Special purpose Panzers.

[Lancer44]

Look at this German bridge layers.
Only 20 of them were produced.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/345/bridge13xy.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9290/bruckenlegeriv8kr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

They are build on PzIVc chassis. Used by 3-rd Panzer Division.
Maximum length of bridge 56 metres.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/3311/pziv1598gv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/219/pziv1603ag.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And here another interesting design. Don't know much about it.

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/4217/l30104437oc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cheers,

Lancer44

[Panzerknacker]

More info about the bridge-laying panzers.


Brükenleger IV:

In accordance with an order from In 6 dated 22 February 1939, Krupp was to complete six Pz.Kpfw.IV chassis with modified superstructures fordelivery to Wa Pruef 5 for bridgelayers. Krupp Grusonwerk of Berlin completed these six Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.C chassis (Fgst.Nr.80435 to 80440) in June and July 1939.

On 14 November 1939, Krupp reported that they were completing a Versuchs-Fahrzeug plus four more already contracted and requested that Magirus take over assembly of another 16.

Brückenleger IV ausf B deploying its bridge over antitank obstacles.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9871/eeeeeeq1.jpg

On 16 January 1940, the "Brückenleger auf IV" were 9 meters long and that by the end of March Krupp was tocomplete two and Magirus 10 so that four divisions could each receive three. On 6 March 1940,
the first 20 Brueckenleger IV were to appear with trained crews by the end of April.

Krupp-Grusonwerk conipleted the additional Pz.Kpf IV Ausf.D chassis needed for these Brückenleger in February through April 1940. Ten of the chassis were delivered to Magirus, and Krupp kept 10 at Grusonwerk for mounting the bridgelaying equipment

All 20 Brueckenleger IV asuf b were completed by the end of April 1940.

In May of 1940 there was 20 Brueckenleger issued to units, and plans
to coriiplete another 60. One platoon in the 3.Panzer-Pionier-Kompanie ( armored assault enginneers) of the l., 2., 3., S., and 10.Panzer-
Divisions had been outfitted with four Brueckenleger.

Their employment in Belgium and France in May and June 1940 had not been very successful. By 3 June 1940, the decision had been made to cancel further Brueckenleger production and use the 16 chassis that this released to increase normal Pz.Kpfrv.IV production. However, even though the production series was canceled, a small nunmber of improved bridgelayers were ordered for experiments.

Krupp completed four Brueckenleger IV c inJanuary 1941.
All four Brueckenleger IV c were sent to the Eastern Front with the 3.Panzer-Division.
On 25 June 1941 those were used to span 18 meters across a river at an old bridge footing. Both wheeled and tracked vehicles of the Panzer-Division and part of a following motorized Division crossed the temporary bridge. wich was retrieved without difficulty.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3900/eee33333333333me7.jpg

[snake64]

wow great shot of a german specialty tank.They made many famous variants but in very few numbers.It is a testament that so few made such a large impression.

[Panzerknacker]

The germans designed a lot of special tanks, but those are definately less know that the so called "funny tanks" of the allies.

Sd.Kfz 251 with night vision searchlight:

The "Biwa" infrared sight (connected to weapons) with an observation range of 300 to 400 meters is still being developed. Finally in October 1944, 10 m.SPW (Sd.Kfz.251) were transferred directly to a firm for installation of "Uhu" (owl) equipment.

http://i36.tinypic.com/6i5xd1.jpg

On 8 August 1944, the m.Schtz.Pz.Wg. (Uhu) (Sd.Kfz.251/20) was listed as being outfitted with one Fu 8 and one Fu 5 radio sets as well as a Bordsprechanlage (intercom system). As listed on 15 November 1944, the (Sd.Kfi.251120) was to be armed with an M.G.42 and an M.P.40 and outfitted with one 60 cm searchlight, one 20 cm searchlight, one BG 1251 (infrared sight), and one FG 1252 (infrared sight).60cm "red light" projector.

http://i18.tinypic.com/66tthk5.jpg

Six Sd.Kfz.251120 were sent by rail to Putlos, leaving on 7 March 1945, and nine Sd.Kfi.251120 were sent by rail to Bergen, also leaving on 7 March 1945. The only recorded operational employment of the "Uhu" was ordered by the Generalinspekteur der Panzertruppen on 12 February 1945 with the assignment of the 1 .Kompanie/Panzer-Abteilung 10 1 of the Fuehrer-Grenadier-Division to complete company-strength troop trials.

This unit was to be issued 10 Panthers with F.G.1250 infrared sights and three Sd.Kfz.251120 with built in B.G.1251 (Uhu). On 26 March 1945, Major Woellwarth and Hauptmann Rietz reported on the action of the first company equipped with infrared sights for night combat. The infrared equipment had performed successfully without any breakdowns.

The "uhu" device was designed to be the main illuminating device for the projected "sperber" nachtkampfgruppen, night combat units equipped with panthers and Grenadiers using Stg-44 rifles with the vampyr night vision scope.

Beobachtung Gerät BG 1251 (20 cm searchlight) y Fern Gerät FG 1252, ( long distance sighting device) for the half track driver.

http://i34.tinypic.com/1znlytz.jpg

[Wolfgang Von Gottberg]

Would the bridge laying ones be used by Panzerpioniers?

[Panzerknacker]

Yes it was, re-read my post and you ll see.

[1000ydstare]

wow great shot of a german specialty tank.They made many famous variants but in very few numbers.It is a testament that so few made such a large impression.

Er, they were binned after use in 1940. So they couldn't have made too much of an impression.

It looks like the Germans went for a very complex system of laying and recovering. In comparison to the latter Allied attempts. Did the bridges have to be launched with their legs down Panzer, or could they be launched flat?

Were there any specialist support vehicles that could sort the banks out prior to launching?

[Panzerknacker]

Er, they were binned after use in 1940. So they couldn't have made too much of an impression.



I would say 1942, the Bruckenleger and other design called "assault ladder" panzer were used until that date in the Eastern front. Not to mention the special remote controlled demolition/mine claring vehicles used util the end of the war.

http://i.blog.empas.com/jino21/30844672_567x422.jpg

[Panzerknacker]

V2 Feurleitpanzer ( auf 8 ton zugkraftwagen)

In order to made the balistic missile A-4 ( also better know as the V2) less vulnerable to air and artillery attacks a mobile plataform was developed over the 8 ton half-track tractor. The vehicle not only served as towing plataform but also as control plataform and to fuel the rocket. ( the V2 need to be fueled prior to the launch)

The prototype "Feurleitpanzer" ( fire control armored vehicle) was equipped with an fully armored supestructure over a Büssing Nag BN 10 Zugkraftwagen 8 ton tractor.

Feuerleitpanzer, prototype.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/3540/feurprotomz1.jpg

The production series using and different mounting and rear "bunker" and a non armored normal driver cab over a KM 11 chassis. Since the vehcle normally was exposed to the large blast of the propelling gasses in the V2, this armored rear section was designed to deflect the heat and protect the crew.

Production vehicle

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9196/feurseriecy1.jpg


A total of 57 Feurleitpanzer were completed between march and november 1944, includng prototypes. This vehicles were operated with the Artillerie Abeitlung (mot) 485 and (mot) 836 of the Heer and the Werfer Abt 500 in the Waffen SS. Several rockets were launched against England and Belgium.

V2 control/fire room.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3256/controlkn6.jpg

Despite of its mobility 3 of this vehicle were claimed as destroyed in low level attacks by USAAF fighter-bombers.

Engine: 6 cil Maybach 140 hp
Armor: 14-8 mm
Speed: 52 km/h
Weight: 11,200 kg (without V2)

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8307/towti2.jpg

[Major Walter Schmidt]

Bergepanzers
http://juntama-juntama.hp.infoseek.co.jp/model/bergepanzer_tiger_p_20.jpg
Bergetiger (P)
http://powstanie-warszawskie-1944.ac.pl/Panzer5/bergepanzer38.jpg
Bergepanzer 38(t) Hetzer

[Panzerknacker]

Nice images, by the way reduce the size of your signature, it is huge.

[Koen]

thx for the interesting pictures PzK !

[Panzerknacker]

thx for the interesting pictures PzK !


You re welcome.

Abwurfvorrichtungen on Pz.Kpfw.1

As ordered by the General der Pioniere und Festungen ( engineers and fortifications) on 28 December 1939: Through In 6 the
liad of the army has ordered the rapid procurement of 100 Abwurfvorrichtungen (explosive charge dropping device) for Panzer units. These devices had already been developed, and were proven successful by Pionier-Battalion 38 of the 2.Panzer-Division.
From inside a buttoned-up Pz.Kpfw.1 it was possible to use this Abwurfvorrichtung, mounted on the rear deck, to drop explosive charges weighing up to 50 kilograms onto obstacles and barriers.

The device was operated by pulling a cable.

Every Panzer-Division was to be issued 10 Abwurfvorrichtungen.
These Abwurfvorrichtungen were mounted on the rear deck of Pz.Kpfrv.1 Ausf.B. In the case of Pionier-Battalion 38, a larger version was mounted of the rear of a Pz.Kpfw.II

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/3387/dibujotu9.jpg

On 4 March 1940, orders were issued to create a Panzer-Pionier-Kompanie in each Panzer-Division Organízed in accordance with K.St.N.716 (Behelf) dated 6 March 1940, each Panzer-Pionier-Kompatiie
was to have two Zerstörungszuge (destruction platoons) each with five Pz.Kpfw.1 (M.G.) (Sd.Kfz.101). Orders had already been given on 21 February 1940 to issue 11 Pz.Kpfw.1 Ausf.B to each Pionier-Battalion, one for the company commatnder and five each for the 1. and 2.Zug.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9013/dibujogk2.jpg

The vehicle was used in France and the desert, in later teather is was not a succes because its weak armor.

[Dobb]

Woo,finally someone found the BergePanzers! BergePanthers were used more extensively, with tow cranes and what not. Seems like they do not like to waste their handiwork. Anyone got picture of that?

[Panzerknacker]

Sd.Kfz 300 Mine clearing vehicle ( second series)

On 3 April 1940 an order was placed for a 2.Serie of 100 Minenräum-Wagen. Designated by Borgward as the "B II", it was a longer, heavier vehicle at 2.3 metric tons and powered by a larger 2.247 liter, 6-cylinder, water-cooled Borgward 6M 2.3 RTBV gasoline engine delivering 49 metric horsepower at 3300 rpm. It still had a two-speed transmission with a maximum speed of 3 km/h in first gear and 6 km/hr in 2nd. Fuel capacity was only sufficient to travel about 30 kilometers.

Kleiner Panzerbefehlwagen 1 ( small command tank) as guiding plataform for a Sd.Kfz 300 with mine rolles attached.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/2847/dfdfnq6.jpg

The walls of the hull were made out of concrete, with an armor plate added to the front to provide protection against rifle fire and fragrnents from small-caliber shells.

The "B II" could either be steered by a driver or remotely controlled by radio. Control by radio was limited to a maximum range of 2 kilometers from the command vehicle. Two Minenräum-Wagen could be steered at the same time by one comrnaiid vehicle. Up to 515 kilograms of explosives could be carried in the "B II".

There was a 12 second delay in the detonation of the explosive charge after initiation by a radio signal. The explosion created a crater 1.5 meters deep and 5 meters across in a normal grasscovered field. A 300 kilogram charge detonated mines within a 40 meter diameter circle. Production of the 2.Serie of 100 Minenräum-Wagen began in July 1940.

Minenräum-Kompanie was expanded into Minenraeum-Abteilung 1 with two Minenraeum- Kompanie on 1 December 1940. Each Mineräum Kompanie with three platoons was organized in accordance with K.St.N.1159 dated 1 February 1941.
Minenräum-Abteilung 1 was first sent into action at the start of Operation Barbarossa, which began on 22 June 1941.

Sd.Kfz 300 second series in the Eastern front, june 1941.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/5702/dibujosc1.jpg

The use of this vehicle was not very sucessful given its limited cross-country capabilities.

[Major Walter Schmidt]

http://www.panzer-reich.co.uk/images/tanks/panzer-3/tauchpanzer-3/panzer3ht-1.jpg
http://vn-parabellum.narod.ru/picturres/pz3_swim_2.jpg
TauchpanzerIII amphibious tank
Planned for use in Sealion, later particapeted in Barbarossa.

[Splinter54]

Correct me if i am wrong, but wasn't every German Tank ('39 upwards), not like Allied tanks (i had to say that ^^), capable of crossing rivers etc. with snorkels under water? Water prooved?

[Panzerknacker]

The early Panthers and the early Tigers 1 had full equipment for crossing rivers submerged ( 4,1 meters maximum deep) however the rest of the Panzers only can be partially submerged, 1 to 1,8 meters in deep.

[tankgeezer]

"delivering 49 metric horsepower at 3300 rpm."
Can someone define "metric horsepower" for me? I've never heard the term before.

[Panzerknacker]

A metric horsepower is the energy need to pick up 1 the weight of 75 kilograms 1 meter in height in one second.

A horse power (british I suppose) is the energy needed to pick up 76 kilograms the same distance and in the same amount of time.

Let say than the HP is more "powerful" than the metric horsepower. ;)

[Panzerknacker]

Porsche Rammtiger

After the order was given for Nibelungenwerk to cease production on their contract for 100 Pz. Kpfw. 'Tiger' (P), it was reported on 22 November 1942 that: "Hitler has approved the proposal to produce one Porsche-Tiger as a 'RammTiger". It should have the task of ramming into houses by means of an extended nose.

It must be heavily armored (including the tracks) at the cost of speed. However, it needs only light armament." Porsche K.G. completed drawing SK 8258 of a VK 45.01(P) mit Rammhaube (with ram hood) by 7 December 1942. The glacis, side and rear plates were to be 30 mm thick and the roof plates 50 mm thick. Its overall length was to be about 8.25 meters, height 2.550 meters, and width 3.600 meters.
http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6053/rammoj1.jpg

Eisenwerke Oberdonau completed the armor components for three Rammtiger in May . In all 3 operational Rammtiger were completed at Nibelungenwerk and accepted by Waffenamt inspectors In August 1943.
No original documentation has been found to date revealing if these three Rammtiger were assigned to a combat unit, sent to the front, or used in their originally intended role.

[Panzerknacker]

A good view of the rammhaube in this models of the ramming Tiger.


http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/5947/rm100rl6.jpg



http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9422/rm102ak3.jpg


http://strangevehicles.greyfalcon.us/RAUMPANZER%20TIGER.htm

[Major Walter Schmidt]

Sometimes you have to see it to suspect it. :)

[Panzerknacker]

PanzermessKraftwagen

This very rare armoured vehicle of the German Wehrmacht (Panzermesskraftwagen = Armored measuring motorized vehicle) was used for the testing of artillery weapons at the shooting ranges of Kummersdorf and Hillersleben. The vision poart and side armor were strengtened iin order to allow close observation of the artillery impacts.

http://i31.tinypic.com/4v1lwp.jpg

Just one or two Pzmskfw were manufactured and one captured by the U.S Army in 1945.

[pdf27]

A metric horsepower is the energy need to pick up 1 the weight of 75 kilograms 1 meter in height in one second.

A horse power (british I suppose) is the energy needed to pick up 76 kilograms the same distance and in the same amount of time.

Let say than the HP is more "powerful" than the metric horsepower. ;)

Or to use sensible units...
1 Metric Horsepower = 735 W
1 Mechanical Horsepower (original unit dating back to James Watt) = 746 W

[larryparamedic]

The concrete "tank" is great! But I thought a bridgelayer that could climb itself over antitank obstacles pretty clever.
They don't mention in the photo caption, but did anyone note this particular vehicle has a broken track (a mine, maybe)?

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3900/eee33333333333me7.jpg[/LEFT]

[Panzerknacker]

Or to use sensible units...
1 Metric Horsepower = 735 W
1 Mechanical Horsepower (original unit dating back to James Watt) = 746 W

That is a better way to explain it.:)


They don't mention in the photo caption, but did anyone note this particular vehicle has a broken track (a mine, maybe)?



No, unfortunately no mention of the damage, several images of the bruckenleger and sturmsteg panzers show them with broken or loosen tracks.

[larryparamedic]

Yes, that's kind of where I was leading this to. It seems to imply a strong measure of unreliability if the few photos of them show them non-operational in some way. Particularly I think when the photos show the same consistent type of problem with them.

[Panzerknacker]

Agreed, I tough the germans were more "tidy" at the times to taken pictures of his own tanks.

another more of that kind.

http://i25.tinypic.com/3535w0k.jpg

[Panzerknacker]

Sd.Kfz 253, observation post:

http://i31.tinypic.com/ka1sm8.jpg

During the late thirties trials were held of the pre-production series of the Sturmgeschütz and it was concluded that these vehicles would have to be supported by an armored ammunition carrier and observation vehicle.Thers were to be based on the Demag semi-tracked chassis.Shortly after the Sturmgeschütz had gone into production in 1940 an order for 25 le gep Beob Wg was placed and these were built between March and June 1940.

As these were the very first production vehicles using the Demag-developed D7p shortened version of the 1 ton tractor some manufacturing difficulties were experienced.

Further series were ordered as the number of Sturmgeschütz was increased , but this specialized model was abandoned in favour of the normal Sd Kfz 250.

Heavier armour and a fully-enclosed crew compartment were features of these Sd Kfz 253.Observation was from a large circular hatch in the roof.The radio aerial on the right-hand side folded forward into a protective channel when not in use.The Sd Kfz 253 served with Sturmgeschütz Batterien 640 , 659 , 660 and 665 in France in 1940 and later with other assault artillery batteries in Russia.

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/6056/sdkfz253arthurplhepsprinzeugenkw1.jpg

[Major Walter Schmidt]

Land-Wasser-Schleppler Amphibious vehicle
http://www.waffenhq.de/panzer/landwasserschlepper_03.jpg
Rheinmentall AG was set on an amphibious vehicle for amphibious landings. (probably for sealion) It had no armour so　it was sort of abandoned for a pontooon system.
http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6591/landwasserschlepper16ep.jpg
http://www.waffenhq.de/panzer/landwasserschlepper_02.jpg
http://www.panzer-modell.de/monatstipp/oktober05/06g.jpg
http://panzerkeil.dre.hu/harcjarm/egyebj/lws/landwass.jpg

[Panzerknacker]

The LWS was undoubtly one of the most pratical vehicles, very little used however, the lack of armor was his main problem.

[Panzerknacker]

2 more images of the observation post Sd.Kfz 253 halftrack.

in the DAK.

http://www.afrikakorps.org/_photos/250Family/253Cap.jpg



1th Panzer Div in France 1940.

http://www.panzertruppen.org/heer/panzer/1a1.jpg

Somewhere in the Eastern front, god view of the aerial mast and rear hatch.

http://www.panzernet.net/panzernet/fotky/polopasy/253/023.jpg



Profile

http://www.panzer.punkt.pl/galerie_2/others_hkette/sdkfz_253.jpg

[General Zod]

Those are some great pictures Thanks to all who posted There is a model of the LWS in 1/35 out soon But the price is close to $100 A bit much for a plastic kit

[Panzerknacker]

Maybe is plastic touched by Rommel himself :D

yea, that sounds expensive.

[General Zod]

Maybe is plastic touched by Rommel himself :D

yea, that sounds expensive.

LMAO :mrgreen:

[Major Walter Schmidt]

I think its a resin model.

[General Zod]

I think its a resin model.

I know there is/was a resin model Hobby Boss and Trumpeter both have announced the LWS

[STEELTIGAR]

thanks for the pics,very interesting. do you have any on the sturm emil?

[genkideskan]

LWS Its a plastic kit - here is a report

http://ipmsdeutschland.de/FirstLook/Hobby_Boss/Prev_HB_LWS_35/HB_82430_LWS.html

[Panzerknacker]

thanks for the pics,very interesting. do you have any on the sturm emil?


Sure I do, check the "panzer Projekte " topic.

[Panzerknacker]

SD.Kfz 9.

The Heer heavy tractor for towing the biggest vehicles and guns.
An interesting view of 3 FAMOs towing a 38 cm gun barrel for Batterie Todt near Calais


http://www.panzerworld.net/pictures/00044.jpg



This Pz. Kpfw. III Ausf. E or F has probably slipped off the road, and is about to be saved by an Sd. Kfz. 9 "Famo". This vehicle too has a lot of supplies on its rear deck
http://www.panzerworld.net/pictures/00024.jpg


Sd.Kfz 9 of the Afrika Korps.

http://www.afrikakorps.org/_photos/FAMO/FAMOwithSdAnh116PIII.jpg

[Panzerknacker]

Specifications for Type SD.Kfz 9 F3:

Type: Heavy Half-Tracked Prime Mover

Production Period: 1939 to 1944

Producers: FAMO, Vomag and Tatra

Number Produced: approx. 2500 (all types)

Gross Weight: 18000kg

Empty Weight (with fuel and equipment): 12130kg

Cargo Load (8 men and 1900kg cargo): 2870kg

Total Length: 8.25m

Total Width: 2.60m

Total Height: 2.85m / 2.77m without canvas cover & windscreen

Engine: Maybach HL 108 TUKRM / 230hp / 12-cylinder

Tracks: Zgw. 50/400/200 / 440mm wide / 47 links per side

Maximum Road Speed: 50km/h

Range: 250km

Towed Load (weight) Normal: 18000kg

Fuel Capacity: 290l


http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9081/sdkfz9bt4.jpg

[tankgeezer]

Hmmmm, maybe the Maybach engine should have been installed in the Tiger, would'nt need a tow then...

[Churchill]

Hahaha, would nave needed wings then. :roll: ;)

[Panzerknacker]

I dont know if this photo is faked but 2 Sd.kfz 9 pulling a Tiger in a climb sounds too much.

http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Bilder/SdKfz9/SdKfz9-1%20Tiger.jpg



Crane for panzer repair variant.

[flamethrowerguy]

I dont know if this photo is faked but 2 Sd.kfz 9 pulling a Tiger in a climb sounds too much.

Two Sd. Kfz. 9 were common to pull a Tiger but, right, with an acclivity? Maybe that Horch has to push a bit!

[Sergej]

In the right upper corner, maybe it's a third Sd.kfz 9.
Here an other photo:
http://panzerkeil.dre.hu/harcjarm/spw/sdkfz9/famo-line.jpg

[Panzerknacker]

Yes, Is visible now, 2 seemed too little. :D

[Panzerknacker]

8.8cm Flak 37 Selbstfahrlafette Auf Zugkraftwagen 18t

An armored variant of the SD.Kfz 9 made in response to a requeriment for a heavy self mobile support gun. A 8,8 cm centimeters Flak gun was emplaced behind and armored driver cabin.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/KurtSteiner/zgkw.jpg

The gun was designed to engage field fortification and bunkers, it was used against tanks as makeshift tank destroyer despite the fact its mounting was too high and not really suitable for the task.

About 50 were made betwenn 1939 and 1942 and used in Poland, France and Russia.

[Panzerknacker]

Sd.Kfz 252.

Ammunition carrier based on the Sd.Kfz 10 1 ton halftrack and with the 8 mm body of the recce/ observation Sd.kfz 253 . Used mostly for suppling the Stug III batallions.

http://i35.tinypic.com/29123o3.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/16a5cew.jpg

The Sd.Kfz 252 were equipped with an sonder-anhänger 32 ( specialized trailed) to carry aditional 32 rounds of 75 mm "short" ammo.
Maximum speed on road was 62 km/h and the range 200 km.

413 Sd.kfz 252 were completed between 1939-41.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2w4l69t.jpg

[Panzerknacker]

Sd.Kfz 301 "Borgward"


In October 1941, Borgward was order to develop the B III VK 302 to a schwere ladungsträger - B IV Sd. Kfz. 301 and, from the experiences with the B I and B II, a leichter ladungstraeger Goliath Sd. Kfz. 302.
Known as the B IV, it was designated by the Waffenamt as Sprengladungsträger ( explosive charge carrier) (Sd. Kfz. 301).

http://i38.tinypic.com/1orl9t.jpg


The Sd. Kfz. 301 Borgward IV measured 3.65m in length, 1.8m in width and 1.19m in height. It weighed 3.6 tons and used the same engine as VK 302, giving it a maximum speed of 38km/h. It had a one-man crew, who drove the vehicle to the launch spot before engaging the enemy. Thereafter the 8mm protection plates around the driver was folded down to protect the radio and then the vehicle was radio-controlled towards the target. When engaging the enemy, a 500kg explosive charge carried on the frontal armor plate was offloaded.


The vehicle backed away and the explosive charge was set off with delayed detonation. Some 12 experimental vehicles were built in April 1942. Series production began in May 1942 and approximately 616 Borgward IV Ausf. A were built until June 1943, the Ausf. B being built in 260 examples until November 1943 and some 305 Ausf. C were built from December 1943 to September 1944.

http://ostpanzer.asty.ru/topics/special_vehicles/BIV/i/006.jpg


The Ausf. B only differed a little from the Ausf. A, it weighed 400kg more, the radio antennae was moved and the radio-equipment had been improved. Borgward IV Ausf. C weighed 4.85tons, measured 4.1m in length, 1.83m in width and 1.25m in height. It carried thicker armor and used new tracks. The drivers position were moved from right to the left side. It also used a more powerful Borgward engine, providing some 78hp.

[tankgeezer]

I dont know if this photo is faked but 2 Sd.kfz 9 pulling a Tiger in a climb sounds too much.

http://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Bilder/SdKfz9/SdKfz9-1%20Tiger.jpg



Crane for panzer repair variant.
I put on my bi-focals, and there seems to be tow cables between the halftracks, so they were ganged together. That would be much enough to pull the Tiger.

[Kiwiguy]

More importantly the officer standing beside the staff car is standing on a lean towards the incline which indicates there is nothing faked about this picture.

[flamethrowerguy]

Panzer I, n. A., VK 1801.
Welded with 80mm plates. Originally developed in late 1939 for the intended storm on the Maginot Line, built by Krauß-Maffei and MAN.

2936

[tom!]

Hi.


8.8cm Flak 37 Selbstfahrlafette Auf Zugkraftwagen 18t

An armored variant of the SD.Kfz 9 made in response to a requeriment for a heavy self mobile support gun. A 8,8 cm centimeters Flak gun was emplaced behind and armored driver cabin.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t158/KurtSteiner/zgkw.jpg

The gun was designed to engage field fortification and bunkers, it was used against tanks as makeshift tank destroyer despite the fact its mounting was too high and not really suitable for the task.

About 50 were made betwenn 1939 and 1942 and used in Poland, France and Russia.

The two vehicles on the left are SdKfz 8, not SdKfz 9..

By the way, some of these vehicles were used post-war by the czechoslovakian army.

Yours

tom! ;)

[Panzerknacker]

Thank you for the amendment.