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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

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 cm Nebelwerfer 40: Smoke Mortar

10 cm Nebelwerfer 40: Smoke Mortar

This weapon is designed for either smoke, chemical, or high explosive ammunition.

The smooth-bored tube of monobloc construction is independent of the breech and breech block. When the piece is loaded, both breech and breech block remain stationary, and the back end of the tube moves outward in a vertical direction in grooves cut into the inside of the legs of the breech block. During this operation, the tube pivots about its trunnions located midway between the muzzle and breech ends. There is no spring tension in the breech mechanism so that its movement is entirely manual. The piece is fired by percussion, a spring-driven firing pin being located in the breech block. The firing lever is located just below the breech operating lever.

There are two recoil cylinders, one located on either side of the tube. The cylinders are anchored to the ends of the frame, and the pistons attached to the sides of the breech. The counterrecoil system is located above the tube. Its cylinder is attached to the frame, and the piston to the yoke. Apparently both the recoil and the counterrecoil system is hydropneumatic.

The weapon is fired from the base plate (missing in photo) and wheels. In order to traverse the piece, it is pivoted about a ball and socket joint in the base plate by means of an axle traversing mechanism of ordinary design. Elevation is controlled by two parallel arcs which travel on pinions geared to and rotated by the elevating handwheel. Both traversing and elevating handwheels are located on the left side, as is also the sight bracket.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       105 mm (4.1 in.)
Weight (traveling position)
Weight (firing position)1,730 lb.
Length (traveling position)
Length (firing position)
Length of barrel(16 cals.) 66 ins.
Height (traveling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Width of trail spread
Length of bore|
No. of grooves|
Width of grooves|  Smooth bore
Depth of grooves|
Width of lands|
Muzzle velocity426-1,380 f/s**
Max. range (horizontal)6,810 yds.**
Min. range (horizontal)1,668 yds.
Max. range (vertical)
Rate of fire8-10 rds./min.
Traverse14°
Elevation45°-85°
Depression
Length of recoil
AmmunitionH.E.; Smoke; Chemical*
Wt. of projectileH.E.—20.6 lbs.
 Smoke—21.9 lbs.

*No chemical ammunition has ever been captured, although it is believed that the gun is designed for that type of shell.
**Not verified.

German: p. 110.2

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

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

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)

          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

12.8 cm Flak 40: Heavy Antiaircraft Gun

12.8 cm Flak 40: Heavy Antiaircraft Gun

This weapon, together with the 8.8 cm Flak 41, is Germany’s standard heavy antiaircraft gun. There are four different type mounts used with the gun: mobile, static, railway, and a twin mounting. When used with the latter, the equipment is known as the 12.8 cm Flakzwilling.

In construction and appearance this weapon resembles the 10.5 cm antiaircraft gun described on page 109. The barrel consists of a three-piece tube with jacket and sleeve. The breech mechanism is of the horizontal sliding block type, and an electric firing device is used. A hydropneumatic recuperator is located above the barrel, and a hydraulic buffer below.

Elevating and traversing may be operated either by power or by handwheels; are located on the right side of the equipment with the layers seated facing the gun. A machine fuze setting gear and loading and ramming gear identical with those of the 10.5 cm Flak are used.

The static mounting is a pedestal type secured to a concrete base. The cradle pivots in trunnions mounted at the extreme rear of the upper carriage, and almost in line with the breechblock. A large box-like construction, located underneath the buffer and forward of the elevating arc, contains the oil motors. The equilibrators extend from an anchoring just forward of the trunnions to the forward edge of the casing containing the oil motors.

The gun being extremely high off the ground, platforms for the gun crew are provided. The gun is fitted to receive firing data by remote control transmission. A normal panoramic sight is provided as well as an antitank sight.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       12.8 cm (5.04 ins.)
Weight (static mount) 28,600 lbs.
Weight (traveling position) 59,400 lbs.
       Mobile mount
Weight (firing position) 37,400 lbs.
       Mobile mount
Length (traveling position) 49 ft.
       overall
Length (firing position) 29 ft.
       overall
Height (traveling position)
Height (firing position)
Height of trunnions (firing position) 7 5/8 ft.
Width (overall)
Length of piece 308.5 ins. (61 calibers)
Length of rifling 255.13 ins.
Twist of rifling (increasing) 3° 20′ to 5° 30′
No. of grooves 40
Width of grooves (forward section) 0.26 in.
       (center section) 0.25 in.
Depth of grooves 0.06 in.
Width of lands (forward section) 0.13 in.
       (center section) 0.14 in.
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) 2,886 f/s
Max. range (horizontal) 20,950 meters (22,910 yds.)
Max. ceiling at 85° 14,800 meters (48,555 ft.)
Rate of fire 12 r.p.m.
Traverse 360°
Elevation 88°
Depression -3°
Length of recoil from 36 to 51 ins.
Ammunition A.P.C., H.E.
Wt. of complete round (approx.) 106 lbs.
Wt. of H.E. projectile (12.8 cm Sprgr. Patr. I. 4.5) 57 lbs.
Wt. of A.P.H.E. projectile (12.8 cm Pzgr. Patr.) 58.13 lbs.

German: p. 106.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

15 cm K. 39: Medium Field Gun

German 15 cm K. 39: Medium Field Gun

The K. 39 was gradually replacing the K. 18 as Germany’s standard medium mobile artillery weapon. It is basically the same design as the earlier model, and has an identical range, muzzle velocity, and chamber pressure. Modifications to the piece, while extensive, were confined largely to the carriage, which resembles the 15 cm s.F.H. 18, page 105.

The tube is approximately two inches longer than that of the K. 18, and the rifling was changed from a 6° constant twist to a variable one, increasing from 4° 17′ to 5° 59′. The breech mechanism is of the horizontal sliding block type. The hydraulic recoil cylinder is apparently the same as that on the K. 18, but the hydropneumatic counterrecoil cylinder is shorter and larger in diameter than that of the earlier model. Length of recoil varies from 1250 mm to 1500 mm (49.2 inches to 59.2 inches). The equilibrators of both the K. 18 and the K. 39 are of the push type, but those on the K. 39 are spring activated. Elevation and traverse are accomplished in much the same manner, changes being principally in the location of the handwheels. A rigid gunners’ platform constructed of a non-skid open steel lattice work is bolted to the upper carriage. Although awkward in appearance, it performs the function for which it was intended without hampering the movements of the crew about the gun.

Traverse has been increased from 12° to 60° by the use of a split trail with detachable spades instead of the box-type trail used on the K. 18.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        149 mm
Weight (traveling position)
Weight (firing position) 27,300 lbs.
Length (traveling position)
Length (firing position)
Height (traveling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Width of trail spread
Twist of rifling—increasing 4° 17′ to 5°
Length of barrel 325 ins.
Length of rifling 256.6 ins.
Volume of chamber 1,829 cu. ins.
M uzzle velocity 2,840 f/s
Max. range (horizontal) 24.7 km
Rate of fire
Traverse 60°
Elevation 45°
Depression 4°
Length of recoil (max.) 1,500 mm
Ammunition types H.E.; anticoncrete, APHE
Weight of max. charge 41.2 lbs.
Weight of projectile (HE) 94.6 lbs.
German: p. 104.4 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

15 cm K. 18: Medium Field Gun

15 cm K. 18: Medium Field Gun - German Artillery

This weapon was being replaced by the 15 cm K. 39 during the closing months of the European war. For transport, the K. 18 may be broken down into two loads and drawn by either horse or truck.

The built-up tube consists of a main tube, breech jacket, and breech ring. Rifling is a 6° constant twist. Hydraulic recoil and hydropneumatic counterrecoil cylinders are of standard German design. The buffer is located below, and the recuperator above the piece.

A rectangular breech ring has a crank-operated horizontal sliding type breechblock opening to the right. Two pneumatic, push-type equilibrators are incorporated in the design.

Elevation and depression are accomplished by means of an off-center elevating arc which is operated by a handwheel on the left side of the piece. The traversing handwheel is also located on the left.

The carriage is mounted on two rubber-tired wheels and has a hollow, box-type trail allowing a total traverse of 12 degrees.

The ammunition is semi-fixed; there are three charges.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber      149 mm
Weight (firing position)28,400 lbs.
Maximum chamber pressure41,200 lbs./sq. in.
Length of barrel323 ins.
Twist of rifling, constant6°
Length of rifling253 ins.
Volume of chamber1,770 cu. ins.
Muzzle velocity2,840 f/s
Max. range (horiontal)27,000 yds.
Traverse12°
Elevation43°
Depression2°
Length of recoil1,450 mm
Ammunition typesHE; anticoncrete
   Weight of max. charge42.5 lbs.
   Weight of projectile (HE)94.6 lbs.

German: p. 104.3 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

15 cm K. 16: Heavy Field Gun

German 15 cm K. 16: Heavy Field Gun

The 15 cm K. 16 differs from other German 15 cm guns by reason of its appreciably heavier projectile. The ammunition employed in the K. 16 is not interchangeable with other guns of the caliber.

This weapon is generally regarded as obsolete, although it may be employed as a coast defense weapon or in some other static role. The piece may be used on the 21 cm Howitzer carriage and then may be known as 15 cm K in Mrs. Laf.

Features of the 15 cm K. 16 are: the location of the buffer and recuperator below the piece; a large three-ribbed collar which surrounds the piece just forward of the breech ring; a cylindrical breech ring; and a box-type trail terminating in a spade of massive dimensions.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber          150 mm (5.9 ins.)
Weight in action 24,000 lbs.
Length of piece 248 ins.
Elevation 42°
Depression -3°
Traverse 8°
Maximum range 21,370 yds.*
Maximum muzzle velocity 2,480 f/s*
Ammunition H.E. Capped
Weight of projectile 113 lb.
Propellant
       16 lb. Ngl R.P. plus 3 oz. igniter powder
       26 lb. Ngl R.P. plus 3 oz. igniter powder
       29 lb. Ngl R.P. plus 3 oz. igniter powder

*Not verified.

German: p. 104.1