Tag: PzKpfw 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

Categories
German

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

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

This equipment consists of a Pz. Jäg. IV chassis upon which is mounted a 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48). The chassis is a modified Pz. Kpfw. IV, designed to mount either the 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48) or the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70).

The chassis has upper and lower nose plates sloped at 45° and 57° respectively. The all-welded construction of the hull is retained, and this structure is strengthened by limited interlocking of the front plates. The main armament is mounted in the sloping front plate of a squat all-welded superstructure, and is offset 8 inches to the off-side of the center line. The mounting is of gimbal type, and is protected externally by a heavy casting. The superstructure is bolted through angle sections to the lower hull. The sloping sides of the superstructure are extended beyond the vertical hull sides over the width of the tracks, and the rear edges of the floor of the sponsons so formed are locked upon the hull angle section. The rear superstructure and engine cover plates are similar to those of the Pz. Kpfw. IV. Spaced plates of 5 mm armor are bolted to brackets welded to the basic side plates of the rear superstructure sides. The armor is treated with Zimmerit. Mechanically, the vehicle is similar to the Pz. Kpfw. IV, but with small modifications. The final spur gear carries 41 teeth instead of the 40 on the tank. The final drive sprockets are of cast steel with webs of flat section instead of the rounded spokes of the tank sprockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight      
Length 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 130 miles
   Cross country 80 miles
Speed:
   Roads 28 m.p.h.
   Cross country 15 m.p.h.
Armor:
   Front plate of superstructure 60 mm at 50° angle
   Sides of superstructure 30 mm at 30° angle
Armament 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48)
Ammunition (Rds.)
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicylic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 34.2 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. IV für 2 cm Flakvierling 38: Antiaircraft Gun on Medium Tank Chassis

Pz. Kpfw. IV für 2 cm Flakvierling 38: Antiaircraft Gun on Medium Tank Chassis

This equipment consists of the four-barrelled 2 cm (.79 in.) antiaircraft gun mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis. The gun has been mounted in an open topped, nine-sided turret. Elevation is from 10° to 90° and traverse is 360°.

The gun is the normal 2 cm Flakvierling 38 with the triangular base removed. Two guns are mounted on either side of the cradle. The guns are fired by a set of foot pedals; each pedal operates the trigger mechanism of the two diametrically opposite guns. The weapon is traversed and elevated manually by the gunner who also aims and fires it.

The 2 cm Flakvierling 38 is supported by two four-inch I-beams which are located 15 inches below the normal tank turret ring. The I-beams are in the center below the turret opening and extend across the width of the tank chassis.

There is no traversing rack on the turret ring. A rod from the gun upper carriage supports the gunner’s seat and is fastened by a U-bolt to the turret to form a connection between the gun mount and the turret armor. At the front of each side of the upper carriage is a collapsible rod which also can be fastened to the turret armor. In this manner, the gun mount and turret traverse together.

The turret is 43 inches high, 6 feet, 6 inches wide, and 8 feet long. The armor plate is 15 mm thick. Each side of the turret is composed of two plates of equal dimensions welded together. The top plates are sloped at an angle of approximately 30 degrees and the bottom plates are undercut at the same angle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       26 tons (estimated)
Length 19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 8 ins.
Height 9 ft.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 7 ft., 10 7/8 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:
   Roads 25 m.p.h.
   Cross country 15 m.p.h.
Armor:
   Front plate of superstructure 85 mm at 10° to vertical
   Sides of superstructure 30 mm
Armament 2 cm Flakvierling 38
Ammunition H.E. Shell, tracer; H.E.-Incendiary; A.P. shell, tracer.
Rounds 16 clips in turret (20 rds in each); 15 boxes in tank.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicylic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 34.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70) Sd. Kfz. 162: Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

Pz. Jäg. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70) Sd. Kfz. 162: Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

This self-propelled antitank gun consists of the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70) mounted on a modified Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis.

The vehicle is of all-welded construction except that the fighting compartment roof is bolted. The upper and lower nose plates are interlocked with each other and with the hull sides. The upper nose plate, set at an angle of 45° to the vertical, has a thickness of 80 mm. The lower nose plate, set at an angle of 55° to the vertical, has a thickness of 45 mm. The superstructure front plate is interlocked with the superstructure side plates and additional strength is provided by two brackets which are welded into recesses in the hull sides and bolted to plates welded to the superstructure front.

The crew compartment occupies the front three-quarters of the vehicle and accommodates a crew of five. The remaining quarter houses the engine which is the standard Maybach HL 120 as fitted in the Pz. Kpfw. IV.

The gun, which has no muzzle brake, is ballistically similar to the 7.5 cm Kw. K. 42 as mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. Panther. It is located eight inches to the right of the hull center line. The hydraulic buffer and hydropneumatic recuperator are mounted above the piece, the buffer being on the left. The recoil gear is protected by a cast mantlet with curved outer surfaces. Stowage is provided for 55 rounds of ammunition, all except four being stowed horizontally.

A port is provided in the superstructure front plate to the right of the 7.5 cm gun, behind which is a small machine gun ball mounting, five inches in diameter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)       28 tons
Length 19 ft., 9 1/2 ins.
Width 10 ft., 4 /4 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 1 1/4 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
   Roads 28 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
   Superstructure, front 80 mm at 50° to vertical
   Superstructure, sides (fighting compartment) 40 mm at 30°
   Gun Mantlet 150 mm (rounded)
   Upper nose plate 80 mm at 45°
   Lower Nose plate 45 mm at 55°
   Hull sides 30 mm (vertical)
Armament 7.5 cm Stu. K. 42 (L/70); one M.G.
Ammunition (Rds.) 55
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 32.3 (May 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. IV (3.7 cm Flak 43): Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Gun

Pz. Kpfw. IV (3.7 cm Flak 43): Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Gun

This equipment consists of the standard Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis adapted to mount the 3.7 cm Flak 43. It is essentially an antiaircraft weapon, although the gun may be depressed for use against ground targets.

The superstructure is especially designed for the second purpose. The side and rear walls of the structure are two spaced 15 mm armor plates nine feet long, eight feet, eight inches wide, and four feet high. The sides can be pushed outwards and downwards to a horizontal position to permit fire against ground targets or to extend the area of the loading platform.

The 3.7 cm Flak 43, which has a 360° traverse and 90° elevation, is centrally mounted on a pedestal. It is hung from a single trunnion on the right through which passes the feed and ejection aperture. The monobloc barrel is fitted with a combination muzzle brake and flash hider. Both elevating and traversing handwheels are located to the right of the gun. A hydromatic-spring buffer with variable recoil is situated below the barrel, and two return springs lie side by side above the barrel. A tri-sectional gun shield sloped at 30° to the vertical is provided. The center section is 9 mm thick and two side sections each 6 mm thick. The height of the shield, measured up the slope, is four feet, 3 1/2 inches. The gun is fed horizontally from the left by clips of eight rounds each which are placed on a fixed loading tray.

The muzzle velocity of the 3.7 cm Flak 43 is reported as 2,750 f/s, and its theoretical rate of fire 250 rounds per minute. The ammunition issue laid down per equipment is reported as 1,600 rounds, 1,280 high explosive and 320 armor piercing.

An official German document states that the standard sight for this gun will be the Schwebedornvisier.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight       26 tons (est.)
Length 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 130 miles
   Cross-country 80 miles
Speed
   Roads 25 m.p.h.
   Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
   Front plate 50 mm
   Sides 30 mm
Armament 3.7 cm Flak 43
Ammunition (Rds.) 1,600
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 7

German: p. 32.2 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Stu. G. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48): Self-Propelled Assault Gun

Stu. G. IV für 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48): Self-Propelled Assault Gun

This equipment, consisting of the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48) mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis, represents a further development in German assault guns. The design follows that of its predecessor, the Stu. G. 40, mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. III chassis, with the exception that in the later equipment the usual keystone mantlet has been replaced by a cast steel mantlet with curved surfaces to offer the maximum projectile deflection. The mantlet, 130 mm thick, houses the buffer and recuperator.

Armor protection has been increased by the addition of slabs of concrete six inches thick attached to the front plate and the roof over the driver’s compartment by means of wire. The rest of the armor is the same as that provided for the Pz. Kpfw. IV.

The division of chassis space follows the usual design for this type of vehicle, with the driver’s compartment in the front, the fighting compartment in the center, and the engine compartment in the rear.

The gun, the Stu. K. 40 (L/48), with muzzle brake, is a lengthened version of the Stu. K. 40 (L/43) and is similar in design and performance to the Kw. K. 40 (L/48).

In the inset above is shown the 7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48) mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. III chassis which also has the improved type of rounded gun mantlet.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight     
Length19 ft., 4 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height
Ground clearance15 ins.
Tread centers7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track15 ins.
Pitch of track4 3/4 ins.
Track links98
Fording depth3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
   Roads130 miles
   Cross-country80 miles
Speed
   Roads28 m.p.h
   Cross-country15 m.p.h.
Armor
   Front nose plate75 mm
   Sides30 mm
Armament7.5 cm Stu. K. 40 (L/48)
Ammunitions (Rds.)
EngineMaybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
TransmissionSynchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
SteeringEpicyclic, clutch brake
Crew5

German: p. 32.1 (April 1, 1945)