Published on
August 29, 2010 in
German.
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
Published on
July 9, 2010 in
German.
The Pak 43, one of Germany’s newer antitank guns, is a more solidly built weapon than the 7.5 cm Pak 40. The gun is mounted on large rubber-tired metal wheels. A sloping double shield, 6 feet, 3 inches in height, is fitted to the carriage for the protection of the gun crew. Split trails, approximately 12 feet long, are also supplied.
A muzzle brake is fitted to the barrel. The semi-automatic breech mechanism of the horizontal sliding block type is operated by a small auxiliary cylinder on the left side of the breechblock.
The buffer and recuperator are contained in one cylinder which is fitted above the barrel; the balancing cylinders are mounted vertically on either side of the carriage.
The sight bracket is marked for 8.8 cm Pak 43/41 and 8.8 cm Pak 43 Sfl. This marking tends to confirm the opinion that the Pak 43 is a modification of, or development from, the 8.8 cm Flak 41, which it resembles superficially. This marking also confirms the information that this gun, with the designation 43/1, is used in the self-propelled piece Pz. Jag. III/IV (the “Hornet”).
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
88 mm (3.46 ins.) |
| Weight of gun |
|
4.8 tons |
| Length of piece (including muzzle brake) |
|
21 ft. |
| Diameter of wheels |
|
4 ft., 6 ins. |
| Recoil (maximum) |
|
2.46 ft. |
| Muzzle velocity |
|
Not known |
| Range |
|
Not known |
| Elevation |
|
38° |
| Depression |
|
-5° |
| Traverse |
|
58° |
| Ammunition |
|
A.P.C.: H.E.; Hollow-charge |
| Height |
|
6 ft., 3 ins. |
German: p. 113
Published on
April 24, 2010 in
German.
This new German multi-purpose 8.8 cm gun is built on massive proportions. The piece, which has an overall length of approximately 262 inches, has a built-up tube with a securing collar at the forward end of the jacket.
A breech mechanism of the horizontal sliding type is operated manually by a handle on top of the breech ring; it may also be operated semi-automatically, opening action and extraction taking place during counter-recoil, and closing action following when a round is rammed home.
The hydropneumatic recuperator cylinder is fitted above the barrel; and the buffer is in the cradle. A lug riding in a cam below the left trunnion is geared to rotate the control rod, varying the length of recoil with the elevation. Spring equilibrators are located on either side of the upper carriage.
The elevating mechanism is of the single rack and pinion type. Three elevation speeds are provided and selected by positioning a lever on top of the gear box to which the handwheels are fitted. Three traverse speeds are also provided and selected in the same manner as the elevation speeds.
The cannoneer has the choice of two sitting positions. For direct fire he sits facing the front and fires the gun by pressing an electric push-button with his right foot. The left foot rest, when not depressed, brakes the traverse. When sitting in the antiaircraft position, the cannoneer faces the side of the gun and matches pointers. Here again the left foot rest is a brake pedal, braking the traverse when released. The gun has a total traverse of 360°. The gun crew is protected by a shield 5/16 inch thick and 7 feet, 3 inches high. Both steel casing and normal casing shells are used.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
8.8 cm |
| Length of tube |
|
248 ins. |
| Weight (travelling position) |
|
12.3 tons |
| Weight (firing position) |
|
8.8 tons |
| Length (travelling position) |
|
30 ft., 8 ins. |
| Height (travelling position) |
|
7 ft., 6 ins. |
| Height (firing position) |
|
50 ins. |
| Width (overall) |
|
94 ins. |
| Length of tube and breech ring |
|
8.8 ft. |
| No. of grooves |
|
32 lands and grooves, R.H. twist |
| Width of grooves |
|
.110 ins. |
| Depth of grooves |
|
.038 ins. |
| Width of lands |
|
.242 ins. |
| Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) |
|
(3,280 f.s.); (A.P. 3,215 f.s.) |
| Max. range (horizontal) |
|
21,960 yds. |
| Max. range (vertical) |
|
16,075 yds. |
| Rate of fire |
|
20-25 rds. per minute |
| Traverse |
|
360° |
| Elevation |
|
+90° |
| Depression |
|
-3° |
| Length of recoil |
| Ammunition |
|
H.E. (3 types of A.P.) |
| Wt. of projectile |
|
H.E. 20.7 lb.; A.P. 22.4 lb. |
German: p. 112
Published on
March 2, 2010 in
German.
This multi-purpose weapon emerged as the most highly publicized artillery piece of the German army during the North African campaign. It is primarily an antiaircraft gun adaptable to antitank and general artillery use. In its antitank role it is fitted with a shield. In its mobile form it is towed on four wheels, usually with an 8-ton half-tracked tractor.
The tube assembly of the gun is of a construction not comparable to any design now in use in this country. It consists of an outer tube or jacket, an inner locking tube and a loose three-section liner. The front and center sections of the liner are keyed in place so as to align the rifling and prevent relative rotation.
The mount is provided with two outriggers for stability when firing in traverses other than directly front or rear. These are hinged to the bottom carriage to travel in a vertical position. During firing the outriggers are let down and secured by half-round locking pins.
The mount is equipped with three means of fire control depending on the usage: data transmission for antiaircraft fire, direct laying for antitank fire and indirect laying for indirect fire.
Specifications listed herewith are based on tests conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground of a captured 88 mm model Flak 18, under Ordnance Program 5772. The mechanical-type fuse setter and the azimuth indicators were examined at Frankford Arsenal.
The differences implied by the nomenclatures, Flak 18, 36 and 41, refer to different methods of construction.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | |
8.8 cm (3.46 ins.) |
| Length of tube | |
184.6 ins. |
| Weight (travelling position) | |
7.9 tons |
| Weight (firing position) | |
5.5 tons |
| Length (travelling position) | |
25 ft., 3 ins. |
| Length (firing position) |
| Height (travelling position) | |
102 ins. |
| Height (firing position) | |
63 ins. |
| Width (overall); (traveling position) | |
94 ins. |
| Width of trail spread |
| Length of bore | |
162.4 ins. |
| No. of grooves | |
32 |
| Diam. of grooves | |
3.552 ins. |
| Depth of grooves |
| Diam. of lands | |
3.473 ins. |
| Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell) | |
2,690 f.s. |
| (A.P.) | |
2,624 f.s. |
| Max. range (horizontal) | |
16,183 yds. |
| Max. range (vertical) | |
11,591 yds. |
| Rate of fire | |
15 to 20 r.p.m. |
| Traverse | |
2 x 360° |
| Elevation | |
+85° |
| Depression | |
-3° |
| Length of recoil (H.E.) | |
31.5 ins. |
| Ammunition | |
H.E. and 3 types of A.P. |
| Wt. of projectile | |
(H.E.) 20.35 lb.; (A.P.) 20.75 lb. |
German: p. 111
Published on
January 16, 2010 in
Japanese.
This weapon which was recovered at Rangoon has a barrel of monobloc construction, machined to take a rectangular breech ring. A large threaded brass locking collar holds the breech ring in position. Rifling is right hand twist. The breech mechanism is semi-automatic of the vertical sliding type; the firing mechanism is a percussion type.
The piece fits in a sleeve type cradle to which are fitted the buffer cylinder, the recuperator cylinders, the trunnions, and the elevating arc. The recoil mechanism is hydropneumatic. Two recuperator cylinders are located one on each side of the recoil cylinder which is centrally mounted above the piece. The elevating arc is mounted under the piece offset slightly to the left. It is operated by a handwheel and crank on the left of the gun, and like the traversing handwheel, on the right of the gun, is forward of the trunnions.
The upper carriage consists of two side plates joined by three cross members, and revolves on a ball race fitted to its base. A pintle, bolted to the center of the base, extends down into a bearing in the pedestal. Three brackets are set at regular intervals around the upper carriage to prevent lateral play. The pedestal is a single cast truncated cone, reinforced internally and externally by six ribs. Twelve bolts secure it to a circular steel base plate.
Follow-the-pointer dials are provided for azimuth, elevation, and fuze setting. Three mechanical fuze-setters are also provided. Some of the guns examined were equipped with open sights of very primitive design.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber |
|
88 mm (3.5 ins.) |
| Weight (complete) |
|
14,560 lbs. |
| Weight of cradle |
|
1,256 lbs. |
| Weight of carriage (including elevating & traversing mech.) |
|
4,894 lbs. |
| Length (traveling position) |
| Length of barrel assembly |
|
255.8 ins. |
| Height (traveling position) |
| Height (firing position) |
| Width (overall) |
| Length of bore |
| No. of grooves |
|
32 |
| Width of grooves |
| Depth of grooves |
|
1 mm |
| Width of lands |
| Muzzle velocity (shell) |
|
2,650 f/s |
| Max. range (horizontal) |
| Max. range (vertical) |
| Rate of fire |
| Traverse |
|
360° |
| Elevation |
|
80° |
| Depression |
|
7° |
| Length of recoil |
|
(approx.) 14-15 ins. |
| Ammunition |
|
H.E. |
| Wt. of projectile (H.E.) |
|
(approx.) 18 lbs. |
Japanese: p. 114.2 (August 1, 1945)
Published on
January 10, 2010 in
German.
The piece is aimed by grasping two handles fitted to the left rear of the cradle and aligning the open sights on the target. The rear sight is adjustable from 180 to 700 meters.
The launcher fires from a closed breech which is operated by a handle on top of the breech ring. Opening of the breech cocks the hammer which is held in firing position by a sear. When the projectile has been inserted and the breech closed, a squeeze of the right handle depresses the sear, releasing the hammer. A safety device fitted to the left of the firing pin in the center of the breechblock must be turned to “F” position before the launcher can be fired. An additional safety feature prevents the hammer from striking the firing pin unless the breech is fully closed. The small shock of recoil developed by the rocket gases against the closed breech is transmitted directly to the spade.
Ammunition used with the rocket launcher is a modified version of the 8.8 cm rocket projectile, having a percussion primer instead of the electric type. The rocket is fitted with a base plate with a protruding rim to seat the round in the tube. The base plate and primer are the only parts of the round which are extracted after firing.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | |
88 mm (3.46 ins.) |
| Weight (firing position) | |
315 lbs. |
| Length of weapon (overall) | |
9 ft., 9 ins. |
| Length of barrel | |
63 ins. |
| Height (traveling position) | |
2 ft., 11 ins. |
| Height (on segments) | |
1 ft., 7 1/8 ins. |
| Width (overall) | |
3 ft., 4 ins. |
| Length of bore | |
| |
| No. of grooves | |
| |
| Width of grooves | |
| Smooth bore |
| Depth of grooves | |
| |
| Width of lands | |
| |
| Muzzle velocity | |
460 f/s* |
| Max. range (horizontal) (limited by sight) | |
765 yds. |
| Rate of fire |
| Traverse on wheels: Right (max.) | |
28° |
| Left (max.) | |
28° |
| Traverse on firing segments | |
360° |
| Elevation | |
23° |
| Depression | |
14° |
| Length of recoil | |
none |
| Ammunition | |
8.8 cm R. Pz. B. Gr. 4312 |
| Wt. of projectile | |
5 lbs., 13 ozs. |
*Not verified.
German: p. 352.1 (August 1, 1945)
Published on
December 30, 2009 in
German.
The 8.8 cm Pak 43 is an electrically fired, semiautomatic gun, mounted on a cruciform platform (Kreuzlafette) and transported on two single axle limbers similar to those used on the 8.8 cm Flak 18. It has a very low silhouette, on wheels the height to the top of the shield is 5 feet, 6 inches, and to the trunnions, 4 feet. When emplaced it is 12 inches lower.
The gun can be fired from its wheels without extending the side legs, if the direction of fire does not exceed 30° either side of the longitudinal girders. If the direction of fire is greater than 30°, the side legs must be extended and the pads brought firmly in contact with the ground. There is an automatic electric cut-out to the firing gear which restricts elevation to 12° on early equipments and 16° on later equipments when firing over the mounting legs.
There are several other versions of the Pak 43. The Pak 43/41 (page 113) has a two-wheeled carriage with split trails. The Pak 43/1 (page 34) is a self-propelled gun called the “Rhinoceros.” Its chassis is a combination of a Pz. Kw. III and Pz. Kw. IV. The Pak 43/2 (page 39) is a self-propelled gun called the “Elephant”; it is also mounted on the chassis of the Panther (Pz. Kw. V). All of these guns use the same ammunition and have the same ballistic characteristics.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Caliber | | 88 mm (3.46 ins.) |
| Weight (traveling position) | | 13,000 lb. |
| Weight (firing position) | | 7,900 lb. |
| Length (traveling position) |
| Length (firing position) |
| Height (traveling position) | | 5 ft., 6 ins. |
| Height (firing position) | | 4 ft., 6 ins. |
| Width (overall) |
| Length of barrel (w/o muzzle brake) | | 247.5 ins. |
| Length of bore | | 236.9 ins. |
| No. of grooves | | 32 |
| Width of grooves | | .202 in. |
| Depth of grooves | | .048 in. |
| Width of lands | | .134 in. |
| Muzzle Velocity (A.P.C.B.C. shell) | | 3,280 f/s |
| (H.E. shell) | | 2,460 f/s |
| Max. range (horizontal) | | 17,500 yds. (H.E. shell)* |
| Max. range (vertical) |
| Rate of fire |
| Traverse | | 360° |
| Elevation | | 40° |
| Depression | | -8° |
| Length of recoil (normal) | | 47.5 ins. |
| Ammunition | | A.P.C.B.C.; H. E. |
| Wt. of projectile | | (H.E.) 20.68 lbs.* |
| | | (A.P.C.B.C.) 22 lbs. |
*Unconfirmed
**AP 40 round (tungsten carbide core)
Pzgr. Patr. 40/43 . . . . . . . . . 16 lb.
Gr. Patr. 39 HL/A and B . . . . . 16.8 lb.
German: p. 112.1
Published on
December 30, 2009 in
German.
The “Elephant,” weighing 72 tons, was the first of German heavy self-propelled antitank guns to be manufactured. It was designed and built under the supervision of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and was first introduced under the name of “Ferdinand” in the Summer of 1943. The vehicle is actually improvised to utilize an unsuccessful tank produced by Dr. Porsche. Ninety of these vehicles were so converted. The armor is approximately 8 inches thick in the front of the hull and the sloping fighting compartment. The sides of the hull are 2 1/2 inches, the fighting compartment 3 3/4 inches thick; while the rear plates of the hull are 4 1/3 inches, and the fighting compartment 3 1/3 inches. The roof of the fighting compartment and belly plates are approximately 1 1/2 inches thick.
The “Elephant” is powered by two 12-cylinder Maybach H.L. 120 T.R.M. engines mounted centrally in the hull. From the engine the drive is taken forward directly to generators and thence to electric driving motors having a capacity of 230 Kw. at 1,300 r.p.m. which are mounted across the rear of the vehicle, under the floor of the fighting cab.
The suspension consists of six dual bogie wheels 26 3/4 inches in diameter on each side, mounted in pairs on stub axles which are bolted and welded to the hull; rear drive sprocket, and front idler. There are no return rollers.
The armament consists of a long-barreled 8.8 cm gun, with muzzle brake. It has an overall length of 22 feet, 11.63 inches, of which 13 feet, 1 1/2 inches projects beyond the mantlet. The gun is mounted on trunnions 8.8 cm in diameter which are located inside the ball joint in the front armor plate of the fighting compartment. The maximum elevation of the piece is 25°; traverseis 12° left and right.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight |
|
72 tons |
| Length |
|
22 ft., 11 ins. |
| Width |
|
11 ft., 5 3/4 ins. |
| Height |
|
9 ft., 10 ins. |
| Ground clearance |
|
19 1/2 ins. |
| Tread centers |
| Ground contact |
| Width of track |
|
25 1/2 ins. |
| Pitch of track |
|
5 ins. |
| Track links |
| Fording depth |
| Theoretical radius of action |
| Roads |
|
65 miles |
| Cross-country |
|
35 miles |
| Speed |
| Road |
|
12.5 m.p.h. |
| Cross-country |
|
6-9 m.p.h. |
| Armor |
| Front plate |
|
200 mm |
| Sides (hull) |
|
60 mm |
| Armament |
|
8.8 cm Pak 43/2
MG 34 |
| Ammunition |
|
8.8 cm gun—70-90 rds.
MG—2,000 rds. |
| Engine |
|
2 Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp. each |
| Transmission |
|
Gas-electric, D.C. current, 650 amps @ 385 volts. |
| Steering |
|
Field control |
| Crew |
|
6 |
German: p. 39 (August 1, 1945)
Published on
December 28, 2009 in
German.
This heavy tank designed for defensive warfare or for penetrating strong lines of defense made its combat appearance in 1944. It is distinguished by heavy frontal armor and by the employment of the heaviest German gun to be used in a turret with 360° traverse—the 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43 (L/71). This gun has a muzzle velocity of 3,280 f/s, and firing an A.P.C.B.C. projectile weighing 22.4 pounds against 30° homogenous plate has a reported penetration of 6.3 inches at 1,000 yards.
The hull and superstructure are of single-skin welded construction with interlocked joints. The hull front is formed of a single sloping plate 150 mm thick, and a lower nose plate 100 mm thick. Each of these plates is set at an angle of 50° from the vertical, resembling in design the Panther rather than the earlier Tiger. The pannier side plates, 80 mm thick, are set at a 25° angle and also resemble those of the Panther. The turret is located sufficiently back of the angle of deflection to be clear of direct hits on the front plate. The rounded front is 180 mm thick.
At the rear of the vehicle is a Maybach 60°, V-12, gasoline engine of 600 horsepower. The transmission, steering, and final drive are similar to those of the Tiger E. The suspension is made up of nine torsion bars on each side to carry the tank on steel tired road wheels. Five of these overlap the four internal ones. Every alternate track link has two ground contact bars.
This tank mounts the 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43 (L/71), two M.G. 34′s, an antiaircraft machine gun, and a smoke projector. A commander’s version of this tank was also manufactured.
The transport trailer for this tank is described on page 62.2.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight |
|
75 tons |
| Length |
|
23 ft., 10 ins. |
| Width (overall) |
|
12 ft., 7 ins. |
| Height |
|
10 ft., 2 ins. |
| Ground clearance |
|
1 ft., 5 ins. |
| Tread centers |
|
9 ft., 4 ins. |
| Ground contact |
|
|
| Width of track |
|
32.5 ins. |
| Pitch of track |
|
5.9 ins. |
| Track links |
|
90 |
| Fording depth |
|
69 ins. |
| Theoretical radius of action |
| Roads |
|
106 |
| Cross-country |
| Speed |
| Roads |
|
23.6 m.p.h. |
| Cross-country |
|
10 m.p.h. |
| Armor |
| Front glacis plate |
|
150 mm |
| Sides |
|
80 mm |
| Armament |
|
(1) 8.8 cm Kw. K. 43; (2) 7.92 mm M.G.’s; (1) A.A. M.G.; (1) smoke projector |
| Ammunition (Rds.)—88 mm |
|
80 |
| Engine |
|
Maybach HL 230 |
| Transmission |
|
8 forward speeds; 4 reverse |
| Steering |
|
Controlled differential, hydraulically operated |
| Crew |
|
5 |
German: p. 38.2 (August 1, 1945)
