The flamethrower tank, Pz. Kpfw. II (F) is a conversion of Pz. Kpfw. II, Models D and E, which employed the four bogie wheel suspension, and should not be confused with the Model F, which utilizes the five bogie wheel type of suspension. The road performance of the flamethrower tank approximates that of Models D and E.
The flamethrower projectors, having a range of about 35 yards, are mounted in small turrets set well forward on each trackguard. The turrets have 180° traverse while the projectors themselves have a limited elevation. Fuel is supplied from two tanks, provided with armored shields, which are mounted externally on the trackguards, and by compressed nitrogen from the four nitrogen cylinders located inside, below the turret. The tanks have a capacity of 35 gals. each. Two small cylinders mounted just behind the projector turrets contain acetylene, which is used for fuel ignition. The flamethrower is controlled electrically from panels in the turret.
Since this equipment is essentially a close-combat weapon, the tank is liberally fitted for smoke production to screen its movements. Not only is the normal smoke generator rack fitted at the rear, but there is on each trackguard a triple smoke generator discharger, aimed to fire forward, and bowden cable controlled from the turret. Armament also includes a machine gun on a ball mounting in the turret.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight | 11 tons | |
Length | 16 ft. | |
Width | 7 ft., 6 ins. | |
Height | 6 ft., 9 ins. | |
Ground clearance | 12 ins. | |
Tread centers | 5 ft., 10 ins. | |
Ground contact | 7 ft., 10 ins. | |
Width of track | 11 1/8 ins. | |
Pitch of track | 6 3/4 ins. | |
Track links | 55 | |
Fording depth | 3 ft. | |
Theoretical radius of action | ||
Roads | 125 miles | |
Cross-country | 85 miles | |
Speed | ||
Roads | 30 m.p.h. | |
Cross-country | 12 m.p.h. | |
Armor | ||
Front plate | 30 mm | |
Sides | 15 mm | |
Armament | Two independent flamethrowers One M.G. |
|
Ammunition | Flamethrower—70 gals. M.G. 1800 rds. |
|
Engine | 140 B.H.P. Maybach, HL 62 TRM | |
Transmission | 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse | |
Steering | Epicyclic clutch brake | |
Crew | 3 |
German: p. 9