Tag: German

Categories
German

Kfz. 2 S: Amphibious Volkswagen

Kfz. 2 S: Amphibious Volkswagen Schwimmwagen

The basic construction of this vehicle is identical with that of the standard type 82 Volkswagen. Front wheel drive has been added to the ingenious positive lock differential rear drive already employed and removes all objections to its poor cross-country performance.

The steering assembly and the front wheel suspension are placed outside a watertight bulkhead.

A rubber sealed stuffing box is used for the front wheel drive shaft. In the rear the suspension is mounted outside the watertight hull. The only openings are for each drive shaft. These are entirely hooded by two bellows type rubber boots that sheath the axle allowing movement in all directions.

Shock absorbers are provided for each wheel. In the front they are mounted outside the hull. In the rear, a watertight shaft extends through the hull from shock absorber to wheel.

Normal grease seals on the rear axle keep water from seeping into the differential and transmission assemblies.

The transmission, transfer case and the positive locking differential comprise a unit assembly secured to the floor at its extreme rear end. A power takeoff has been added to the normal transmission to provide front wheel drive. A cross-country gear position is also provided. It is an extra low gear necessitating the normal transmission be kept in neutral position when used.

The clutch is a dry single disc foot operated type. The propeller assembly is mounted on a spring-loaded hinge that is positioned in the rear directly in line with the hand crank pulley. It incorporates a slip clutch to eliminate damage to the propeller blades by underwater obstructions. Engagement direct with the engine is made through a dog clutch sealed by a rubber bushing on the engine side.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         2,040 lbs.
Loading capacity 960 lbs.
Length (overall–propeller down) 150 ins.
     (overall–propeller up) 140 ins.
Width (overall) 55 ins.
Height (overall to top of windshield) 57 ins.
     (overall less windshield) 38 ins.
Ground clearance 11.5 ins.
Tread centers 47 ins.
Wheelbase 78 ins.
Tire size 5.25 x16–one spare
Fuel tank 13 gallons, 70 octane
Fuel consumption (land) 20 m.p.g.
     (water) Unknown
Fording depth Unlimited
Speed (land) 46.5 m.p.h.
     (water) 7.5 m.p.h.
Engine 4 cyl. horizontally opposed, air-cooled
Horsepower 24.5 at 3,300 r.p.m.
Ignition Bosch, 6 volt coil
Battery 6 volt
Transmission 4 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Normal–front wheels

German: p. 58.1

Categories
German

m. Zgkw. 8t Sd. Kfz. 7 (3.7 cm Flak 36): Antiaircraft Gun on Semitrack Chassis

m. Zgkw. 8t Sd. Kfz. 7 (3.7 cm Flak 36): Antiaircraft Gun on Semitrack Chassis

The 3.7 cm Flak 36 has also been mounted on the chassis of the 8-ton medium prime mover described on page 54. Data on the weapon may be found on page 130.1.

German: p. 54.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

m. Zgkw. 8t Sd. Kfz. 7 (2 cm Flakvierling 38): A.A./A.T. Gun on Semitrack Chassis

m. Zgkw. 8t Sd. Kfz. 7 (2 cm Flakvierling 38): A.A./A.T. Gun on Semitrack Chassis

The 2 cm Flakvierling 38 has been mounted, as illustrated above, on the chassis of the 8-ton medium semitrack prime mover described on page 54. Details of the weapon and its performance may be found on page 133.

German: p. 54.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. “Panther” für 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (Sd. Kfz. 173): S.P. Antitank or Assault Gun (Gun Motor Carriage)

Jagdpanther - Pz. Jäg. Panther für 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (Sd. Kfz. 173)

The standard Model A Panther chassis is used for building this vehicle. The vehicle embodies all of the engineering principles and methods of design accumulated by the Germans up to the time of its production, and is quite effective as an antitank or assault weapon.

The hull and fighting compartment are of all welded construction. The fighting compartment is 45 inches in height at the front and 57 inches at the rear. The length of the roof is 93 inches and the width 72 inches.

The steering mechanism, “one radius steering,” is new. It is unnecessary to engage the transmission in order to turn or traverse the tank through 360 degrees. The use of either steering lever will traverse the tank in a small radius or on the spot. The annulus gear of each of the two epicyclics is driven by the transmission output shaft and is subject to seven speeds forward and one reverse. The sun gears are held stationary on the straightaway by steering brakes. In making a turn, the inside sun gear is released to rotate backward for a sharper turn, the inside sun gear is driven by engagement through a steering clutch with the engine.

The vehicle is armed with the 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 gun in a massive cast steel mantlet which is flexibly mounted in a cast steel ring welded to the front plate. Traverse is 11 degrees. Stowage is provided for 29 rounds of each of two types of ammunition. One M.G. 34 is ball mounted in the front plate to the right. Driver’s vision is by periscope. Fuel capacity is 193 gallons, of which 34 gallons are held in auxiliary.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         45 tons
Length (overall) Including gun 28 ft., 4 ins.
     Excluding gun 22 ft., 8 ins.
Width (overall) 10 ft., 10 ins.
Height (overall) 9 ft., 10 ins.
Ground clearance 21 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 7½ ins.
Ground contact 12 ft., 9½ ins.
Width of track 26 ins.
Pitch of track 6 ins.
Track links 67
Fording depth 67 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 124 miles
     Cross-country 62 miles
Speed
     Roads 34 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15-18 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 80 mm at 55° to the vertical
     Sides 45 mm at 30° to the vertical
     Rear 40 mm at 30° to the vertical
     Top 17 mm at 85° to the vertical
Armament 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (MV 3.280 f/s, A.P.C.B.C.), M.G. 34
Ammunition (Rds.) 58 (8.8 cm)
Engine Maybach HL 230 P 30 V12 gasoline
Transmission Synchromesh 7 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering One radius double drive epicyclic
Crew 5

German: p. 38.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

28/32 cm schweres Wurfgerät 40 and 41: Transportable Rocket Projectors

28/32 cm schweres Wurfgerät 40 and 41: Transportable Rocket Projectors These two rocket projectors, or ramps, differ from each other only in construction details and in the material used. The Schweres Wurfgerät 40 is made of wood and weighs 115 pounds; the 41 model is of metal, weighing 243 pounds. Each is designed to carry four crates of the 32 cm incendiary rocket (page 353) or the 28 cm high explosive rocket (page 354).

Either model is adjustable for elevation. Firing is accomplished by the hand electric firing system provided for the crates themselves. Maximum ranges for these projectors are identical: 2,106 yards for the 28 cm Wurfkörper Spr. and 2,406 yards for the 32 cm Wurfkörper M. Fl. 50.

German: p. 349 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

28/32 cm Nebelwerfer 41: Rocket Projector

28/32 cm Nebelwerfer 41: Rocket Projector This rocket projector fires the 28 cm high explosive rocket (page 354) and the 32 cm incendiary rocket (page 353). Ranges are given below.

This device, which functionally does not differ from the 15 cm and 21 cm Nebelwerfers, consists of six projectors grouped in two tiers of three each, mounted on a two-wheel trailer. The cages are constructed of round steel bars shaped to the outside contours of the 32 cm rocket. Detachable liners for the forward end of the projectors permit the use of 28 cm rockets. The portion of the projector holding the propelling chamber remains the same for both rounds.

The firing mechanism is electric. Traverse (approximately 30°) and elevation (from 0 to 45°) are bymeans of cranks.

The piece is fired from its mounting and is held in position by two jacks in front and a small spadelike arrangement in the rear.

The equipment weighs approximately 2,460 lbs.

German: p. 349 (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)

Categories
German

20 cm K. (E): Railway Gun

20cm-railway-gun

Batteries of these railway guns in concrete emplacements were found on both the Cherbourg and Brest Peninsulas in France. Equipment consisted of the gun, carriage, turntable, power plant and electrical operating unit, and ammunition car.

The piece is of the built-up type, consisting of a tube and two jackets. It is screwed into the breech ring. The breechblock is of the horizontal sliding wedge type. The hydropneumatic recoil system has two cylinders located under the carriage; the pistons are fastened to the lower end of the breech ring.

The carriage, when mounted on a turntable, has a traverse of 360 degrees; it is estimated that elevation is from 0 to 840 mils.The turntable, consisting of two sections bolted together, rotates on a central pivot and a portable circular track. Four wheels at each end of the turntable support it on the track. Electric motors are geared through these wheels to rotate the piece in azimuth. It is very similar to the 28 cm K. 5 (E) reported on page 100.2.

A small ammunition car, equipped with a removable roof, is mounted on trucks and runs on a two-rail track which is built in as a part of the turntable track.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight of gun       45,500 lbs.
Weight of carriage w/ gun 189,000 lbs.
Caliber 203 mm (7.982 ins.)
Weight (firing position) 92.5 tons
Length (traveling position) 63 ft. (approx.)
Height (traveling position) 13 ft.
Height (firing position)
Width (overall) 13 ft. (approx.)
Track Std. railway gage 56 1/2 ins.
Length of tube 30 ft., 7 ins.
Length of tube and breech 32 ft., 8 1/2 ins.
Length of rifling 22 ft.
Rifling Uniform R.H. twist
No. of grooves 64
Width of grooves 0.188 in. (approx.)
Depth of grooves .125 in. (approx.)
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (shell) 2,800 f/s
Range (est.) 36,000 yds.
Traverse (on turntable) 360°
Elevation (estimated) 47°
Depression 0°
Length of recoil (from recoil index slide) 25 1/2 ins.
Ammunition APCBC, APBC, HE, Practice, Illuminating with parachute
Wt. of projectile 259 lbs.
Wt. of propellant (max. charge) 96.5 lbs.

German: p. 102.1 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

The chassis of this self-propelled antitank gun is a modified version of the chassis for the Czech Model 38 tank. The lower nose of the hull is 60 mm thick set at 40° and interlocked with the sides and upper nose plate. The upper nose plate is 60 mm thick. It is positioned at an angle of 60° and extends to the top of the superstructure. Brinell hardness is approximately 240. All-welded construction is employed except in attaching roof and superstructure rear plates which are bolted on for reasons of accessibility. The two latter plates are 8 mm horizontal and 8 mm at 70° respectively. The side superstructure plates are 20 mm set at 40° with a brinell hardness of approximately 195. The hull floor plate is 10 mm. Side apron plates of 5 mm give added protection against high explosive shell fire.

The 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48), mounted 15 inches to the right of the hull center line, has an improved type of recoil mechanism. This allows the muzzle brake to be discarded. Elevation is from -6° to +10°. Traverse overall is 16° (-11° right -5° left). A new type machine gun mount is built in the roof. The machine gun is fitted with a periscopic sight and extended trigger, and may be traversed in any direction and fired from within. A Sfl ZF 1a sight and an episcope is provided for the main gunner. The sight projects through the roof. The loader has an episcope fitted in the rear portion of his hatch fixed at 6 o’clock.

The steering mechanism is the usual controlled differential type which allows curves of 29½ foot radius without “steering losses.” Curves of smaller radius are obtained by using the track brakes of the additional clutch brake system also provided.

There are two fuel tanks with a total capacity of 85 gallons. Ground pressure is 11.9 pounds per square inch. The power to weight ratio is approximately 9 HP per ton. The Fu 5 radio is fitted. Commanders equipments carry an additional Fu 8.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight in action       17.6 tons
Length (overall excluding gun) 15 ft., 11 ins.
Width (overall) 8 ft., 7 1/8 ins.
Height (overall) 6 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft., 4 3/4 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 8 ft., 11 1/2 ins.
Width of track 1 ft., 1 3/4 ins.
Pitch of track 4.1 ins.
Track links 96
Fording depth 2 ft., 11 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 50 miles
Speed
     Roads 16 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 9 m.p.h.
Armor
     Hull nose plate (lower) 60 mm at 40°
     Hull side plate 20 mm undercut 15°
     Hull tail plate 20 mm at 15°
     Glacis plate (upper nose) 60 mm at 60°
     Superstructure side plates 20 mm at 40°
     Superstructure rear plate 8 mm at 70°
     Gun mantlet 30 mm rounded
Armament 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48); one M. G. 34; one M. G. 44.
Ammunition (Rds.) 7.5 cm gun, 41 rds.; M. G. 34, 600 rds.;* M. G. 44, 180 rds.
Engine Czech EPA (Type TZJ), 6-cyl., inline, 158 hp. at 2,600 r.p.m.
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake type
Crew 4

*In addition to the ammunition mentioned above, 12 rounds of signal ammunition, 20 egg hand grenades, and 6 smoke candles are carried.

German: p. 20.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

leichtes Schützenpanzerwagen (2 cm) (Sd. Kfz. 250/9): German Halftracked Armored Car

Leichtes Schutzenpanzerwagen Sdkfz 250/9

This vehicle, adapted from the light armored personnel carrier, mounts the 2 cm tank gun, Kw. K. 38, and is effective for reconnaissance, action against lightly armored ground targets, protection of troop and supply trains, and as a personnel and supply carrier.

It differs from the basic vehicle principally in the addition of an armored turret which has been found in three forms: 10, 8, and 6-sided. The turret is of truncated cone shape and is similar to that used in the German 4-wheeled armored cars. The turret has no roof, but instead is provided with a wire mesh grill as anti-grenade protection.

The gun is mounted in the center with a 7.92 mm M. G. 34 on the left, and a telescopic sight on the right. The armament is controlled by one man who sits in a seat suspended from the right rear of the turret. A single handwheel controls traverse and elevation, or, by use of a small lever, the gun may be locked in a horizontal position. Counterbalance is maintained by two spring equilibrators, one mounted on each side. The turret is mounted on a ring permitting traverse through 360 degrees. Access to the turret is through a large entrance door in the left rear of the superstructure. The vehicle is provided with a transmitter-receiver, Fu. Spr. f, with intercommunicating facilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)       6 tons
Trailer load capacity
Length 15 ft.
Width 6 ft., 5 ins.
Height 6 ft., 10 3/4 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Track width 10 1/4 ins.
Track links 38
Fuel tank 20-25 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth 27 ins.
Speed 35 m.p.h.
Engine 6 cylinder Maybach: Watercooled, 100 hp.
Bore and stroke 90 x 110 mm
Ignition Bosch magneto
Battery 12 volt
Transmission Semi-automatic, preselective type. 7 speeds forward, 3 reverse.
Steering Front wheel-track epicyclic
Crew 3
Armament 1 20 mm tank gun (Kw. K. 38)
  1 7.92 mm machine gun (M. G. 34)
Armor
     Front plate (approx.) 15 mm
     Side plate (approx.) 6 mm
     Rear plate (approx.) 8 mm

German: p. 44.1 (April 1, 1945)