10,5 cm leFH 18/1(Sf) auf Geschützwagen IVb

Pz.Sfl.IVb
10,5 cm le.F.H.18/1 auf G.W.IVb
Geschützwagen IVb für 10,5 cm le.F.H.18/1 (Sf.) (Sd.Kfz.165/1) Ausführung A


On 14 September 1939, a new project for a modern self-propelled howitzer of 10.5 cm calibre was presented by Krupp. The chassis of the medium tank Pz.Kpfw. IV. The chassis was extensively modified - it was shortened by two running wheels and had a modified drive wheel. A 10.5 cm howitzer le.F.H. 18/1 was mounted in the partially pivoting, top-opening turret. The turret could swivel laterally in a range of 35° to either side, so the whole vehicle did not have to be manoeuvred as often. The aiming range was -10° to +40°.
The first two prototypes ordered (V1 and V2) were completed, tested and accepted by WaPrüf 6 as of 1/1942.
The 0th batch of 10 machines serial numbers 150631 - 150640 were ordered. They were manufactured by Krupp.





After trials, they were sent to Feld-Versuchs Batterie/Artillerie Regiment 16 of [url=/topic/view/3814]16. Panzer-Division, where they reached operational status on 20 September 1942. On 13.12.1942, Krupp received an order for the production of 200 Pz.Sfl.IVb3 (a production version with the Maybach HL 90 P20K engine with higher performance and several other modifications, including an increased 360-degree sighting). Due to the company's workload, the contract was transferred to Stahlindustrie Mülheim in the Ruhr area in 7/1942.
After the design of the Wespe self-propelled howitzer, the plans for the use of Pz.Kpfw.III/IV chassis were changed. The new plan was to produce 200 self-propelled guns with a 15 cm howitzer (Hummel). For this reason, the contract was abruptly cancelled as of 11/1942 and serial production did not start.

Thomas L. Jentz, Hilary Louis Doyle - Artillerie Selbstfahrlafetten 15cm s.I.G.33 auf Pz.Kpfw.I (ohne Aufbau) to Karl Geraet (54 cm), Panzer Tracts no.10, ISBN 0-9708407-5-6

Krupp presented the concept of a new self-propelled howitzer 10.5 cm leFH 18/1 September 14, 1939 the Office for Armament of the Army (WaPruf 6). She approved this project and the design work could begin. The concept of this self-propelled howitzer was designed for difficult terrain conditions, the permeability of the terrain was intended to be identical to tanks. In order to build the weapon as quickly as possible, Krupp decided to use the structural units of the medium tanks produced at that time. Despite this effort, the first two prototypes were not completed until January 1942.


The prototypes were designated leFH 18/1 auf Geschützwagen IVb (Sd.Kfz. 165/1). The chassis of the self-propelled howitzer was in fact a modified and shortened version of the chassis Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. F1. Only three carts were used instead of four (after two wheels with a diameter of 520 mm, they are slightly larger than the Pz.Kpfw. IV) and three support pulleys.


For the first time in the construction of this self-propelled gun, the Germans designed a partially rotating turret with a howitzer leFH 18/1. This solution improved the combat properties of the weapon. Unfortunately, the elevation of the tower was only 35 ° on either side of the chassis axis (it looks like Krupp's designers stopped halfway). The weapon had 60 artillery shells of 105 mm caliber. A Z.E. sight was used to aim the cannon. 34 and Rblf 36.


In the rear part of the tower were placed antennas of the radio station Fu.Spr.Ger. "F".
The engine was from the company Maybach type L66P with an output of 180 PS, these engines were not as powerful as the HL 120 tank engines. The gearbox was again taken from the Pz.Kpfw tank. IV Ausf. F1 type - ZF SSG 76.


The crew consisted of five men, the driver and radio operator sat side by side in front of the hull, the commander shooter and charger sat in the tower. This is an open concept from above, in case of bad weather or relocation they could cover the space with a tied tent.


At the end of 1941, the Armaments Office ordered the pre-series production of 10 self-propelled howitzers. The Krupp-Grussonwerk plant produced cannons in the second half of 1942, namely: 1 in August, 4 in October, 1 in November and one in December + prototypes produced. After tests at the polygon in Germany, the cannons were sent for military tests to the Eastern Front, as mentioned in the previous article.


The tests did not turn out the best, although Krupp wanted to introduce some changes to series production, such as a fully rotating tower, the installation of a more powerful Maybach engine type HL 90 with an output of 320 PS. In November 1942, the Armaments Office canceled the order for 200 self-propelled guns.

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