- Yes
- No
I would like to suggest the Geschützwagen IVb für 10,5 cm LeFH 18/1, which is a different vehicle submittion for the same roll, of which 2 Prototypes and 10 0-Serie were build as the allready suggested Waffenträger IVb Heuschrecke 10, tho instead of using the Geschützwagen III/IV hull, it uses a heavily modified Pz IV hull, with new running gear of 6 bigger roadwheels, which offer a smoother ride which can also withstand greater speeds, at the cost of less weight distribution on the track and in general (duo to only 6 roadwheels per side instead of 8).
While production of 10 0-Serie was completed, this model also was cancelled duo to war situation and the stopgap vehicle the Wespe continued its service as it was still adequat.
Unlike its brother the Heuschrecke 10, this vehicle does not have a 360° turret, but is instead limited to 35° to each side, making it perhaps less universal, however it still has a fitting unique place in game and the 10,5 cm LeFH 18/1 L/28 is a powerfull gun non the less, with a wide array of ammo, including the yet missing in game F.H.Gr. F, which is a higher capactiy round with 2,28 kg filler of Fp.02 and Np.10, with an increased velocity of 540m/s, which was given also to vehicles and SPGs.
The idea behind the vehicles, where to have an mobile self propelled 10,5 cm LeFH, which could be fired from the vehicle or dismounted as a static or towed gun. For this reason it also had an hydraulic lifting framework that swung upright into position and could be used to lift up the turret and place it behind the hull, so that the hull itself could also be used as an ammo carrier. After a long development and worsening war situation with the ever growing need of materials and normal Pz IVs, it was decided to abandon the Waffenträger IVb and settle instead for the more cheaper Wespe.
While similar to the Heuschrecke 10, this vehicle is different in a couple of smaller aspects, such as the limited traverse, less armor, but will offer a slightly smaller target, while offering the same firepower.
The Gun:
10,5 cm LeFH 18/1 L/28
-10° to +40° Elevation, +/-35° Traverse at 20°/sec.
60 Rounds storage.
Ammo:(Click to show)
Ap:
Pzgr. (Aphe) 14 kg 238g (304,64g aquivalent) filler 480 m/s 72mm/10m
Pzgr. Rot (Apcbc) 15,56 kg 250g (357,5g) 461 m/s 82mm/10m
Gr.39 Rot Hl/B (Heat) 12,35 kg 2,53 kg filler aquivalent 495 m/s 105mm/all
(More Pictures in Hl/C)
Gr.39 Rot Hl/C (Heat) 12,35 kg 2,53 kg filler aquivalent 495 m/s 115mm/all
10,5 / 7,5 cm Pzgr.39 TS (Apcbc-DS) 6,4 kg 17g H.10 765 m/s 138mm/10m
He:
F.H.Gr. (He (TF)) 14,81 kg 1,75 kg filler Fp.02 und Np.10 (2,24 kg TnTa) 470 m/s
F.H.Gr. F (He (TF)) 14,81 kg 2,21-2,335 kg filler Fp.02 und Np.10 (2,83-2,99 kg TnTa) 540 m/s
10,5 / 8,8 cm Sprgr.42 Ts (He-DS) 9,3 kg 850-935g Fp.02 and Np.10 (1,088-1,197 kg) 620 m/s
(Didnt find the drawings, as such here is the real thing)
Utility:
F.H.Gr. Nb. (Smoke) 14 kg 50g smokestuff dont expect much 480 m/s
Kt. (Canitster Shot) 15 kg 465 m/s
H.Schr.16 (Shrapnell-TF) 15,6 kg 0,2 kg Blackpowder 461m/s
450 Steelballs of 13,8mm
Some incendary effect by the pitch around the balls.
The Vehicle:
Geschützwagen IVb
Weight: 17t
Engine: HL 66 188 Ps/3200rpm
Speed: 45 Km/h
Crew:5
L/W/H: 5900 / 2870 / 2250 mm
Armor:
Hull: Front: 20mm Side: 15mm Back: 20mm
Turret: Front 20mm Side. 14,5mm Back 14,5mm
Source:
W127
(This exact chart is for the /2, but still “f.Sl” → Für Selbstfahrlafette → for SPG. and gives for charges: 6 and Fernladung → F.H.Gr. F/Fern)
Geschossringbuch II
Panzer Tracts No. 10-1 Artillerie Selbstfahrlafetten
