Categories
German

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

Pz. Jäg. 38 für 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48): Self-Propelled Antitank Gun

The chassis of this self-propelled antitank gun is a modified version of the chassis for the Czech Model 38 tank. The lower nose of the hull is 60 mm thick set at 40° and interlocked with the sides and upper nose plate. The upper nose plate is 60 mm thick. It is positioned at an angle of 60° and extends to the top of the superstructure. Brinell hardness is approximately 240. All-welded construction is employed except in attaching roof and superstructure rear plates which are bolted on for reasons of accessibility. The two latter plates are 8 mm horizontal and 8 mm at 70° respectively. The side superstructure plates are 20 mm set at 40° with a brinell hardness of approximately 195. The hull floor plate is 10 mm. Side apron plates of 5 mm give added protection against high explosive shell fire.

The 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48), mounted 15 inches to the right of the hull center line, has an improved type of recoil mechanism. This allows the muzzle brake to be discarded. Elevation is from -6° to +10°. Traverse overall is 16° (-11° right -5° left). A new type machine gun mount is built in the roof. The machine gun is fitted with a periscopic sight and extended trigger, and may be traversed in any direction and fired from within. A Sfl ZF 1a sight and an episcope is provided for the main gunner. The sight projects through the roof. The loader has an episcope fitted in the rear portion of his hatch fixed at 6 o’clock.

The steering mechanism is the usual controlled differential type which allows curves of 29½ foot radius without “steering losses.” Curves of smaller radius are obtained by using the track brakes of the additional clutch brake system also provided.

There are two fuel tanks with a total capacity of 85 gallons. Ground pressure is 11.9 pounds per square inch. The power to weight ratio is approximately 9 HP per ton. The Fu 5 radio is fitted. Commanders equipments carry an additional Fu 8.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight in action       17.6 tons
Length (overall excluding gun) 15 ft., 11 ins.
Width (overall) 8 ft., 7 1/8 ins.
Height (overall) 6 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Ground clearance 1 ft., 4 3/4 ins.
Tread centers 6 ft., 10 1/2 ins.
Ground contact 8 ft., 11 1/2 ins.
Width of track 1 ft., 1 3/4 ins.
Pitch of track 4.1 ins.
Track links 96
Fording depth 2 ft., 11 ins.
Theoretical radius of action
     Roads 100 miles
     Cross-country 50 miles
Speed
     Roads 16 m.p.h.
     Cross-country 9 m.p.h.
Armor
     Hull nose plate (lower) 60 mm at 40°
     Hull side plate 20 mm undercut 15°
     Hull tail plate 20 mm at 15°
     Glacis plate (upper nose) 60 mm at 60°
     Superstructure side plates 20 mm at 40°
     Superstructure rear plate 8 mm at 70°
     Gun mantlet 30 mm rounded
Armament 7.5 cm Pak 39 (L/48); one M. G. 34; one M. G. 44.
Ammunition (Rds.) 7.5 cm gun, 41 rds.; M. G. 34, 600 rds.;* M. G. 44, 180 rds.
Engine Czech EPA (Type TZJ), 6-cyl., inline, 158 hp. at 2,600 r.p.m.
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Epicyclic, clutch brake type
Crew 4

*In addition to the ammunition mentioned above, 12 rounds of signal ammunition, 20 egg hand grenades, and 6 smoke candles are carried.

German: p. 20.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

6.5 mm Heavy Machine Gun Model 3 (1914)

6.5 mm Heavy Machine Gun Model 3 (1914)

The Japanese 6.5 mm Model 3 Heavy Machine Gun, a gas-operated, air-cooled, full-automatic weapon with a comparatively low cyclic rate, although obsolescent, is being recovered in small quantities from battle areas. It is similar to the 7.7 mm Model 92, but is chambered for the 6.5 mm cartridge.

The gas piston and bolt assemblies, and the barrel and barrel sleeve may be interchanged in the two weapons. However, it is impossible to convert the Model 3 for use with the 7.7 mm ammunition as the strip feed port in the Model 3 is one-eighth of an inch narrower than that in the Model 92.

Various machining cuts found in the internal parts of the Model 3 were eliminated in the later model, to provide for ease of production. The oil reservoir is of slightly different shape and probably has a lower capacity than that of the Model 92. The trunnions are of two diameters. The part of the trunnion which contacts the trunnion bearing in the mount is of smaller diameter than that portion which extends beyond the mount. The head thus formed tends to reduce transverse motion.

The weapon has conventional spade grips provided with two finger triggers fixed integrally with the trigger lever so that either or both will fire the gun. There is no safety device.

Two rear sights are provided: one, a folding ring type anti-aircraft sight, is attached permanently to the rear top of the receiver; the other, a tangent curve, radius arm type, is offset to the right. The latter sight is graduated from 300 meters to 2,200 meters (328 yards to 2,406 yards). It is believed that a cartwheel typefront sight is used, as an adaptor for such a sight is riveted to the front of the cooling jacket.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (w/ tripod)         122 lbs.
     (w/o tripod) 61.7 lbs.
Length 47.2 ins.
Sight radius 23.6 ins.
Principle of operation Gas
Feeding device Metal strips
Capacity of feeding device 30 rounds
Cooling system Air
Ammunition types Mod. 38, 6.5 mm ball ammunition
Rate of fire Cyclic — 450-500 r.p.m.
  Practical — 200 r.p.m.
Type of sight Two rear sights: folding ring, antiaircraft type; tangent curve, radius arm type, grad. 328-2,406 yds.
Weight of barrel
Length of barrel 29.2 ins.
Length of rifling 26.4 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 58,800 lbs. per sq. in.
Muzzle velocity 2,434 ft. per sec.
Muzzle energy
Maximum range 4,376 yds.
Effective range 1,500 yds.
Type of mount Tripod
Elevation -15° to +90°
Traverse 33.5°

Japanese: p. 210.1

Categories
Japanese

7.7 mm Lewis Machine Gun Model 92 (1932)

7.7 mm Lewis Machine Gun Model 92 (1932)

The Lewis type machine gun is used widely by the Japanese. Markings on a number of these guns found in the New Georgia area indicate that the weapon as used by the Japanese is of naval origin. It is also believed that the gun is used extensively for ship or air base protection as the tripod mount is adaptable for antiaircraft fire.

The Model 92 is of standard Lewis gas-operated, air-cooled, drum-fed design, equipped with a blade front sight and a rear peep-sight calibrated in hundreds of meters from 0 to 17. No allowance is made for windage or drift. Although no antiaircraft sight was discovered with the gun, a mount for such a sight is attached to the weapon.

The gun is mounted on a tripod having tubular steel legs which may be locked at various angles from the vertical. The tripod legs are attached to flat square plates which have holes in the center to accommodate bolts which are used to secure the tripod to the deck of a ship.

The head of the tripod has a 360° traverse. Without removing the gun from the mount, the main portion of the tripod head can be moved from a horizontal to a vertical position, and the gun attached to the top of the head for antiaircraft use. In this position, the limits of elevation are approximately -80° to +85°. Azimuth is calibrated in 2 mil intervals from 0 to 6,400 mils.

7.7 mm rimmed Navy ammunition fed from a 47-round drum is used. Ammunition chests recovered were found to hold 21 loaded drums.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight gun and tripod       122 lbs.
Length 39 ins.
Principle of operation Lewis gas-operated system
Feeding device Drum magazine
Capacity of feeding device 47 rounds
Cooling system Air
Ammunition types 7.7 mm full-rimmed ammunition
Rate of fire Cyclic-600 r.p.m.
Type of sight Blade front sight: rear peepsight calibrated from 0 to 1700 meters
Weight of gun 49 lbs.
Length of barrel 24 ins.
Length of rifling
Rifling
     Twist Uniform, R.H.
     Form Concentric
     No. of grooves 4
     Depth of grooves
     Width of grooves
Chamber pressure
Muzzle velocity 2411 ft. per sec.
Muzzle energy
Maximum range 4000 yds.
Effective range 500 yds.
Type of mount Tripod
Elevation
Ground mount -15° – +60°
Antiaircraft mount -80° – +85°
Traverse 360°

Japanese: p. 214.1 (June 1, 1945)

Categories
German

leichtes Schützenpanzerwagen (2 cm) (Sd. Kfz. 250/9): German Halftracked Armored Car

Leichtes Schutzenpanzerwagen Sdkfz 250/9

This vehicle, adapted from the light armored personnel carrier, mounts the 2 cm tank gun, Kw. K. 38, and is effective for reconnaissance, action against lightly armored ground targets, protection of troop and supply trains, and as a personnel and supply carrier.

It differs from the basic vehicle principally in the addition of an armored turret which has been found in three forms: 10, 8, and 6-sided. The turret is of truncated cone shape and is similar to that used in the German 4-wheeled armored cars. The turret has no roof, but instead is provided with a wire mesh grill as anti-grenade protection.

The gun is mounted in the center with a 7.92 mm M. G. 34 on the left, and a telescopic sight on the right. The armament is controlled by one man who sits in a seat suspended from the right rear of the turret. A single handwheel controls traverse and elevation, or, by use of a small lever, the gun may be locked in a horizontal position. Counterbalance is maintained by two spring equilibrators, one mounted on each side. The turret is mounted on a ring permitting traverse through 360 degrees. Access to the turret is through a large entrance door in the left rear of the superstructure. The vehicle is provided with a transmitter-receiver, Fu. Spr. f, with intercommunicating facilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)       6 tons
Trailer load capacity
Length 15 ft.
Width 6 ft., 5 ins.
Height 6 ft., 10 3/4 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Track width 10 1/4 ins.
Track links 38
Fuel tank 20-25 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth 27 ins.
Speed 35 m.p.h.
Engine 6 cylinder Maybach: Watercooled, 100 hp.
Bore and stroke 90 x 110 mm
Ignition Bosch magneto
Battery 12 volt
Transmission Semi-automatic, preselective type. 7 speeds forward, 3 reverse.
Steering Front wheel-track epicyclic
Crew 3
Armament 1 20 mm tank gun (Kw. K. 38)
  1 7.92 mm machine gun (M. G. 34)
Armor
     Front plate (approx.) 15 mm
     Side plate (approx.) 6 mm
     Rear plate (approx.) 8 mm

German: p. 44.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Goliath – B I: Cable-Controlled Demolition Vehicle

Goliath: German Cable-Controlled Demolition Vehicle
This miniature tank, weighing less than 700 pounds, is controlled by a 2000-foot electric cable from a hand control box carried in the rear. It is used to send a demolition charge to a point at which detonation destroys the tank as well as the target. The hull is fabricated from a mild 16 gauge steel with front upper and lower sloping plates 9 mm thick. These are set at 48 degrees and 50 degrees to the vertical. The hull contains three compartments. The rear compartment houses the cable and drum; the central compartment houses the power unit and control mechanism; and the front compartment contains the high explosive charge.

The power plant consists of a 2-cylinder, 2-cycle air-cooled engine. Ignition is by coil and 6 volt battery. The power is transferred through chain drives to each track by means of electromagnetic clutches. The total reduction from the clutches to the sprocket is 9.33:1. Steering is accomplished by breaking the circuit to the side to which the turn is to be made. This releases the magnetic clutch, cutting the power from the engine for that side of the vehicle. The suspension consists of five small bogie wheels on the bottom with two return rollers on top, and an idler wheel at the rear. Each bogie is independently sprung by coil springs. The chain driven sprocket is at the front of the vehicle. The track is 6 5/16 inches wide, with a simple grouser placed on every other track pin.

This vehicle carries an estimated 100-125 pounds of explosive, and has sufficient power to operate on practically all types of terrain. The control cable consists of three strands, in pairs, two for steering, and the third for setting off the detonator. In operation, the engines are started by a hand crank, the clutches engaged, and the tank then handled from the control box through the cable. Another version of this tank is powered by two electric motors.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight      650 lbs.
Length 5 ft., 3 ins.
Width 2 ft., 10 ins.
Height 2 ft.
Ground clearance 5 1/4 ins.
Tread centers 2 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact 2 ft., 6 1/2 ins.
Width of track 6 5/16 ins.
Pitch of track 2 13/16 ins.
Track links 47
Theoretical radius of action 770 yds.
Speed 4 to 6 m.p.h.
Armor
     Front plate (upper and lower nose) 9 mm
     Hull 16 gauge steel
Armament (100-125 est.) pound explosive charge
Engine Inline 2 cylinder, 2 cycle
Transmission Chain drive, through electric magnetic clutch.
Steering Controlled by two electric clutches

German: p. 40.1 (April 1, 1945)

Categories
Japanese

“Kato” General Purpose Tractor

Kato General Purpose TractorThis is a commercial type wheeled tractor used for general purpose work. The front wheels are 29 x 5 inches and the rear dual wheels are 40 x 10 inches, all fitted with solid rubber tires. The drive is from the rear wheels only, and steering is effected by a worm gear system operating the front wheels. Normal automotive controls are provided, save for a hand throttle. The transmission provides three speeds forward and two in reverse.

The K3 type engine is identical to that used in the “Kato” 70 tractor–a 4-cylinder, valve-in-head, gasoline type. There are two cylinder blocks of two cylinders each instead of a solid cylinder block. The generator, high-tension magneto, and water pump are all linked together with universal joints and driven from a single shaft extending from the timing gear on the right of the engine.

The tractor is fitted with front and rear towing pintles cast solid with the frame.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight          
Winch capacity
Length
Wheel base 90 ins.
Overall width of tractor (rear) 74 ins.
Overall height of tractor 5 ft.
Capacity of fuel tank 30 gals.
Tread centers (front) 63 ins.
Ground clearance 8 ins.
Fuel capacity (approx.) 30 gals.
Engine 60 h.p. at 1,200 r.p.m.
Bore 121 mm
Stroke 152 mm

Japanese: p. 18.6 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

Kommando-Gerät 40: Antiaircraft Director

kommando-gerat-40
The Kommando-Gerät 40 is a director used principally for major caliber weapons such as the 8.8 cm and 10.5 cm antiaircraft guns. However, by installing the proper ballistic cams, it may be used with any type of gun.

The director is operated by five men. Two are required to track in azimuth and elevation; a third sets in slant range by means of a 4-meter base stereo range finder mounted on the director; the fourth man sets in horizontal angle of approach; and the fifth man operates various switches. Data are transmitted to the guns for reception by a signal-light manual follow-up system. A trailer equipped with devices for lifting the director is used for transport.

The Kommando-Gerät 40 computes continuously Case III data (for invisible targets) by a target speed and angle of approach method, and can handle diving and curving target courses. The time from initial pickup to first round is estimated to be 20 or 30 seconds. When shifting to a new target in the vicinity of the target previously tracked and flying an approximately parallel course, as little as 10 seconds may be required.

A change in course which requires a change in operating procedure upsets firing data for only a few seconds. In principle, the director will predict correctly for a target flying at constant speed with a constant rate of change of altitude and constant curvature. The stability is not affected by gradual changes in course.

After an abrupt change in speed, altitude rate, or course azimuth, about 10 to 15 seconds are required to evaluate the new course.

SPECIFICATIONS

Azimuth       No limit
Elevation -1.5° to 90.5°
Slant range 1,200 to 18,000 m
Present horizontal range 570 to 14,500 m
Future horizontal range 570 to 14,500 m
Future altitude -500 to 12,000 m
Present altitude 0 to 12,000 m
Ground speed of target 0 to 300 m/s
Vertical speed of target 0 to 200 m/s
Horizontal travel during time of flight 0 to 6,000 m
Lateral deflection +/- 1,065 mils
Course azimuth correction +/- 1,600 mils
Altitude prediction +/- 3,000 m
Maximum tracking rates
     Azimuth +/- 130 mils/sec.
     Slewing +/- 700 mils/sec.
     Elevation +/- 105 mils/sec.
     Time of flight 0 to 30 sec.
     Horizontal parallax 500 m
     Vertical parallax +/- 210 m
     Fuze dead time 0 to 10 sec.
     Wind velocity 0 to 28 m/s
     Muzzle velocity 24 numbers (Gebrauchsstufe)
     dØ +/- 60/16°
     dA +/- 70 mils
     dF due to dead time +/- 5 secs.
     dF due to MV and wind +/- 5 secs.

German: p. 176

Categories
Japanese

8 mm Paratrooper’s Submachine Gun, Type 100 (1940)

japanese-paratrooper-8mm-submachine-gun

This Japanese paratrooper’s submachine gun is a light, blowback operated, automatic weapon which fires the regular issue bottle-necked 8 mm pistol cartridge.

The gun, which is provided with a bayonet, also has a folding stock; that is, the stock is cut through just behind the receiver and hinged so that by releasing two locking hooks on the left side, the stock swings to the right and forward 180 degrees at the hinge and parallel with the barrel. The barrel and barrel jacket are held in place by a single screwpin threaded at the base and with a folding wingnut head, enabling changes without tools. The receiver assembly is machined in two units, with the units shrunk fit in final assembly.

Two features of the firing mechanism which are of unusual interest are the fixed firing pin which screws into the face of the bolt, and the feeding and chambering bar which insures that the cartridge is very nearly chambered before the firing pin can touch the primer.

In the illustrations above, the top picture shows the weapon as fired, and the photograph at lower left shows the method of folding. A bipod is frequently used with this gun as illustrated in the photograph at lower right.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber       8 mm
Weight (without bayonet, magazine, & sightleaf) 7 lbs., 11 ozs.
Length (stock extended, without bayonet) 34 ins.
Length (stock extended, with bayonet) 49 ins.
Length (stock folded, without bayonet) 22.25 ins.
Sight radius 20 ins.
Principle of operation Blowback, bolt action
Feeding device Curved box magazine; staggered feed type.
Capacity of feeding device 30 rounds
Cooling system Air
Ammunition types 8 mm bottle-necked pistol cartridges
Rate of fire 400-450 r.p.m.
Type of sight Leaf
Length of barrel 9 ins.
Length of rifling 8.125 ins.
Rifling
     Twist Uniform R.H., approx. 1 in 12
     No. of grooves 6
Muzzle velocity 1,080 f/s

Japanese: p. 204.1 (August 1, 1945)

Categories
German

15 cm Panzerwerfer 42 (Sd. Kfz. N. W. 41): Self-Propelled Rocket Projector

15-cm-panzerwerfer-42

The chassis of this self-propelled rocket projector follows the half-track design but differs materially from the standard German half-track series of prime movers.

A standard commercial chassis manufactured by Opel (Chevrolet) has been modified to carry a spacious armored body of welded plates. The hull thus formed provides a firm and stable firing platform, and permits of easy mass production. The armor is intended only for protection against small arms fire of .30 caliber. The rear wheels and springs of the original truck chassis have been displaced by a track assembly, prefabricated and then bolted to the original frame. The original rear end differential has been retained but the drive shaft has been shortened and the asembly moved forward to mount the drive sprockets. The hydraulic brake system is retained only for the front wheels. A separate cable for each sprocket brake is connected to two hand levers mounted to the right of the driver’s seat. Normal steering is assisted by the sprocket brake when necessary.

The rocket projector consists of ten tubes mounted in two layers of five each. Provision is made for a simple optical sight, and for hand wheels for a maximum of 80° elevation and a maximum traverse of 290°. The projectiles are the same as those fired from the 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 and can be electrically fired, singly or ripple, by means of a squib placed in each round. They are loaded with high explosive, smoke, and chemical warfare ammunition.

Auxiliary weapons include one 7.92 mm machine gun, M. G. 34, and three 9 mm submachine guns. Ammunition stowage is provided for ten extra rockets, 2,000 rounds for the M. G. 34, and 2,000 rounds for the submachine guns.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (net)       13,558 lb.
Trailer load capacity 2,425 lb.
Length (overall) 19 ft. 5 ins.
Width (overall) 7 ft. 2 ins.
Wheel base (approx.) 130 ins.
Height (overall) 8 ft. 6 ins.
Armor 5/32 ins. to 5/16 ins.
Ground clearance (minimum) 10 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft. 2 ins./5 ft. 11½ ins.
Ground contact (tracks) 78 ins.
Track width 10¼ ins.
Track links 82
Fuel tank 22.4 gals.
Fuel consumption Unknown
Fording depth 32 ins.
Speed 25 m.p.h.
Engine Open (Chevrolet) 6 cyl. O.H.V.
Displacement 220 cu. ins.
Horsepower 67 U.S.A.
Ignition Bosch 12 Volt (Coil)
Battery 12 Volt with special heater
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Normal assisted by differential brake
Crew 3

German: p. 48.1