1. General
The story of German armored vehicle development is concerned principally with tanks, which have undergone considerable change since the beginning of the war. German tanks have shown, in the course of 5 years of war, a gradual change from the Blitzkrieg concept of battle to greater emphasis on defensive, or at least offensive-defensive, operations for which the latest German tank, the King Tiger, heavily armed and armored but relatively slow and un maneuverable, is suitable.
German tank development began in 1934, ostensibly at the same time as the rest of the rearmament program, but there is no doubt that considerable thought and experimentation had been devoted to the subject before then. By 1939 the Germans had evolved four types of tanks: the Pz. Kpfw. I, II, III, and IV, with which the Blitzkrieg campaigns were conducted. There is evidence that larger tanks were being developed in 1939, and specimens of what are assumed to have been a Pz. Kpfw. V and a Pz. Kpfw. VI in an experimental stage were employed in the invasion of Norway. These, however, must have proved unsatisfactory, since they were dropped, and the present Pz. Kpfw. V (Panther) and Pz. Kpfw. VI (Tiger) have no connection with them.
Meanwhile, the Pz. Kpfw. I and II gradually became obsolescent, first being relegated to reconnaissance roles and then finally disappearing in 1943 from the Table of Equipment of the Panzer regiment. The heavier tanks, Pz. Kpfw. III and IV, which had proven satisfactory under fire, were modified to meet new conditions by thicker armor and more effective guns.
In 1942, the Pz. Kpfw. VI, or Tiger, appeared in Russia, and later in Africa. The Tiger was designed in the direct German tradition, and simply was armed more heavily and armored more thickly than its predecessors. It appeared out of its proper order in the line of succession, for the Pz. Kpfw. V, or Panther, did not appear until nearly a year later. The Panther was somewhat of a surprise, since it marked a departure from the conventional lines of German design, and in the arrangement of its armor showed strong signs of Russian influence. Its great success in combat undoubtedly gave rise to the decision to redesign the Tiger, which to some extent had fallen short of expectations. The new version is the Koenigstiger or King Tiger.
2. Obsolete Tanks
a. GENERAL.
The Pz. Kpfw. I, Pz. Kpfw. II, and Pz. Kpfw. III, although obsolete, are discussed here since they still may be met occasionally in the field.
b. LIGHT TANK (Pz. Kpfw. I).
(1) General.
This was the first tank to be standardized by the Germans, and the first ones were produced in 1934. Three models (A, B, and C) and a commander's version (based on model B) have been identified, but model C never has been encountered in action. The hull of the Pz. Kpfw. I was used as a self-propelled mount for several types of artillery weapons, but it no longer will be met even in this role.
c. LIGHT TANK (Pz. Kpfw. II).
(1) General.
This tank is manned by three men: a commander, who acts as the gunner; a radio operator; and a driver. A large number of models of this tank were produced before it became obsolete. In a very much modified form it has reappeared as the Luchs (Lynx) reconnaissance tank in Western Europe. The original experimental models of Pz. Kpfw. II were produced between 1934 and 1936; it finally was abandoned as a fighting vehicle in 1943. A flame-throwing version, Pz. Kpfw. II (F), also has become obsolete and probably will not be met again. Model F, not the flame-thrower tank, was the latest model encountered. The modified hull of the Pz. Kpfw. II is still in use as a self-propelled gun carriage, notably in the case of the 15 cm s.I.G. 33 and the 10 cm le. F.H. 18.
(2) Specifications.
Figure 98.—Pz. Kpfw. II
d. MEDIUM TANK (Pz. Kpfw. III).
(1) General.
This tank has appeared in many models but has retained basic characteristics throughout. The latest models to appear are armed with the long-barreled 5 cm Kw.K. 39 (L/60), which in 1942 displaced the shorter 5 cm Kw.K. (L/42). The original main armament, discarded late in 1940, was a 37-mm gun. The Pz. Kpfw. III now is obsolete and rarely encountered. The excellent hull and suspension have been utilized as the carriage for self-propelled guns, and it is in this form that the vehicle remains in production. The Pz. Kpfw. III has been encountered armed with the short 7.5 cm Kw.K. (the original armament of the Pz. Kpfw. IV), and also as a commander's vehicle, as a flame-throwing tank, as a wrecker tank, as an armored ammunition carrier, and as an armored observation post.
(2) Specifications (Models L and M)
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz. 141/1.
• Weight in action: 24.6 tons (approximately)
• Crew: 5 men.
Armor
• Front nose plate: 50 mm.
• Glacis plate: 25 mm.
• Driver's front plate: 50 and 20 mm spaced armor.
• Driver's front plate: 30 mm.
• Rear plates: 50 mm.
• Turret front: 57 mm.
• Turret sides: 10 mm.
• Armament (coaxially mounted in turret): One 5 cm Kw.K. 39 with one M.G.34.
• In hull: One M.G.34.
Dimensions
• Length: 17 feet 8 inches.
• Width: 9 feet 9 inches.
• Height: 8 feet 3 inches.
• Gun overhang: 1 foot 3 inches, (approximately)
• Ground clearance: 1 foot 2 inches.
Performance
• Maximum: 35 miles per hour (approximately).
• Road speed: 22 miles per hour.
• Cross-country speed: 10 to 15 miles per hour.
• Range on roads: 102 miles.
• Range cross-country: 59 miles.
• Trench crossing: 8 feet 6 inches.
• Step: 2 feet.
• Gradient: 30°.
• Fording: 2 feet 9 inches.
Engine
• Type: Maybach HL 120 TRM.
• Fuel: Gasoline.
• BHP: 296 HP at 3,000 rpm.
• Transmission: SSG77 Maybach synchromesh gear box, sliding-dog type, manual control. Six forward speeds, one reverse.
• Suspension: Six small rubber-tired bogie wheels on each side. Torsion-bar suspension.
Figure 99.—Pz. Kpfw. III.
3. Medium Tanks
a. Pz. Kpfw. IV.
(1) General.
Of the four tank types with which the Germans started the war, only the Pz. Kpfw. IV survives in service, although its role has been changed and it now carries a main armament which resembles the original gun only in caliber. It was armed originally with a short-barreled 75-mm gun (7.5 cm Kw.K. (L/24)) and a machine gun mounted coaxially in the turret. In later models a hull machine gun was added. With this short, low-velocity gun the tank was primarily a close-support weapon. In 1942 it was re-armed with a long-barreled, high-velocity gun, the 7.5 cm Kw.K. 40 (L/43), and thus changed its role from a close-support vehicle to a fighting tank and displaced the Pz. Kpfw. III as the main armament of the Panzer regiment. At the present time the Pz. Kpfw. IV is only a stopgap for the Panther. If enough Panther tanks become available, the disappearance of the Pz. Kpfw. IV may be expected.
The latest version of this tank to appear is the Model H, which differs from the Model G, of which details are given, only in its 75-mm gun being 48 calibers long instead of 43. There is no change in the ballistic characteristics.
This tank also has appeared in a commander's model, as an observation-post tank, as an ammunition tank, and as an armored antiaircraft vehicle. The hull and suspension also have been employed for self-propelled guns.
(2) Specifications (Model G)
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz. 161/1. (Model H is Sd. Kfz. 161/2).
• Weight in action: 26 tons.
• Crew: 5 men.
Armor
• Front nose plate: 60 mm.
• Front glacis plate: 25 mm.
• Driver's front plate: 60 mm.
• Hull sides: 30 mm.
• Hull rear: 20 mm.
• Turret front: 40 mm.
• Turret sides: 30 mm.
• Armament (coaxially mounted in turret): One 7.5 cm Kw.K.40 (L/43) and one M.G.34.
• In hull: One M.G.34.
Dimensions
• Length (excluding gun): 19 feet 4 inches.
• Width: 9 feet 7 inches.
• Height: 8 feet 6 inches.
• Gun overhang: 1 foot 6 inches. (In model H, 2 feet 9 inches).
• Ground clearance: 1 foot 3 inches.
Performance
• Trench crossing: 9 feet.
• Step: 2 feet 6 inches.
• Gradient: 30°.
• Fording: 3 feet.
• Road speed: 20 miles per hour.
• Cross-country speed: 10 to 15 miles per hour
• Maximum speed: 25 miles per hour.
• Range on roads: 130 miles.
• Range cross country: 80 miles.
Engine
• Type: Maybach HL 120 TRM.
• Cylinders: V-12 at 60°
• Fuel: Gasoline.
• Fuel capacity: 126 gallons.
• Fuel consumption (per 100 miles)
• On roads: 93.6 gallons.
• Cross-country: 153 gallons.
• BHP: 295 HP at 3,000 rpm.
• Capacity: 11.9 liters (725.9 cubic inches).
• Transmission: Manual synchromesh, sliding-dog type; six forward speeds, one reverse.
• Steering: Epicyclic clutch brake mechanism.
• Suspension: Four bogie assemblies, each carrying two rubber-tired bogie wheels. Quarter-elliptic springing.
Figure 100.—Pz. Kpfw. IV, Model F2, (Sd. Kfz. 161).
4. Heavy Tanks
a. Pz. Kpfw. Panther.
(1) General.
In this tank, probably the most successful they have produced, the Germans have departed from their customary lines and sought inspiration in the design of the Russian T34. The tank weighs about 50 short tons, and the effectiveness of its armor is enhanced by the fact that most of the plates are sloping. It has powerful armament, and has a high-powered engine which gives it a maximum speed of about 30 miles per hour. Internally the Panther is arranged in the standard German manner, with the driver's compartment in front, the fighting compartment in the center section, and the engine at the rear.
The Panther's design employs the double torsion-bar suspension. There are eight double, interleaved, large Christie-type bogie wheels. Each set of bogie wheels is mounted on a radius arm on the projecting end of a torsion bar which is coupled in series to a second one lying parallel to it. This ingenious device has the effect of doubling the length of the torsion bars.
Figure 101.—Pz. Kpfw. "Panther".
The Panther first was met in action on the Russian front in the summer of 1943. Originally designated Pz. Kpfw. V, its nickname, Panther, was adopted as its official nomenclature in February 1944. The latest version to appear is the Model G. The principal reasons for the success of the Panther are its relatively high speed, maneuverability, dangerous armament, and good protection.
Variants of the Panther tank which have been identified are the commander's version, the wrecker tank (Bergepanther), and the self-propelled gun Jagdpanther, which consists of the 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 or 4 on the Panther chassis.
(1) Specifications (Model G)
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz.171.
• Weight in action: 50 short tons (approximately)
• Crew: 5 men.
Armor
• Front glacis plate: 80 mm at 55°.*
• Front nose plate: 60 mm at 35°.
• Rear plate: 40 mm at 30". (undercut)
• Hull sides: 40 mm vertical.
• Superstructure sides: 50 mm at 30°.
• Turret front: 110 mm at 10°.
• Turret sides: 45 mm at 25°.
• Turret rear: 45 mm at 28°.
• Armament (coaxially mounted in turret): One 7.5 cm Kw.K.42 (L/70) and one M.G. 34.
• In hull: One M.G. 34.
* All angle measurements given are from vertical.
Dimensions
• Length (excluding gun): 21 feet 1 1/2 inches.
• Width: 10 feet 9 1/2 inches.
• Height: 9 feet 4 inches.
• Gun overhang: 6 feet 5 inches.
• Ground clearance: 1 foot 7 1/2 inches.
Performance
• Trench crossing: 10 feet.
• Step: 3 feet.
• Gradient: 30°.
• Fording: 6 feet (Some submersible to 13 feet).
• Road speed: 20 miles per hour.
• Cross-country speed: 15 miles per hour.
• Maximum speed: 35 miles per hour.
• Range on roads: 124 miles.
• Range cross-country: 62 miles.
Engine
• Type: Maybach HL 230 P30.
• Cylinders: V-12
• Fuel: Gasoline.
• Fuel capacity: 193 gallons.
• Fuel consumption (per 100 miles)
• On roads: 149 gallons.
• Cross-country: 298 gallons.
• BHP: 690 HP at 3,000 rpm.
• Capacity: 23 liters (1,403 cubic inches).
• Transmission: Maybach synchromesh sliding-dog type; manually operated, giving seven forward speeds, one reverse.
• Suspension: Eight load-carrying axles each carrying two large disced rubber-tired bogie wheels, interleaved. Twin torsion-bar suspension.
Figure 102.—Pz. Kpfw. "Tiger".
b. Pz. Kpfw. Tiger.
(1) General.
This tank, originally the Pz. Kpfw. VI, first was encountered by the Russians in the last half of 1942, and by the Western Allies in Tunisia early in 1943. Its colloquial name, Tiger, was adopted officially in February 1944. The current version is Model E.
Unlike the Panther, the Tiger is designed on familiar German lines, but all the dimensions are increased. The main armament is the 8.8 cm Kw.K. 36, which is essentially the 8.8 cm Flak 36 adapted for turret mounting. The mounting of such a heavy gun has raised considerable problems of rigidity, and consequently the hull is constructed of large plates entirely welded together. The superstructure is made up in one unit, and welded to the hull. The turret wall is made from a single large piece of armor, 82 mm thick, bent into a horseshoe shape. Further, all the armor plates are interlocked, in addition to being welded. The armor of the Tiger, at the time of its appearance, was the thickest ever to be fitted on any German tank, the front vertical plate being 102 mm thick and the hull sides 62 mm.
The suspension, which employs interleaved, Christie-type bogie wheels with a very wide track, is reasonably simple and is an effective solution of the suspension problem for such a large and heavy vehicle.
The Tiger engine requires very skilled driving and maintenance to get the best performance, and in the hands of insufficiently trained crews mechanical troubles are apt to appear. This characteristic has been the tank's principal disadvantage.
Figure 103.—Pz. Kpfw. "Tiger", Model E (Sd. Kfz. 181).
(2) Specifications (Model E)
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz. 181
• Weight in action: 62.75 short tons.
• Crew: 5 men.
Armor
• Front nose plate: 102 mm at 20°.
• Front glacis plate: 62 mm at 80°.
• Lower nose plate: 62 mm at 60°.
• Driver's front plate: 102 mm at 10°.
• Hull sides: 62 mm vertical.
• Superstructure sides: 82 mm vertical.
• Rear plate: 82 mm at 20° (undercut)
• Turret front: 100 mm at 0° to 11°.
• Turret sides and rear: 82 mm vertical.
• Armament (coaxially mounted in turret): One 8.8 cm Kw.K.36 (L/56). One M.G. 34
• In hull: One M.G. 34.
Dimensions
• Length (excluding gun): 20 feet 8 1/2 inches.
• Width with wide combat track: 12 feet 3 inches.
• Width with narrow transport track: 10 feet 4 inches.
• Height: 9 feet 4 3/4 inches.
• Gun overhang: 7 feet 1/2 inch.
• Ground clearance: 1 foot 5 inches.
Performance
• Trench crossing: 10 feet.
• Step: 2 feet 6 inches.
• Gradient: 30°.
• Fording: Submersible to 13 feet.
• Cross-country speed: 15 miles per hour.
• Cross-country speed: 5 to 10 miles per hour.
• Maximum speed: 25 miles per hour.
• Range on roads: 87 miles.
• Range cross-country: 53 miles.
Engine
• Type: Maybach HL 230 P45.
• Cylinders: V-12.
• BHP: 690 HP at 3,000 rpm.
• Fuel: Gasoline.
• Fuel capacity: 150 gallons (approximately)
• Transmission: Maybach-Olvar preselective gearbox, hydraulically operated with eight forward speeds and four reverse.
• Suspension: Front driving sprocket and rear idler. Eight load-carrying axles each with three large bogie wheels. Bogie wheels are interleaved. Torsion-bar suspension, one torsion bar per axle.
Figure 104.—Pz. Kpfw. "Tiger", Model B.
c. Pz. Kpfw. TIGER, MODEL B (KING TIGER).
(1) General.
This tank is a development of the Tiger along the lines of the Panther and with a new main armament, the 8.8 cm Kw.K. 43 (L/71). The armor is as thick as that of the Tiger—in some parts thicker—and the improved design and the slope given to the majority of the plates (as in the Panther) give the tank vastly improved protection.
The King Tiger is a tank designed essentially for defensive warfare or for breaking through strong lines of defense. It is unsuitable for rapid maneuver and highly mobile warfare because of its great weight and low speed. To accommodate the gun the turret has been made unusually long in proportion to the total length of the tank. When "buttoned up" the tank is extremely blind, and this is one of its weakest points.
Since the King Tiger first appeared in August 1944 in Normandy, modifications have been made in the turret to eliminate the excessive plate-bending involved in the original construction. The King Tiger virtually is invulnerable to frontal attack, but the flanks, which are less well protected, can be penetrated by Allied antitank weapons at most normal combat ranges.
Figure 105.—Pz. Kpfw. "Tiger", Model B (Sd. Kfz. 182)
(2) Specifications (Model B)
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz. 182
• Weight in action: 75 tons.
• Crew: 5 men.
Armor
• Front glacis plate: 150 mm at 50°.
• Lower nose plate: 100 mm at 50°.
• Hull sides: 80 mm vertical.
• Superstructure sides: 80 mm at 20°.
• Rear plate: 80 mm at 25°.
• Turret front: 180 mm at 10°.
• Turret sides and rear: 80 mm at 20°.
• Armament (coaxially mounted in turret): One 8.8 cm Kw.K.43 (L/71) and one M.G. 34.
• In hull: One M.G. 34.
Dimensions
• Length (excluding gun): 23 feet 10 inches.
• Width: 11 feet 11 1/2 inches.
• Height: 10 feet 2 inches.
• Gun overhang: 8 feet 10 inches.
• Ground clearance: Front 1 foot 7 inches, Rear 1 foot 8 inches.
Performance
• Road speed: 24 miles per hour.
• Cross-country speed: 9 to 10 miles per hour.
• Maximum speed: 26 miles per hour.
• Range on roads: 106 miles.
• Range cross-country: 74 miles.
Engine
• Type: Maybach HL 230 P30.
• Cylinders: V-12.
• Fuel: 229 gallons.
• Fuel consumption (per 100 miles): On roads 213 gallons, Cross-country 300 gallons
• BHP: 590 HP at 2,600 rpm.
• Transmission: Maybach-Olvar preselector type gearbox, hydraulically operated; eight forward speeds, four reverse.
• Suspension: Nine load-carrying axles each side, each carrying twin over-lapping bogie wheels. Single torsion-bar suspension. Front driving sprocket rear idler.
5. Armored Cars
a. GENERAL.
Two main types of armored cars still are in use in the German Army; the light four-wheeled, and heavy eight-wheeled vehicles. These have persisted almost without modification throughout the course of the war, and are vehicles entirely satisfactory in their role. A scries of six-wheeled armored cars which existed before the outbreak of war apparently was unsatisfactory or redundant, for this type never has been met in action.
b. FOUR-WHEELED ARMORED CAR (Leichter Panzerspahwagen 2 cm).
(1) General.
In addition to the normal four-wheeled armored car, which is armed with a 20-mm automatic cannon and an M.G. 34, there is a model (Sd. Kfz. 221) mounting a machine gun only, and a radio vehicle (Sd. Kfz. 223), also mounting one machine gun and having a rectangular, overhead, folding, frame aerial.
Figure 106.—Four-wheeled armored car (Sd. Kfz. 222).
(2) Specifications.
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz. 222.
• Weight in action: 5.25 tons.
• Crew: 3 men.
Dimensions
• Length: 15 feet 7 inches.
• Width: 6 feet 3 1/2 inches.
• Height: 5 feet 11 1/2 inches.
• Ground clearance: 7 3/4 inches.
• Armor: 8 mm.
• Armament: One 2 cm Kw.K. 30 or 38 and one 7.92mm M.G. 34 coaxially mounted.
Figure 107.—Eight-wheeled armored vehicles.
c. EIGHT-WHEELED ARMORED CAR (Schwerer Panzerspahwagen 8 Rad).
(1) General.
The eight-wheeled armored car has appeared in a variety of subsidiary roles. In addition to the principal version (Sd. Kfz. 231), there are two radio vehicles (Sd. Kfz. 232 and 263), an armored car mounting the 7.5 cm Kw.K. 38 and having no turret, and the eight-wheeled armored car mounting a 5 cm Kw.K. 39 in a turret (Sd. Kfz. 234/2). The radio vehicles have large, rectangular, folding, frame aerials.
(2) Specifications.
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz.231.
• Weight in action: 8.35 tons.
• Crew: 4 men.
Dimensions
• Length: 19 feet 1 inch.
• Width: 7 feet 3 inches.
• Height: 7 feet 10 inches.
• Ground clearance: 12 inches.
Armor
• Turret front: 15 mm.
• Turret sides and rear: 8 mm.
• Superstructure front: 18 mm.
• Superstructure sides: 8 mm.
• Hull front nose plate: 18 mm.
• Hull sides: 8 to 10 mm.
• Tail plate: 10 mm.
• Armament: One 2 cm Kw.K.30 or 38 and one 7.92-mm M.G. 34 coaxially mounted.
• Engine: 8 cylinders, 155 BHP, Gasoline.
• Road speed: 51 miles per hour
• Cross-country speed: 19 miles per hour.
• Range on roads: 165 to 190 miles.
• Range cross-country: 110 miles.
• Suspension: 8 single wheels. (8-wheel drive).
Performance
• Trench crossing: 5 feet.
• Step: 1 foot 7 inches.
• Fording: 2 feet.
• Maximum grade: 27°.
d. HALF-TRACKED ARMORED CAR (Le. Schtz. Pz. Wg. 2 cm).
(1) General.
This half-tracked armored car is armed with 20-mm automatic cannon and machine gun in a turret.
(2) Specifications.
• Specification number: Sd. Kfz. 250/9.
• Weight in action: 6.5 tons.
• Crew: 3 men.
Dimensions
• Length: 15 feet
• Width: 6 feet 4 1/2 inches.
• Speed: 40 miles per hour.
Figure 108.—Armored 3-ton half-tracked vehicle mounting 2 cm Flak 36.
6. Armored Personnel Carriers
A great variety of vehicles of the armored personnel-carrier type are in use in the German Army. Two types of chassis have been used for these: the 1-ton half-tracked prime mover (Sd. Kfz. 10) and the 3-ton half-tracked prime mover (Sd. Kfz. 11). These vehicles are armored only lightly (5 to 15 mm) and the plates are sloped like those on the armored cars. There has been a recent tendency to mount artillery (antiaircraft or antitank) up to 37-mm caliber in these vehicles. The following are examples of these vehicles:
On the 1-ton half-tracked chassis:
• Light Armored Troop Carrier: Sd. Kfz. 250.
• Light Armored Ammunition Carrier: Sd. Kfz. 252.
• Light Armored Troop OP: Sd. Kfz. 253.
On the 3-ton half-tracked chassis:
• Medium Armored Troop Carrier: Sd. Kfz. 251.
• Armored Flamethrower Vehicle: Sd. Kfz. 251/16.
• Self-propelled Anti-tank Gun: 3.7 cm. Pak.
• Self-propelled Anti-aircraft Gun: 2 cm Flak 36.