12,8 cm Selbsthafrlafette mit gerichten Fahrzeug

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In the German military archives (Bundesarchiv), under the file number RH 8/3095K, there are three drawings with so far unidentified self-propelled guns of 12.8 cm calibre. According to the data given in the 'Technische Zeichnungen 1942-1944', this could be the trio of designs 'K 14 - K 16: 12,8 cm SFL, Kasemattenlösung, Juni - Juli 1944'. However, the purpose and type of platform are unclear.


Purpose:
The stamp of the drawings shows the mark L Flak (WaA), which could mean that it is an anti-aircraft vehicle. On the other hand, the weapon's bearing is limited to 60°, which is not sufficient for anti-aircraft fire. The gun has a muzzle brake, which is not exactly a typical feature of German anti-aircraft guns. On the other hand, the vehicle is relatively small for a gun of this calibre and it is necessary to eliminate the large recoil.


Platform:
This is a platform with interlocking running wheels. Given the year of the drawings (1944) and using an estimate of the wheel diameter at about 600-700 mm, it is possible to use the all-metal wheels used on the Panther and Tiger platforms and Tiger II platforms, respectively. However, given the 430mm track or fender width, I would guess it's a modified platform Pz.Kpfw. IV. In that case it could be a use of the Versuchflakwagen Leichte project (stamp mark L Flak).


Thomas L. Jentz, Hilary L. Doyle - Panzer Tracts no.20-2 Paper panzers (Aufkaerungs-, Beobachtuns-, and Flak-Panzers, year of publication 2002, ISBN 0-9708407-7-2
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Design on drawing H-SKB 89412 Blatt 1 dated 17.6.1944 (or 19.6.1944 - illegible). It is a casemate version of the self-propelled gun. It is highly probable that it is an anti-aircraft vehicle.
The very name of the vehicle "12,8 cm Selbsthafrlafette mit gerichten Fahrzeug" means that it is a vehicle with a minimum calibre. The vehicle has to move all the way around to adjust the measurement. In the drawing you can see that there is a hole in the floor, which creates space for the rear of the weapon at high aim. This is the first design of this casemate vehicle, the second design of the vehicle also included a fine steering mechanism for winding the vehicle.
This drawing shows the stamp of the company that made the drawing. This is Rheinmetall Borsig A.G. of Düsseldorf.


Thomas L. Jentz, Hilary L. Doyle - Panzer Tracts no.20-2 Paper panzers (Aufkaerungs-, Beobachtuns-, and Flak-Panzers, year of publication 2002, ISBN 0-9708407-7-2
www.bundesarchiv.de
www.facebook.com

12,8 cm Selbsthafrlafette mit gerichten Fahrzeug -


URL : https://www.valka.cz/12-8-cm-Selbsthafrlafette-mit-gerichten-Fahrzeug-t258889#708464 Version : 0
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