Month: August 2010

Categories
German

Pz. Fu. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 263): Armored Radio Car

Pz. Fu. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 263): Armored Radio CarGerman nomenclature: Pan­zer­funk­wagen (Sd. Kfz. 263) mit Fahr­ge­stell des leichter ge­lände­gän­giger Last­kraft­wagen (o).

English designation: Armored radio car with special chassis of the light cross-country truck.

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight        5,250 kg        11,573 lb.
Pay load
Gross weight 5,800 kg 12,786 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,800 kg 3,968 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,000 kg 4,409 lb.
Length (overall) 5,570 mm 18 ft., 4 ins.
Height (overall) 2,930 mm 9 ft., 7 ins.
Ground clearance 240 mm 9 1/2 ins.
Tread centers 1,700 mm 5 ft., 7 ins.
  1,840 mm 6 ft.
Wheelbase 2,500/900 mm 98/35 ins.
Wheel width 170-350 mm 6 3/4/13 3/4 ins.
Tire size
Angle of approach   55°
Angle of departure   40°
Seating capacity
Fording depth 600 mm 23 ins.
Climbing ability   13°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)   55°
Overturn gradient (crosswise)   35°
Turning radius 16 meters 52 ft., 6 ins.
Trailer load
Lifting power of winch
Engine horsepower 70 c—v 69 hp
Piston displacement 4,600 cu cm 276 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 100 liters 26.4 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   5.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption               3.6 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.66

Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231) (8 Rad): Heavy Armored Scout Car (8 Wheels)

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231) (8 Rad): Heavy Armored Scout Car (8 Wheels)German nomenclature: schwerer Pan­zer­späh­wagen (Sd. Kfz. 231) (8 Rad).

English designation: Heavy armored scout car (8 wheels).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight         7,600 kg         16,720 lb.
Pay load 700 kg 1,578 lb.
Gross weight 8,300 kg 18,298 lb.
Weight: Front axle 2,050 kg 4,519 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,100 kg 4,630 lb.
Length (overall) 5,850 mm 19 ft., 2 ins.
Width (overall) 2,200 mm 7 ft., 2 ins.
Height (overall) 2,350 mm 7 ft., 8 ins.
Ground clearance 270 mm 101 ins.
Tread centers 1,600 mm 5 ft., 3 ins.
Wheelbase 1,350/1,400/1,350 mm 53/55/53 ins.
Wheel width 190 mm 7 1/2 ins.
Angle of approach   60°
Angle of departure   60°
Seating capacity
Fording depth 1,000 mm 39 ins.
Climbing ability   30°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)
Overturn gradient (crosswise)   35°
Turning radius 10.5 meters (all wheels) 34 ft., 5 ins.
Trailer load
Engine horsepower 160 c-v 157.8 hp
Piston displacement 7,600 cu cm 456 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 180 liters 47.5 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   3.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption   2.2 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.63

Categories
German

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231): Heavy Armored Scout Car

s. Pz. Sp. Wg. (Sd. Kfz. 231): Heavy Armored Scout Car 6-radGerman nomenclature: schwerer Panzer­späh­wagen (Sd. Kfz. 231) mit Fahr­gestell des leichter gelände­gangiger Last­kraft­wagen (o).

English designation: Heavy armored scout car with special chassis of the light cross-country truck (standard commercial vehicle).

SPECIFICATIONS

Net weight         5,300 kg         11,684 lb.
Pay load 700 kg 1,543 lb.
Gross weight 6,000 kg 13,227 lb.
Weight: Front axle 1,850 kg 4,078 lb.
Weight: Rear axle 2,075 kg 4,574 lb.
Length (overall) 5,600 mm 18 ft., 4 ins.
Width (overall) 1,850 mm 6 ft., 1 in.
Height (overall) 2,250 mm 7 ft., 4 ins.
Ground clearance 200 mm 8 ins.
Tread centers 1,840 mm 6 ft.
Wheelbase 2,500/900 mm 98/35 ins.
Wheel width    
Angle of approach   55°
Angle of departure   40°
Seating capacity 600 mm 23 ins.
Fording depth
Climbing ability   13°
Overturn gradient (lengthwise)   55°
Overturn gradient (crosswise)   35°
Turning radius 16 meters 52 ft., 6 ins.
Trailer load    
Engine horsepower 70 c-v 69 hp
Piston displacement 4,600 cu cm 276 cu. ins.
Fuel tank capacity 100 liters 26.4 gal.
Highway fuel consumption   5.9 m.p.g.
Average terrain fuel consumption   3.6 m.p.g.

German: p. 74.63

Categories
German

8.8 cm Pzgr. patr.: 8.8 cm A.P.C.B.C., H.E. Ammunition

8.8 cm Pzgr. patr.: 8.8 cm A.P.C.B.C., H.E. Ammunition

The German 8.8 cm A.P.C.B.C., H.E. ammunition consists of an armor-piercing capped projectile of conventional design, crimped in a primed brass cartridge case. The projectile is loaded with a TNT bursting charge and fuzed with a base-detonating fuze containing a tracer. The brass cartridge case holds a double base, single-perforated propelling charge with a nitrocellulose powder igniter and a short percussion type primer.

The projectile as fired weighs 20.71 pounds. Both the projectile body and the armor-piercing cap are made of steel. The cap is soldered to the body, and a sheet steel windshield is attached to the cap by a series of spot welds. The large fuze body occupies a considerable part of the explosive cavity which is comparatively large for an armor-piercing projectile. The weight of the explosive charge is approximately 1.8% of the total weight of the projectile. The bursting charge is contained in an aluminum case conforming to the contour of the cavity except that the forward end is flat. A molded plastic button which conforms to the contour of the cavity is located between the front of the charge case and the small forward end of the cavity. This button acts as a cushion for the charge upon impact of the projectile on the target. A tar-like compound fills the space between the projectile walls and the aluminum charge case to prevent the case from slipping upon rotation of the projectile.

The pressed bursting charge has 5.5% wax blended with it. The base fuze has a steel body with a threaded extension at the base end to receive a tracer assembly.

The fuze has a slight delay and arms on centrifugal force.

SPECIFICATIONS

Type of ammunition         A.P.C.B.C., H.E.
Weight of complete round         32.74 lb.
Weight of projectile         20.71 lb.
Weight of bursting charge         37 lb. (1.8% of wt. of proj.)
Weight of propellant         2,471 grams
Weight of fuze with tracer and detonator assembly         2.18 lb.

German: p. 308

Categories
German

T. Mi. Pilz 43: Tellermine—Type 4 (Mushroom Head)

T. Mi. Pilz 43: Tellermine Type 4 (Mushroom Head)

This type of mine is composed of fewer parts, is simpler in construction, and more easily assembled than types 1, 2, and 3. It also appears to be less susceptible to sympathetic detonation than the three other types.

It has the usual Tellermine contour, but no cover is provided, necessitating a rubber seal and a pressure spring. The top of the mine is covered by a “mushroom” head pressure plate which screws into the fuze cavity. This head is made of two thin pieces of pressed steel formed into a hollow shell about 7.5 inches in diameter and about 1 inch thick.

The mine has an aperture in its base and one in its sidewall in which either a pull or tension igniter can be used.

The fuze for the mine is very simple in operation, and consists of a shear pin and a spring-loaded firing-pin. When sufficient pressure is exerted on the mushroom head, the shear pin is broken off and the spring-loaded firing-pin plunges into the fuze primer, setting off the detonator. The detonator ignites the penthrite booster which, in turn, sets off the main charge of amatol.

This fuze, which is also used in types 2 and 3 German Tellermine, is dropped into the fuze cavity rather than screwed in as in the case of the type 1 Tellermine.

SPECIFICATIONS

Diameter         11.29 ins.
Weight         18 lb., 1.5 oz.
Bursting charge         Amatol
Bursting charge weight         10 lb., 6.94 oz.

German: p. 304

Categories
German

T. Mi. 35 (Stahl): Tellermine—Type 3 (Steel)

T. Mi. 35 (Stahl): Tellermine—Type 3 (Steel) WW2

The design of the third type of Tellermine does not differ greatly from that of the other two models. It is distinguished by the radial flutings on the upper face (a), which extend to the edge of the surface. On the underside of this pressure plate (a) is a flat strengthening ring (b), spot-welded to the plate.

The ring (c) is secured to the body of the mine (d) by a number of punches. This ring retains the pressure plate in position against the spring (b). The rubber seal (i) between the body of the mine and the pressure plate protects the operating mechanism against moisture and dust.

The mine body and the base (f) are similar in construction to the type 1 T. Mi. 35, type 1 having an adapter to take an additional side igniter, which is located diametrically opposite the handle, and type 3 having an adapter for the base igniter. In the case of type 3, the igniter is screwed down until it rests on the rim of the socket (h), and the screw plug (g) is then not required.

The design for the mine appears to be a compromise between the Tellermine No. 1 and the Tellermine No. 2. In the former the whole of the mine cover forms the pressure plate and the mine is known to be subject to blast effects. The smaller area of the pressure plate in Tellermine No. 2 reduced the susceptibility of the mine to blast but at the same time reduced the available area for operating the mine.

SPECIFICATIONS

Diameter         12.75 ins.
Height 3.21 ins.
Weight 21.50 lb.
Bursting charge 66-34 Amatol
       weight 13.9 lb.
Booster pellets 3 PETN

German: p. 303

Categories
German

T. Mi. 42: Tellermine—Type 2

T. Mi. 42: Tellermine—Type 2 (WW2 Teller Mine Antitank Mine)

The type 2 Tellermine consists of a flat, circular steel bottom, a steel body having a cylindrical sidewall, and a slightly dome-shaped top with a centrally located well approximately 6.9 inches in diameter. A fluted pressure top is fitted into the well. The silhouette of this mine differs from those of types 1 and 3 principally in that the central pressure top with the fuze well cover extends above the surface of the rest of the body. The mine also contains two other detonator wells, one in the side of the body and one in the bottom.

The igniter body is cylindrical in form and is approximately 1.5 inches long and .81 inch in diameter. The firing-pin head extends above the surface of the body, is hemispherical in shape, and is supported by a heavy shear pin which rests on the upper surface of the body. The lower end has a threaded extension over which a thin metal cap containing a paper disk is screwed. This cap is used as a protection for the primer and, with the paper disk removed, as a means for holding the detonator against the igniter prior to assembly in the mine.

A bursting charge of 10.75 pounds of cast TNT is used. Three PETN booster pellets are imbedded in the bursting charge, one around each detonating well.

SPECIFICATIONS

Diameter        12.7 ins.
Height 4.00 ins.
Weight 18.36 lb.
Bursting charge Cast TNT or 50/50 Amatol
Bursting charge weight 10.75 lb.
Booster pellets 3 PETN

German: p. 302

Categories
German

T. Mi. 35: Tellermine—Types 1a & 1b

T. Mi. 35: Tellermine Types 1a & 1b

There are two models of the type 1 Teller Land Mine. Both types, which are painted olive drab, consist of a flat, circular bottom plate, a steel dome-shaped body which contains the bursting charge, an aluminum retaining ring into which a rubber sealing ring is assembled, and a cast aluminum top, also slightly dome-shaped. A formed iron wire handle is attached to the side wall by welded steel straps.

The bursting charge is initiated by action of the pressure igniter which is screwed into the well cup in the top of the mine. This igniter is cylindrical in form, 2.3 inches long, and 1.625 inches in diameter. A heavy compression spring, located inside the well, is held in position by a forward lip on the underside of the top of the mine. Two other well cups, one through the sidewall and one through the bottom plate, are provided for use when auxiliary pull-type igniters are assembled. On the body cover, concentric with a brass setting screw, are stamped two arrows, one pointing to the “Scharf” (armed) marking, and the other to the “Sicher” (safe) marking. A red spot .1 inch in diameter on the head of the setting screw is used to aline the setting mechanism with the index marks.

The only difference between type 1a and type 1b is in the loading of the bursting charge. Type 1a contains a 10.55 pound charge of pressed TNT; type 1b contains an 11.41 pound charge of cast TNT and three large PETN booster pellets imbedded in the bursting charge. Each pellet has a cavity into which a detonator well is assembled.

SPECIFICATIONS

            Type 1a           Type 1b
Diameter 12.75 ins. 12.75 ins.
Height 3.50 ins. 3.25 ins.
Weight 19.25 lb. 21.20 lb.
Bursting charge Pressed TNT Cast TNT
Bursting charge weight 10.55 lb. 11.41 lb.
Booster pellets 3 PETN

German: p. 301

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 81: Flexible Aircraft Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 81: Flexible Aircraft Machine Gun - Luftwaffe WW2

The German Aircraft Machine Gun, M.G. 81, 7.92 mm, is a Mauser designed air-cooled, belt-fed, recoil-operated (gas assisted) weapon which fires from an open bolt. The weapon is light and easily manufactured and is now used in place of the German M.G. 15 in many German aircraft. It is a flexibly mounted gun and serves as an observer’s weapon.

A “Solothurn type” bolt head is rotated by cams and locked to the barrel by an interrupted thread. It appears to be a speeded-up type of the light machine gun, M.G. 34. The higher rate of fire is achieved by a powerful buffer spring fitted into the body, as well as by general lengthening of all parts, and some redesign. The recoil operation is assisted by a nuzzle booster. The barrel is unusually short, being only 183 inches long. A push-type safety catch is located in the trigger guard just forward of the trigger. This can be moved only when the gun is cocked.

The weapon is fired only at full-automatic fire. The method of feeding is by a disintegrating-link belt through the feed block. A barrel casing made of perforated sheet metal encloses the barrel and fits into a sleeve which screws into the front of the body. The weapon has a muzzle booster which screws onto the barrel housing. This weapon is made and used in a dual mount with single trigger operation for both mounts.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber        7.92 mm. (.312 in.)
Weight 13 lb., 14 oz.
Length 35 ins.
Length of barrel 18.75 ins.
Operation Recoil, gas assisted
Fire Automatic only
Muzzle velocity* 2,500-3,000 f/s
Rate of fire 1,200 to 1.500 rds./min.
Ammunition All 7.92 mm Mauser types

*Muzzle velocity varies according to ammunition used.

German: p. 221

Categories
German

7.92 mm M.G. 17: Fixed Aircraft Machine Gun

7.92 mm M.G. 17: German WW2 Fixed Aircraft Machine Gun

The German 7.92 mm aircraft machine gun, M.G. 17, is an air-cooled, recoil-operated, gas-assisted, belt-fed, pneumatically charged, fixed weapon fired electrically by solenoid. It differs from the M.G. 15 in that it fires from a closed bolt. Three types of links have been found used with the belt feed of this weapon: sectionally disintegrating, fully disintegrating, and nondisintegrating. The gun, which has a fixed mount, is well constructed with excellent machining throughout.

All parts are of steel with the exception of the rear buffer housing which is of cast dural with an anodized finish. The rest of the gun is covered with a good parkerized finish. The barrel is connected to the barrel extension by an interrupted thread type fastening. The bolt is of the Solothurn rotating type and operates on small steel rollers.

The M.G. 17 is used in many types of German aircraft, and is stationed in various positions so that it may be fired unsynchronized or synchronized through the propellor arc by solenoid.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber         7.92 mm (.312 in.)
Weight 27 lb., 11 oz.
Length 47 3/4 ins.
Length of barrel 23 5/8 ins.
Muzzle velocity 2,800 f/s
Rate of fire 1,000 rds./min. (synchronized)
1,100 rds./min. (unsynchronized)
Operation Recoil, gas assisted
Fire Automatic only
Rifling 37° uniform right-hand twist, 1 turn in 10 ins.

German: p. 220