$14.95 PANZER TRACTS No.11-1 Panzerbeobachtungswagen (Armored Observation Vehicles) Sd.Kfz.253 to Pz.Beob.Wg.Panther CRE CoS Pes Created by Thomas L. Jentz and Hilary Louis Doyle Featuring the Feuerleitpanzer and Panzermesskraftwagen with ultra-accurate 1/35 scale drawings of the kl.Pz.Bef.Wg and Pz.Beob.Wg. PantherCover Photo: A Panzerbeobachtungswagen III (Sd.Kfz.143) converted from a Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.G at the Deutsche Eisenwerke assembly plant in Duisberg. (HLD) The scale prints by Hilary Louis Doyle, drawn originally in 1/24 scale, have been reduced 68.6 percent to approximately 1/35 scale. The scale prints of the kLPz.Bef.Wg. and Pz.Beob.Wg. Panther were drawn at full seale using a CAD program and printed at 1/35 scale. Surviving Panzers were measured in detail to produce these extremely accurate drawings within the tolerances allowed to the original assembly firms. ‘Thanks are especially due to Walter J. Spielberger (5), Karlheinz Muench (7), Hilary L. Doyle (3), and Marcus Jaugitz (2) for providing copies of rare and unique photos. Photos were also obtained from the Deutsches Museum (5), Bundesarchiv-Bildarchiy (1), Bundesarchiv-Militaerarchiv (7) and The Tank Museum (2) and Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground (2). Published by Panzer Tracts P.O.Box 334 Boyds, MD 20841 © Copyright Thomas L.. Jentz 2003 ISBN 0-9708407-9-9 All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced in any fashion or by any means without the express written permission of the publisher.INTRODUCTION In our continuing search for reliable informa- tion, the Panzer Tracts team have discovered many new facts about the family of armored vehicles used during the war for artillery observ Rare finds such as the “Feuerleitpanzer” for launching V2 rock- ets and the “Panzermesskraftwagen” for observation of test-firing experiments have been included along with new accurate data on the normal series-produc- tion Panzerbeobachtungswagen (armored observation vehicles) such as the Sd.Kfz.253, Sd.Kfz.254, Sd.Kfz. 250/5, Sd.Kfz.251/18, Sd.Kfz.251/20, Pz.Beob.Wg.II, and Pz.Beob.Wg.1V. New ultra-accurate drawings are also included on the kl.P2.Bef.Wg. - the first armored vehicle issued to the forward observers in the artillery regiments of the Panzer-Divisions in 1940- and the Pz.Beob.Wg. Panther - based on large scale (1 to 5 or 1 to 1) original drawings of the turret and hundreds of chassis measurements. Some of the K.StN. (organization tables), applicable to the types of units to which observation vehicles were assigned, have been listed in the text. However, this should not be taken as proof that these armored observation vehicles were actually issued to all units of each type. Publishing a new K.StN. (table of organization) did not authorize a unit to change its establishment, nor did it entitle a unit to be issued new equipment. Specific orders were written by the Organizations-Abtellung to authorize organization changes and specify which K.St.N.s applied. Separate orders were written by Inspektorat 6 as authorization to issue armored vehicles to specific units. Shipping (not issue) records are used to determine which units actually received Panzers. Whenever possible, these shipping records are independently verified by strength reports from units in the field. ‘The statistics listed in the data tables are mainly from printed manuals for each type of Panzer or from data sheets prepared by Wa Pruef 6. As such, they are the “official” statistics for each Panzer. However, it is not recommended that these “official” numbers be used for purposes other than originally intended. As an example: the overall length, height, and width were usually taken from inaccurate overview drawings created early in the design projects. The purpose of these dimensions was to prove that specified tolerances for loading on railcars and passing through tunnels had been met (and not that every Panzer built had these exact dimensions). ‘Therefore, it is not advisable to use these overall length, width, and height dimensions for accurately drawing plans, modeling, or determining target size for wargaming. Data points such as the track contact length (center of first to center of last roadwheel), wheel with tire diameter, and wheel or track base (center of tire to center of tire or center of track to center of track across the vehicle) are the most accurate numbers to use for determining overall armor thicknesses and angles have been verified by actual measurements taken by the authors. With very few exceptions the reports written after examination of captured Panzers by the various technical intelli- gence organizations (such as M.I.10, the School of Tank Technology, or E.T.O.) have mistakes in the armor thickness, angles, and other statistics. These wartime examiners didn’t realize how the Germans beveled the ends of armor plates for welding or cut oversized holes for interlocking. Therefore, when the entire end of a plate wasn’t exposed (such as the lower front plate on a Panther) - their “guesstimates” of its thickness are invariably incorrect. Many mistakes were discovered in these Allied intelligence reports when the authors meticulously examined and measured surviving Panzers and dug into the original German project records found in various public and private archives. With the excep- tion of the occasional rare photograph - none of the data from these technical intelligence reports are used in Panzer Tracts. This was not the case in the past when most authors (including Walter J. Spielberger and Thomas L. Jentz/Hilary L. Doyle when they compiled data for the “Encyclopedia”) relied heavily on these allied technical intelligence reports as the only available source of information at the time on many Panzers. ‘This erroneous data was also translated back into German, resulting in published literature in both English and German being loaded with mistakes. The trend of publishing books replete with errors continues as many new authors rely solely on previ- ously published sources or rediscover these technical intelligence report “gems” in the archives. However, the Panzer Tracts team are not part of this crowd. We rely solely on the content of primary source docu- ‘ments written by those who participated in the design, production, and employment of the Panzers. When- ever possible this information is verified by cross- examination of reports from independent sources and thorough examination of surviving Panzers and photographs. When we haven’t found a piece of data = we don’t guess at the answer. Instead, we leave a hole in our publication and add it our list of thousands of items still needing to be discovered in our never ending quest for new, accurate information on future research trips. 1-1Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen (Sd.Kfz.265) Fgst.Nr.Serie 9406 - 15168 Pz.Kpfw.III had been issued to most company ‘commanders in the spring of 1940, leaving kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen available for reissue to Artillerie-Regiments in the Panzer Divisions for employment as Panzerbeobachtungswagen (artillery observations tanks) during the campaign in the West, in May/June 1940. There were six kI.Pz.Bef.Wg. with Artillerie-Regiment 73 (1.Panzer-Division), four with i ), 12 with with Artillerie-Regiment 78 (7.Panzer-Division) in May 1940, Other Panzer-Divisions could have had additional kI.Pz.Bef.Wg. in their Artillerie-Regiments which were not reported. ‘The same radio sets (Fu 6 and Fu 2) were kept for voice communication of up to 5 kilometers between the forward observer and the artillery fire control center. Complete details on the development and production of the ki.Pz.Bef.Wg. are presented in Panzer Tracts 1-2. Left: As shown by the tactical symbol for a towed light field howitzer battery stenciled on the left hull rear, these were two of the kleiner Panzer- befehlswagen issued to the Artillerie- Regiments in the Panzer-Divisions for employment as armored observation vehicles during the West in May and June 1940. (KHM)11-3114 kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen (Sd.Kfz.265) Fgst.Nr. 9406 - 15168 Weapons Data: In Ball Mount: 1. - 7.92 mm M.G.34 Maximum Speed: Elevation: =10°, +20" avg. Road Speed: 25 ken/hr ‘Traverse: 20° &, 20° R by hand Czoss Country: 12-15 kn/hr Gun Sight: K.2.P.1 (1.8x18°) Range on Road: 170 km Graduated to: (Cross Country: 115 km Grade: 30° Ammunition: ‘Trench Crossing: 1.40 m 37 cm 60 cm 23.5 om 0.52 kg/om* Commander 37 HP/ton Radio Operator jure on Wheel: kg/cm Driver Steering Ratio: 1.44 Communication: Fu 6 & Fu 2 Automotive Components: Motor: Maybach NL 38 Tr 6 cyl. water-cooled remen’ 3.8 liter gasoline Tonge overalty 4.42 100 BP @ 3000 xy darennioeeraiir: 2:06 = Transmission: ZF F.G.31 Height, overalls 1.99 m Reverse 3.7 ken/be Firing Height: 1.480 m areeae 5:0) alte wizel nese! aeegee 2iGear 210.4 km/hr Track Contact: 2.4 m arose asia he Combat Loaded: 5.88 metric tons aeceeel a0 eee Fuel Capacity: 146 Liters pio soso alee Steering: Clutch-Brake Drive Front sprocket Sxl per side 530/72 Rubber Suspension: Leaf springs Track: Dry pin 260(275) Kgs 67 280/90 Linke per Side: 100 ‘Armor Specifications for kleiner Panzerbefehiswagen ‘as22 “1080 ‘1090 apo “14522 Copyright 1998 Thomas L Jntz Netto Scale) ‘Armor thicknesses in mm at angle from vertical “Plates for Commander's Cupola with All armor is rolled homogeneous hard plate. Brinell Hardness of 450 (Range 435 to 465) Plates up to 13 mm thick with Brinell Hardness of 530Leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen (Sd.K£z.253) Observation: sr 142 Weapons Data: 2 - 9 mm M.P. Ammunition: 384 - 9 om Crew: Assistant Observer Radio Operator Driver Communication: Fu 6 & Fu 2 Tornister Funkgeraet Measurements: Length, overall: 4.700 m Width, overall: 11950 m Height, overall: 1.800 m Wheel Base 1163 m ‘Track Base ise m 1120 m 5.7 metric tons 140 Liters Armor Protection: 5.5 to 14.5 mm sloped to prevent penetration by S.m.K. (7.92 mm AP) fired at ranges over 30 m Automotive Capabilities: Maximum Speed: 65 km/hr Avg. Road Speed: 45 km/hr Range on Road: 320 km Cross Country: 210 km Grade: 24° Trench Crossing: 1.5 m Fording Depth: 70 om Ground Clearance: 28 on Ground Pressure: 0.74 kg/cm* Power Ratio: 17.5 EP/ton Turning Radius: 9 m Automotive Component: Fahrgestell: Zgkw.1t D7p Motor: Maybach HL 42 TRKM 6 cyl., water-cooled 4.198 liter gasoline 100 HP @ 2600 rpm ‘Transmission: VG 102128 L.Gear (f+r) 5.5 ka/hr 2iGear (f+r) 9° km/hr 3.Gear (f+r) 13 kn/hr 4.cear 20 ka/nr S.cear 32 km/hr 6.Gear 48 km/hr @ 2800 rpm T.Gear 55 im/hr @ 2400 rpm Steering: Front Wheel or Differential Drive: Front sprocket Roadwheels: 2x4 per side Tire: 6.00"20 Luka Suspension: ‘Torsion bars Track: Zpw.51/240/160 Links per Side: 38 Left: Two le.gp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.253) that were assembled by Wegmann in Kassel, (ws) 11-5leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen (Sd.Kfz.253) Already in December 1936, it was recognized that the Sturmgeschuetz would need support vehicles such as an armored ammunition carrier and a Beobachtungswagen (armored observation vehicle). The B.-Wagen was to be employed for scouting targets, direct fire control for small units such as a platoon or company, and as a forward armored ‘observation post controlling indirect fire when the company was employed behind the front lines. ‘The vehicle selected for this purpose was to have the same cross-country capability as the Sturmgeschuetz, and therefore a fully tracked vehicle such as a Pz.Kpfw.l chassis would be needed. It was also to be quicker and more maneuverable than the Sturmgeschuetz, with a speed of about 4 to 40 km/hr. All-round armor protection was required against armor-piercing bullets and if possible, frontal armor was to be proof against 2 em AP. A crew of three would be needed - the Fuehrer (Beob.Offizier), Beob.Uffz., and a Fahrer (driver). ‘The Beobachtungswagen was to be equipped with a traversable S.F. (scissors periscope) that could be raised and lowered. A dismountable radio set with a voice range of 3 to 4 kilometers was needed for communication with the entire company. It was also to be equipped with an M.P. for close defense, a rifle, flare pistol, and smoke grenades. Test vehicles were to be ready for trials, starting in May 1937, so that a decision could be made on the necessity of such vehicles and direction of further development by the Fall of 1937. Originally, the 1 ton Zugkraftwagen had been designated as the basic chassis needed for an ammunition carrier. This same chassis was then also selected for the Beobachtungswagen. To reduce weight, the D7 chassis for the I ton Zgkw. was shortened (by one roadwheel) to create the D7p chassis for the Beobachtungswagen and ammunition carrier. As first reported in May 1939, a small series of 25 Beob.Kw. (for five batteries) were to be produced, with the first 5 scheduled to be completed in November. However, fabrication of the armor hulls delayed the start of production and the first Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.253) wasn’t completed until March 1940; followed by 9 in April, 10 in May, and 5 in June for the first five Sturmgeschuetz batteries. Due to delayed production and the creation of an SS-Sturmgeschuetz- Batterie, the fourth and fifth (Sturmbatterie 665 and 666) batteries created in April were temporarily outfitted with kLPz.Bef.Wg. and the sixth (Sturmbatterie 667 created in May) received 3 Beob.Kw. and 2 Pz.Kpfw.L. Another short series of 10 Beob.Kw. had been ordered, which were completed in August 1940. This was followed by a large order for 250 that were completed from September 1940 to June 1941. K.St.N.445 dated 1Feb41 still authorized an establishment of five Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.253) in each independent Sturmgeschuetz-Batterie. However, by June 1941 orders from the Organization-Abteilung, authorized the issue of a seventh Sturmgeschuetz and four motorcycles with siddears as replacements for the five Sd.Kfz.253. While cqntinuing in service with the previously created Sturmgeschuetz batteries, the Sd.Kfz.253 were also jissued to the Artillerie- Regiments in the Panzer-Di ‘@corrmonr aatrious Dove 90 11-6Above: An experimental support vehicle for the Sturmgeschuetz was construeted by utilizing an unmodified trial 1 ton Zugkraftwagen chassis. (KHM) A le.gp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kf2.253) from the 2.Zug (2nd platoon leader) in the 16.Kompanie of Infanterie-Regiment “Grossdeutschland” following a m.gp.MTW (Sd.K(.251) of the 1.Zug at the start of the campaign in the West in May 1940. (WJS)Leichter gepanzerter Beobaéhtumgs- kreftwegen (S#.Kfz-253) 2509. 40 Above and Below: These leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen (Sd.Kfz.253) were the first armored vehicles produced on D7p chassis in 1940. (BA-Militaerarchiv)Above: A le.gp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.253) assigned to an artillery battery in SS-Wiking. (KHM) Right: This le.gp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.253) with a frame antenna (issued to the 3.Batterie of Artillerie- Regiment 75 in the 21.Panzer- Division in North Africa) was painted in a two-tone camouflage scheme of Graugruen RAL7008 blotches on a base coat of Gelbbraun RAL 8000. The tactical symbol and division identication symbol were stenciled with white paint. (WJS)mittlerer gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen (Sd.Kfz.254) Early in 1935, the Austrian army established basic specifications for a tracked towing vehicle to be used by the military capable of pulling a 2-ton load cross-country while carrying another 2 tons. Additional requirements for an artillery tractor were added in March 1936, including the design as a Raeder-Raupenfahrzeug —(wheel-cum-track) — - providing higher road speed while still possessing cross-country the obstacle-crossing capability of a tracked vehiel Saurer-Werke reported that an experimental vehicle, the RR6, was ready for trials on 11 November 1936. As designed, the production series RR7 chassis could be adopted for use as a towing vehicle, a cargo carrier, or a chassis for a combat vehicle Saurer had received a contract to produce 160 RR7 for the Austrian army which were renamed as the M36 gg 2/2 t ZgWg. on 19 February 1938. When Austria was annexed into Germany in March 1938, this wheel- cum-track vehicle didn’t fit into the German army’s standardized design for Halbketten Zugkraftwagen. Discussions were held on the potential use of the RR7 chassis for light reconnaissance vehicles, artillery “observation vehicles, or staff ears. To determine if the ‘chassis was suitable for these purposes, a production series RR7 chassis was completed and sent to Daimler- Benz Werk 40 in Berlin-Marienfelde on 11 June 1938. ‘Two additional chassis were completed and sent to Daimler-Benz for mounting trial superstructures and three additional chassis were to be sent to Kummersdorf for driving trials. In October 1938, Saurer reported that five RR7 chassis had been completed and delivered with _ provisional of the armor superstructures was not expected to begin before the middle of 1939, with Saurer to start delivery of completed chassis in July 1939, In mid-November 1939, WuG 6 reported that a total of 140 Gep.Art.Beob.Kw. auf RR7 Fgst. had been ordered in 1939 but production hadn’t started because they were still undergoing development. Production, ‘was rescheduled with deliveries to start in April 1940. But this didn’t actually occur until June 1940 when the first five were completed - followed by 20 in July, 20 in August, 25 in September, 31 in October, 14 in November, and 6 in December - when a shortage of chassis was the excuse given for not meeting the production goal. Only a further 7 were reported as completed in March 1941 for a total of 128 out of the initial contract for 140. In July 1940, the name was changed to gepanzerte Artillerie-Beobachtungskraftwagen auf RK7 (Sd.Kfz.254) and later with the printing of the manual D684/1 to m.gp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.254) auf Raeder-Kettenfahrgestell RK7. From information contained in Merkblatt 27/51 dated 10 January 1941, most of the Artillerie- Regiments in the Panzer-Divisions had been issued 7 Pz.Beob.Wg.(Sd.Kfz.253 und 254). ‘These were manned by a crew of four consisting of a Panzer- Beobachter, Hilfsbeobachter, Fahrer, and Funker. ‘Two radio sets had been installed - a Fu 6 (20 Watt sender and receiver) with a voice range of 5 kilometers and a Fu 2 receiver. As revealed in their reports, Pz.Beob.Wg. issued to each Panzer-Di the campaign against Russia started in June 1941: 9 Beob.Kw. with 1.Pz.Div., 15 Beob.Kw. with 6.P2.Div., 8 Beob.Kw. with 8.Pz.Div., 6 Sd.Kfz.254 9.P1Div., 13 Beob.Kw. with 11.Pz.Div., 8 Sd.Kfz.253 and 7 Sd.Kfz.254 with 14.Pz.Div, and 8 Sd.Kfz.253 and 7 Sd.K{z.254 with 16.P2.Div. 11-10Above and Right: A mgp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.254) with the 6.Batterie of Artillerie-Regiment 78 in the 7.Panzer-Division in 1941 running on its pneumatic tires. (KHM)Left and Below: A mgp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.254) belonging to the IIL/Artillerie- Regiment 19 of the 19.Panzer-Division. (My)Above: Repairing an inner tube for a pneumatic tire for this mgp-Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.254) with Artillerie- Regiment 33 of the 15.Panzer-Division in North Africa in 1941, (BA) Right: A mgp.Beob. (Sd.Kfz.254) captured by the British in Libya in December 1941. Gdmittlerer gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen (Sd.K£z.254) Observation: SF 14 Z Automotive Capabilities: Richtkreis Max. Speed Wheels: 75 ken/hr Max. Speed Tracts: 20 kon/Br Range on Road: 500 km Weapons Data: 1 - 9 mm M.P. ‘Cross Country: 100 km Ammunition: 192 - 9 mm Grade: 42° Trench Crossing: 2.1 m Fording Depth 90 em Ground Clearance: 30 em ew: observer Ground Pressure: 0.56 kg/om Crew Assistant Observer Power Ratio: 10.9 HP/ton Radio Operator Turning Radius: 15 = Driver Automotive Components: Fahrgestell: Saurer Fgst. RK 7 Motor: Saurer CRDv diesel Communication: ru 6 & Fu 2 Seyi: water-cooled Tornister Funkgeraet 70 HP @ 2000 rpm 5 forward, 1 reverse Mearaeaestss in fever ieagehe wrens 65) 18 ka/he Wat overeat 2047 33 kab Ths Covered 2:33 = 35 ayhe Meer bases oe tier ee Steering: Front Wheel or ees Differential pase nece: pe Drive: Front sprocket Hack Gnataces 2038 = Fives ae Eeabhe‘tondeds 4 metic tons Roadwheel 6 par olde fol Gapeciey: 72 uitere Sx St fro : suspension: foreion bare & anece Peabenkion: s.2 $0 14.520 Torsion bare ‘iad to prevent penetration by Sm. tracks seit sprites epee te ecined st taases onic 30m) TIE sige Left: A m.gp.Beob.Kw. (Sd.Kfz.254) in the 3.Batterie of Artillerie- Regiment 4 of the SEE 14.Panzer-Division in 1941, (KHM)Leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd. K£z.250/5) Observation: sr 14 2 Richtkreie Weapons Data: 1 - 7.92 mm M.G.34 (later in 1943 M.G.42) 1-9 mm MP. Ammunition: 1100 - 7.92 mm 192 - 9 am Crew: Observer Assistant Observer Radio Operator Driver Communication: Fu 8 & Fu 4 or Fu 12 & Fu.Spr.Ger.£ Measurements Length, overall: 4.700 m Width, overall: 1.945 m Height, overall: 1.800 m Wheel Base 1163 m ‘Track Base: 2:58 m ‘Track Contact: 1:20 m Combat Loaded: 5.75 metric tons Fuel Capacity: 140 Liters Armor Protection: 5.5 to 14.5 mm sloped to prevent penetration by S.m.K. (7.92 mm AP) fired at ranges over 30m Automotive Capabilities: Maximum Speed: 65 kn/hr Avg. Road Speed: 45 km/hr Range on Roa 320 km Cross Country: 180 km Grade: 24° ‘Trench Crossing: 1.5 m Fording Dept! 70 cm Ground Clearance: 28 cm Ground Pressure: 0.80 kg/cm’ Power Ratio 17.4 BP/ton Turning Radius: 9 m Automotive Components: Fahrgesteil: Zgkw.1t D7p Motor: Maybach HL 42 TRIM 6 cyl., water-cooled 4.198 liter gasoline 100 HP @ 2800 rpm ‘Transmission: vo 102128 # Gear (f+r) 5.5 km/hr 2.Gear (f+r) 9° kn/hr 3.Gear (f+r) 13 in/hr 4.cear 20 km/hr 5. 31 km/hr 6.Gear 48° km/hr @ 2800 rpm T.Gear 65 km/hr @ 2400 rpm Steering: Front Wheel or Differential Drive: Front sprocket Roadwheels: 2x4 per side Tires: 6-00-20 Luka Suspension: Torsion bars Track: pw. 51/240/160 Links per Side: 38 Leichter Messtrupp-Panzerwagen (Sd.K£z.250/12) Observation: sF 142 Automotive: Same as sd.Kéz.250/5 Richtkreis crew: Observer Assistant Observer Radio Operator Driver Communication: rus & Fu 4 Measurements Length, overall: 4.560 m Height, overall: 1.980 m Combat Loaded: 5.8 metric tons Armor Protection: Same as Sd.K£z.250/5 11-15leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/5) Due to higher priority demands for armor piercing bullet-proof 14.5 mm and 8 mm thick armor plates, completion of the first series production Inter Schuetzenpanzerwagen (Sd.K7.250) di ‘occur until June 1941, Initially, five different v: of the Sd.Kfz.250 were produced on the D7p chassis, including the open-topped leichter Beobachtungs- panzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/5) as a replacement for the close-topped Sd.Ktz.253. It is not known what percentage of the monthly production was initially converted to observation vehicles. WuG 6 monthly production reports did not keep track of the sub-variants - only the total number of Sd.Kfz.250 accepted by the inspectors cach month. A report from late 1943 specified that 17 percent of the Einbausatzen (installation kits) for Sd.Kfz.250 were to be for the Sd.Kfz.250/5 with a planned production of 40 ‘Sd.Ktz.250/5 in November, 40 in December, 35 in January 1944, 45 in February, ete. Production plans dated 1 October 1944 called for Evans & Pistor to complete 34 Beobachtungswagen Sd.Kfz.250/5 per ‘month (out of a total of 200 Sd.Kfz.250 per month) for October 1944 through May 1945. At this point the Sd. Kfz.250 was to be phased out and replaced by an increase in Sd.Kfz.251 production. In early 1943, Panzer-Divisions reported having le.Beob.P2.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.250/5) in their Artillerie-Regiments at the time that the K.StN. (wartime organization tables) still officially called for 13 (Sd.Kfz.253) - one Beob.Kw. for each battery, battalion, and regiment. In accordance with the official K.A.N. (wartime equipment tables) still in effect, these Beob.Wg. had Fu 6 (20 watt sender and receiver) and Fu 2 radio sets. In addition to being issued to Artillerie-Regiments in the Panzer-Divisions, two Ie SPW (Sd.Kfz.250/1) and 4 le.Beob.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.250/5) formed a gepanzerte Aufklaerungs Zug, (armored recon platoon) in the Stabskompanie (headquarters company) for the schwere Panzer- Abteilung “Tiger” in accordance with K.St.Nr.1150¢ dated 5 March 1943 and 1 November 1943 (replacing, the Pz.Kpfw.III in this reconnaissance role). Also in accordance with K.St.N.1162c dated SFeb43 and 1Nov43, the Panzerspachkompanie (armored reconnaissance company) was to have 9 leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Ktz.250/5) with Fu 12 radio sets to provide long range communication while accompanying the leichter Schuetzenpanzerwagen (2 em) (Sd.Kfz.250/9) which only had a short range Fu.Spr.Ger-f radio set. In 1944, the Sd.Kfz.250/5 was renamed to differentiate between its two roles - as the leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/S1) with Fu 8, Fu 4, and Fu.Spr.Ger-f radio sets and the leichter Aufklaerungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/S11) with Fu 12 and Fu.Spr.Ger.f radio sets. 11-16Above: A leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/5) with a frame antenna for the long range Fu 8 radio set. (BA-MA) Below: This vehicle was also known as a leichter Aufklaerungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/5) when it was outfitted with a Fu 12 radio set with Sternantenne, (BA-MA) 11-17\ g Left: | A le.Beob.Pz.Wg. | (Sd.Kfz.250/5) ‘The lines point to the M.G.34 in a Panzerschild on top d the Fliegerschwenkarm (pivoting anti- aircraft machinegun mount) at the rear. (D 672/9) sis oo ss : Below: Looking forward in a Sd.Kfz.250/5. w = 3 Signalflaggen, x = gr.Gestell 40 f. Richtkreis (large mount for aiming circle, o = box for Richtkreis, k = Feldflasche (canteen), nl = mount for SF 14 Z, z1=10x Binokular (conduit) i2 = Gasmaske mit Atemschlauch (breathing tube) 2, ¥=Verdeck- fenster (shield) 11-18G34 ‘b-Patronenkasten 34 (mg ammo box) e=Gurttrommel (belt-drum) d=Hulsensack 34 (spent cartridge bags) .P.38 jandgranaten euchtpistole Signal-Munition (flare pistol ammo) asten f. SF 14 Z (box for seissors- periscope) n2=base of adjustable stand for SF 14Z n3-mount for SF 14 Z swung outboard o=box for Richtkries (aiming circle) p-Funkgeraete (radio sets) Richtkreis (large mount for aiming circle) y=Bekleidungs- taschen (packs) (D 672/9) 11-19leichter Messtruppanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/12) As reported in the manual D298/41, the e-Messtrupp-Pz. We. (Sd.Kfz.250/12) was to be issued to the Beobachtungsbatterie (mot) in a Panzer- Division for use by the battery commander, as a Vorwarnerkw, (advanced warning vehicle), for the platoon and assistant platoon leaders in the Schallmesstellenstaffel (sound ranging section), platoon leader of the Lichtmesstellenstaffel (flash spotting section), and as a Lichtmesstellenkw. (until replaced by the Sd.Kfz.251/12). The equipment carried in the Sd.Kfz.250/12 varied slightly in 11-20 accordance with its intended function. When used for sound ranging, it wasn’t outfitted with a SF 14 Z or Richtkreis (aiming circle). ‘The le.Messtrupp-Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kz.250/12) was first listed in D97 on 1 July 1942. The 7.Pz.Div. was the only unit that reported having Sd.Kfz.250/12 - 3 on hand, but not authorized in February 1943. As reported in October 1943, no percentage of ‘the total Sd.Kfz.250 production was designated for completion, as Sd.Kfz.250/12, and it had been dropped from production plans by 1 October 1944.Left, Below, and Right: Interior of le.Messtrupp-Pz. Wg. (Sd.Kf2.250/12) Legend: 1.6.34 b=Patronenkaesten 34 (amg ammo box) =Gurttrommel 34 (mg belt drums) d=Huelsensack 3 (spent cartridge bag) e=Laufschuetzer 34 (spare mg barrel) M.P.38 and Magazinen fl=Gewehre (rifles) g-Bekleidungstaschen (packs) h=Leuchtpistole (signal/flare pistol with ammunition) i-Verdeck (cover) ‘erdeckfenster (shield) =Verdeckspriegel (conduit) I-Gasmaske 34 mit Atemschlauch (breathing tube) l1=Observation equipment including: pivotal mounts for the SF 14 Zand Richtkreis (aiming circle); gr.Gestell 40 oder 31 und Kappenbehaelter (large mount for aiming circle with cap holder); Ki.Gestell 31 und Kappenbehaelter; m=radio sets ml=base for Panzerschild or pivotal mounts for the SF 14 Zand Richtkreis n=10x Binokular (D 672/9)Mittlerer Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd. K£z.251/18) Observation: Weapons Data: crew: Communication: Measurements: Length, overall: Width, overall: Height, overall: Wheel Base: Track Base: Track Contact: Combat Loaded: Fuel Capacity: sriaz Richtkreis 2 - 7.92 mm M.G.42 1 = 9'mm M.P.40 2 Fu 8, Fu 4 (or Fu 5) Fu-Sprech-Ger."£* 5.80 2.10 2.70 1165 1.60 ale0 8.5 ton 160 liter Prereey Armor Protection: 5.5 to 14.5 mm sloped to pre t penetration by S.m.K. (7.92 mm AP) fired at ranges over 30 m Automotive Capabilities: Maximum Spe 50 km/hr Avg. Road Speed: 40 km/hr Cross Country: 10 km/hr Range on Road: 300 km Cross Country: 150 kn Grade: 24° Trench Crossing: 2.00 m Fording Depth 50 cm Ground Clearance: 32 cm Power Ratio. 11.8 HP/ton Automotive Components: Motor: Maybach HL42TuKRM 6 cylinder, water- cooled, 4.198 liter 100 HP’@ 2800 zpm Transmission: Road = C.C. Reverse 9-1 3.66 km/hr L.Gear 9.7 3:9 km/hr 2icear 18.8 7:5 kon/he 3.cear 33-4 01315 km/hr acer 53 21.4 kn/hr Steering: Differential Drive: Front sprocket Roadwheele 2x6 per side Suspension torsion bars Track: Zgw.50/280/140 Links per Side: 55 left, 56 right Mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen (Uhu) (Sd.Kf£z.251/20) Observation: Weapons Data: crew: Communication: Measurements: Height, overall Combat Loade 60 om searchlight with Bo 1252 20 cm searchlight with FG 1252 2 - 7.92 mm 4.6.42 1 - 9mm M.P40 22 Pe 2, 9.3 metric tons Armor Protection: same as 11-22 Sd-K£z.251/18 Automotive Same as Sd.Kf2.251/18mittlerer Messtrupp- und Geraetpanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/12) mittlerer Schallaufnahmepanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/13) mittlerer Schallauswertepanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/14) mittlerer Lichtauswertepanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/15) m Plans were made to mount sound-ranging and flash-spotting equipment for the Beobachtungs- Batterie in Panzer-Divisions on 3 ton HKL6p chassis, as the Sd.Kfz.251/12, 251/13, 251/14, and 251/15 instead of the lighter 1 ton D7p chassis as the Sd.Kfz.250/12. Although listed in the D600 manual in July 1943, these armored vehicles were still reported as being “In der Entwicklung” (under development) by the Gen.Insp.d.Pz.Truppen in September 1943. All four types are specified as “Eingefuehrte” (accepted as standard equipment) or present with units by In6 on 18 March 1944, While not listed as being authorized by any K.SUN. in March 1944, K.St.N.536 dated 1 July 1944 authorized four leichter oder mittlerer Messtrupp- Panzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.250/12 oder Sd.Kfz.251/12) and K.StN.545 dated 1 September 1944 authorized one mittlerer Messtrupp-Panzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/12). However, neither the Sd.Kfz.251/12 or 251/13, 251/14, 251/15 are contained in an In 6 list with all the other Sd.Kfz.251 types on 8 August 1944, None of the 550 Sd.Kfz.251 scheduled for production in October 1944 to February 1945 were to be completed as Sd.Kfz.251/12, 251/13, 251/14, or 251/18. All four types are specified as “no longer in production” in a list compiled on 15 November 1944, To date no proof has been found that any of these four types ever entered series production. ‘On 1 March 1944, a mittlerer Beobachtungs- panzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/5) was listed as authorized by all of the K.StN. (431b, 461b, 577, 583, 585) that had previously specified the lighter le.Beob.Pz.We. lerer Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/18) (Sd.Kfz.250/5). It was listed as an alternative (1 leichter oder mittlerer Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz, 250/5 oder 251/5)) in K.St.N.431 dated 1 May and I June and specified as replacing the Sd.Kfz.250/5, in K.St.N.1107(fG) dated 1 November 1944 with four mittlerer Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kz.251/5) in the Aufklaerungszug for a s.Pz.Abt.” Tiger”. While there may have been a desire to replace the smaller Sd.Kfz.250/5 with a larger armored vehicle, In 6 never lists an Sd.Kfz.251/5 as ever being in existence as a mittlerer Beobachtungspanzerwagen. Sd.Kfz.251/5 is always designated by In 6 as being a mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen (Pi). (See Panzer Tracts 14) The correct designation for the mittlerer Beobachtungspanzerwagen was Sd.Kfz.251/18. As listed by In 6 on 8 August 1944, there were to be four fferent sub-variants of the m.Beob.Pz.Wg., each with a different combination of radio sets: (Sd.Kfz.251/18 1) with 1 Fu 8, 1 Fu 4, 1 Fu Spr.Gerf (Sd.Kfr.251/18 Ta) with 1 Fu 8, 1 Fu (Sd.Kfz.251/18 I) with] Fu 8, 1 Fu S (Sd.Kfz.251/18 Ma) with 1 Fu 8,1 Fu 5,1 Fud Production plans dated 1 October 1944 specified that 11 Beobachtungs-Kw. (Sd.Kfz.251/18) were to be produced by Schichau each month from October 1944 to February 1945, then increase to 13 in March-April, 14 in May-June, ete. for a total of 180 in 1945. KStN.1161 dated 15 September 1944 authorized one mittlere Beobachtungspanzerwagen (Sd.Kfz.251/18) in a Panzer-SturmmoerserKompanie “Tiger”. ecormont 11-23mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen (Uhu) (Sd.Kfz.251/20) Six m.SPW (Sd.Kfz.251) were to be issued to the “UHU Programm” in February, 10 in March, and 10 in May 1944. However, none of these were recorded as having been delivered. On 22 June 1944, the General der Artillerie bei Gen.St.d.Heeres reported: 10 “Uhu” Geraete are to be produced with their own vehicle, but the Sturmartillerie will probably not receive any. 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” equipment. ‘On 8 August 1944, the m.Schtz.Pz.Wg. (Uhu) (Sd.Kfz.251/20) was listed by In.6 as being outfitted with one Fu 8 and one Fu § radio sets as well as a Bordsprechanlage (intercom system). As listed on 15 November 1944, the (Sd.Kfz.251/20) 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). Production plans, dated 1 October 1944, called for the firm of Wumag to complete 35 “Uhu-Geraet” (Sd.Kfz.251/20) each month from January to May 1945. Wumag - Waggonfabrik Goerlitz reported that ‘out of 200 Sd.Kfz.251 completed in January 1945, 15 were Sd.Kfz.251/20. Wumag also reported that 102 Sd.Kfz.251 were completed in February 1945 - but not, by type. Six Sd.Kfz.251/20 were sent by rail to Putlos, leaving on 7 March 1945, and nine Sd.Kfz.251/20 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 101 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.251/20 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. In a meeting of the working committee for infrared devices under Gen.Insp.d.PzTr. on 18 January 1945, a decision was made that after completion of the model, the B.G.1251 were only to be installed on Bergepanzer 38 - designated as the “Uhw” II. There were also plans made in February 1945 to install one “Uhu” on an 8-Rad tp. In early April 1945, all 61 “Uhu” Geraete were reported as having been delivered to the “Sonderlehrgang der Panzertruppen” in Fallingbostel. HL.oey'77131446 Above and Below: A Versuchs (trial) mittlerer Schuetzenpanzerwagen (Uhu) (Sd.Kfz.251/20) outfitted with infrared equipment including a 60 cm searchlight, 20 cm searchlight, BG 1251 (infrared scope), and FG 1252 (infrared scope). (BA-MA) 11-25Above: 15 Schuetzenpanzerwagen (Uhu) (Sd.K{fz.251/20) were completed by Wumag in January 1945, Below: Closeup of the 60 cm searchlight with infrared scope mounted on a Versuchs-m.S.P.W.(Uhu) (Sd.Kfz.251/20) captured at the proving grounds for infrared equipment at the end of the war. (TTM) 11-26Panzermesskraftwagen Above: A Panzermesskraftwagen mit Aggregat (armored survey vehicle with equipment) completed in 1942 on a Buessing 8-Rad GS chassis for use by Wa Pruef 1/V on test firing ranges. (BA-MA) Below: The Panzermesskraftwagen sent to Aberdeen Proving Ground after the war. (APG)Feuerleitpanzer auf 8 ton Zugkraftwagen Fahrgestell Ad (popularly known as the V2) rockets were launched from mobile platforms - making it much more difficult for launching sites to be destroyed by bombing raids. Therefore, the launch crews could no longer hide in fixed bunkers, but needed mobile protection, A specialized armored vehicle was designed for this purpose. The vehicle not only served as a launch control station but also assisted in towing the launching platform and fueling the rockets. The trial “Feuerleitpanzer” (armored fire control vehicle) with an armored compartment mounted on the rear to protect the launching crew was built on a Buessing-NAG BN 10 H Zugkraftwagen chassis with the engine compartment located in the rear, The Feuerleitpanzer production series utilized 11-28 the KM m 11 (8 ton Zugkraftwagen) chassis with a normal cab and engine compartment at the front and an armored superstructure mounted on the rear. A total of 49 Feuerleitwagen auf 8 to Zgkw. Fgst. were completed in 1944 - 10 in March, 10 in April, 4 in May, 10 in June, 12in October, and the last 3 in November. These Feuerleitpanzer were assigned to Artillerie-Abteilung (mot) 485 with 9 Abschuss- Einheiten (launching units), 3.Batterie/Artillerie- Abteilung (mot) 836 with 3 Abschusseinheiten, and SS-Werfer-Batterie 500. The rear of the Feuerleit- panzer was facing the Ad rockets when they were launched - the blast and debris being deflected by the armor compartment. Left Above: The numbers printed on the photograph point to (1) the closed box for electrical cable connections, (2) connections for telephone lines, and (3) a battery box on this production series Feuerleitpanzer (DM) Left Below: These production series Feuerleitpanzer had a normal engine compartment and driver’s cab: only the rear was protected by the armor compartment. (pm)11-2911-3111-32 Feuerleitpanzer Crew: 2 Measurements: Length, overall width, overall: Height, overall: 7 Wheel Bas 2.00 m Track Bas 1180 m Track Contact: 2.235 m Combat Loaded: Fuel Capacity 2? metric tons 203 Liters Armor Protection: 8 mm 7? Automotive Capabilities. Maximum Speed. 50 km/hr Range on Road: 250 km Cross Country: 100 km Grade: 24° Fording Depth: 65 cm Ground Clearance: 40 om Ground Pressure: 7? kg/cm’ Power Ratic 2? HP/ton Turning Radius: 8.0 m Automotive Components: Fahrgestell: Zgkw.8t KMimi2 Motor Maybach HL 64 TR 6 cylinder water cooled 6.4 liter gasoline 140 HP @ 2600 rpm c.c. 2.9 kn/hr 3.8 km/hr 72 kon/nr 33:2 kn/he 20.7 km/hr Differential Front sprocket Roadwheels: 6 per side Tires: 9.75-20 extra Suspension: Leaf springs Track: Zgw. 50/360/180 Links per Side: 54 Left: A Feuerleitpanzer (8 to Zgkw. chassis) towing a launch pad for a V-2 missile. wJs)Panzerbeobachtungswagen III (Sd.Kfz.143) Observation: sF 14 2 Automotive Capabilities: 1.B.P.2 Maximum Speed: 40 kn/br 6x Sehronr Avg. Road Speed: 20 km/hr Cross Country: 15-18 km/hr Range on Road: 155 km Weapons Data: Cross Country: 95. km In Ball Mount: © 1 - 7.92 mm M.G.34 Grade 30° Elevation: =10", ‘s20° Trench Crossing: 2.0 m Traverse: 25°, 15R Stel 60 cm Gun Sight: K.z.F.2 (1.8 16°) Fording Depth: 80 cm Ground Clearance: 38 om Ground Pressure: 1.01 kg/cm’ Power Ratio 11.5 HP/ton Crew: Observer i Steering Ratio: 1.14 2 Asst.Observers Radio Operator Driver Automotive Components: Motor: Maybach HL 120 TRM v-12 water cooled Communication: Fu 8 and Pu 4 11,9 liter gasoline 265 HP @ 2600 rpm oases Transmission: SRG 32 8 145 Reverse 4.7 km/hr @ 2800 rpm 1.Gear 4.7 km/hr 6.Gear 20.4 km/hr beige Fey 2igear 6.3 kn/hr 7.Gear 27.7 km/hr 2.95 7 3.Gear 8.4 km/hr 8.Gear 36.9 km/hr 2.50 = 4.Gear 11.2 km/hr 9.Gear 49.4 km/hr Bie Sieur i512 ta/he a0.¢ear @7-a ba/he Track Contact: 2188 5 seering: Diftorentiel | Gcabet tseded: 23 metric tons a Front sprack Kii'Gapecity: 3ic"tieete a S52 per Etopension: —terelonbars ; tracks bey pia Amor Protection: nefer to Deen Panzer Beasts 10.3 aks per side: Right: Two Pz.Beob.Wg.lIl converted from Pz.Kpfw.III Aus£.F (lead) and Ausf.G (following) by Deutsche snwerke in Duisberg early in 1943. (HLD)Panzerbeobachtungswagen III Along with the program for development of Artillerie auf Selbstfahrlafetten (self-propelled artillery) to accompany mobilized operations, the artillery foresaw the need for an armored vehicle for the forward observers that would not stand out from other Panzers in the formation. While plans were made to design an ideal solution consisting of a Panzerbeobachtungswagen on a Panther chassis with a turret specifically designed to maximize functionality, this would not be available in the near future. The Zwischenloesung (interim solution) that could be produced immediately was rebuilt older Pz.Kpfw.lll models converted into Artillerie- Panzerbeobachtungswagen III. As designed by Alkett, the turret was modified by replacing the 35-mm-thick gun mantle with 5 em Kw.K. with a 50-mm-thick gun mantle with a fake gun and a machine gun ball mount in the center. A hole was cut into the roof so that the head of a 10 x Turmbeobachtungsfernrohr 2 (TBF2) with a 5.7 degree field of view could be raised and pivoted for stationary observation. Mounts for a SF 14 Z (scissors periscope) and TSR 1 or 6 x Sehstab (tubular periscopes) were also installed in the commander’s cupola for viewing with the entire Panzer “turret down". To make room for additional radio equipment, the ball mount for the hull machinegun was replaced by a pistol port with a plug. The 11-34 armament consisted of only an M.G.34 and two M.P.38, ‘The Pz.Beob.We.tII was outfitted with a Fu 8 (30 watt sender with a medium wave length receiver) radio set, a Fu 4 (medium wave length radio set), Funksprechgeract f, Tornisterfunkgeraet g. (dismountable), and Bordsprechgeraet (intercom system). The Funksprechgeraet f was to be used as the principal means of communication between the forward observer and the Batterie-Offizier. In this, way the fire commands could be heard over the loud- speaker mounted in each Hummel or Wespe as well as by the Batterie-Offizier. When the voice range of 4 to 5 kilometers for the Funksprechgeraet f wasn’t adequate, fire commands could be transmitted by using the Fu 8 with a voice range of 20 kilometers. A total of 262 Pz.Beob.We.III were reported as being converted from rebuilt Pz.Kpfw.III in the period from February 1943 to April 1944. These were issued to the Artillerie-Abteilung (Sf) for the forward observers directing fire from Hummel and Wespe batteries. Initially, in accordance with K.St.N431b dated 16 January 1943, each Batterie le.Feldhaub.18/2 (Sf) (ie, Wespe battery) was authorized two Beob.Pz.Wg.IIL, while K.St.N461b dated 16 January 1943. authorized three Beob.Pz.Wg.III for each Batterie schw.Feldhaub.18/1 (ie., Hummel battery).Above and Below: Panzerbeobachtungswagen III (Sd.Kfz.143) were created by converting rebuilt Pz. Kpfw.III (mostly Ausf.F and G) at the Deutsche Eisenwerke assembly plant in Duisberg. The original gun mantle was replaced by a 50 mm thick gun mantle with a ball mount for an M.G.34 in the center and a fake gun. A pistol port with plug replaced the ball mount in the driver’s front plate. (HLD) 11-35Panzerbeobachtungswagen IV Originally, plans were made in September 1943 to convert only rebuilt Pz.KpfwlV to observation vehicles after the series of 270 Panzerbeobachtungswagen III had been completed. It ‘was determined that the commander's cupola with periscopes from the Sturmgeschuetz was a better choice for an armored observation vehicle than the Pz.Kpfw.IV cupola with vision blocks. The first experimental Pz.Beob.Wg1V was to have been ‘completed by the end of January 1944, Complaints had been registered by the troops that the rebuilt chassis used for the Pz.Beob.We.II frequently broke down because of old wornout parts. In January 1944 a decision was made to convert every 25th newly assembled Pz.Kpfw.1V to a Pz.Beob.Wg.IV starting in April 1944. ‘The distinguishing feature ofthe Pz.Beob.Wg.1V is the shorter Sturmgeschuetz- Kommandantenkuppel with seven periscopes which replaced the normal Pz.Kpfw.IV commander's cupola with five vision slits. A SF14Z. scissors periscope could be extended through the flap at the front of the commander's cupola lid without opening the entire hatch, In addition, a T.S.R.1 observation periscope could be extended through a pivotable mount in the turret roof. There was also additional equipment installed to aid the artillery observer, including an Orterkompass and Nachdreheinrichtung (plotting boards). 11-36 In accordance with K.A.N.431 dated 1 June 1944, three radio sets were installed for the battery ‘commander in a Wespe or Hummel (self-propelled artillery) battery. The Fu 8 (30 watt transmitter and medium wave length receiver, operated in the frequency band 0.83 to 3 MHz) and the Fu 4 (medium wave length receiver, operated in the frequency band of 0.83. to 3 MHz) for long range ground communication and an Fu.Spr.f (short wave length transmitter and receiver, operated in the frequency band of 19.9 to 21.4 MHz). Power for the radio sets was provided by 2 GG400 electrical generator set installed in the left rear corner of the fighting ‘compartment. Due to the high power consumption of the Fu 8, it was to be used only with the electrical ‘generator running while the vehicle was halted. The mount for the coaxial machinegun was removed from the turret to make room for radio sets. Only a single 7.92 mm M.G.34 with armor sleeve was carried which could be mounted either in the ball- mount or used for anti-aircraft defense. ‘The 7.5 cm Kw.K.40 L/48 main gun remained fully functional. The amount of ammunition stowed in bins had to be reduced to make room for the radio sets and electrical generator. Pz.Kpfw.lV were taken directly off the Pz.Kpfw.1V production line at Nibelungenwerk for conversion to “Artillerie-Beobachungswagen IV” (text continues on bottom of page 11-38) Cecormmont matyious pone 93Cecormonmuanrious sone 193 ccormen atv ious cove 12 11-37Panzerbeobachtungswagen IV (7.5 cm) Ausfuehrung J Observation: 7 periscope K-Kuppel SF 14 Z, T.S.R.1 Weapons Data: In Turret: Kw.K.40 1/48 1420" 360° by hand Gun Sight: T.Z.F.5£ (2.5% 24°) In Ball Mount: 1 - 7.92 mm M.G.34 Blevation: 710°, +20" Travers: 15L, 158 Gun Sight: K.Z.F.2 (1.8% 18°) Ammunition: 22- 7.5 om 22 - 7192 mm crew: observer 2 Agst.Observers Radio Operator Driver Communication: Fu 8 and Fu 4 Fu.Spr-Ger.£ Measurements: Length, overall: 7.02 m Width, overall: 2.88 m Height, overall: 2.68 m Wheel Bas: 2:46 m Track Contact: 3.52 m Combat Loade 25 metric tons Fuel Capacity: 680 Liters Armor Protection: Refer to Panzer Tracts No.4 starting with 10 in April 1944, 22 in May, 13 in June, 13 in July, 25 in August, 25 in September, 25 in October, 20 in November, 25 in December, and 25 in February 1945. However, there was a long delay of several months before these were converted to Pz.Beob.We.1V and accepted by the Heeres Waffenamt inspectors. The first 7 were reported as accepted in July 1944, followed by (7 in July, 18 in August, 21 in September, 25 in October, 20 in November, 11 in December 1944, 16 in January 1945, in February, and 15 in March) for a total of 133 Pz.Beob.WglV. The same modifications were present on the Pz.Beob.Wg.lV as on the basic Pz.Kpfw.lV Ausf.J. A list of these modifications and when they occurred can be found on page 4-54 of Panzer Tracts 4. Pz.Beob.Wg.1V were issued to the “Wespe” and “Hummel” self-propelled artillery units in 11-38 Maximum Spee Avg. Road Speed: 25 km/hr Cross Country: 20 kn/hr Range on Road: 320 km Cross Country: 210 kn Grade: 30° Trench Crossing: 2.3 m ste} 60 cm Fording Depth: 80 cm Ground cl 40 cm Ground Pres: 0.89 kg/cm? Power Ratio: 10.6 HP/ton Pressure on Wheel: 96 kg/om Steering Ratio: 1.43 Automotive Components: Motor: Maybach HL 120 TRM v-12 water cooled 11.9 liter gasoline 265 HP @ 2600 rpm 2F 8.8.¢.76 5.2 km/hr 4:2 kon/hr 8.1 kn/hr 13:8 kon/hr 20-8 kn/hr 29.5 km/hr 38.0 km/hr Differential Front sprocket 8x2 per side Tires: 470/90 Rubber Suspension: Leaf springs Track: Dry pin Kgs 61/400/120 Links per Side: 99 Panzer-Divisions. Two Panzerbeobachtungswagen III (Sd.Kfz.143) or Panzerbeobachtungswagen IV (Sd.Kfz—) were listed in the establishment of each “Panzerhaubitze” battery in accordance with K.St.N.431 dated 1 May 1944. However, this was reduced to one per battery with K.St.N.431(fG) dated 1 June 1944. Five Pz.Beob.Wg.1V were issued and sent to the Pz.Lehr.Diy., Fuehrer-Grenadier Brigade, 1,SS-Pz.Div., 2.S8-Pz.Div., 10.SS-Pz.Div., and 12.SS- Pz.Diy. (plus four to the 2.Pz.Div.) in time for employment at the start of the Ardennes Offensive. Those issued to the 9.Pz.Div., 21.PzDiv., and 116.Pz.Div. were shipped by rail on 15 to 21Dec44, too late to take part in the start of the offensive. Pz.Beob.Wg.1V were also issued to units that fought on the Eastern Front, including the 1., 4., 5., 6. To, 8 12, 13. 14.4 17, 19., 20., 23., 24., 25., 3.SS-Panzer- Divisions.Panzerbeobachtungswagen Panther Rheinmetall was assigned detailed design development of a turret for a Panzerbeobachtungs- wagen Panther (armored artillery observation vehicle using a Panther chassis). Several variations were considered, including an altered Panther turret with a 5 em Kw.K.39/1 gun and a coaxial machine gun in 2 Topfblende (pot mantlet) mounted in the center of a flat plate covering the front of the turret. This version was identified as Entwurf 3 (third proposal) for an Artillerie-Panzer-Beobachtungswagen — Fahrgestell Panther in sketch H-SkB 79557 dated 10/11 November 1942. ‘The design already incorporated a built-in range finder, the T.B.F.2 observation periscope mounted in the turret roof to the right of the comman- der's cupola, and a T.S.R.1 spotting periscope mounted in the turret roof by the gunner. The commander's cupola shown in the sketch was an interim design with seven periscopes protected by cylindrical armor rings. ‘As shown on the earliest sketches dated 5 March 1943, the Waffenamt approved development of a different design with a fake gun, Its only armament was a ball-mounted machine gun. This was an ori nal turret design that was assigned a new drawing/part number series (0218150400), with a few of the components borrowed from other Panther turret designs. It was not a turret manufactured for a Panther Ausf.D and then modified to fit the compo- nents needed for an observation vehicle. The main armor housing for the turret retained the same general shape of the Panther Ausf.D turret, but the turret front was closed off by a flat 100 mm thick plate. Other components specifically designed for this turret included: a hatch in the right front of the turret roof for an observer, the turret race, a dummy gun, the ball mount for an M.G.34 in the turret front, a hatch in the middle of the turret roof and mount for the T.B.F.2 observation periscope, the floor of the turret basket, the turret drive gear, commander's seat centered in the rear, not under the commander's cupola, a seat for a radio operator in the right rear, a seat for an observer in the right front, a platform for the commander to stand on when looking out the open hatch, and a platform for the observer to stand on when looking out the open hatch, ‘The components adopted from the Panther Ausf.D turret design included: an azimuth indicator, the rear access hatch, the communication hatch, pistol port plugs, the drive for the 12-hour azimuth indicator in the commander's cupola, and the fume extraction, fan (moved to a new location on the right rear corner of the turret roof). The components adopted from the Panther Ausf.A turret design included: a cast commander's cupola with seven periscopes, the turret traverse drive, and the turret traverse lock. Smoke candle dischargers were mounted on the turret sides, even though they had been dropped from Panther and Tiger production in May 1943. All layout drawings for the Turm Panzerbeobachtungswagen Panther had been completed and reviewed by 16 July 1943. A 11-39single Versuchsturm (experimental turret) was completed and mounted on a Panther Ausf.D chassis originally produced in the July to September 1943 time frame, ‘The dummy gun and mantlet were constructed of welded sheet metal and bolted to the front of the turret. The M.G.34 was mounted in a ball mounting in the turret front plate to the right of the dummy gun. It was sighted by means of the standard K.Z.F.2 sight- ing telescope. The machinegun could be traversed 5 degrees left and right and had a maximum depression ‘of minus 10 degrees and elevation of plus 15 degrees. An M.P.40 was carried loose in the vehicle along with a signal pistol. The instruments in the Panzerbeobach- tungswagen were designed to measure the initial range as well as switches and corrections based on observation of fall of shot for transmission to the artillery. It was equipped with an E.M, 1.25 m (1.25 meter base) range finder, a T.B.F.2 observation periscope (with a spare), a T.S.R.1 spotting periscope (with a spare), an SF14Z scissors periscope, and a K.Z.F.2 telescopic gun sight (with a spare). ‘The E.M. 1.25 m range finder manufactured by Zeiss was mounted inside across the front of the turret with vision slots cut into the front plate for the instrument. These slots could be closed by hinged cover plates from within the turret. There was armor protection behind the vision slots in the turret front plate which could be dismantled when the range finder was removed and installed. The graticules on the range finder could be illuminated for use in dim light. The T.B.F.2 observation periscope was mounted in the center of the turret in a ball mounting in the roof plate. Counterbalanced by an elaborate rig of pulleys and counterweight, the T.B.F.2 could be raised and lowered through 37 centimeters. When it was in the lowered position, the opening in the roof above the periscope could be closed by a hinged cover plate. The T.B.F.2 could be traversed through 360 degrees and tilted through 10 degrees. The T.S.R.1 spotting periscope or the SF14Z, scissors periscope was mounted on an adjustable bracket inside at the base of the commander's cupola. Both the commander and the observer were provided with azimuth indicators to show the amount the turret was traversed off the center of the hull. The commander's azimuth indicator was the standard 12- hour ring mounted inside the commander's cupola. The azimuth indicator provided for the observer was located in the front of the turret just below the center of the range finder. It had two dials, The left-hand dial had an inner scale graduated from I to 12 hours and an outer scale graduated in hundreds of mils from 11-40 1 to 64, This dial was used for obtaining a rough read- ing only. A more precise reading could be obtained by using the right-hand dial, which had an outer scale graduated in mils from 0 to 100 and an inner correc- tion disc used for concentrating the fire of a number of different guns on one point. Presumably when a target was sighted, the turret was traversed until the commander was able to lay on the target with the aid of the sighting vane on the cupola, The observers should by then have been, able to pick out the target and lay accurately. An elaborate automatic Blockstelle 0 plotting board made by the firm Anschuetz of Kiel was installed in the turret just in front of the commander's, cupola. It was primarily an artillery instrument and was intended for use in countries where maps were not available or were inadequate for artillery use. The Blockstelle was used to give initial range and line to the pivot gun and to give corrections based on obser- vation of the fall of shot. The instrument was used for T.O.B. shoots. The distance OB was measured by the Panzerbeobachtungswagen actually traveling from B. to O and the distance OT was determined by using the range finder. The requirement was for equipment that was able to deal with OB distances up to 12,000 meters in any dire n Three radio sets were to be mounted in the Panzerbeobachtungswagen, the Fu 8, the Fu 4, and the Funksprechgeraet f. The Fu8 radio set consisted of a 30 watt transmitter with medium wave length receiver operating in the frequency band of 0.83 to 3 MHz. The Fud was an additional medium wave length receiver set operating in the same frequency band of 0.83 to 3 MHzas the Fu8. The Funksprechgeraet f radio set for communication with artillery batteries both sent and received in the frequency band of 19.9 to 21.4 MHz. ‘The Panzerbeobachtungswagen Panther never went into production. As recorded for 31 March 1944 in the war diary of the General der Artillerie OKH, General Lindemann, the issue of Panzers to the artillery had encountered major obstacles. General Thomale (under General Guderian in the General- inspekteur der Panzertruppen) emphasized that the artillery would not obtain Panthers. The General der Artillerie OKH had briefed the Organizations- Abteilung on the situation but they were not able to reverse the decision and obtain Panther chassis or components for the artillery.11-41dJeyqued, uebemsbunjyseqoaqiezueg11-4311-44 Panzerbeobachtungswagen Panther Observation: z TB. t. 2.2 TP.2 ER 5 m range finder sia Blockstelle 0 Weapons Data: In Turret: 2 -,7-92 mm M.G.34 Elevation: 210°, "420° Travers Sh, 5°R Gun Sight: K.Z.P.2 (1.8% 18°) Ammunition: 277.92 om Crew: observer 2 Asst.observers Radio Operator Driver Communication: Fu 8 and Fu 4 Fu.Spr.Ger.£ Measurements Length, overal: Width, ‘overall Height, overal Wheel B Track Contact: Combat Loaded -866 i270 990 610 1920 44.8 metric tons sees Fuel Capacity: 730 Liters Armor Protection: ull Glacie Lower Front Plate Superstructure Side Hull Side Deck Belly Turret: Turret Front u Turret Sides Turret Rear Deck Armor Specification: 309-353 Brinell Hardness 278-324 Brinell Kardness 265-309 Brinell Hardness 235-276 Brinell Hardness 555 Brinell Hardness for 80 60 40 40 16 16 mm/55 degrees mm/55 degrees mm/40 degrees mm/0 degrees mm/90 degrees mm/90 degrees mm/12 degrees mm/25 degrees mm/25 degrees mm/84.5-90 degrees Tolerances on plate thickness -0% to +5% for 16-30 mm thick plates for 35-50 mm thick plates for 55-80 mm thick plates for castings thicker than face hardening to a depth Automotive Capabilitie: Maximum Speed: Avg. Road Speed: Cross Country: Range on Road: Cross Country: Grade: Trench Crossing: Step: Fording Depth: Steering Ratio Turning Circle 55 km/hr 30-35 km/hr 20 ikm/hr 200 km 100 km 35° 2.45 m 90 om 1.9m 54 om 0.86 kg/cm 15.6 HP/ton 1.50 914m Automotive Components: Motor: ‘Transmission Reverse L.Gear 2iGear 3icear Ticear Steering: Drive Roadwheels: Tires Suspension: Track: Links per side: Maybach HL 230 P30 v-12 water-cooled 23 liter gasoline 700 HP @ 3000 rpm 2F A.K.7/200 4.0 km/hr 401 kon/he 8.2 km/hr 13.1 kan/he 20.4 km/hr 29.5 kn/hr 41.6 Jn/hr 54.9 km/hr Single radius Front sprocket 8x2 per side 860/100 Rubber Dual torsion bars Dry pin Kgs 64/660/150 87 from £22 alloy from E22 alloy from E22 alloy 70 mm from alloy "A" of 4 to 6 mmGLOSSARY OF GERMAN MILITARY TERMS Abteilung battalion with less than 5 companies or a unit Aufklaerungs reconnaissance Ausfuehrung, ‘Ausf. - model designation Beobachtungs Beob. - observation Bergepanzer armored recovery vehicle Bordsprechanlage intercom system Finbausaetze installation kits Fahrer driver Fahrgestell Fgst. - chassis Fahrzeug vehicle Feuerleitpanzer armored launch control vehicle for V2 rockets Funk Fu. - radio Funksprechgeraet FuSpr.G Geraete equipment Gepanzerte gep. - armored Geschuetz gun Halbketten HK -half-tracked Inspektorat 6 In 6- inspectorate for motorized and armored units Ketten tracks Kommandantenkuppel commander's cupola Leichter Te. - light Lichtauswerte flash ranging Merkblatt training pamphlet Messteupp, artillery survey unit mittlerer m, - medium Panzerbefehlswagen Pz.Bef.Wg. - armored command vehicle Panzerbeobachtungswagen Pz.Beob.Wg. - armored observation vehicle Panzerkampfwagen Pz.Kpfw. - generic name for tank Panzermesskraftwagen armored survey vehicle Panzerspaehwagen Pz.Sp.Wg. - armored car Pioniere Pi, - combat engineers Schuezenpanzerwagen ‘SPW - armored personnel carrier Schallaufnahme sound receiving, Schallauswerte sound ranging Schwere sehw. or 8. - heavy Sd.Kfe. special motorized vehicle Sclbstfahrlafette Sf. or Sf. - self-propelled carriage Sonderlehrgang special instructional unit Sternantenne six-pronged aerial for long-range radios Sturmgeschuetz StuG - assault gun urmbeobachtungsfernrohr TBE - observation periscope mounted in the turret Uhu ‘great homed owl - code name for infrared searchlight and sensor Unteroffizier Uffz, - non-commissioned officer Versuchs Vers. - experimental Watfenamt ‘ordnance department Wa Pruef 6 automotive design office under the Waffenamt WuG 6 procurement office under the Waffenamt Zug platoon Zugkraftwagen ‘Zgkw. - towing vehicle ‘Zwischenloesung. interim solutionNo.10 No.1 No.12 No.13 No.l4 No.15 No.16 No.17 No.18 No.19 No.20-1 No.20-2 PANZER TRACTS Panzerkampfwagen I........ Panzerkampfwagen I. Panzerkampfwagen I Panzerkampwagen IIT Panzerkampfwagen IV Panzerkampfwagen Panther ...... Panzerkampfwagen Panther .... Panzerkampfwagen Panther . Schwere Panzerkampfwagen . Panzerjaeger . . Sturmgeschuetz.... Jagdpanzer ...... Artillerie Sfl........0eeeeee Panzerbeobachtungswagen .......+ Flak Sfl. and Flakpanzer..... Panzerspachwagen .. Gepanzerte Pionier Fahrzeuge . Schuetzenpanzerwagen Bergepanzerwagen . : Gepanzerte Nachschub Fahrzeuge . Panzerkampfwagen 35(1)/38() . Beute-Panzerkampfwagen . Paper Panzers........6.5 Paper Panzers.... KLTr. to Ausf.B KLPz.Bef.Wg. to VK 18.01 La.$.100 to VK 16.01 Le-Tr. to Pz.Bef.Wg.Ausf.K. Gr.Tr. to Pz.Bef.Wg.1V Ausf.J Pnther Ausf.D and Fgst.Nr.V2 Pnther Ausf.A Pnther Ausf.G and Ausf.F D.W. to E 100 3.7 em Tak to 8.8 em Waffentraeger s.Pak to Sturmmoerser Jagdpanzer 38 to Jagdtiger 15 em sIG to 60 em Karl Sd.Kfz.253 to Pz.Beob.Wg.Panther Sd.Kfz.10/4 to 8.8 em VFW Sd.Kfz.3 to Sd.Kfz.263 Goliath to Raeumer S Sd.Kfz.250 to Kaetzchen Bergepanzer 38 to Bergepanther VK 3.01 to schwere Wehrmacht-Schlepper T.Sk. to Pz.Kpfw.38(t) Ausf.G Polish TK to Russian KW IT Pz.Kpfw., Stu.G., & Jagdpz. Aufkl., Beob., and Flak-Pz. Includes data on over 350 German armored vehicles from 1925 to 1945 Illustrated with scale prints drawn by Hilary Louis Doyle and photographs selected for clarity of detail and rarity of model. Development history, unique characteristics, major modifications, data sheets, and armor specifications all based solely on original documents and existing vehicles. ISBN 0-9708407-9-9