27.7 ins.
Width of carriage 37.4 ins.
Length of bore 13 cals.
Length of barrel and breech ring 43.8 ins.
Rifling R.H. polygroove plain section
Length of rifling 31.2 ins.
No. of grooves 28
Width of grooves 5 mm
Depth of grooves .68 mm
Width of lands 3.5 mm
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 1,270 f/s
Wt. of projectile 12 lbs.
Max. range (horizontal) 7,270 yds.
Max. range (vertical)
Rate of fire
Traverse 7°
Elevation 50°
Depression -10°
Length of recoil (max.) 35.4 ins.
Ammunition H. E. & Hollow Charge

German: p. 122.1 (May 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

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German

Kz. 8 cm. Gr. W. 42: Short Mortar

German Kz. 8 cm. Gr. W. 42: Short Mortar

This weapon is of the same general design as the standard 8 cm mortar (s. Gr. W. 34) described on page 114. It is, however, shorter and lighter. It differs from the original weapon in the following respects:

The Model 42 has a shorter barrel with no striker control bolt at the base. It has a smaller baseplate, square in shape, with no carrying handle. The barrel is fastened to the baseplate by a spring catch. It also has a smaller bipod.

The elevating handle is situated at the base of the elevating column between the bipod legs. The cross levelling screw is halfway down the elevating column, and is connected to the left bipod leg by a sliding screw clamp.

The sight is situated on the left side of the traversing screw. Ammunition fired is the same as for the 8 cm s. Gr. W. 34.

A firing table printed on a steel plate is clamped to the tube.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        81 mm (3.2 ins.)
Weight in firing position 62 lbs.
Length of barrel, overall 29.5 ins.
Length of bore 25.5 ins.
Size of baseplate 12 ins. x 12 1/2 ins.
Principle of operation Muzzle loaded; percussion fired (only)
Elevation 47° to 88°
Maximum range 1,200 yds.
Ammunition Same as for 8 cm s. Gr. W. 34

German: p. 114.1 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

10.5 cm L.G. 42 and 42/1: Recoilless Gun

German 10.5 cm L.G. 42 and 42/1: Recoilless Gun

This weapon represents modifications of the 10.5 cm L.G. 40 described on page 110. It is a product of Rheinmetall, and was introduced into the German Army in 1943.

The principal changes are as follows: the venturi tube has three steel strips spirally welded to the inner lip presumably to offset torque; elevation of the equipment examined was limited to approximately 30° by a fixed stop; the carriage has been completely changed—it now consists of a single tubular axle to which wheel spindles and three folding trail legs are fitted; a horizontal sliding type breechblock (resembling that of the 7.5 cm L.G. 40) has been installed; the weight has been increased by approximately one-third; the design of the shield differs from the earlier model; the percussion firing mechanism has been retained on top of the breech ring necessitating the use of a cartridge case with a side primer.

Maximum range is approximately the same as the 10.5 cm L.G. 40 and both models use the same range table. The equipment has been designed to break down into five loads for use as pack or airborne artillery. The two models, 10.5 cm L.G. 42 and L.G. 42/1, differ principally in weight.

As in the case of the 7.5 cm L.G. 40 and 10.5 cm L.G. 40, the characteristic feature of this weapon is the lack of recoil attained by allowing part of the propellant gases to escape to the rear through a venturi tube. The resulting blast creates a danger zone approximately 20 yards wide and 50 yards long to the sides and rear of the gun. The sharp sound of the discharge through the venturi tube makes it necessary for the gun crew to use ear plugs.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length of piece (including breech ring and venturi)     72.28 ins.
Length of rifling31.41 ins.
Twist of rifling10°
No. of grooves32
Length of venturi tube18.18 ins.
Length of chamber18.93 ins.
Capacity of chamber9.5 pints
Weight in action (L.G. 42)1,217 lbs.
       (L.G. 42/1)1,191 lbs.
Elevation15° to 42°
Traverse
at elevations up to 12°360°
at elevations over 12°71°
AmmunitionH.E., H.E.I., Hollow Charge, Smoke.
Muzzle velocity (H.E. Shell)1,099 f/s
Maximum range8,694

German: p. 110.3 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

10.5 cm le.F.H. 18/40: Light Field Howitzer

10.5 cm le.F.H. 18/40: Light Field Howitzer

Feeling the need of a weapon having the performance characteristics of the le.F.H. 18 (M) but lighter in weight, the Germans brought out, early in 1944, a modified version mounted on the carriage of the 7.5 cm Pak 40. This carriage was used because at that time it was in large scale production and required a minimum amount of modification to adapt it for use with the howitzer.

The piece, of monobloc construction with a removable breech ring, is fitted with a double baffle muzzle brake having projecting wings welded on to give it the increased efficiency necessary for the lightened carriage.

The breech mechanism is a manually operated horizontal sliding block type. The firing mechanism is of the percussion type with the lever on the left side of the cradle.

The cradle is a rectangular box design. A single hydropneumatic equilibrator is attached to the right side of the cradle. The recoil is a hydropneumatic type, independent system.

The elevating handwheel and firing mechanism are now so located on the left hand side of the carriage that the layer can carry out the three operations of traversing, elevating, and firing, making the weapon suitable for direct fire.

The suspension consists of two torsion bars each extending the full width of the carriage body. As the two pieces are ballistically identical, the le.F.H. 18 (M) and the le.F.H. 18/40 use the same range tables.

A normal type of German artillery field sight is used for laying.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber      105 mm (4.13 ins.)
Weight (firing position)4,322 lbs.
Length (overall)20 ft., 2 ins.
Height (overall)6 ft.
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)6 ft., 11 ins.
Length of barrel excluding muzzle brake115.75 ins.
Length of tube106.66 ins.
Length of rifling93.06 ins.
RiflingIncreasing twist; 1 in. 23 to 1 in. 17 3/4
No. of grooves32
Width of grooves 0.220 in.
Depth of grooves 0.04 in.
Muzzle velocity (H.E. long range shell)1,772 f/s
Wt. of projectile32 lbs., 11 ozs.
Max. range (horizontal)13,479 yds.
Max. range (vertical)
Max. pressure34,000 lbs./sq. in.
Rate of fire
Traverse56°
Elevation40°
Depression6°
Length of recoil
AmmunitionH.E.; H.E./I; Incendiary; Smoke; Star Shell; Prop. Leaflet Shell; Hollow Charge; Indicator Shell.

German: p. 108.3 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

10.5 cm l.F.H. 18 (M): Light Field Howitzer

10.5 cm l.F.H. 18 (M): Light Field Howitzer

In order to obtain longer range, the 105 mm German Howitzer l.F.H. 18 was modified so that the muzzle velocity of the weapon could be increased. The Germans accomplished this by preparing a new propellant charge (Fern ladung—long range charge) which increases the muzzle velocity from approximately 1,542 feet per second to 1,772 feet per second, and the range from approximately 11,670 yards to 13,500 yards. To compensate for the increased velocity and the resulting recoil, the Germans found it necessary to add a muzzle brake. It was also necessary to slightly modify the recoil mechanism and to increase the nitrogen pressure in the counterrecoil cylinders from 730 pounds per square inch to 854 pounds per square inch. To differentiate between the two models, the letter “M” (Mündungsbremse—Muzzle Brake) was added to the old nomenclature, hence the later model is known as the l.F.H. 18 (M).

The tube is of monobloc construction. The weapon has a continuous pull firing mechanism and a breech mechanism of the horizontal sliding type. The carriage, of riveted and welded steel, is equipped with split trails, folding spades, wooden wheels with rubber tires, and a protective armor shield 4 mm thick. It also has hand operated friction brakes.

SPECIFICATIONS

*Reports indicate that a special long range H.E. shell weighing approximately 32 3/4 lb. is used with the super charge to obtain this muzzle velocity.

German: p. 108.1

Caliber      105 mm (4.13 ins.)
Weight (traveling position) 4,255 lbs.
Weight (firing position)
Length (traveling position) 19 ft., 6 ins.
Length (firing position) 20 ft., 5 ins. (at 0° elev.)
Height (traveling position) 5 ft., 9 ins.
Height (firing position) 5 ft., 9 ins.
Width (overall) 6 ft., 6 1/2 ins.
Width of trail spread 15 ft., 10 ins.
Length of bore 25.7 cals.
No. of grooves 32—R.H. Progressive Twist
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (maximum) 1,772 f/s*
Max. range (horizontal) (Reported) 13,500 yds.
Traverse56°
Elevation40°
Depression7°
Length of recoil39.3 ins.—46.8 ins.
AmmunitionH.E. w/P.D. Fuze: Hollow Charge; Smoke; A.P.; Incendiary
Wt. of projectile32 3/4 lb. (Long Range H.E. Shell)