1. Remote Controlled Demolition Vehicles
a. GENERAL.
Three main types of remote controlled demolition vehicles in use by the German army have been identified. These are the Goliath which is line controlled, the B-IV controlled by radio, and the N.S.U.-Springer which has not been encountered in the field. These vehicles have been unsuccessful in action; they usually have been stopped by small arms fire.
b. GOLIATH.
(1) General description.
This vehicle has been produced in two models; one driven by a gasoline engine; the other by an electric motor. The two models have roughly the same external appearance and resemble miniature versions of the type of tanks used during the war of 1914-1918. The Goliath's hull is divided into three compartments by transverse bulkheads. The explosive charge is carried in the front compartment; the engine (in the gasoline driven version) and control gear are in the center, and the drum carrying the coiled cable is in the rear compartment. In the electrically driven model, a battery and motor are carried in sponsons on both sides. Hinged steel covers give access to the cable compartment and the engine space. The vehicle is driven by front sprockets. There are four bogie wheels, mounted on lever arms with simple coil springing, and a rear idler. A small jockey wheel is mounted between the driving sprocket and the first bogie wheel on each side.
(2) Specifications.
• Length: 5 feet 3 inches.
• Height: 2 feet.
• Width: 2 feet 10 inches.
• Total weight: 800 pounds (approximately).
• Weight of explosive: 200 pounds (approximately).
• Speed: 5 to 12 miles per hour.
• Power plant - Gasoline engine Model: 2-cylinder, 2-cycle in-line engine with chain drive.
• Electric motor Model: Two 12-volt Bosch starter motors geared to driving sprockets.
(3) Operation.
The Goliath is transported to the front line on a two-wheeled trailer. After it has been unloaded from the trailer and started toward its target it is controlled through the three-core cable, about 2,000 feet long, which unwinds from the rear and is connected to the operator's control panel. In the electrically driven type, this control is direct to the motors which drive each track individually. In the gasoline-driven model, the control operates magnetic clutches which control the tracks. There is no provision for reversing the vehicle. The charge is fired by a dry cell battery in the control unit: Firing is initiated by throwing a switch on the control panel; the firing circuit runs through the two outer wires in the three-core cable. The Goliath is expendable and is destroyed when its demolition charge is set off.
Figure 130.—Demolition Charge (B1 Goliath). Top, front view; below, rear view.
c. B-IV.
(1) General description.
This radio-controlled demolition vehicle, larger than the Goliath, also has been generally unsuccessful. The hull of the B-IV is constructed of poorly welded 8-mm armor plate. It is divided into an engine compartment at the rear, a driver's compartment on the right front, and a radio equipment compartment on the left front. The vehicle is fully tracked, with front driving sprocket, five bogie wheels, and a rear idler on each side. A six-cylinder gasoline engine is fitted in the left-hand side of the engine compartment; two gasoline tanks are on the right, and in the center is the hydraulic mechanism for operating the engine under radio control.
(2) Specifications.
Length: 12 feet.
Height: 4 feet 6 inches.
Width: 6 feet.
Total weight: 4.5 tons.
Weight of explosive: 800 pounds.
Armor thickness: 8 mm.
(3) Operation.
The B-IV is driven under its own power to the line of departure near the target, usually an emplacement or pillbox. The control transmitter of the radio equipment, retained by the driver when he dismounts, is used to steer the vehicle to its destination. In contrast to the Goliath the B-IV is not expendable, but deposits its load of explosive at the target and returns. The TNT demolition charge is in a container which rests on the sloping front of the vehicle. The charge is released either directly by radio control, or by a trip mechanism which operates when the vehicle is reversed.
Figure 131.—Radio Controlled Demolition Vehicle (B-IV).
d. N.S.U.-Springer.
(1) General description.
This vehicle has not been encountered in action, but it is known to be a remotely controlled demolition vehicle of intermediate size. Lightly armored, it probably is no less vulnerable to attack than the Goliath or B-IV.
(2) Specifications.
• Length: 9 feet 3 1/2 inches.
• Height: 3 feet 10 1/2 inches.
• Width: 3 feet 7 inches.
• Total weight: 2 25 tons.
• Weight of explosive: 661 pounds.
• Armor thickness: 5 to 8 mm.
• Remote control range: 2,200 yards (Approximately).
Manually controlled range:
• On roads: 149 miles.
• Cross-country: 87 miles.
2. Armored Trains
a. GENERAL.
At the outset of the Polish and Dutch campaigns, German armored trains actually preceded the main forces and seized and held key railroad stations or bridges. More recently the Germans made extensive use of armored trains, particularly in Eastern Europe. Their main function has been to patrol and keep open railroads in areas of partisan and guerrilla operations, and their usefulness has been confined largely to operations against enemies who lack heavy weapons. Armored trains are under the direct control of the General Staff and are allotted to army groups. Each train carries a train commandant, who is usually also the infantry commander; an artillery commander; and a technical officer, responsible for the operation of the train itself.
b. COMPOSITION.
The following details apply to a typical armored train with the nomenclature Epz.Bp.42:
• Two armored gun trucks. (37 to 41.5 tons)—Armament: Each, one 10 cm le.F.H. 14/19(P).
• Two armored antiaircraft (37 to 41.5) tons)—Armament: Each, one 20-mm quadruple antiaircraft guns and one 7.62 cm F.K. 295/1(r).
• Two armored infantry (37 to 41.5) tons)—Armament: Each, two 81-mm mortars, one heavy machine gun, 22 light machine guns, and one flame thrower.
• One armored steam locomotive (in middle of train): No armament.
Other details:
• Total personnel: 113.
• Armor: 15 to 30 mm.
• Maximum speed: 35 miles per hour (approximately).
• Range: 110 miles.
In addition, composition of the train may include two tank transporter trucks, each carrying a Czech 38 (t) tank; two light armored Panhard reconnaissance vehicles, capable of traveling either on railroad tracks or across country; and two spare-parts trucks. Various other types of armored trains may be encountered, some incorporating components of an improvised nature, and in these the armor may be anything from boiler plate to railroad ties.
3. Aircraft Armament
a. GENERAL.
The aircraft armament described in this section is limited to weapons such as machine guns and cannon which form an integral part of aircraft. The numerous types of bombs and mines which are carried in and dropped from aircraft do not form part of the standard attached armament and are not included here. There has been an increasing tendency to use aircraft machine guns on ground mounts, as illustrated by the use of the M.G.15 as a light machine gun and the M.G.151/15 and M.G.151/20 as triple, self-propelled, antiaircraft weapons. (See Section II, Small Arms, for details on use of aircraft machine guns in ground roles.)
b. 7.92-MM MACHINE GUN (M.G.15).
(1) General description.
This was the standard, rifle-caliber, free gun until superseded by the M.G. 81, It also is used by the infantry, with bipod and shoulder rest. The design is Solothurn. The gun fires only automatically.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 7.92 mm (0.312 inch).
• Length over-all: 42 inches.
• Weight (without mount): 15.75 pounds.
• Operation: Recoil and residual gas pressure from muzzle blast.
• Feed: 75-round saddle magazine.
• Cocking: Manual.
• Firing: Percussion.
• Rate of fire: 1,000 rounds per minute.
• Muzzle velocity - AP Incendiary: 3,000 feet per second.
c. 7.92-MM MACHINE GUN (M.G. 17).
(1) General description.
This is the fixed gun version of the M.G.15. It fires only automatically. Non-disintegrating, sectionally disintegrating, and full-disintegrating ammunition belts are used with the gun.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 7 92 mm (0.312 inch).
• Length over-all: 47.7 inches.
• Weight (with control mechanism): 27.69 pounds.
• Operation: Recoil and residual gas pressure from muzzle blast.
• Feed: Metal link belt.
• Cocking: Pneumatic, electrical control with mechanical interruption for synchronized firing.
• Rate of fire - Unsychronized: 1,100 rounds per minute.
• Rate of fire - Sychronized: 1,000 rounds per minute.
• Muzzle velocity - AP Incendiary: 3,000 feet per second.
d. 7.92-MM MACHINE GUN (M.G. 81).
(1) General description.
This gun has superseded the M.G.15 as the standard, rifle caliber, free gun. The high rate of fire of this gun, which is automatic only, precludes its use as a ground weapon.
(2) Characteristics.
Caliber: 7.92 mm (0.312 inch).
Length over-all: 35 inches.
Weight: 13.88 pounds.
Operation: Recoil and residual gas pressure from muzzle blast.
Feed: Disintegrating metal link belt.
Cocking: Cable with finger pull at rear.
Firing: Percussion.
Rate of fire: 1,200 to 1,500 rounds per minute.
e. 13-MM MACHINE GUN (M.G.131).
(1) General description.
This gun is compact and very light. Since it is electrically fired, there is no firing pin, and fire interruption or synchronization are facilitated greatly. The gun fires only automatically.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 13 mm (0.512 inch.)
• Length over-all: 46 inches.
• Weight: 40 pounds.
• Operation: Recoil and residual gas pressure from muzzle blast.
• Feed: Disintegrating metal link belt.
• Cocking: Manual.
• Firing: Electric.
• Rate of fire: 900 rounds per minute.
Muzzle velocity - HE Tracer and Incendiary Tracer: 2,370 feet per second.
(3) Ammunition.
The gun fires tracer, high explosive tracer, high explosive incendiary tracer, and armor-piercing tracer projectiles.
f. 15-MM MACHINE GUN (M.G.151/15).
(1) General description.
This Mauser-designed gun is percussion fired by solenoid control and is cocked electrically. It is basically identical in design with the M.G.151/20. This gun, which fires only automatically, has been triple mounted on a half-tracked vehicle and employed in a self-propelled antiaircraft role.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 15 mm (0.591 inch).
• Length over-all: 75.5 inches.
• Weight (including electrical control): 84 pounds.
• Operation: Recoil.
• Feed: Disintegrating metal link belt.
• Cocking: Electrical.
• Firing: Percussion (electrical solenoid, manually operated trigger).
• Rate of fire with AP: 750 rounds per minute.
• Rate of fire with HE: 680 rounds per minute.
• Muzzle velocity - AP Tracer: 2,715 feet per second.
(3) Ammunition.
This gun fires tracer, armor-piercing tracer, and high explosive incendiary tracer.
g. 20-MM MACHINE GUN (M.G.151/20).
(1) General description.
This is the 20-mm version of the Mauser M.G.151 design. It is only slightly different from the 15-mm gun. Barrels of the 15-mm and 20-mm models are not interchangeable. This gun also is issued in an electrically fired version, with a spring-loaded contact instead of a firing pin. Two types of ground mounts exist for the M.G.151/20, and there is a self-propelled antiaircraft version on a halftrack.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 20 mm (0.791 inch).
• Length over-all: 69.75 inches.
• Weight (including electrical control): 93.5 pounds.
• Operation: Recoil.
• Feed: Disintegrating metal link belt.
• Cocking: Electrical.
• Firing: Percussion (electrical solenoid, manually operated trigger).
• Rate of fire - unsynchronized: AP, 800 rounds per minute.
• Rate of fire - unsynchronized: HE, 750 rounds per minute.
• Muzzle velocity - HE Incendiary: 2,650 feet per second.
• Muzzle velocity - AP Incendiary and APHE: 2,300 feet per second.
(3) Ammunition.
Projectiles fired in this gun include high explosive, incendiary tracer, armor-piercing incendiary, armor-piercing high explosive, and high explosive incendiary.
h. 20-MM MACHINE GUN (Oerlikon F.F. and F.F.M.).
(1) General description.
This is the German air force version of the standard Oerlikon design. It is chambered to fit the short German 20-mm round, and the recoiling parts have been redesigned accordingly. The M.G. F.F. is a fixed gun. The M.G. F.F.M., a later version, is mechanically identical, but may have a cooling cowling and hand firing device for use as a free gun. Both models fire only automatically.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 20 mm (0.791 inch).
• Length over-all: 52.75 inches.
• Weight - Pneumatic cocking: 60 pounds.
• Weight - Hand cocking: 55.75 pounds.
• Operation: Recoil.
• Feed: 60-round drum, 20-round drum, or 15-round clip.
• Cocking - Fixed gun: Pneumatic, electrical control.
• Cocking - Free gun: Manual.
• Firing: Percussion.
• Rate of fire (operation): 400 rounds per minute.
• Muzzle velocity: 1,900 feet per second.
(3) Ammunition.
Ball tracer, high explosive, high explosive tracer, high explosive incendiary tracer, and armor piercing projectiles are fired from this gun.
i. 30-MM MACHINE GUN (Mk.101).
(1) General description.
This heavy machine gun is of Rheinmetall Börsig design. It may be fired single shot or automatically. Two heavy coiled springs around the barrel are necessary to check recoil. This 30-mm machine gun is being replaced by the Model 108.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 30 mm (1.18 inches).
• Length over-all: 96 inches.
• Weight: 394 pounds.
• Operation: Recoil.
• Feed: 10-round box magazine.
• Cocking: Pneumatic.
• Firing: Percussion, electrical solenoid operated.
• Rate of fire (estimated): 400 rounds per minute.
j. 30-MM MACHINE GUN (Mk. 108).
(1) General description.
The Model 108 is the latest 30-mm machine gun to be employed in aircraft and is replacing the Model 101.
(2) Characteristics.
• Caliber: 30 mm (1.18 inches).
• Length over-all: 3 feet 6 inches.
• Weight: 265 pounds.
• Operation: Blowback.
• Feed: 60-round disintegrating link belt.
• Cocking: Compressed air.
• Firing: Electrical (sear is actuated by compressed air).
• Rate of fire: 500 rounds per minute.
• Muzzle velocity: 1,650 feet per second.
(3) Ammunition.
The high explosive tracer projectile fired from this gun weighs 11.22 ounces. Incendiary tracer projectiles are also fired.
k. 21-CM ROCKET.
Single engine German fighters carry two of these rockets, while twin engined fighters carry four. The projectiles, 42.44 inches long and weighing 248 pounds, are projected from open end tubes 50.31 inches long. The rockets are fired by electricity. The launching tubes may be jettisoned by electrical detonator charges.