- Yes
- No
I would like to suggest this unique Field Mod of a Bergepanzer T-34(r) and a Flakvierling 38 constructed with a Unique gunshield made from plates of scavanged Halftracks.
History:
The german army never could fully close their lines with enove Tanks and other vehicles of pretty much all types, as such lots of captured equipment was often reused as is and/or modified to be better or be for a new roll.
The German army didnt have Bergepanzer (Recovery Tanks) as is, instead they relied more on Halftracks, going from Sd.Kfz.6 to 9, however these werent as powerfull as tanks, as such multiple were needed (especially for the later heavyer tanks) as well as sometimes the recovery was undertaken in the fighting field, where the Halftracks didnt offer any protection, as such over the years, there were some (rather low) amount of different Bergepanzer build, mostly Pz.III Hulls, but some Pz.I, IV, V and VI. However also many damaged T-34s such as this one were used in the roll, with the turret taken off, it had a relatively powerfull engine and armor protection as such was ideal for the job.
That this was originally a Bergepanzer is visible, duo to the spare material on the hull, as well as additional contact points and the new Base walls fixed to the roof. (Visible on the pictures.)
However these Bergepanzer were usually rather unarmed, with 1 or 2 Mg 34/42, with also some exceptions, such as this Flakvierling, or on other vehicles Mg 151 or Mg 151 Drillings or simply a normal 2 cm Flak, with the Bergepanther Prototyp having a front mounted hand aimed 2 cm Flak on a pedestrial mount.
Overall this armed conversion was made with the Plates of Halftracks (so up to 14,5mm armor) some time around May/June-August 1944. By the Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 653
Overall bearing a similar construction to the Wirbelwind, however more flat and with an open back.
Pictures:(Click to show)
The Vehicle:
Armor:
Hull: As normal T-34 Model 1941
all round 45mm from 45°to60° angle
Turret, different plates possible in the range of 8-14,5mm at around frontally 30° sides flat, back open.
Speed: 49 / 7 Km/h
Weight: Something around 25-26 Ton
Armarment:
2 cm Flakvierling 38 L/65
Unknown ammo amount.
Elevation of -10° to + 100° 360° Traverse
Ammo Types: ApI-T, Aphe-T, APCR-T, He-I, HeI-T and HeI-T (m) (And self destruct)
See informatic topic 20-50mm SPAAG for more info on gun and ammo.
Source:
Munition der 2 cm Waffen
Handbuch des Bergepanzer T-34 (r)
Panzerkampfwagen T-34 747(r)
The Soviet T-34 Tank as Beutepanzer and Panzeratrappe in German Wehrmacht Service 1941-1945 (Jochen Vollert)