Published on
September 25, 2009 in
Japanese.
The Japanese 6.5 mm Sniper’s Rifle, Model 97, is a manually operated, bolt-action, air-cooled, shoulder weapon similar to the Model 38 (1905) 6.5 mm rifle except for its monopod, turned-down bolt handle, and telescopic sight. The telescopic sight is attached to the left hand side of the receiver by means of a dove-tailed base. It is a fixed focus type of 2.5 power and has a 10° field of vision.
The telescopic sight is approximately seven inches long and is equipped with an eyepiece of soft rubber. The reticle is marked in the following graduations: vertical from 0 to 15, horizontal 20 mils each side of the center, the markings being at 5 mil intervals. The horizontal line intersects the vertical scale at the 3 mark.
The telescopic sight is removable and when not in use is carried in a well constructed canvas case which has a heavy coating of lacquer on the outside for waterproofing. The case is fitted on the inside with a wooden spacer to secure the sight when it is inside. A small pocket to hold the sight cleaning brush is also constructed inside the case.
The rifle is also provided with a folding monopod which is pivoted on the lower band.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight (w/ telescopic sight) |
|
10 lbs., 8 oz. |
| Length (overall w/o bayonet) |
|
50.25 ins. |
| Sight radius |
|
26.9 ins. |
| Principle of operation |
|
Manual, bolt-action |
| Feeding device |
|
Box magazine |
| Capacity of feeding device |
|
5 rounds |
| Cooling system |
|
Air |
| Ammunition types |
|
Mod. 38, 6.5 mm ball and reduced charge ball |
| Rate of fire |
|
According to dexterity of user |
| Type of sight |
|
2.5x telescopic sight |
| Weight of barrel |
| Length of barrel |
|
31.4 ins. |
| Length of rifling |
|
29.1 ins. |
| Rifling |
| Twist |
|
Uniform R.H. one turn in 7.88 ins. |
| Form |
|
Metford segmental |
| No. of grooves |
|
4 |
| Depth of grooves |
| Width of grooves |
| Chamber pressure |
| Muzzle velocity |
|
2,400 ft. per sec. |
| Muzzle energy |
| Maximum range |
|
2,600 yds. |
| Effective range (approx.) |
|
600 yds. |
| Type of mount |
|
Folding monopod |
Japanese: p. 208.1 (August 1, 1945)
Published on
September 25, 2009 in
Japanese.
The Japanese 105 mm gun, Type 14, is a medium field weapon mounted on a two-wheeled carriage and drawn by a prime mover. The tube, of built-up construction, is retracted above the trails when in traveling position to provide proper balance. A breechblock of the interrupted screw type is used.
The weapon has split trails which may be adjusted to equalize cant. The wheels are equipped with rubber or steel tires.
The recoil system is the variable, hydropneumatic floating piston type. The fluid passage to the other side of the two air cylinders is suitably interrupted when the elevation is increased.
The traversing mechanism consists of a worm and arc gear. The elevating mechanism is of the arc gear type. A spring equilibrator is attached to the gun, since the trunnion is retracted in relation to the tube. The sighting equipment consists of a panoramic sight and a drum type range scale.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
105 mm (4.13 ins.) |
| Weight (traveling position) |
| Weight (firing position) |
| Length (traveling position) |
| Length (firing position) |
| Height (traveling position) |
| Height (firing position) |
| Width (overall) |
| Width of trail spread |
| Length of bore |
| No. of grooves |
| Width of grooves |
| Depth of grooves |
| Width of lands |
| Muzzle velocity |
|
2,040 f/s |
| Max. range (horizontal) |
|
16,500 yds. |
| Max. range (vertical) |
| Rate of fire |
|
6-8 r.p.m. |
| Traverse |
|
30° |
| Elevation |
|
43° |
| Depression |
|
5° |
| Length of recoil |
| Ammunition |
|
H.E. (long pointed), H.E., Shrapnel, Chemical, A.P. |
| Wt. of projectile (H.E.) |
|
33 lbs. |
German: p. 114.3 (August 1, 1945)
Published on
September 25, 2009 in
Japanese.
The Japanese 81 mm Mortar, Model 3, is a forerunner of the Model 97 (1937). It was manufactured at the Yokosuka Navy Arsenal in 1943.
The tube is a smooth-bore type and has two collars machined on the forward part for securing the bipod clamp. The bipod, constructed of light weight tubing, is very unstable. There is no cross leveling device, and rough cross leveling adjustments could be made by breaking the bipod support and moving the leg on the low side inward.
The base plate is relatively heavy, and is believed to be identical with that now used with the 90 mm Mortar, Model 94. It is interchangeable with the base plate for the Model 97.
Both traversing and elevating mechanisms employ the square type threads rather than the usual and more efficient buttress type as used on Model 97. No sight was recovered with the mortar.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight of tube |
| 47 lbs. |
| Weight of bipod |
| 25 lbs. |
| Weight of base plate |
| 95 lbs. |
Japanese: p. 122.1
Published on
September 22, 2009 in
German.
The 27 mm double barrel signal pistol is unique in that the basic parts such as the trigger, trigger-guard, lever release, hammer assembly and switch lever, as well as all pins, are made of steel; the remaining parts, with the exception of the wooden forestock and hand grips, are made of an aluminum alloy.
The firing mechanism is of the continuous pull type incorporating concealed hammers. A switch lever is located on the top rear of the pistol frame to control the firing mechanism. By use of this lever, either one of the two barrels, or both, can be fired by action of the trigger. Turning the lever to the left allows only the left barrel to be fired; turning it to the right allows only the right barrel to be fired. With the lever in the center position, both barrels fire simultaneously. Breaking of the piece is accomplished by pushing forward the release lever which is located just forward of the trigger guard. Indicator pins located in the breech plate show whether the respective barrels are loaded. A safety lever is located on the left side of the receiver. The words “Feuer” and “Sicher” indicate the two positions of Fire and Safe.
Another model, a double barrel air force signal pistol of somewhat similar design, is pictured in the inset above.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight |
|
3 1/8 lbs. |
| Length |
|
13 7/8 ins. |
| Ammunition types |
| Weight of barrel |
| Length of barrel |
|
9 1/8 ins. |
| Rifling (smooth bore) |
| Muzzle energy |
| Maximum range |
*Signal cartridge with single star–max. vertical range 260 ft.
German: p. 202.1 (May 1, 1945)
Published on
September 22, 2009 in
German.
The basic construction of this vehicle is identical with that of the standard type 82 Volkswagen. Front wheel drive has been added to the ingenious positive lock differential rear drive already employed and removes all objections to its poor cross-country performance.
The steering assembly and the front wheel suspension are placed outside a watertight bulkhead.
A rubber sealed stuffing box is used for the front wheel drive shaft. In the rear the suspension is mounted outside the watertight hull. The only openings are for each drive shaft. These are entirely hooded by two bellows type rubber boots that sheath the axle allowing movement in all directions.
Shock absorbers are provided for each wheel. In the front they are mounted outside the hull. In the rear, a watertight shaft extends through the hull from shock absorber to wheel.
Normal grease seals on the rear axle keep water from seeping into the differential and transmission assemblies.
The transmission, transfer case and the positive locking differential comprise a unit assembly secured to the floor at its extreme rear end. A power takeoff has been added to the normal transmission to provide front wheel drive. A cross-country gear position is also provided. It is an extra low gear necessitating the normal transmission be kept in neutral position when used.
The clutch is a dry single disc foot operated type. The propeller assembly is mounted on a spring-loaded hinge that is positioned in the rear directly in line with the hand crank pulley. It incorporates a slip clutch to eliminate damage to the propeller blades by underwater obstructions. Engagement direct with the engine is made through a dog clutch sealed by a rubber bushing on the engine side.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight |
|
2,040 lbs. |
| Loading capacity |
|
960 lbs. |
| Length (overall–propeller down) |
|
150 ins. |
| (overall–propeller up) |
|
140 ins. |
| Width (overall) |
|
55 ins. |
| Height (overall to top of windshield) |
|
57 ins. |
| (overall less windshield) |
|
38 ins. |
| Ground clearance |
|
11.5 ins. |
| Tread centers |
|
47 ins. |
| Wheelbase |
|
78 ins. |
| Tire size |
|
5.25 x16–one spare |
| Fuel tank |
|
13 gallons, 70 octane |
| Fuel consumption (land) |
|
20 m.p.g. |
| (water) |
|
Unknown |
| Fording depth |
|
Unlimited |
| Speed (land) |
|
46.5 m.p.h. |
| (water) |
|
7.5 m.p.h. |
| Engine |
|
4 cyl. horizontally opposed, air-cooled |
| Horsepower |
|
24.5 at 3,300 r.p.m. |
| Ignition |
|
Bosch, 6 volt coil |
| Battery |
|
6 volt |
| Transmission |
|
4 speeds forward, 1 reverse |
| Steering |
|
Normal–front wheels |
German: p. 58.1
Published on
September 22, 2009 in
German.
The 3.7 cm Flak 36 has also been mounted on the chassis of the 8-ton medium prime mover described on page 54. Data on the weapon may be found on page 130.1.
German: p. 54.1 (April 1, 1945)
Published on
September 22, 2009 in
German.
The 2 cm Flakvierling 38 has been mounted, as illustrated above, on the chassis of the 8-ton medium semitrack prime mover described on page 54. Details of the weapon and its performance may be found on page 133.
German: p. 54.1 (April 1, 1945)
Published on
September 22, 2009 in
German.
The standard Model A Panther chassis is used for building this vehicle. The vehicle embodies all of the engineering principles and methods of design accumulated by the Germans up to the time of its production, and is quite effective as an antitank or assault weapon.
The hull and fighting compartment are of all welded construction. The fighting compartment is 45 inches in height at the front and 57 inches at the rear. The length of the roof is 93 inches and the width 72 inches.
The steering mechanism, “one radius steering,” is new. It is unnecessary to engage the transmission in order to turn or traverse the tank through 360 degrees. The use of either steering lever will traverse the tank in a small radius or on the spot. The annulus gear of each of the two epicyclics is driven by the transmission output shaft and is subject to seven speeds forward and one reverse. The sun gears are held stationary on the straightaway by steering brakes. In making a turn, the inside sun gear is released to rotate backward for a sharper turn, the inside sun gear is driven by engagement through a steering clutch with the engine.
The vehicle is armed with the 8.8 cm Pak 43/3 gun in a massive cast steel mantlet which is flexibly mounted in a cast steel ring welded to the front plate. Traverse is 11 degrees. Stowage is provided for 29 rounds of each of two types of ammunition. One M.G. 34 is ball mounted in the front plate to the right. Driver’s vision is by periscope. Fuel capacity is 193 gallons, of which 34 gallons are held in auxiliary.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight |
|
45 tons |
| Length (overall) Including gun |
|
28 ft., 4 ins. |
| Excluding gun |
|
22 ft., 8 ins. |
| Width (overall) |
|
10 ft., 10 ins. |
| Height (overall) |
|
9 ft., 10 ins. |
| Ground clearance |
|
21 ins. |
| Tread centers |
|
8 ft., 7½ ins. |
| Ground contact |
|
12 ft., 9½ ins. |
| Width of track |
|
26 ins. |
| Pitch of track |
|
6 ins. |
| Track links |
|
67 |
| Fording depth |
|
67 ins. |
| Theoretical radius of action |
|
|
| Roads |
|
124 miles |
| Cross-country |
|
62 miles |
| Speed |
|
|
| Roads |
|
34 m.p.h. |
| Cross-country |
|
15-18 m.p.h. |
| Armor |
|
|
| Front plate |
|
80 mm at 55° to the vertical |
| Sides |
|
45 mm at 30° to the vertical |
| Rear |
|
40 mm at 30° to the vertical |
| Top |
|
17 mm at 85° to the vertical |
| Armament |
|
8.8 cm Pak 43/3 (MV 3.280 f/s, A.P.C.B.C.), M.G. 34 |
| Ammunition (Rds.) |
|
58 (8.8 cm) |
| Engine |
|
Maybach HL 230 P 30 V12 gasoline |
| Transmission |
|
Synchromesh 7 speeds forward, 1 reverse |
| Steering |
|
One radius double drive epicyclic |
| Crew |
|
5 |
German: p. 38.1 (August 1, 1945)
Published on
September 12, 2009 in
Japanese.
This Japanese land mine, of Naval origin, is usually found buried in landing strips. Almost any vehicle will activate the mine, but its use as an anti-personnel device is limited since a pressure of approximately 336 pounds is necessary to set it off.
The mine consists of an oval shaped tube of sheet metal with a cap on both ends; an explosive charge comprising eight blocks of picric acid, each cast in a paper container and coated with paraffin; and four percussion type fuzes.
The picric acid blocks which are flattened on one side do not fill the mine completely. The space between the flat side of the blocks and the wall of the case accommodates the protruding heads of the fuzes which are inserted between blocks.
The percussion type fuze consists of a cylindrical body which houses the striker release plunger, a booster housing, and a striker housing. The two latter parts are identical in external appearance and screw into the sides of the main body diametrically opposite each other.
The striker release plunger, a split pin with an enlarged flat head, is positioned in the fuze body by a copper shear wire. A second hole 90 degrees from the shear wire hole accommodates a safety wire. The lower end of the plunger is split by a slot, the width of which is increased on the inner end.
The mine is held in an unarmed position by the safety wire which is inserted through a hole in one of the end caps, and extends the entire length of the mine. A spring clip on the cap holds the wire in place. When the mine is to be put into operation, the safety wire is removed and a burying plug is screwed into the hole in the cap to make the assembly waterproof. A thick tarry substance is applied to-the seams around the end caps probably for the same purpose.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Length (overall) |
|
36 ins. |
| Diameter (oval) |
|
3.35 x 1.8 ins. |
| Total weight |
|
10.58 lbs. |
| Weight of mine |
|
4.63 lbs. |
| Weight of filling |
|
5.95 lbs. |
| Weight of each explosive block |
|
3/4 lb. |
| Filling |
|
Picric acid |
| Weight of complete fuze |
|
.29 lb. |
| Color |
|
Brown outside; black lacquer inside |
Japanese: p. 308.1 (March 1, 1945)
Published on
September 12, 2009 in
German.
These two rocket projectors, or ramps, differ from each other only in construction details and in the material used. The Schweres Wurfgerät 40 is made of wood and weighs 115 pounds; the 41 model is of metal, weighing 243 pounds. Each is designed to carry four crates of the 32 cm incendiary rocket (page 353) or the 28 cm high explosive rocket (page 354).
Either model is adjustable for elevation. Firing is accomplished by the hand electric firing system provided for the crates themselves. Maximum ranges for these projectors are identical: 2,106 yards for the 28 cm Wurfkörper Spr. and 2,406 yards for the 32 cm Wurfkörper M. Fl. 50.
German: p. 349 (May 1, 1945)
