Tag: halftrack

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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. Zgkw. 12 t (Sd. Kfz. 8): Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

s. Zgkw. 12 t (Sd. Kfz. 8): Heavy Semitrack Prime Mover

The 12-ton heavy prime mover is highly mobile despite its bulky appearance. It can handle a trailer load of 13 tons and carry a crew of 11, including the driver. It has a weight distribution as follows: front wheels, 5,200 pounds; track, 21,300 pounds. Its combat weight is 16 tons.

The front suspension consists of a tubular axle of the oscillating, floating type carried by two pressed steel wheels, size 11.25 x 20, mounting extra heavy-duty tires. A traverse leaf spring is on a pivot in the center of the frame. One end of the spring is mounted to the axle through a shackle while the other end is free to slide. The rear, or track suspension, is made up of six twin rubber-tired bogie wheels mounted on torsion arms, attached to torsion bars and housed in cross tubes. The front drive sprocket and rear idler complete the assembly. The track is of the needle-bearing type with removable rubber pads.

Steering is by conventional steering wheel and through epicyclic-controlled differential to the track sprockets, being actuated by hydraulic brake bands.

Power is furnished by a Maybach V-12 over-head valve, liquid-cooled, HL 85 TUKRM gasoline engine, rated at 185 horsepower. Ignition is the conventional 12-volt Bosch magneto located behind the carburetors. All ignition wires are carried in a flexible aluminum conduit to the side of the engine.

The transmission provides four speeds forward, one reverse, with high and low range.

This vehicle is equipped with an inertia starter and a cable winch with a lifting power of 5.5 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       13 tons
Length24 ft.
Width8 ft., 2 1/2 ins.
Height9 ft., 2 ins.
Ground clearance16 ins.
Tread centers6 ft., 3 ins. (wheels, 6 ft., 9 ins.)
Ground contact8 ft., 3 ins.
Width of track15.7 ins.
Track links55
Pitch of track8 ins.
Fording depth25 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads155 miles
   Cross-country62 miles
Speed
   Roads30 m.p.h. (est.)
   Cross-country18 m.p.h. (est.)
Armor
   Front plateNone
   SidesNone
Armament
Ammunition (rds.)
EngineMaybach HL 85 TURRM, 185 hp.
Transmission4 speeds forward, 1 reverse, high and low range
Steering15° and over—Epicyclic controlled differential
Crew11

German: p. 55

Categories
German

M.G. 151/15 und M.G. 151/20 Drilling auf m. S.P.W. (Sd Kfz. 251/21): Triple Machine Gun on Semitracked Vehicle

M.G. 151/15 und M.G. 151/20 Drilling auf m. S.P.W. (Sd Kfz. 251/21): Triple Machine Gun on Semitracked Vehicle

This is the 3-ton, armored semitrack mounting triple 15 mm or 20 mm heavy machine guns of the Model 151 aircraft type. The equipment is an assault weapon intended for ground combat, and engagement of low flying aircraft is a secondary role.

The three guns, which are cocked manually and percussion fired, are set coaxially and in the same plane. Each gun is held in a standard MG 151 aircraft cradle, less the body extension. The cradles are bolted to a common block on the top bracket of the pedestal, pivoting on trunnions for elevation and depression. The top bracket is bolted to a bottom conical skirt and the whole rotates freely on a cone pedestal fixed to the floor of the vehicle. Elevation (-5° to 49°) and traverse (360°) are shoulder controlled by the firer. A brake locking device is provided for traverse.

The guns, capable of firing 700 r.p.m. each, are belt fed, the belts being contained in steel boxes, one for each gun. A total of 3,000 rounds of ammunition in belts is carried in the vehicle. Penetration of A.P. projectiles fired from the 15 mm MG 151 is reported as 18 mm from 100 meters at 30 degrees.

Sighting apparatus consists of a telescopic sight with a magnification of 3 and a field of view of 8 degrees; a cartwheel type antiaircraft sight, and a hand periscope with a magnification of 8 and a field of view of 7.5 degrees.

A further description of the components of this equipment is available on pages 45 and 252.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight      8 tons
Trailer load capacity3.3 tons
Length19 ft.
Width7 ft.
Height
Ground clearance12 ins.
Tread centers5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact5 ft., 11 ins.
Track width11 ins.
Track links55
Radius of action186 miles
Fuel tank42.5 gals.
Fuel consumption (roads)5 miles per gal.
Fording depth20 ins.
Speed30 m.p.h.
EngineMaybach, NL 42 TUKRR
Bore and stroke90 x 110 mm
Horsepower100
IgnitionBosch magneto
Battery12 volt
Transmission4 speeds forward, 1 reverse. High and low range.
SteeringFront wheel and track epicyclic
Crew4

German: p. 46.2 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

m. Flammpanzerwagen (Sd. Kfz. 251/16): Armored Flamethrower Vehicle

m. Flammpanzerwagen (Sd. Kfz. 251/16): Armored Flamethrower Vehicle

This flame-throwing vehicle is employed in association with more heavily armored panzer units. It is an adaptation of the medium armored personnel carrier on which have been mounted the various items of equipment required.

There are two large projectors mounted well back on either side of the vehicle in V-shaped shields. Each of these has a nozzle .55 inch in diameter, and a traverse of 160 degrees. The third flamethrower takes the form of the cartridge ignition projector used in the small portable flamethrower Model 42, on the end of 33 feet of hose, connecting it to the propulsion unit and fuel tank through the back of the vehicle. The nozzle of this projector is .28 inch in diameter.

Fuel propulsion is by a pump driven by a small gasoline engine supplied by a 5 1/2-gallon tank which will run the engine for two hours. One hundred and fifty-four gallons of fuel for the flamethrowers is carried. This allows about eighty bursts of one or two seconds’ duration each.

The effective range of the large flamethrowers is about 40 yards; that of the portable unit about 30 yards.

1,850 gallons of fuel are carried in the three 3-ton lorries of platoon transport. This is sufficient for two refuels for all six flamethrower vehicles of the flamethrower platoon.

The crew of the vehicle consists of one vehicle loader who also acts as wireless operator and machine gunner, two flamethrower operators, and a driver.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)     8 tons
Trailer load capacity3.3 tons
Length19 ft.
Width7 ft.
Height7 ft.
Ground clearance12 ins.
Tread centers5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact5 ft., 11 ins.
Track width11 ins.
Track links55
Fuel tank42.5 gals.
Fuel consumption5 miles per gal.
Fording depth20 ins.
Speed30 m.p.h.
EngineMaybach, NL 42 TUKRR, 100 hp.
Bore and stroke90 x 110 mm
IgnitionMagneto
Battery12 volt
Transmission4 speeds forward, 1 reverse. High and low range.
SteeringFront wheel and track epicyclic
Crew4
Armor
   Radiator cover7.5 mm at 81 degrees
   Sides8.5 mm at 55-60 degrees
   Front plate15 mm at 55 degrees
Armament2 large flamethrowers
1 portable flamethrower
2 7.92 mm M.G. 34’s

German: p. 46.1 (April 1, 1945)

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

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)

Categories
German

15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sd. Kfz. N. W. 41): Self-Propelled Rocket Projector

15-cm-panzerwerfer-42

The chassis of this self-propelled rocket projector follows the half-track design but differs materially from the standard German half-track series of prime movers.

A standard commercial chassis manufactured by Opel (Chevrolet) has been modified to carry a spacious armored body of welded plates. The hull thus formed provides a firm and stable firing platform, and permits of easy mass production. The armor is intended only for protection against small arms fire of .30 caliber. The rear wheels and springs of the original truck chassis have been displaced by a track assembly, prefabricated and then bolted to the original frame. The original rear end differential has been retained but the drive shaft has been shortened and the asembly moved forward to mount the drive sprockets. The hydraulic brake system is retained only for the front wheels. A separate cable for each sprocket brake is connected to two hand levers mounted to the right of the driver’s seat. Normal steering is assisted by the sprocket brake when necessary.

The rocket projector consists of ten tubes mounted in two layers of five each. Provision is made for a simple optical sight, and for hand wheels for a maximum of 80° elevation and a maximum traverse of 290°. The projectiles are the same as those fired from the 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 and can be electrically fired, singly or ripple, by means of a squib placed in each round. They are loaded with high explosive, smoke, and chemical warfare ammunition.

Auxiliary weapons include one 7.92 mm machine gun, M. G. 34, and three 9 mm submachine guns. Ammunition stowage is provided for ten extra rockets, 2,000 rounds for the M. G. 34, and 2,000 rounds for the submachine guns.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (net)       13,558 lb.
Trailer load capacity 2,425 lb.
Length (overall) 19 ft. 5 ins.
Width (overall) 7 ft. 2 ins.
Wheel base (approx.) 130 ins.
Height (overall) 8 ft. 6 ins.
Armor 5/32 ins. to 5/16 ins.
Ground clearance (minimum) 10 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft. 2 ins./5 ft. 11½ ins.
Ground contact (tracks) 78 ins.
Track width 10¼ ins.
Track links 82
Fuel tank 22.4 gals.
Fuel consumption Unknown
Fording depth 32 ins.
Speed 25 m.p.h.
Engine Open (Chevrolet) 6 cyl. O.H.V.
Displacement 220 cu. ins.
Horsepower 67 U.S.A.
Ignition Bosch 12 Volt (Coil)
Battery 12 Volt with special heater
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Normal assisted by differential brake
Crew 3

German: p. 48.1