- Yes
- No
I would like to suggest the DB L 4500 R mit 3,7 cm Flak 36 L/57, which is a more rudimental Halftrack, created out of the need of more halftracks by combining the well proven DB L 4500 with the running gear of the Pz II.
The name Maultier is shared with other vehicles of the same development, like the Opel Blitz modification using a different suspention, overall it was given to them as they were powerfull, yet slower than their normal counterpart.
The general Maultier Halftracks were created out of the need for more cross country, mud traversable vehicles/halftracks. This was aparent in the fall, the streets in the USSR became mud where even the all wheel drive trucks had trouble. As such these modified new designation “R” (Raupe, Track) halftracks were created. The most build version was based on the Opel Blitz 36-3,6, however also many on the DB L 4500 and other chassises. The primary difference in modification was the added track system, while the Opel Blitz variant had at first parts taken from captured Universal Carriers, however they were also own construction and the bigger DB L 4500 recived a modified (smaller different sproket) Pz II running gear.
Overall of the here suggested variant until 1944 1480 vehicles were converted.
While they were primarily intended for the supply in the muddy weather where other trucks had trouble, outside that season and in general due to demand some where also equipped with either 2 or 3,7 cm armarment.
The Half tracks of this type where very good in the cross country ability, however the top speed due to gearing and small sprocked size drastically fell as well as the fuel consumption and wear on hard roads and long marches went up high.
In game as a slower lower BR alternative to the Sd.Kfz.6/2 would this vehicle be an interesting addition as well as show the need of the german army to modify and build further more rudimental halftracks together with the high performance build ones, as they coundnt produce enought of the “premium” models. As well as arm as many vehicles as possible as they lost ever more air supiority.
And as an alternative slower but more powerfull in engine usage (an no armor) to the DB L 4500 A mit 3,7 cm Flak L/57 already suggested.
Pictures: (Click to show)
The Armarment:
3,7 cm Flak 36 L/57
Unknown ammo amount, however its a big vehicle, as such at least the same amout as the Sd.Kfz.6/2 can be expected with 318 rounds.
More info about the whole gun and ammo in the Folder:
37mm Flak 18/36/37 L/57
Caliber: 37mm
Ammo: 37x265mmB
Fire Rate: 160 rpm
Loading Tray 6 round Rahmen (Frame)
Muzzle velocity: 770-1170m/s
Weight: 274 kg(Flak 18)
Ammo Types: Aphe, Hvap-T, He-T, HeI-T, He-I, HeI-T(m)
Ap:
Pzgr.18 L'Spur (Aphe) 0,685 kg 770/800m/s 13g Pent (22,1g) 49-52mm/10m
770m/s is for worn barrels.
Note: Against Ground and Air Targets.
Bottum Fuze after 7mm active.
Pzgr. L’Spur (Naval) (Apcbc) 0,7 kg 790m/s solid 64mm/10m
M-Pzgr. L'Spur. o.Zerl. (Aphe) 0,710 kg 783m/s 90g HTA (108g) 42mm/10m
Note: Mainly against Air Targets, as well as ground targets and ships. (Propably didnt go into service.)
Bottum Fuze active after 5mm
H-Pzgr. L'Spur. o.Zerl. (Apcr) 0,405 kg 1150/1170m/s 231g core(16,1mm) 110-113mm/10m
1150m/s is for worn barrels.
Note: Only against Tanks, where other Ap rounds cant penetrate. The Carrier has an Incendary effect when melting upon impact.
Another version is 0,410kg heavy.
He:
Sprgr.18 L'Spur. FES (Hef-T) 0,61 kg 820/835m/s 29g Pent (49,3g) 7mm/10m
820m/s is for worn barrels.
Brsprgr. L'Spur FES (Hefi-T) 0,61 kg 820/835m/s 30g H.5 and Aluminium
820m/s is for worn barrels.
Note: Against Air and Ground targets.
Brsprgr. vk L'Spur. (HefI-T) 0,61 kg 820/835m/s 40g H.5 and Aluminium
820m/s is for worn barrels.
Note: Against Air and Ground targets, shortened Tracer for increased He and Incendary effect.
Brsprgr. o.L'Spur FES (HEFI) 0,62 kg 820/835m/s 90g H.5 und Zink
820m/s is for worn barrels.
Note: Against Air and ground targets.
(Filler of 35,5g H.5 and 54,5g Zink, calculated by Killakiwi)
Minengeschoss:
M-Gr. 18 L'Spur. o.Zerl. (HEFI-T (m)) 0,55kg 914m/s 90g HTA (108g) 7mm/10m
The Vehicle:
The Base is the same as the Typ L4500 S, however with the back axel replaced by the running gear of the Pz II.
Engine: Typ OM 67/4 Diesel 6 cylinder 4 tact, 112 PS at 2250 RPM
Fuel usage: 30 L / 100 km, off road in difficult terrain up to 230 L / 100 km
Transmission: 5 F 1 R, top speed: 36 km/h / 4,8 km/h
Climb: Rocky terrain ~50%, loose, fine sand ~30%
DImensions for the Axels: 1825mm, Wheels 1860mm, Tracks 1800mm
The vehicle dimensions: Max:
L / W / H: 7900mm / 2360mm / 3000mm
Weight: 7740 kg (without gun)
Source:
D.667-403
Munition der 3,7 cm Flak
Reinhard Frank: Mercedes im Kriege – Personenwagen, Lastkraftwagen, Sonderaufbauten. Podzun-Pallas-Verlag, Dorheim. 1985
Werner Oswald: Kraftfahrzeuge der Reichswehr, Wehrmacht und Bundeswehr, Motorbuchverlag, Stuttgart 1970
