Tag: panzer iv

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German

Pz. Kpfw. IV Aus. F1, F2, G, H, K (Sd. Kfz. 161): Medium Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. IV Aus. F1, F2, G, H, K (Sd. Kfz. 161): Medium Tanks

Model F—The hull, superstructure, and turret, as in all other known models of the Pz. Kpfw. IV, is of welded construction. The basic frontal armor, including superstructure and turret of Model F, was increased to 50 mm; on the sides to 30 mm. The main hull superstructure projects over the top of the tracks, providing additional stowage space and a wide base upon which to mount the turret. The turret floor is carried by brackets from the turret ring and consequently rotates with the turret.

The suspension consists of 4 bogie assemblies, each fitted with two rubber-tired bogie wheels 18 1/2 inches in diameter on each side, with a quarter elliptic spring anchored beneath the leading axle arm of each assembly. There is a front sprocket, the spokes of which are bent outward from the hub cap giving the outside a dished appearance, a rear idler which has 7 spokes instead of 8 as in previous models, and 4 return rollers.

The power plant consists of a Maybach HL 120 TRM, V-12 O.H.V., 4-stroke, gasoline engine, rated 320 B.H.P. at 3,000 r.p.m.

The armament consists of a 7.5 cm Kw. K., 24 cals. in length, a coaxial 7.92 mm MG 34 mounted in the turret, and a 7.92 mm MG 34 at the right of the front plate of the superstructure.

Model F2—Same as Model F except that it carried the initial experimental mounting of the Kw. K. 40, 43 cals. in length.

Model G—Produced in 1942. Same as Model F except that the mounting of the Kw. K. 40 was continued. The gun was fitted with a double baffle muzzle brake.

Models H, K—These models are referred to in German documents published during 1943.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         26 tons
Length 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height 8 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 98
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
     Roads 130 miles
     Cross-country 80 miles
Speed:
     Road 28 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor:
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.5 cm Kw. K. 40
2 MG’s 34
Ammunition 7.5 cm gun—87 rds.
MG’s—2,250 rds.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 32

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. IV Aus. A, B, C, D, E (Sd. Kfz. 161): Medium Tanks

Panzer IV: Pz. Kpfw. IV Ausf. A, B, C, D, E (Sd. Kfz. 161): Medium Tanks

Weighing up to 24 tons in battle array, it is the standard German medium tank. Ten models, A, B, C, D, E, F, F2, G, H, K, are known to have been produced. All models utilize the same suspension arrangement of eight evenly spaced bogie wheels, 18 1/2 inches in diameter, sprung in pairs on each side, with four return rollers. All models mount the 7.5 cm Kw. K. except Models F2 and G, which mount the 7.5 cm Kw. K. 40. The chassis of this tank is used as a self-propelled mount for heavier guns, such as the “Hornet,” the “Bee,” and the “Grizzly Bear.”

Model A—An early experimental type. It weighed 20 tons, unladen, and had a 5-speed transmission (S.F.G. 75) and an H.L. 108 T.R. Maybach engine.

Model B—The first model to bear the standard Pz. Kw. IV type number Sd. Kfz. 161. This model had a new type of 6-speed transmission (S.S.G. 76) and an improved H.L. 120 T.R.M. Maybach engine

Model C—Distinguishable from Model B by its “wish-bone” aerial deflector. It was the first model to have an armored sleeve protecting the turret machine gun, and the front plate of its superstructure extends straight across the tank in one piece.

Model D—The fixed outer gun mantlet is dispensed with and the moving portion is fitted with a thick front shield, the edges of which overlap and protect the mantlet joints. The driver’s compartment extends farther forward than the machine gunner’s compartment. The basic armor in this model is 30 mm in thickness in front and 20 mm on the sides. Its unladen weight is 20 1/2 tons.

Model E—Distinguishable from the Model D by its new type of front driving sprocket, and by the new design of shutter (single hinge) on the driver’s visor. The nose plate armor is increased from 30 mm to 50 mm. Weight is 21.5 tons, unladen.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         21.5 tons
Length 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height 8 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 15 1/4 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 14 1/4 ins.
Pitch of track 4 1/4 ins.
Track links 99
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
     Roads 130 miles
     Cross-country 80 miles
Speed:
     Road 28 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor:
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.5 cm Kw. K.
2 MG 34’s
Ammunition 7.5 cm gun—105 rds.
MG’s—2,700 rds.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, V-12, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 31

Categories
German

Gw. III/IV (Hummel) für 15 cm s.F.H. 18/1 (Sd. Kfz. 165): S.P. Heavy Field Howitzer “Bumblebee”

Gw. III/IV (Hummel) für 15 cm s.F.H. 18/1 (Sd. Kfz. 165): S.P. Heavy Field Howitzer "Bumblebee"

This equipment, known as the “Bumble Bee,” is composed of the 15 cm heavy field howitzer mounted on a modified Pz. Kw. IV tank chassis. It should not be confused with the 10.5 cm l.F.H. 18/2 (“Wasp”), which is the 10.5 cm light field howitzer mounted on the chassis of a Pz. Kw. II tank. The road performance of the “Bee” will approximate that of the Pz. Kw. IV tank.

In the construction of this vehicle the following modifications were made to the hull of the Pz. Kw. IV tank. The turret top plate mounting the turret traversing ring, the front vertical plate, and the rear partition separating the engine from the fighting compartment have been removed. The engine, cooling-fan assembly and exhaust pipes have been moved forward up to the gear box. A partition has been built across the width of the hull dividing the driver and assistant driver from the fighting compartment. A steel plate separates the engine from the fighting compartment. In place of the driver’s entrance hatches a cover similar to a cupola, with lid and shutter type vision, is provided.

The superstructure is in the form of a sloping four-sided shield 10 mm (.39 inch) thick. The front of the shield provides a bulging slot for the traverse and elevation of the gun while the rear plate is fitted with a hinged door.

The gun is mounted well back on the top of the engine cover plate by means of angle iron and steel brackets so that its muzzle projects almost flush with the nose of the hull. It retains its original buffer, recuperator and compensator, and elevating and traversing gears. Its overall length including muzzle brake, with which it must be fitted when firing charge 8, is 17 feet, 4 1/4 inches. The muzzle velocities of this piece are: Charge 6, 1,020 f.s.; Charge 7, 1,375 f.s.; Charge 8, 1,965 f.s. The maximum ranges are: Charge 6, 10,550 yards; Charge 7, 12,140 yards; Charge 8, 14,380 yards. Its elevation is 0°-39°; traverse each side 16°.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         28 tons
Length 20 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Height 9 ft., 4 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 98
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
     Roads 96 miles
     Cross-country 62 miles
Speed:
     Road 25 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor:
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
     Shield 10 mm
Armament 15 cm s.F.H. 18/1
Ammunition
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRKM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 35

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. III/IV (“Nashorn”) für 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 (Sf) (Sd. Kfz. 164): S.P. Antitank Gun—”Rhinoceros” (formerly “Hornet”)

Pz. Jäg. III/IV ("Nashorn") für 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 (Sf) (Sd. Kfz. 164): S.P. Antitank Gun—"Rhinoceros" (formerly "Hornet")

The German 8.8 cm gun was designed in 1934 as the standard semimobile antiaircraft gun. Encouraged by success in Spain against armored vehicles the Germans went ahead with the production of A.P. ammunition for the weapon and the design of a more mobile carriage. Both were ready in time for the Battle of France. The 8.8 cm gun was a success in this battle, when it proved capable of dealing with the heavier French tanks, against which the standard German 3.7 cm A.T. gun was comparatively ineffective. The Germans next provided the gun with a new mounting from which the gun could engage tanks without being taken off its wheels. Finally a self-propelled mounting was introduced from which the gun can be fired against ground targets but cannot be used in its original A.A. role. Such an equipment is the tank destroyer “Hornet,” which consists of the 8.8 cm Pak 43/1 mounted on the chassis of a modified Pz. Kpfw. IV tank, the engine of which has been moved forward to a central position to provide a clear space for the fighting compartment at the rear. The “Hornet” mounts in effect the same gun as the “Ferdinand” but it is much more lightly armored and relatively much faster. Comparative figures for weight and maximum road speed of “Hornet” and “Ferdinand” are: 28 tons and 22 m.p.h., 80 tons and 12 1/2 m.p.h., respectively.

The 8.8 cm gun, fitted with muzzle brake, is mounted over the engine within a high, open-topped superstructure of thin armor plate and extends well over the front of the chassis. Its length, with muzzle brake, is 21 feet, 6 inches and its muzzle velocity with H.E. shell is 3,280 f.s.; with A.P.C.B.C. shell, 3,214 f.s. It will defeat 5 1/2 inches of homogeneous armor at 1,000 yards range and 30° angle of attack. Its maximum horizontal range is 16,200 yards and its rate of fire 15 to 20 rounds per minute.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         25 tons
Length (excl. gun) 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 98
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
     Roads (est.) 100 miles
     Cross-country (est.) 65 miles
Speed:
     Road 22 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor:
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 8.8 cm Pak 43/1
Ammunition
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 34

Categories
German

Stu. G. IV (“Brummbaer”) für 15 cm Stu. H. 43 (Sd. Kfz. 166): S.P. Heavy Infantry Gun “Grizzly Bear”

Stu. G. IV ("Brummbaer") für 15 cm Stu. H. 43 (Sd. Kfz. 166): S.P. Heavy Infantry Gun "Grizzly Bear"

The 15 cm heavy infantry gun, in addition to being mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. I, II, and 38 (t) chassis, is also mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis. In this combination it is known as the “Grizzly Bear.” While this vehicle is several tons heavier than the Pz. Kpfw. IV tank, the road performance of the two is similar. It is manned by a crew of five.

With the exception of the front, which incorporates the ball mounting for the gun, the sloping, four-sided gun shield is similar in construction to that of the “Bumble Bee,” although it is set farther forward on the hull. It is also similar to the shield on the “Wasp.”

It is probable that some rearrangement of the mechanical components of the chassis have been made in the “Grizzly Bear” as in the “Bumble Bee.” It is known that the armor on the hull front of the original tank has been increased from 50 mm to 100 mm and that on the sides from 30 mm to 40-50 mm. An additional circular strip of armor plate is bolted to the front of the shield around the ball mount of the gun.

The gun, which is a standard German infantry weapon, has a total length of 64.57 cm, approximately half of which extends beyond the ball mounting. No details of the performance of the gun in the above arrangement have been reported. However, comparative details may be found in the descriptive analysis of the equipment known as “15 cm s.I.G. 33 (Sfl.) auf Pz. Kpfw. II” in this catalogue. No auxiliary armament appears to be mounted on the “Grizzly Bear.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         28.6 tons
Length 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height (est.) 9 ft., 4 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact 11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 98
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
     Roads 95 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed:
     Road 25 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 12 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 100 mm
     Sides 40-50 mm
     Shield (est.) 10 mm
Armament Stu. H. 43 (15 cm s.I.G. 33)
Ammunition 24 rds.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 33