Tag: tank

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German

Pz. Jäg. Lr. S. für 7.5 cm Pak 40/1 (Sd. Kfz. 135): S.P. Antitank Gun (on French Chassis)

Marder I: Pz. Jäg. Lr. S. für 7.5 cm Pak 40/1 (Sd. Kfz. 135): S.P. Antitank Gun (on French Chassis)

The French Lorraine tank chassis, in addition to being utilized as a self-propelled mount for the German 15 cm heavy field howitzer and the 15 cm heavy infantry gun, is also used for the high-velocity antitank gun, 7.5 cm Pak 40.

The Lorraine suspension arrangement consists of six small bogie wheels on each side, sprung in three pairs on three semi-elliptical springs. The driving sprocket is at the front, the track-adjusting idler at the rear, and four return rollers, located at the ends of the suspension springs, return the track, which is of the dry-pin type with outside center guides.

The power plant of this vehicle is the six-cylinder, in-line, water-cooled Delahaye engine rated at 70 hp. The ignition system is Bosch. Its main and reserve gasoline tanks hold 20 gallons and 5 1/2 gallons respectively.

The semi-automatic gun of monobloc construction is mounted within a high, open top, box-like shield, constructed of sloping 10 mm plate, well back on the chassis. The original gunshield overlaps the superstructure shield at the front. The gun is 134 inches in length and its muzzle with brake extends beyond the front of the chassis. The piece has the following muzzle velocities: H.E., 1800 f/s; A.P.C., 2525 f/s. Its appropriate elevation is -5° to +22°; traverse 65°. At 1000 yards, firing A.P.C. shell, it will defeat 3.6 inches of homogeneous armor at 30° obliquity, and 4.3 inches at normal.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         8 tons (approx.)
Length 17 ft. (approx.)
Width 6 ft., 2 ins.
Height 7 ft. (approx.)
Ground clearance 12 ins.
Tread centers 4 ft., 4 5/8 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft.
Width of track 10 ins.
Track links 107 (approx.)
Pitch of track 3 3/16 ins.
Fording depth
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads
     Cross-country
Speed
     Roads 21 m.p.h.
     Cross-country
Armor
     Front plate 12 mm
     Sides 9 mm
Armament 7.5 cm Pak 40
Ammunition
Wt. of Projectiles
     A.P.C. 15.0 lb.
     H.E. 12.6 lb.
Engine Delahaye, 70 hp.
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential
Crew 5

German: p. 15

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus. F (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. II Ausf. F (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Produced in 1941. This is the latest type of Pz. Kpfw. II tank identified in action. The major modifications appearing in this model are (1) increased thickness of the basic frontal armor, (2) new design of hull nose, (3) use of uninterrupted length of plate for front vertical superstructure plate, (4) use of dummy visor mounted alongside the driver’s visor.

The single skin nose of the Model F hull is constructed, of flat plates 35 mm thick with a Brinell hardness of 426 and is nearer vertical than the superimposed nose plate in the earlier reinforced models. This modification to the nose of the hull has shortened its length by approximately five inches.

The turret front and mantlet remain unaltered except for the omission of the additional plates and a corresponding thickening of the basic armor to 30 mm.

Model F is equipped with a new driver’s visor of the double shutter type. A dummy visor, a one-piece aluminum casting, is mounted alongside the driver’s visor on the right, presumably to draw fire from the latter.

The suspension arrangement of five bogie wheels and four return rollers is the same as that utilized in the previous models A, B and C.

The power plant consists of the HL 62 TR Maybach, a 6-cylinder, water-cooled gasoline engine rating 140 B.H.P. at 2600 r.p.m.

The transmission is of normal synchromesh, manual control type, providing six forward speeds and one reverse, and the steering system utilizes the epicyclic clutch and brake principle.

Armament comprises one 2.0 cm KwK 30 gun with coaxial 7.92 M.G. 34 in turret.

Models G and J have been mentioned in an official German document but there are no details available.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         10.5 tons
Length 14 ft., 9 ins.
Width 7 ft., 4 ins.
Height 6 ft., 6 ins.
Ground clearance 13 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 2 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 10 ins.
Width of track 11 1/8 ins.
Pitch of track 3 5/8 ins.
Track links 106
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 125 miles
     Cross-country 85 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 35 mm
     Sides 20 mm
Armament One 2.0 cm KwK 30
One 7.92 mm M.G. 34
Ammunition (rds.) 2 cm gun 180
M.G. 2550
Engine 140 B.H.P. Maybach HL 62 TRM
Transmission 6 forward speeds, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 3

German: p. 10

Categories
German

Sturmgeschütz lg. 7.5 cm Stu. K. (Sd. Kfz. 142): S.P. Assault Gun

Sturmgeschütz lg. 7.5 cm Stu. K. (Sd. Kfz. 142): S.P. Assault Gun

This version of the Sturmgeschütz is similar to its predecessor, the Stu. G. 7.5 cm K., except for its armament. The 7.5 cm Kw.K. short gun which appeared in the original Sturmgeschutz was replaced by the 7.5 cm Stu. G. lg. K., 87 inches long as shown above. The arrangement of the recoil mechanism also differs, the long version having what appears to be the original mounting provided for the Kw.K. 40 and is evidently a forerunner in its design and development. Photographs show the 7.5 cm Stu. G. lg. K. to be equipped at times with a muzzle brake. The front superstructure has been modified to accommodate the improved armament.

This vehicle is made up of the Pz. Kpfw. III tank chassis and an early development of the 7.5 cm Pak 40, and includes the hull and superstructure improvements made at this time on the original Sturmgeschütz. A roof was added, a commander’s cupola, smoke pot projectors and heavier front plate. The piece represents the trend in design from the short barrel 7.5 cm Kw.K. to the Stu. K. 40.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         21 tons
Length         17 ft., 9 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 2 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 90
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed
     Roads 25 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.5 cm lg. Kw.K.
Ammunition 84 rds.
Engine Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 4

German: p. 27

Categories
German

Sturmgeschütz 7.5 cm K. (Sd. Kfz. 142): S.P. Assault Gun

StuG III: Sturmgeschütz 7.5 cm K. (Sd. Kfz. 142): S.P. Assault Gun

The Sturmgeschütz is an assault weapon. Unlike the two other classes of self-propelled guns, antitank and artillery, which consist merely of guns placed in the hull of a tank with shields erected around the front and sides thereof, the assault gun is built into the hull and is consequently nearer the ground and has a much more solid superstructure built round the gun. The original Sturmgeschütz consisted of the turretless chassis of a Pz. Kpfw. III tank, upon which was mounted the Stu. G. 7.5 cm K., a short-barreled (69.5 inch) piece found in the first models of the Pz. Kpfw. IV. Since the power plant and other mechanical components of the chassis of the Sturmgeschütz are identical to those of the Pz. Kpfw. III tank, and their weights are approximately the same, the performance data of the two are comparable.

The turret of the original tank has been removed and replaced by a squat superstructure, reducing the height of the vehicle from 8 feet, 3 inches as a tank to 6 feet, 5 inches as an assault weapon. The gun compartment is roofed over, but there is no rotating turret. The fighting compartment is armored as follows: front 53 mm, sides 43 mm, top 11 mm.

The gun, which is mounted low in the hull and fires forward, is identical to the 7.5 cm Kpfw. K. short tank gun, originally the main armament of the Pz. Kpfw. IV tank. It is primarily a close support weapon, the ammunition scale comprising only 25% A.P. against 10% smoke and 65% H.E.; its armor-piercing performance is relatively poor. Its muzzle velocity and maximum range firing H.E. shell is 1,378 f.s. and 6,758 yards, respectively. The penetration of A.P.C.B.C. shell against homogeneous armor is reported as follows: 500 yards, 1.81 inches at 30° obliquity, 2.16 inches normal—1000 yards, 1.61 inches at 30°, 1.97 inches normal—1,200 yards, 1.57 inches at 30°, 1.89 inches normal.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         21 tons
Length 17 ft., 9 ins.
Width 9 ft., 7 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 ins.
Ground clearance 14 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 2 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 90
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed
     Roads 28 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 50 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.5 cm Kw. K.
Ammunition 84 rds.
Engine Maybach V-12, HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 4

German: p. 26

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

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r) (Sd. Kfz. 139): S.P. Antitank Gun (on Czech Chassis)

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r) (Sd. Kfz. 139): S.P. Antitank Gun (on Czech Chassis): Marder III Panzerjäger

This vehicle is an ex-Czech light tank chassis mounting a Russian 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r). The mechanical layout and components are identical with those of the Pz. Kpfw. 38 (t) tank and its road performance will therefore be similar.

The conversion to a self-propelled mounting has been achieved by the removal of the turret and the superstructure top plate of the original tank. The turntable for the gun is mounted on the superstructure at four points on transverse and lateral beams. A three-sided shield of 10 mm plate is secured by bolting and welding to the original front gun shield, and by tubular supports to the mounting. This shield traverses with the gun. A sliding mantlet is provided in the shield to permit elevation and depression of the gun. A lower, fixed three-sided shield is bolted to the superstructure. This is of 15 mm plate. The sloping side covers have been replaced by flat hatches hinged to the sides.

The gun is of monobloc construction with detachable breech ring. It has an over-all length, including the double baffle muzzle brake and breech lock, of 163 1/2 ins. The elevating gear is driven from a handwheel, on a traverse axis, on the left of the gun. The traversing gear is hand operated from the right. The gun has the following muzzle velocities: HE shell, 1805 f.s; A.P.C. shell, 2430 f.s. The penetration performance firing A.P.C. shell against homogeneous armor is as follows: 500 yards 3.7 ins. at 30° obliquity, 1000 yards 3.2 ins. at 30°, 4.1 ins. normal—2000 yards 2.5 ins at 30°, 3.1 ins. normal—2500 yards 2.2 ins. at 30°, 2.8 ins. normal.

Additional armament on this vehicle consists of a 7.92 M.G. 37 (t) on a ball mounting in front superstructure; Discharger for 5 smoke generators, fired by cable from fighting compartment; 9 mm machine carbine.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         11 tons
Length 15 ft., 3 ins.
Width 7 ft.
Height 8 ft., 1 1/2 ins.
Ground clearance 15 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 9 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 8 ft., 63 ins.
Width of track 11 ins.
Pitch of track 41 ins.
Track links 89
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 140 miles
     Cross-country 100 miles
Speed
     Roads 25 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 25 + 25 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r)
7.92 mm M.G. 37 (t)
Ammunition (rds.) 7.62 cm gun 28
M.G. 1500
Wt. of Projectiles
     A.P.C. 16.7 lb.
     H.E. 12.6 lb.
Engine Praga 6-cyl., gasoline, 125 h.p.
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 4

German: p. 21

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. III Aus. L, M, N, O (Sd. Kfz. 141): Medium Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. III Ausf. L, M, N, O (Sd. Kfz. 141): Medium Tanks: Panzer III

Model L—In this model the loader’s visor in the right of the gun mantlet has been omitted as well as the vision openings on each side of the turret in front of the access doors. Spaced armor is always fitted on the front of the superstructure and fittings for spaced armor are provided on the gun mantlet, but the curved spaced plate is not always fitted in the latter position. The long 5.0 cm Kw.K. 39 is balanced by a torsion bar. The torsion bar compensator is mounted on the roof of the turret and connected to the gun by means of a link. On the cupola of this model a metal framework is attached, probably to serve as a rest for the gun. In other respects Model L is identical to Model J. German markings on this tank indicate that it was prepared for tropical or desert use. Preparation consisted of slight changes in the air-cooling system and addition of deflectors on the rear of the tank to prevent the exhaust gases and cooling air from striking the ground.

Model M—This model is similar to Model L with the exception that it has no loading doors fitted on the side of the hull.

Models N, O—Reports indicate the existence of these models but no details are available.

A few Model L tanks and many Model M and N tanks now mount the 7.5 cm Kw.K., which is the short gun formerly fitted in the Pz. Kpfw. IV. Recent models of the Pz. Kpfw. III now in service mount, therefore, either the 5 cm long gun or the 7.5 cm short gun. When the latter gun is mounted, the spaced armor plate on the gun mantlet and the fittings for it are omitted altogether. The mantlet is one of the Pz. Kpfw. III type without loader’s visor, but the recoil gear casing and armored protecting sleeve in front of the mantlet are of the type provided on the Pz. Kpfw. IV. In a captured Model N mounting a short 7.5 cm Kw.K., the sighting telescope was a T.Z.F. 5b, which is the type used with this gun in the older Pz. Kpfw. IV’s, Stu. G. 7.5 cm K.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         22 tons
Length 17 ft., 9 ins.
Width 9 ft., 8 ins.
Height 8 ft., 3 ins.
Ground clearance 14 ins.
Tread centers 8 ft., 2 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins.
Width of track 15 ins.
Pitch of track 4 3/4 ins.
Track links 90
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed
     Roads 28 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 50 + 20 mm
     Sides 30 mm
Armament 7.5 cm Kw.K.
2 MG 34’s
Ammunition 5.0 cm gun—78 rds.
MG’s—4950 rds.
Engine Maybach V-12, HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission Manual operation, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew 5

German: p. 25

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus D, E (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. II Ausf D, E (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Produced in 1939. Comparatively few of these models were made and these were later converted to flamethrower tanks (Pz. Kpfw. II, Aus. (F)).

Model D—Although the hull, turret, and superstructure of this model are similar to preceding models, its suspension arrangement of four large, rubber-tired, Christie-type bogie wheels which touch the top and bottom of the track make it easy to recognize. Models D and E are the only Pz. Kpfw. II tanks with this type of suspension. The bogie wheels are large enough to eliminate return rollers. The front drive sprocket, rear idler, and the dry-pin, center-guide track complete the suspension assembly. The track can be fitted with snow spuds. These are inserted in the outer web members and held by a split cotter-pin.

The power plant is the Maybach HL 62 TR, six-cylinder, water-cooled engine rated at 140 B.H.P. The transmission provides five forward speeds and one reverse. The steering system embodies the epicyclic clutch and brake principle.

The normal Pz. Kpfw. II armament of one 2 cm Kw.K. 30 with one coaxial 7.92 mm M.G. 34 is mounted. Armor plate thicknesses range from 30 mm front to 15 mm sides.

Model E—Same as Model D.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         10 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
Pitch of track
Track links 96 (est.)
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 1—2.0 cm Kw.K. 30
1—7.92 M.G. 34
Ammunition
Engine Maybach 140 B.H.P.
Transmission Synchromesh, 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 3

German: p. 8

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus A, B, C (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus A, B, C (Sd. Kfz. 121): Light Tanks

Model A was produced in 1937, followed by B and C in 1938. It is not known whether there are any important differences between these models. All had a suspension consisting of five equally spaced rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side mounted independently on suspension arms pivoted on hull and provided with quarter elliptic leaf springs. There are four 8½ in. diameter return rollers on each side, a 2 ft., 7 in. diameter sprocket, and a 2 ft., 1 in. diameter idler.

The frontal armor of this series was originally only 15 mm thick and the hull had a rounded nose formed by the bending of a single plate which also incorporated the glacis and nose plate. At some time after the battle of France (1940) the armor of these models was reinforced by bolting 20 mm armor plates on the front of the tank. The additional armor on the front of the hull consisted of flat nose and glacis plates which entirely altered the appearance of the hull and nose and gave the effect of spaced armor in front of the rounded part of the basic plate. The gun mantlet armor was thickened by the addition of a 15 mm plate.

The Maybach, HL 62 TR, 6-cylinder gasoline engine, which comprises the power plant, has a rating of 140 h.p.

The armament consists of a 2.0 cm gun which is fired by a trigger on the elevating handwheel, and a coaxial 7.92 mm M.G. 34 which is fired by a trigger on the traversing handwheel.

These models are often converted for use as mounts for heavy anti-tank guns such as the 7.5 cm Pak 40 and the 7.62 cm Pak 36 (r), as well as the 10.5 cm l.F.H. 18 M, known as the Wasp, and the 15 cm s.I.G. 33; the suspension for the latter having a sixth bogie wheel.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         10 tons
Length 15 ft., 2 3/4 ins.
Width (overall) 7 ft., 4 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 3/4 ins.
Ground clearance 13 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 2 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 10 ins.
Width of track 11 1/8 ins.
Pitch of track 3 5/8 ins.
Track links 105
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 125 miles
     Cross-country 85 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 15 + 20 mm
     Sides 15 mm
Armament One 2.0 cm KwK 30
One 7.92 mm M.G. 34
Ammunition 2.0 cm gun 180
M.G. 1425
Engine 140 h.p. Maybach HL 62 TRM
Transmission Crash-type gear box, 6 fwd. speeds, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 3

German: p. 7

Categories
German

Pz. Kpfw. II Aus a1, a2, a3, b, c: Light Tanks

Pz. Kpfw. II Ausf a1, a2, a3, b, c: Light Tanks

The early development of the Pz. Kpfw. II is indicated by five models, a1, a2, a3, b and c. They were considered as prototype tanks.

Model a1—Had a suspension arrangement of six small bogie wheels, each side mounted on three hull pivots connected by an outside girder. There were four return rollers, sprocket, and a cast rear idler. It weighed about 8.4 tons, was manned by a crew of three and mounted one 2 cm KwK 30 and a coaxial 7.92 mm M.G. 34 in the turret. It was powered by a six-cylinder Maybach (HL 57 TR) gasoline engine and was fitted with epicyclic and brake steering without a final reduction gear. The frontal armor was 20 mm in thickness, the sides 15 mm.

Model a2—Same as Model a1 except for variation in construction of engine compartment and welded rear idler instead of cast.

Model a3—Same as Model a1 except for minor modifications in the suspension arrangement and cooling system.

Model b—Incorporated an improved Maybach (HL 62 TR) engine, as well as a new track with wider driving sprockets, bogie wheels and return rollers. A final reduction gear was also introduced, which necessitated slight alterations in the structure of the front of the hull. The model weighed 9 tons.

Model c—An entirely new suspension comprising five independently sprung bogie wheels on each side made its appearance in this model. It is believed that the torsion bar system of bogie wheel suspension originated in this tank. Modifications to the driving sprocket, rear idler, and return rollers, the latter of which now numbered four, were made. Improved epicyclic and steering brakes were also introduced, the latter being equipped with automatic take-up to compensate for wear. Model c weighed 9 1/2 tons.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight         8 1/2 to 9 1/2 tons
Length 15 ft., 2 ins.
Width 7 ft., 4 ins.
Height 6 ft., 5 ins.
Ground clearance 13 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 2 ins.
Ground contact 7 ft., 10 ins.
Width of track 11 1/8 ins.
Pitch of rack 3 5/8 ins.
Track links 106
Fording depth 3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 102 miles
     Cross-country 60 miles
Speed
     Roads 30 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 15 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate 20 mm
     Sides 15 mm
Armament One 2 cm KwK 30
One M.G. 34
Ammunition (rds.) 2 cm gun 180
M.G. 2550
Engine HL 57 TR or HL TRM 62
Maybach 140 B.H.P.
Transmission 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic clutch brake
Crew 3

German: p. 6