Tank Destroyers

Development of the Marder series of self-propelled anti-tank guns in late 1941 to increase the mobility of anti-tank weapons by mounting them on a variety of available chassis. The Germans saw a need for this vehicle type following the appearance of new Russian armoured fighting vehicles, especially the T-34 series of medium tanks and the heavy KV series. Vehicles of the Marder series were based on proven chassis of obsolete tanks, as well as on those of captured vehicles. In all cases, the main armament had a limited traverse, forcing the vehicle to change its position to face the enemy and aim the gun.
The entire Marder series suffered from a rather high profile, making them vulnerable, and their crews were not effectively protected against anything heavier than small-arms fire. Despite their disadvantages, they successfully provided Panzer, Panzer Grenadier and Infantry Divisions with mobile and powerful anti-tank weapons.

Armament: 75mm PaK 40/1 L/46 (40 rounds) and 1 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 20mm.

Weight: 11 tons.

Crew: 5 commander/radio operator, driver and 3 x gunners.

Speed: Road 40kmh (25mph) Cross country 20kph (13mph).

Range: Road 220km (137 miles) Cross-Country 95km (59 miles).

In May 1942, the Germans decided to convert a number of captured French Lorraine personnel carriers/artillery tractors to self-propelled anti-tank guns. The new vehicle was armed with the 75mm PaK 40/1 L/46 anti-tank gun. The conversion replaced the original transport crew compartment with a new superstructure and a large gun shield to protect the gun. The lightly armoured superstructure offered little protection for the five-man crew. The main armament could be traversed 32º to the left and right. In addition to the main armament a 7.92mm MG34 was carried inside the fighting compartment.
A further version of the Mk1 type was constructed on the chassis of captured French Hotchkiss light tanks. The vehicle was armed with the 75mm PaK 40 L/46 anti-tank gun and designated 75mm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschutzwagen 39H(f). The armament was mounted in an open-topped fighting compartment with traverse from 30° to the left and right. Armour protection was increased to 34mm in thickness.
The final version of the Mk1 type was constructed on the chassis of captured French 50 FCM36 medium tanks. The vehicles were armed with 75mm PaK 40 L/46 anti-tank guns and designated 75mm PaK40(Sf) auf Geschutzwagen FCM(f). Armour protection was increased to 40mm.

Armament: 75mm Pak 40/2 L/46 (37 rounds) and 1 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 30mm.

Weight: 10 tons.

Crew: 3 commander/radio operator, driver and gunner.

Speed: Road 40kmh (25mph) Cross country 20kph (13mph).

Range: Road 190km (118 miles) Cross-Country 84km (52 miles).

Development of Marder II started in December of 1941 and entered service in April 1942. The vehicle remained in service until early 1944, when they were taken out of service. Again the vehicle was based on the obsolete PzKfw II chassis. It was armed with the 75mm PaK 40/2 L/46 anti-tank gun and was designated 75mm PaK40/2 auf Fahrgestell PzKpfw II (Sf). The vehicle used the standard hull and superstructure, on which a new fighting compartment was mounted. The main armament could be traversed 32° to the left and 25° to the right.
A further variant built around the same chassis but armed with a captured Russian gun was designated 76.2mm PaK36(r) auf Fahrgestell PzKpfw II Ausf D1. The vehicle was armed with a captured Russian 76.2mm F-22 Model 1936 divisional field gun, designated as 76.2mm PaK 36(r) L/51 anti-tank gun, which had been re-chambered to accept German 75mm Pak 40 ammunition. The fighting compartment had less room on this variant and only 30 rounds of ammunition were carried. An additional crew member was added to act as a loader, bringing the crew up to 4. The main armament could be traversed 50° to the left and right.

Armament: 75mm Pak 40/3 L/46 (38 rounds) and 1 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 50mm.

Weight: 10 tons.

Crew: 4 commander/radio operator, driver, loader and gunner.

Speed: Road 42kmh (26mph) Cross country 24kph (15mph).

Range: Road 185km (115 miles) Cross-Country 140km (87 miles).

The Marder III was produced in two variants - Ausf H and Ausf M. They were based on the PzKfw 38(t) Ausf H and Ausf M light tank chassis. They were designated as 75mm PaK40/3 auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H and 75mm PaK40/3 auf PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf M. Both were armed with the 75mm PaK 40/3 L/46 anti-tank gun and operated by four-man crews. The Ausf H had the fighting compartment in a central forward location, while the fighting compartment of the Ausf M was at the rear. The fighting compartment of the Ausf H was open at the top and rear, while that of Ausf M was open only at the top. The Ausf H carried 38 rounds of ammunition, while Ausf M carried only 27 rounds. In both vehicles the main armament could be traversed 30° to the left and right. The Ausf H had its 7.92mm MG mounted in the front of the hull whilst the Ausf M only carried one inside the fighting compartment.
The Ausf M was the final variant of the Marder series and was a significant improvement over previous models, with its lower silhouette, sloped armour and much more functional fighting compartment. The Ausf H was first introduced in late 1942, with the Ausf M introduced in May 1943.
A further variant of the Marder III was fitted with a captured Russian gun. It was designated Panzerjäger 38(t) für 7.62cm PaK36(r) and was armed with a captured 76.2mm PaK 36(r) L/51 anti-tank gun, re-chambered to accept German 75mm PaK 40 ammunition. The fighting compartment was open at the top and rear, and the slightly extended gun shield offered the only protection for the crew. The vehicle carried 30 rounds of ammunition and the main armament could be traversed 21º to the left and right. The vehicle was first introduced in November 1942.

Armament: 75mm Pak 42 L/70 gun (79 rounds) and 2 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 60mm sloped at 50º.

Weight: 24 tons.

Crew: 4 commander/radio operator, driver, loader and gunner.

Speed: Road 40kmh (25mph) Cross country 18kph (12mph).

Range: Road 210km (131 miles) Cross-Country 130km (81 miles).

The Jagdpanzer IV entered production in January 1944 and was introduced in March 1944. The vehicle was built on the PzKpfw IV Ausf F chassis with a modified hull and a new superstructure to accommodate the gun. The 75mm L/48 gun was mounted in the frontal plate and was offset 20cm to the right. It had a limited hand traverse of 12º to left and right and an elevation of between -8º and +15.
In May 1944, upper nose plate armour was increased to 80mm and the frontal and side plates were increased to 40mm. Early vehicles had some minor defects but those were soon solved. From May 1944, the number of MG's was reduced to one and the muzzle break was eliminated as the dust cloud crated after firing gave away the position. Many vehicles were fitted with Schurzen and had Zimmerit applied. A command version (Befehlswagen) was also produced and incorporated additional radio equipment operated by fifth crewmember - the radio-operator.
The vehicles low profile, good mobility and firepower was made it popular with its crews. It was a difficult target and dangerous opponent, especially when on defensive. The vehicles main weakness was that having no turret forced the vehicle manouver itself in order to switch to a new target.
A second variant, fitted with a 75mm Pak 42 L/70 gun was introduced in September 1944 and designated Jagdpanzer IV/70(V). The overall design remained the same but used the improved PzKpfw IV Ausf H chassis. The new vehicles weighed 28 tons and were front heavy, reducing mobility, especially in rough terrain. This problem was partially rectified by fitting steel-rimmed wheels instead of rubber ones that could not handle the additional weight. Speed was also reduced to 35km/h and the number of rounds carried for the main armament was also reduced to 60.

Armament: 88mm Pak 43 L/71 gun (40 rounds) and 1 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 30mm sloped at 20º.

Weight: 24 tons.

Crew: 5 commander/radio operator, driver, loader and two gunners.

Speed: Road 42kmh (26mph) Cross country 20kph (12mph).

Range: Road 260km (162 miles) Cross-Country 130km (81 miles).

In the winter of 1941, German designers decided to utilize either Panzer III's or Panzer IV's chassis for anti-tank gun carrier. Since Panzer III and IV's chassis was not suited to be a self-propelled mount, the idea of using them was rejected. Instead Alkett's newly developed special chassis by Alkett - Geschutzwagen (gun carriage) III/IV was used. It combined components of both PzKpfw III (mainly Ausf J - engine, fuel pump, driving and steering mechanism) and PzKpfw IV (mainly Ausf F - suspension).
In February of 1942, Alkett designed new Panzerjager "Hornisse" (Hornet) armed with 88mm Pak 43 L/71 gun based on Geschutzwagen III/IV. In late 1942, Nashorn's chassis and hull was used in the development of Hummel (Sd.Kfz.165). The engine was moved to the center and the hull was lengthened to allow adequate room and weight distribution for the long-barreled 88mm gun. Because of the gun's great weight and the limited capacity of the chassis components, only light armor protection for the crew of 4(5) was provided. In October of 1942, soft steel model was presented to Adolf Hitler, who accepted itand expected production to start by May of 1943.
In the early 1944, the arrangement of the driver front plate was changed during production and gun was changed to newer the 88mm Pak 43/1 L/71, creating two different models. On February 24th (or 27th) of 1944, by Hitler's order, second never model was named Nashorn (Rhinoceros). Hornisse and Nashorn were almost identical with the only difference being the driver front plate and gun version (unnoticeable). Despite their inadequate armor protection, they both provided the much needed mobility for the long-barreled 88mm anti-tank gun. Limited space provided in the fighting compartment allowed storage space for only 24 to 40 rounds. Hornisse and Nashorn's crew traveled in an open-top fighting compartment with all its weather-related disadvantages. Protection against the weather could be provided by canvas covers. Both models lacked a machine gun in the hull, so single MG34 or MG42 was carried inside the fighting compartment for local defense. From February of 1943 to March of 1945, only 474 Nashorns and 20 Hornisses were produced. Even with their light armor protection and high silhoutte but powerful armament, they proved to be successful tank destroyers.

Ferdinand

Armament: 88mm PaK 43/2 L/71 gun (50 rounds) and 1 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 200mm.

Weight: 65 tons.

Crew: 5 commander/radio operator, driver and 4 x gunners.

Speed: Road 25kmh (15mph) Cross country 10kph (7mph).

Range: Road 150km (93 miles) Cross-Country 90km (56 miles).

The Ferdinand was designed especially for the needs of the Eastern Front. In March 1943, engines were mounted in the central section of a specially designed hull, allowing the superstructure to be mounted on the rear. Also additional armour plates were bolted to the hull. The Ferdinand entered service May 1943 and first saw service during Operation Citadel. They performed poorly due to mechanical problems such as fuel line fires, limited traverse of the gun, an unreliable drive system and an underpowered engine. They were also vulnerable to infantry attack due to the omission of a hull mounted machine gun. However their formidable gun and heavy armour production made them a formidable weapon.
In October all the vehicles were withdrawn and many of these problems were addressed. Improvements included the addition of an MG34 in the hull, increased armour protection and installation of wider tracks. Most of the Ferdinands were also partially covered with Zimmerite, an anti-magnetic paste. The modernization was completed in February 1944 and the vehicles were renamed Elephants and remained in service until the end of the war.
The Ferdinands were organised into Battalions consisting of 3 Companies, each equipped with 14 vehicles and a Battalion HQ with 3 vehicles. Six Panzer III's were converted into ammunition carriers attached to the Ferdinand units.

Armament: 88mm Pak 43/3 L/71 (60 rounds) and 1 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 80mm at 55°.

Weight: 46 tons.

Crew: 5 commander, radio operator, driver, loader and gunner.

Speed: Road 46kmh (28mph) Cross country 24kph (15mph).

Range: Road 210km (131 miles) Cross-Country 140km (87 miles).

Production of this vehicle began in January of 1944 and were first introduced in June of the same year. The Jagdpanther was based on a standard Panther chassis with the superstructure being an extension of the upper front hull. The new superstructure housed the fighting compartment. The driver sat at the front left and radio-operator/machine gunner on the other side of the gun. Behind them both sat the gunner and the loader, while at the rear of the fighting compartment sat the commander.
The main 88mm gun was protected by massive 100mm mantlet. The main guns limited traverse of 11° to the left and right and elevation of -8° to +14°, was a severe disadvantage when it came to a mobile battle, as the crew was forced to manoeuvre the vehicle to face the target.
Jagdpanthers were equipped with two types of 88mm gun. The early type gun was a one piece unit, while the later type of gun consisted of two parts. Two-piece gun was introduced in May 1944. The early and mid production Jagdpanthers had a small flush mounted mantlet while late production model had a larger bolted design.
Various modifications, mainly external were made during production, including, the adaptation of Panther Ausf G components, improvements to the exhaust arrangements, strengthening of the gun mantlet, the addition of a larger, self-cleaning idler wheel and removal of the rear shock absorbers. Early Jagdpanthers were painted with anti-magnetic Zimmerit, but in September 1944 this practice was abandoned.
Jagdpanthers were grouped into independent heavy anti-tank battalions consisting of a Battalion HQ with 3 vehicles and 3 companies equipped with 14 vehicles each. The majority of vehicles produced saw service on the Eastern Front and the excellent firepower of the 88mm gun, good mobility and a low silhouette made the Jagdpanther a formidable opponent when correctly employed. Its combination of protection, firepower and mobility made it a superb tank destroyer.

Armament: 75mm Pak 39 L/48 (41 rounds) and 1 x 7.92mm MG34.

Armour: 20mm.

Weight: 16 tons.

Crew: 4 commander, gunner, loader and driver.

Speed: Road 42kmh (26mph) Cross country 15 kph (10mph).

Range: Road 177km (110miles) 130 Cross-Country km (81miles).

In March 1943 a design was sought for a light tank destroyer to replace existing vehicles such as the Marder and towed anti-tank artillery. Production began in April 1944 and the vehicle entered service in July the same year. Hetzers were to be used to equip tank destroyer Battalions in infantry and panzergrenadier divisions. The PzKfw 38(t) chassis was chosen as a base for this new vehicle. The standard chassis was widened and fitted with a modified suspension and a more powerful engine. The chassis was modified in order to accommodate a larger gun and thicker armour than a regular vehicle. The vehicle had a low, well-sloped hull of welded construction. The gun had a limited traverse of 5º to the left and 11º to the right and an elevation of -6º to +10º and was fitted into a 60mm cast gun mantlet. The limited traverse of the gun forced the Hetzer to constantly change position in order to target another enemy vehicle. The vehicle also suffered from a limited field of view and a low rate of fire. However its low silhouette made it a difficult to spot.nThe heavy gun and thick frontal plate overloaded the front of the vehicle, but this was later corrected by the introduction of a strengthened suspension. The vehicle also featured a remotely controlled MG mounted on the roof, with a 360º rotation for local defence. The machine gun had a 50-round drum magazine, which could be aimed and fired from inside the vehicle, however the loader was then exposed to enemy fire when reloading. The interior was cramped for the four-man crew and was divided into two compartments, one for the engine and the other for the crew. The gunner and loader were located on the left side of the gun, the commander was in the rear on the right side of the gun and the driver in was in the front of the vehicle on the left side of the gun.
Each Battalion received 45 Hetzers. These were organised into three Companies consisting of a company HQ of two vehicles and three platoons each equipped with four vehicles.
The Hetzer was constantly modified during production. Most of the modifications were made in order to simplify production and to cope with shortages of materials. Various modifications included fitting of improved access hatches, the thickness of the gun mantlet was reduced to 30mm, the road wheels were modified and the suspension was strengthened. In December 1944, 20 vehicles were converted into flamethrowers. A flamethrowing projector, the 14mm Flammenwerfer 41, was fitted in the standard barrel. The Hetzer remained in production up until the end of the war and despite its unpopularity with crews due to the cramped conditions it was an effective fighting vehicle.