Tag: German

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German

Pz. Kpfw. V: Heavy Tank—Experimental

Neubaufahrzeug

Although this tank represents a great deal of Germany’s early experimental development, it is reported that only three were produced (1937), and that two were seen in Norway (1941) where they were destroyed, while the third was destroyed by the Russians near the Rumanian border.

The Pz. Kpfw. V, weighing 36 tons equipped for action, was manned by a crew of seven—commander, driver, main gunner, loader, wireless operator/machine gunner, and two auxiliary turret machine gunners. In addition to the main turret which mounted a 7.5 cm Kw. K. and coaxial 3.7 cm gun and machine gun, there were two additional revolving machine-gun turrets fitted in the front right and rear left of the hull, each fitted with a 7.9 mm machine gun.

Its suspension consisted of ten small bogie wheels mounted in articulating pairs, and four return rollers. Between the high front idler and first bogie assembly an additional independent roller resisted the track. The driving sprocket, unlike usual German procedure, is mounted in the rear, as is the engine, a V-12 HL 120 TRM, and the transmission and differential assemblies.

The sloping turret and the circular superstructure employed considerable riveted as well as welded construction. The commander’s cupola, fitted with periscope, was situated at the rear of the turret. Access doors were located on each side of the turret. Riveted armor skirting was fitted along the length of the tank between bogie wheels and return rollers. Two access doors were located in the forward portion of the skirting on the right side and one on the left.

This was considered a heavily armed vehicle, but it in no way represented German design technique for that period but rather that of several years previous.

German: p. 36

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German

s. Zgkw. 18t (Sd. Kfz. 9): Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

s. Zgkw. 18t - Sd.Kfz. 9: Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

This 18-ton vehicle is the heaviest of the German semitrack prime movers. It is often used by the Germans in the evacuation of their damaged tanks. It has a net weight of 16.8 tons and a combat weight of 19.8 tons. Its personnel capacity is 8, including driver and helper, and it can tow a trailer load of 20 tons. The maximum highway range of action is 160 miles on a fuel tank capacity of 72 gallons. Its weight distribution is as follows: front wheels, 5,289 pounds; track, 34,320 pounds.

The front suspension is comprised of a tubular floating axle mounting two pneumatic-tired, heavy duty wheels with transverse leaf springing. The track suspension is the standard semitrack system consisting of straddle-mounted rubber-tired bogie wheels sprung on torsion bars housed in cross tubes; front sprocket, rear idler, and needle-bearing track.

The power plant is the V-12 cylinder, Maybach gasoline engine rated at 230 horsepower. The transmission provides four speeds forward and one reverse with high and low range. Steering is effected by normal steering wheel and an epicyclic-controlled differential drive for the track with a brake linkage connected to the front-wheel steering system.

In addition to the electric starter, this vehicle is also equipped with a Bosch airplane-type inertia starter located on the right side of the engine.

A power winch is located at the rear, with facilities for passing the cable beneath the vehicle and out the front end. The winch-driving mechanism and the drum are located near the center of the chassis. The drum is horizontal and is driven by a propeller shaft from the rear of the transmission. The hub of the winch-driving mechanism is fitted with a slide gear which enables the operator to engage and disengage the winch from the rear of the vehicle. The winch-lifting capacity is 7.7 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         16.8 tons
Length 27 ft.
Width 8 ft., 6 ins.
Height 9 ft., 1 in.
Ground clearance 21 ins.
Tread centers (wheels, 82 ins.; track, 78 ins.)
Ground contact 9 ft., 4 ins.
Width of track 17.3 ins.
Track links 47
Pitch of track
Fording depth 30 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 161 miles
     Cross-country 62 miles
Speed
     Roads
     Cross-country
Armor
     Front plate
     Sides
Armament
Ammunition
Engine Maybach HL 98 TUK, 230 hp.
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering Normal and epicyclic-controlled differential
Crew 8

German: p. 56

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German

8 cm s. Gr. W. 34: Heavy Mortar

8 cm s. Gr. W. 34: Heavy Mortar (WW2)

The German 8.1 cm heavy mortar, first manufactured in 1934, is of conventional design, consisting of a tube, base cap, and firing-pin mechanism. Wall thickness of the tube or barrel tapers from 0.288 inch at the base cap to 0.190 inch; a collar at the muzzle slightly increases the wall thickness at that point. A leather-covered handle attached to the collar clamp near the muzzle is used apparently to change elevations when the tube is hot. The firing pin mechanism can be adjusted for two positions. In the “On” position, the pin protrudes into the tube the correct length for firing; in the “Safe” position, the firing-pin head is retracted, permitting greater safety in unloading the mortar in the event of a misfire or other malfunction. The change in setting is readily made by means of an adjuster located on the side of the base ring. The mortar is supported by a bipod and base plate.

The bipod includes cross-leveling, elevating and traversing mechanisms. The legs, and all other nonsliding parts, are made of light white metal. These legs, which have spikes and feet attached to the bottom, are adjusted to any one of six positions by a lever and held in place by locking gears. General construction of the bipod is sturdy and compact. It is easily folded for carrying purposes by swinging the cradle, which is hinged on the traversing mechanism sliding housing, until the left hook at the rear of the cradle is mated in the slot at the top of the rear bipod connector plate. The cradle is then traversed to the left, locking the hooks into the connector plate, and the legs are brought together.

The sighting system, having a total weight of 2 1/2 pounds, includes a collimator, cross level, longitudinal level, and an elevating and lateral deflection mechanism. Machining of the sight parts is excellent, and when in use it is attached to a mount on the left side of the traversing mechanism mount.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber 81 mm (3.189 ins.)
Weight
     Mortar and Mount         124 lb.
     Mortar 40 lb.
     Mount 84 lb.
     Bipod 41 1/4 lb.
     Base plate 43 3/4 lb.
Length (overall) 44 7/8 ins.
Method of loading Muzzle
Firing mechanism Firing pin with safety feature
Rate of fire
     Maximum 45 rds./min.
     Practical 10 to 12 rds./min.
Muzzle velocity Not determined
Range
     Maximum 2,625 yds. with light bomb
2,100 yds. with heavy bomb
     Minimum 66 yds.
Elevation 40° to 85°
Traverse 370 mils
Cross leveling, max. correction for cant 15°
Sights Collimator type (similar to Brandt sight for 60 mm Mortar, M2)
     Lateral adjustment 6,400 mils
     Elevation adjustment 1,600 mils
Ammunition
     Weight of complete round (smoke shell) 7.80 lb.
     Ignition cartridge charge 150 grs.
     3 Increment propellents .35 oz. each

German: p. 114

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German

8.8 cm Pak 43/41: Antitank Gun

8.8 cm Pak 43/41: Antitank Gun

The Pak 43, one of Germany’s newer antitank guns, is a more solidly built weapon than the 7.5 cm Pak 40. The gun is mounted on large rubber-tired metal wheels. A sloping double shield, 6 feet, 3 inches in height, is fitted to the carriage for the protection of the gun crew. Split trails, approximately 12 feet long, are also supplied.

A muzzle brake is fitted to the barrel. The semi-automatic breech mechanism of the horizontal sliding block type is operated by a small auxiliary cylinder on the left side of the breechblock.

The buffer and recuperator are contained in one cylinder which is fitted above the barrel; the balancing cylinders are mounted vertically on either side of the carriage.

The sight bracket is marked for 8.8 cm Pak 43/41 and 8.8 cm Pak 43 Sfl. This marking tends to confirm the opinion that the Pak 43 is a modification of, or development from, the 8.8 cm Flak 41, which it resembles superficially. This marking also confirms the information that this gun, with the designation 43/1, is used in the self-propelled piece Pz. Jag. III/IV (the “Hornet”).

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         88 mm (3.46 ins.)
Weight of gun 4.8 tons
Length of piece (including muzzle brake) 21 ft.
Diameter of wheels 4 ft., 6 ins.
Recoil (maximum) 2.46 ft.
Muzzle velocity Not known
Range Not known
Elevation 38°
Depression -5°
Traverse 58°
Ammunition A.P.C.: H.E.; Hollow-charge
Height 6 ft., 3 ins.

German: p. 113

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German

m. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 251): Medium Armored Personnel Carrier

m. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 251): Medium Armored Personnel Carrier

This vehicle is a medium armored personnel carrier with the chassis of the Sd. Kfz. 11 (light semitracked prime mover). The Sd. Kfz. 11 has been modified by placing armor on the chassis, altering the cooling arrangement, and mounting the steering wheel in an inverted position. The armor plate thickness measures 7.5 mm on the radiator cover, 8.5 mm on the sides, and 15 mm on the lower front plate, set at angles to the horizontal of 81°, 55-60°, and 55° respectively. It has been reported that these vehicles were used by the motorized infantry of armored divisions. Eight variations are known to exist with designations 251/1 through 251/8. The vehicles are used for infantry, ammunition and as command vehicles with built-in wireless, or ambulances.

The suspension is the same as that utilized for the Sd. Kfz. 11, as is also the power plant and the power train.

The armament normally consists of two 7.92 mm M.G. 34’s, one on a mount welded to the front of the chassis and one on an antiaircraft pedestal mount in the rear of the vehicle. Reports have been received that the 2 cm Kw.K. 30 is also mounted. The vehicle has a seating capacity for eleven men, including the driver.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         7.7 tons
Length 19 ft.
Width 7 ft.
Height 7 ft.
Ground clearance 12 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact 5 ft., 11 ins.
Width of track 11 ins.
Track links 55
Pitch of track 5.5 ins.
Fording depth 20 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 185 miles
     Cross-country 80 miles
Speed
     Roads
     Cross-country
Armor
     Front plate 15 mm
     Sides 8.5 mm
Armament 2 7.92 M.G. 34’s
Ammunition (rds.)
Trailer load 3.3 tons
Engine Maybach, NL 42 TUKRR, 100 hp.
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering Front wheel and track epicyclic
Crew 11

German: p. 45

Categories
German

l. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 250): Light Armored Personnel Carrier

l. gp. Mannsch. Kw. (Sd. Kfz. 250): Light Armored Personnel Carrier

This is a light armored personnel carrier with the chassis of a 1-ton light semitrack. It is often used by antitank units and, towing a small trailer, by infantry units in motorized formations. The front of the chassis, with its pneumatic tires mounted on disk-type wheels, and the forward superstructure are similar to that of the ordinary motor car. The riding compartment at the rear is built low and has a seating capacity for six men including the driver. Four vision ports are provided, two in the front plate of the driving compartment and one at each side thereof. The thickness of the superstructure plate averages from 10 to 15 mm.

The vehicle is powered by a Maybach, 6-cylinder, water-cooled engine rated 100 horsepower. The transmission, of the semiautomatic preselective type, provides seven forward speeds and three reverse. The drive is taken to the final drive sprockets from the spiral beveled gear on the forward end of the lower gearbox shaft, through a gear train and a differential unit of the spur gear and pinion type. The steering brakes, utilized for turns over 15° are built into the gear train and act on the epicyclic reduction units.

The flexible track suspension consists of front sprocket and rear idler and four pairs of rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side. The front of the vehicle is mounted on two single pneumatic-tired wheels, fitted on an axle suspended by a single transverse semi-elliptic spring.

Armament for this vehicle is a machine gun mounted within a shield at the forward end of the riding compartment.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         5 tons
Length 15 ft.
Width 6 ft., 5 ins.
Height 6 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Width of track 9 1/2 ins.
Pitch of track 6 5/16 ins.
Track links 38
Fording depth 27 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
    Roads 190 miles
    Cross-country 130 miles
Speed
    Roads
    Cross-country
Armor
    Front plate 15 mm (approx.)
    Sides 10 mm (approx.)
Armament M.G. 34
Ammunition
Engine Maybach, 6-cyl., 100 hp. HL 42 TRKM
Transmission Preselective—7 forward speeds, 3 reverse
Steering 15° and over, epicyclic controlled differential
Crew 6

German: p. 44

Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231, 232, 263): 8-Wheeled Armored Cars

Panzerspahwagen

The “8 Rad Panzerspahwagen” is the standard heavy armored car now in use by the Germans. It is a highly mobile, cross-country vehicle used by reconnaissance units. The car is armed with one 20 mm automatic cannon and one 7.92 mm machine gun, coaxially mounted in the turret. A 9 mm M.P. 38 or 40 is also carried. It is also equipped with periscope attachments for the camera used on scouting missions.

This vehicle is unusual in that all eight wheels are powered, and a steering control system at each end enables the crew to operate it from either end quite efficiently. The rear end control can be engaged or disengaged, whereas the front end control is permanently engaged.

The wheel suspension is very flexible. It consists of four longitudinal semi-elliptic springs, two on each side of the frame. Each spring is secured to the vehicle frame at its center on a fiber bearing to permit easy maneuvering over rough terrain.

The engine is a water-cooled, V-8, gasoline type of approximately 155 horsepower. The transmission has six speeds that can be used in either direction.

There are several variations of this car: one with radio and antenna and another without; one with a rotating turret; one with a fixed turret; and a turretless type mounting the 75 mm short tank gun, Kw.K.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         8 1/2 tons
Length 19 ft., 2 ins.
Width 7 ft., 3 ins.
Height 7 ft., 10 ins.
Ground clearance (belly) 13.7 ins.
Suspension 8 single wheels; knee action; semi-elliptic springs
Wheel base (overall) 13 ft., 5 1/2 ins.
Size tires 8.27 x 18
Fording depth 2 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
    Roads 165 miles
    Cross-country 110 miles
Speed
    Roads 50 m.p.h.
    Cross-country 20 m.p.h.
Armor
    Front plate 15 mm
    Sides 8 mm
Armament 2 cm Kw.K. 30
  7.92 mm M.G. 34
  9 mm M.P. 38 or 40
Ammunition 2.0 cm gun — 180 rds.
  7.92 mm M.G. — 2,100 rds.
  9 mm M.P. — 192 rds.
Engine Bussing-NAG, V-8, 155 B.H.P.
Transmission Constant mesh, helical ear—6 speeds forward, 6 reverse
Steering Worm and nut
Crew 4

German: p. 43

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 15: Flexible Aircraft Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 15: Flexible Aircraft Machine Gun

The M.G. 15, a reliable weapon, was the standard flexible aircraft machine gun in the German Air Force until it was replaced by the M.G. 81, because the latter is more easily manufactured. It is still used in some aircraft, however, and has been recently modified by the addition of a bipod and ground sights for use as a ground weapon for air force troops. Its efficiency as a ground gun is questionable because of the difficulty of changing barrels.

It is a recoil-operated, gas-assisted, drum-fed, air-cooled, automatic gun. The M.G. 15 has a Solothurn-type action, except that the locking arrangement is placed on the rear of the bolt instead of on the bolthead as in other German Solothurn-type guns. It was the first Nazi weapon to be fed by a saddle-type drum.

The Japanese have painstakingly copied it, even to the ammunition, and call their version the Model 98 (1938) 7.92 mm Aircraft Flexible Gun.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Ammunition All 7.92 mm Mauser types
Weight 15 lb., 2 oz.
Feed Saddle-type drum (75-rd. capacity)
Rate of fire (cyclic) 1,000–1,100 rds./min.
Mount Flexible ball or ground bipod
Sights Aircraft ring and post or ground type.
Front—Blade. Rear—Adjustable open sight graduated 0-1200 meters (0-1308 yds.) in graduations of 200 meters.

German: p. 219

Categories
German

9 mm M.P. 34/1 (Bergmann): Submachine Gun

9 mm M.P. 34 Bergmann Submachine Gun

The Bergmann 9 mm machine pistol, M.P. 341, is a semi- or full-automatic, air-cooled, blow-back-operated submachine gun which is fed by a box magazine containing 32 rounds. It is manufactured commercially in Germany for use by the German Army. It is also used by other countries in modified forms. This is only one of several types of submachine guns.

The barrel and moving parts are, except for the trigger mechanism, housed in a long cylindrical tube. The forward end of this tube is perforated and forms a cooling jacket for the barrel; the rear portion serves as a receiver or housing for the bolt group. The M.P. 341, unlike the M.P. 181, is cocked by a turning bolt handle, and has a positive safety mechanism.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         9 mm (actually .347 in.)
Length 33 ins.
Length of barrel 7 3/4 ins.
Weight 9 lb.
Feed Box magazine—capacity 32 rds.
Rate of fire 500 rds./min. (maximum)
  120 rds./min. (practical)
Range 218 yds. (effective)
Sights Front—blade
  Rear—Leaf on ramp, graduated up to 1,000 meters

German: p. 204

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