Tag: German

Categories
German

Sturmgeschütz 7.5 cm K. (Sd. Kfz. 142): S.P. Assault Gun

StuG III: Sturmgeschütz 7.5 cm K. (Sd. Kfz. 142): S.P. Assault Gun

The Sturmgeschütz is an assault weapon. Unlike the two other classes of self-propelled guns, antitank and artillery, which consist merely of guns placed in the hull of a tank with shields erected around the front and sides thereof, the assault gun is built into the hull and is consequently nearer the ground and has a much more solid superstructure built round the gun. The original Sturmgeschütz consisted of the turretless chassis of a Pz. Kpfw. III tank, upon which was mounted the Stu. G. 7.5 cm K., a short-barreled (69.5 inch) piece found in the first models of the Pz. Kpfw. IV. Since the power plant and other mechanical components of the chassis of the Sturmgeschütz are identical to those of the Pz. Kpfw. III tank, and their weights are approximately the same, the performance data of the two are comparable.

The turret of the original tank has been removed and replaced by a squat superstructure, reducing the height of the vehicle from 8 feet, 3 inches as a tank to 6 feet, 5 inches as an assault weapon. The gun compartment is roofed over, but there is no rotating turret. The fighting compartment is armored as follows: front 53 mm, sides 43 mm, top 11 mm.

The gun, which is mounted low in the hull and fires forward, is identical to the 7.5 cm Kpfw. K. short tank gun, originally the main armament of the Pz. Kpfw. IV tank. It is primarily a close support weapon, the ammunition scale comprising only 25% A.P. against 10% smoke and 65% H.E.; its armor-piercing performance is relatively poor. Its muzzle velocity and maximum range firing H.E. shell is 1,378 f.s. and 6,758 yards, respectively. The penetration of A.P.C.B.C. shell against homogeneous armor is reported as follows: 500 yards, 1.81 inches at 30° obliquity, 2.16 inches normal—1000 yards, 1.61 inches at 30°, 1.97 inches normal—1,200 yards, 1.57 inches at 30°, 1.89 inches normal.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         21 tons
Length 17 ft., 9 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 ins.
Ground clearance 14 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 2 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 90
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed
     Roads 28 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.5 cm Kw. K.
Ammunition 84 rds.
Engine Maybach V-12, HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 4

German: p. 26

Categories
German

8.8 cm Racketenpanzerbüchse 43 (8.8 cm R PzB 43) and 8.8 cm Racketenpanzerbüchse 54 (8.8 cm R PzB 54): Rocket Launcher

Panzerschreck Rocket Launcher: 8.8 cm Racketenpanzerbüchse 43 (8.8 cm R PzB 43) and 8.8 cm Racketenpanzerbüchse 54 (8.8 cm R PzB 54) Rocket Launchers

The German antitank rocket launcher (Racketenpanzerbüchse 43), one of which was recently captured in Italy, is a comparatively new design, similar in appearance and operation to the American “Bazooka.” The German weapon is of larger caliber and is heavier than its American counterpart. It employs an 8.8 cm rocket (3.5 inches) weighing 7.16 pounds; the 2.36 inch American rocket, M6A3, weighs 3.5 pounds. The launcher, which is shoulder fired and handled by a two-man team, has a maximum range of 132 yards and a muzzle velocity of 346 f/s. It is 64.5 inches long, has an outside diameter of 3.7 inches; weighs 20.5 pounds; and is equipped with a foresight, a rearsight, and a carrying sling. An improved model with a face shield is known as 8.8 cm R PzB54.

After insertion into the tube, the round is prevented from slipping back by a retaining catch and from slipping forward by a spring-loaded plunger which engages the front edge of the tail unit. An electric socket inside a housing is located at the rear left side of the tube. The firing mechanism, which is also situated underneath the tube, consists of a spring-loaded rod (which is drawn forward into a compressed position when the piece is cocked) and a cylindrical component which appears to contain a magnetized rod and a coil. Two wires attached to this current-producing component connect with the socket on the launcher and with the plunger which contacts the tail of the projectile. When the trigger is pressed, the magnetized rod under the action of the compressed spring passes through the coil generating a current which is transmitted to the sparking element of the propellant igniting it.

The projectile, which is of the hollow charge type, has a nose fuze; the motor tube contains the propellant; and the tail is of the circular-fin type.

Categories
German

2 cm Flak 38 Geb.: A.A./A.T. Mountain Gun

Gebirgsflak 38: 2 cm Flak 38 Geb.: A.A./A.T. Mountain Gun

The 2 cm Flak 38, used in mountainous territory, is a semi- or full-automatic, short recoil operated gun. It is fed with a box type magazine containing 20 rounds. The breechblock is of the Solothurn type. The barrel is equipped with a flash hider. It is the 2 cm Flak 38 gun on a light mount.

This weapon is fired by means of a foot pedal on the right front of the mount. The layer’s seat behind the gun rotates with the mount in traverse. Elevating and traversing are manual by means of handwheels located on the right and left sides of the mount respectively. There are two speeds both in elevating and traversing; high speed is obtained by compressing a lever in the handwheel grip.

A small shield is attached to the front of the cradle, and a large shield of two sections is attached to the front of the mount. This mount is a two-wheeled, pneumatic-tired trailer and pack type which may be towed by a prime mover or taken apart and transported in sections by horse or foot troops.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         20 mm (.79 in.)
Length of tube (with flash hider) 56.6 ins.
Weigth (travelling position) 825 lb.
Weight (firing position) 690 lb.
Length (travelling position) 143 ins.
Length (firing position)
Height (travelling position) 50-57 ins.
Height (firing position) 31-42 ins. mounted flush
Width (overall); (travelling position) 47 ins.
Width of trail spread
Length of bore 44 ins.
No. of grooves
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 2,950 f.s.;
(A.P. shell) 2,624 f.s.
Max. range (horizontal) 5,246 yds.
Max. range (vertical) 4,012 yds.
Rate of fire 220 yds. (practical): 450 (theoretical)
Traverse 360°
Elevation +90°
Depression -20°
Length of recoil
Ammunition H.E. (four types): A.P. (two types)
Wt. of 1 magazine of 20 rds 21 lb.

German: p. 137

Categories
German

2 cm Flakvierling 38: A.A./A.T. Gun

2 cm Flakvierling 38: A.A./A.T. Gun

The 2 cm Flakvierling 38, consisting of four 2 cm Flak 38’s on a quadruple mounting, may be employed against both ground and aerial targets. It is normally transported on a trailer (Sd. Ah. 52) but may be mounted on railed or semi-tracked vehicles. The Trailer 52 consists of a wishbone-shaped, welded 1/4 inch steel plate frame supported on pneumatic tires. Because of its collapsing seats, folding handles, and handy ammunition racks, the Flakvierling 38 is a trim, compact, and conveniently operated weapon. The monobloc barrels may be quickly and easily changed, and the piece rapidly emplaced for fire.

The method of operation is basically that of the Solothurn. Both barrel and bolt recoil a short distance together; the barrel stops, and the bolt continues on to the rear. The guns fire from an open bolt position and may be operated either automatically or semi-automatically. Each one is equipped with a spring type equilibrator that is attached to the mount.

The mount consists of a triangular base which has a jack at each apex for leveling the gun when it is in firing position; a traversing ring which is fixed to the base and upon which the carriage body sits; and the carriage body, which in turn supports the four barrels and accessories. A compensator bolted to the carriage body counteracts muzzle preponderance.

The guns are fired by a set of foot pedals; each of two pedals fires two diametrically opposite guns. The mount is traversed and elevated manually by the tracker who has the two handwheels within easy reach. Empty cartridge cases are ejected toward the center of the gun mount into chutes leading to a deflector box which holds about 500 cases.

Sighting equipment for the Flakvierling 38 consists of the tachymetric sight, Flakvisier 40, or for ground targets, the Linealvisier 21.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         2 cm (.79 in.)
Length of tube 45.82 ins. plus flash hider of 5.75 ins.
Weight (travelling position) 4,890 lb.
Weight (firing position) 3,200 lb.
Length (overall) 169 ins.
Length (firing position)
Height (travelling position) 84 ins.
Height (firing position) guns elevated 10 ft., 1 in.
Width (overall), (travelling position) 95 ins.
Width of trail spread
Length of bore
No. of grooves 8 lands and grooves
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 2,950 f.s.
(A.P. shell) 2,624 f.s.
Max. range (horizontal) 5,246 yds.
Max. range (vertical) 4,012 yds.
Rate of fire 800 practical; 1,400 cyclic rds. per min.
Traverse 360°
Elevation 100°
Depression -10°
Length of recoil
Ammunition H.E. four types; A.P. two types
Wt. of 1 magazine of 20 rds 21 lb.
Ammunition stowage 320 rds.

German: p. 133

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r) (Sd. Kfz. 139): S.P. Antitank Gun (on Czech Chassis)

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r) (Sd. Kfz. 139): S.P. Antitank Gun (on Czech Chassis): Marder III Panzerjäger

This vehicle is an ex-Czech light tank chassis mounting a Russian 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r). The mechanical layout and components are identical with those of the Pz. Kpfw. 38 (t) tank and its road performance will therefore be similar.

The conversion to a self-propelled mounting has been achieved by the removal of the turret and the superstructure top plate of the original tank. The turntable for the gun is mounted on the superstructure at four points on transverse and lateral beams. A three-sided shield of 10 mm plate is secured by bolting and welding to the original front gun shield, and by tubular supports to the mounting. This shield traverses with the gun. A sliding mantlet is provided in the shield to permit elevation and depression of the gun. A lower, fixed three-sided shield is bolted to the superstructure. This is of 15 mm plate. The sloping side covers have been replaced by flat hatches hinged to the sides.

The gun is of monobloc construction with detachable breech ring. It has an over-all length, including the double baffle muzzle brake and breech lock, of 163 1/2 ins. The elevating gear is driven from a handwheel, on a traverse axis, on the left of the gun. The traversing gear is hand operated from the right. The gun has the following muzzle velocities: HE shell, 1805 f.s; A.P.C. shell, 2430 f.s. The penetration performance firing A.P.C. shell against homogeneous armor is as follows: 500 yards 3.7 ins. at 30° obliquity, 1000 yards 3.2 ins. at 30°, 4.1 ins. normal—2000 yards 2.5 ins at 30°, 3.1 ins. normal—2500 yards 2.2 ins. at 30°, 2.8 ins. normal.

Additional armament on this vehicle consists of a 7.92 M.G. 37 (t) on a ball mounting in front superstructure; Discharger for 5 smoke generators, fired by cable from fighting compartment; 9 mm machine carbine.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         11 tons
Length 15 ft., 3 ins.
Width 7 ft.
Height 8 ft., 1 1/2 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 9 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 8 ft., 63 ins.
Width of track 11 ins.
Pitch of track 41 ins.
Track links 89
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 140 miles
     Cross-country 100 miles
Speed
     Roads 25 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 25 + 25 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r)
7.92 mm M.G. 37 (t)
Ammunition (rds.) 7.62 cm gun 28
M.G. 1500
Wt. of Projectiles
     A.P.C. 16.7 lb.
     H.E. 12.6 lb.
Engine Praga 6-cyl., gasoline, 125 h.p.
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 4

German: p. 21

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. II (F) (Sd. Kfz. 122): Flamethrower Tank

Pz. Kpfw. II (F) (Sd. Kfz. 122): Flamethrower Tank

The flamethrower tank, Pz. Kpfw. II (F) is a conversion of Pz. Kpfw. II, Models D and E, which employed the four bogie wheel suspension, and should not be confused with the Model F, which utilizes the five bogie wheel type of suspension. The road performance of the flamethrower tank approximates that of Models D and E.

The flamethrower projectors, having a range of about 35 yards, are mounted in small turrets set well forward on each trackguard. The turrets have 180° traverse while the projectors themselves have a limited elevation. Fuel is supplied from two tanks, provided with armored shields, which are mounted externally on the trackguards, and by compressed nitrogen from the four nitrogen cylinders located inside, below the turret. The tanks have a capacity of 35 gals. each. Two small cylinders mounted just behind the projector turrets contain acetylene, which is used for fuel ignition. The flamethrower is controlled electrically from panels in the turret.

Since this equipment is essentially a close-combat weapon, the tank is liberally fitted for smoke production to screen its movements. Not only is the normal smoke generator rack fitted at the rear, but there is on each trackguard a triple smoke generator discharger, aimed to fire forward, and bowden cable controlled from the turret. Armament also includes a machine gun on a ball mounting in the turret.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         11 tons
Length 16 ft.
Width 7 ft., 6 ins.
Height 6 ft., 9 ins.
Ground clearance 12 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 10 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 10 ins.
Width of track 11 1/8 ins.
Pitch of track 6 3/4 ins.
Track links 55
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 125 miles
     Cross-country 85 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 30 mm
     Sides 15 mm
Armament Two independent flamethrowers
One M.G.
Ammunition Flamethrower—70 gals.
M.G. 1800 rds.
Engine 140 B.H.P. Maybach, HL 62 TRM
Transmission 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 3

German: p. 9

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. III Aus. L, M, N, O (Sd. Kfz. 141): Medium Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. III Ausf. L, M, N, O (Sd. Kfz. 141): Medium Tanks: Panzer III

Model L—In this model the loader’s visor in the right of the gun mantlet has been omitted as well as the vision openings on each side of the turret in front of the access doors. Spaced armor is always fitted on the front of the superstructure and fittings for spaced armor are provided on the gun mantlet, but the curved spaced plate is not always fitted in the latter position. The long 5.0 cm Kw.K. 39 is balanced by a torsion bar. The torsion bar compensator is mounted on the roof of the turret and connected to the gun by means of a link. On the cupola of this model a metal framework is attached, probably to serve as a rest for the gun. In other respects Model L is identical to Model J. German markings on this tank indicate that it was prepared for tropical or desert use. Preparation consisted of slight changes in the air-cooling system and addition of deflectors on the rear of the tank to prevent the exhaust gases and cooling air from striking the ground.

Model M—This model is similar to Model L with the exception that it has no loading doors fitted on the side of the hull.

Models N, O—Reports indicate the existence of these models but no details are available.

A few Model L tanks and many Model M and N tanks now mount the 7.5 cm Kw.K., which is the short gun formerly fitted in the Pz. Kpfw. IV. Recent models of the Pz. Kpfw. III now in service mount, therefore, either the 5 cm long gun or the 7.5 cm short gun. When the latter gun is mounted, the spaced armor plate on the gun mantlet and the fittings for it are omitted altogether. The mantlet is one of the Pz. Kpfw. III type without loader’s visor, but the recoil gear casing and armored protecting sleeve in front of the mantlet are of the type provided on the Pz. Kpfw. IV. In a captured Model N mounting a short 7.5 cm Kw.K., the sighting telescope was a T.Z.F. 5b, which is the type used with this gun in the older Pz. Kpfw. IV’s, Stu. G. 7.5 cm K.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         22 tons
Length 17 ft., 9 ins.
Width 9 ft., 8 ins.
Height 8 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 14 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 2 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 90
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed
     Roads 28 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 50 + 20 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.5 cm Kw.K.
2 MG 34’s
Ammunition 5.0 cm gun—78 rds.
MG’s—4950 rds.
Engine Maybach V-12, HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Manual operation, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 25

Categories
German

m. Zgkw. 5t (Sd. Kfz. 6): Medium Semitrack Prime Mover

m. Zgkw. 5t (Sd. Kfz. 6): Medium Semitrack Prime Mover

This is the medium 5-ton semitrack prime mover. It is designed as an artillery tractor to tow the piece and carry the gun crew of fourteen men. It is similar in design to all of the standard line of semitrack prime movers for artillery. It can tow a trailer load of 11,000 pounds when loaded to a combat weight of 19,360 pounds. The weight distribution on the front axle is 2,860 pounds, and on the track 16,500 pounds.

The suspension is made up of six dual-rim, rubber-tired bogie wheels, three of which are alternately straddle-mounted to torsion bars, followed by the idler which just clears the ground. The sprocket is fitted with contact rollers and rigidly mounted to the frame.

The vehicle is powered by a Maybach NL 38 TRKM 95 horsepower engine fitted with standard 12-volt Bosch magneto ignition and No. 40 JFF 2 Solex Carburetor.

The transmission combines the final drive which includes an epicyclic reduction gear for each sprocket. Steering is effected from the steering wheel in the usual manner up to 15°, after which the epicyclic steering brakes cause a reduction in the speed of the track on the inside of the turn, while through the differential a relative compensating action takes place.

This vehicle has a fuel tank capacity of 47 gallons; its highway fuel consumption is 1 gallon in 4 miles. The lifting winch which is fitted to the rear has a lifting power of 2.7 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         8 tons
Length 19 ft., 9 ins.
Width 7 ft., 2 ins.
Height 8 ft., 2 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 7 ins.
Ground contact 6 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 12.6 ins.
Track links 55
Pitch of track
Fording depth 2 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 180 miles
     Cross-country 71 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 18 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate
     Sides
Armament
Ammunition
Engine 6-cyl. Maybach HL 42 TRKM—100 hp.
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering 15° and over—Epicyclic controlled differential
Crew 15

German: p. 53

Categories
German

l. Zgkw. 3t (Sd. Kfz. 11): Light Semitrack Prime Mover

l. Zgkw. 3t (Sd. Kfz. 11): Light Semitrack Prime Mover

The following variations of the 3-ton light semitrack prime mover are known: (1) medium armored personnel carrier (Sd. Kfz. 251); (2) smoke vehicle (Sd. Kfz. 11/1) when it is apparently fitted with racks to carry generators; (3) medium decontamination vehicle (Sd. Kfz. 11/2); (4) medium bulk contamination vehicle (Sd. Kfz. 11/3); (5) ambulance. The vehicle is also used for mounting antiaircraft weapons.

The body and frame are constructed of electrically welded steel.

The suspension is the normal type as used for semitrack vehicles. Six pressed-steel, double-rim bogie wheels are straddle mounted on torsion bars which are housed in cross tubes, each containing two torsion bars. The track consists of rubber-pad track blocks which contain needle-bearings.

A normal type forged front axle is used to carry two pressed-steel wheels with 7.5 x 18 tires. No front brakes are provided. Triangular radius rods similar to conventional Ford system are attached from axle to cross members at rear of engine.

The power plant consists of a 6-cylinder, in-line, valve-in-head, liquid-cooled engine Maybach engine, type NL 42 TUKRR, rated 100 horsepower.

The vehicle has a radius of action of 168 miles on roads and 84 miles cross-country. It has a seating capacity for eight men, including the driver.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         6 tons
Length 18 ft.
Width 6 ft., 7 ins.
Height 7 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 12.5 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact 5 ft., 11 ins.
Width of track 11 ins.
Track links 54
Pitch of track 5.5 ins.
Fording depth 20 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 168 miles
     Cross-country 84 miles
Speed
     Roads
     Cross-country
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, controlled by normal steering wheel
Crew         8

German: p. 52

Categories
German

30 mm Mk. 101 (Rheinmetall): Aircraft Machine Gun

30 mm Mk. 101 (Rheinmetall): Aircraft Machine Gun

The Mk. 101, also known as the M.G. 101, is a scaled-up version of the Solothurn S-18-1000, 20 mm antitank rifle used by the Swiss, Italians, Hungarians, and to some small extent the Germans. It is Germany’s first attempt to put a gun of over 20 mm caliber in an airplane. It was designed to be used principally for antitank work, but a high-explosive round is furnished for antipersonnel use.

It has been used mostly on the Russian front in the Heinkel 129, a heavily armored plane especially designed for ground attack. Neither the Mk. 101 nor the plane has worked out too well, and a new 23 mm Mauser cannon and two new 30 mm guns, the Mk. 107 and Mk. 108, are now coming into use in the German Air Force.

In the Heinkel 129, the Mk. 101 was fixed to a mount that could be attached to the bomb racks under the fuselage when the plane was sent on a tank-hunting or other special mission. The gun is a recoil-operated, magazine- or drum-fed, semi- or full-automatic, air-cooled weapon. It does not have a particularly high velocity; the armor-piercing, high-explosive tracer ammunition gives a velocity of 2,330 f/s, and the light armor-piercing tungsten carbide-cored round, 2,800 f/s.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         30 mm (1.18 ins.)
Operation Recoil
Feed system 10- or 20-round box magazine; 30-round drum
Weight 394 lb. (without mount)
Length 96 ins. (overall)

German: p. 253