Production of German tanks during World War 2 - Military History
During WW1, after the initial shock, the Germans paid little attention to the idea of tanks in trench warfare They relied mostly on special infantry units to make breakthroughs, such as the famous Sturmtruppen We thought the tanks were too vulnerable1 However, after the success of isolated British tanks, which have made their way into the German lines, they began to consider an appropriate response, then a tank of their own the A7V mobile fortress was their only successful attempt in this direction, and only a handful were produced until the armistice Several light tanks were also taken into account but not reached production in time in 1919, the Treaty of Versailles drastically imposed severe limitations personnel and military equipment, and it also prohibits the tank construction Only a handful of e armored cars were selected for police duties.
Later, in 1933, maneuvers incorporated dummy tanks, until the industry is ready to work on the first indigenous models Many models have been developed in Sweden and the Soviet Union, gain some experience in popular 1934, ME was released the first Panzerkampfwagen the Wehrmacht, with artillery designation Waffenamt 101 Two years later, the German tank force has been increased by the Panzer II and the first Panzer Ills There was capable against vehicles armored neighboring powers, such as Czechoslovakia and Poland, but not against those of France, let alone against the USSR.
Tanks available before the campaign in France in 1940.
The Panzer I and II were considered transition models, designed to train and prepare industry in the future, more advanced vehicles Despite this, they were forced to fight, mostly as as scout vehicles Panzer II remained in service for a long time but the real game changer was the Panzer III After a long preparation, both technical and theoretical, this first true German medium tank entered production mass rather late, with Ausf EF versions in 1939 to upgrade the Ausf, all mounted even 37 mm 1 46 in the main gun, completely ineffective against tanks and armored means of the Allies, and the armor was quite low, but these disadvantages were offset by many other qualities, including reliability, speed, a radio and a turret of three men.
Panzer III after the upgrade armor and weapons, formed the bulk of the Wehrmacht until late 1942 and then, another model became available in large numbers, the Panzer IV Designed by Guderian and developed in 1936 as medium tank carrier Begleitwagen, it was available in limited quantities during the battle of France, but formed a large part of the Wehrmacht in the summer of 1941, during operation Barbarossa he borrowed many elements of the Panzer III but mounted 75mm howitzer February 95 for processing against strong positions in Wehrmacht duo, Panzer III was intended to treat other tanks, while the Panzer IV provided infantry support but as the limits of the former became clear, it was quickly updated with long-barreled, high-speed anti-tank guns this model has become the mainstay of the German armor until 1945.
When German officers received alarming reports of Soviet tanks invincible, investigation followed in some captured KV-1 and T-34S For the first time, an unpleasant feeling of inferiority spread by the Wehrmacht, especially after winter ruthless December 1941-February 1942 at the insistence of Hitler and the generals of the eastern front, two new design were quickly put on the drawing board Panzer V also called Panther and Tiger and Panzer VI were designed as a response to shortcomings of their predecessors were equipped with the great guns KwK 36 was a suitable anti-aircraft gun, with an ultra-high speed, excellent range and new armor piercing shells and shaped charge designed, including the expensive tungsten rounds two tanks appeared after a year and a half developing the tiger, and they were ready in time to the beat go Kursk in July 1943, they gave cold sweats to the crews of Russian tanks and the Allies later in Italy and France.
Both Tiger and Panther were, on paper, some of the best designs in the world when they are in operation, however, both suffered serious teething problems due to their being rushed into production and online front Panther became the second German tank as product of war, but none of these vehicles were produced to the figures obtained by the allied tanks Although this is generally attributed to a German quality is better than the thought of the amount it was in fact due to a long list of factors, from demographics, the bombing of the war, how German industry has been set up and the German military thinking.
The costs speak for themselves While a Panther was only slightly more expensive than a Panzer III vs 91000 117000 RM RM Tiger was twice as expensive 250000-300000 RM series early, always incorporating parts design single and development costs accumulated, were probably eight times more than the average StuG But with common rooms and simplification, new methods of modular production and huge expendable labor forced concentration camps, a number important to each model was built until the end of the war if the Panther was the most profitable German AFV, and perhaps the most effective tank of WW2, the tiger made such an impression that it forms quickly his own legend, in addition to any propaganda effort for its time, it was a mobile bunker of hardened steel, with a most impressive war guns, the German anti-aircraft 88 March 46 mm T-34 before feared and many Allied tanks including the M4 Sherman were now easy targets up to three miles with limited availability, this machine has been given to young, highly motivated teams.
The tiger had serious tendencies to rupture, was slow and had a range limited due to very high consumption figures The complex drivetrain was difficult to repair, like Moreso tracks, disabled and abandoned Tigers were often lost to good like towing was hard However, large tracks have an advantage on soft soils snow and mud, lowering ground pressure makes the two reservoirs built many wartime learned improvements.
Both the Panzer III and IV were quite expensive, and new mass producible, cheaper variants to support infantry and tank destroyers were searched The most expensive part of these models, the turret was replaced by a new, reduced the hull, in the StuG III and IV and their container-Hunter equivalents end, with models equipped with 75 mm 2 95 in howitzer short barrel or aT guns as Pak 40, the StuGs form an increasing part the AFV production in 1943 and were the unsung heroes metal, catch-of-all-trades Wehrmacht stronger, harder hitting, easier to repair, they added their numerical advantage, without sacrificing as the average cost of StuG III was RM 80,000, compared to 95,000 for regular Panzer III with 9400 StuG III in 1200 and 1100 StuG III StuH IVs were built more than any other German tank or GSP war some St UGS has been widely used as tank hunters, and was even more deadly than the tiger with some 20,000 kills credited to these small hunters They simply used shorter tactics range and ambush, made possible by their low profile, easy to camouflage.
As soon as the fall of Poland, the German planners thought that the existing platform conversion to mount heavier ammunition than 37 mm Jan. 46 regular PaK 36 particularly to deal with French tanks and British well protected during the next campaigns at this point, they looked on the excellent Czech 47mm aT gun 1 85 already available in quantity, and mounted on the chassis Panzer I Soon after, the older Panzer II chassis was chosen to carry May 7 cm2 95 PaK, as Marder II as some french models captured Marder I t Czech 38 provided two other variants, Marder III and the famous Jagdpanzer 38 t ubiquitous and poorly known as Hetzer chassis Panzer IV allowed the construction of a vehicle without turret low profile using recipe StuG, armed with a long high-velocity gun PaK 39, the Jagdpanzer IV attempts to use the deadly 88 mm3 46 has given birth to clea owers other variants.
The Nashorn also called Hornisse was an adaptation of the chassis Panzer IV with said gun The last stages of the war gave birth at older vehicles like the Jagdpanther Elefant and Jagdtiger latter, produces in small numbers, was equipped with most impressive artillery tank ever made during the war, 128 mm 5 in the gun the tank itself, weighing nearly 72 tons, had a high consumption, has suffered outages, and was tactically difficult to move because it was forbidden to cross many bridges.
The numbers alone were not enough during World War Facing odds rarely encountered by an army of ten to a numerical disadvantage on almost all fronts in 1944-1945, the Germans slowly gave way to the end, while requiring heavy toll on Allied But the ultimate defeat was accelerated through full air superiority and close new Allied fighters tanks cannon British 6-pdr proved deadly against the Axis war machine and was then used by many hunters of American and British tanks the Soviets were able to field many -85s SU and SU-100 in 1943, also equipped with a suitable, former anti-aircraft gun the next generation tanks, the T-85 IS 34 -1 and iS-2 also flocked in 1944 Thus some some power actual slaughter was added to the numerical advantage the Soviet side.
Despite the lack of resources needed to produce even Hitler Tigers insisted the most gargantuan models From 1943 to replace the Panzer VI was designed a heavy tank even more impressive, the Tiger II or Königstiger This monster nearly 70 tons incorporated some characteristics of the panther and a deadly weapon and more powerful than the engines are still not up to the task, mobility was, again, a problem more, these new tanks were even more expensive, and the Allied bombing campaign began to take its toll as the future looked bleak east, Hitler and his generals looked westerly plan was simple and bold all available Panzer VIs one of the darlings Wunderwaffe Hitler were supposed be combined in a single Panzer division, the spearhead of a new unstoppable force aimed to break through the weakest sector of the US defensive line, in the Ardennes, in Belgium, and realize new 1940 masterstroke, a race to the sea, eventually cutting the o ff supplies of allied forces The ultimate goal was, in the mind of Hitler, to negotiate, under favorable conditions, a separate peace with the Western powers, and focus all efforts on the eastern front.
Panzer VII was named Lowe a heavy tank 76-90 tons, none of which were built the project was canceled another Wunderwaffe Hitler was a super-heavy tank named initially Mammuth, but in mockery, Maus Weighing nearly 200 tons, powered by a gargantuan diesel and sporting a monstrous 128 mm 5 in the gun, it was the ultimate Wagnerian war machine However, with long-term tests, the relatively weak performance, and many problems to face, as consumer, slow speed, low maneuvering capabilities and ultra-high cost, the whole project was canceled in 1944 other even more impressive giants never jumped off the drawing board, like the P1000 Ratte also known as Landkreuzer This huge land cruiser was, on paper, propelled by two diesel engines for U- boats and armed with a naval warship turret, firing two 280 11 mm cannon with a turret of 128 mm and a whole host of impressive artillery AA It was a late revival of the early tanks tank concepts, inspired by HG Wells novel.
Another project was the 100 E supposed to be lighter and faster version of Maus but DOSAGE 140 tons, it was still unrealistic in 1944. One prototype was captured by the British before arriving at the end, but the champion in all categories was the monster P-1500, was used to build more or less superhuman tracks, oversized similar to those used a big waste Fielding carriage of firearms 1500 tonnes less than the Schwerer Gustav, capable of firing a 800 May 31 mm shell 39 km of resources later by door-pod NASA Saturn V, which were all that remained.
The Panzer II was an interim model, stopgap, which was mainly used as a scout tank during the war the latest models, such as Ausf L Luchs, undivided, but the name with previous versions.
1493 built two MG 34 guns Main variants are Ausf A and B, and C and F variants wartime were built in a limited number Four variants have emerged, a control tank, SPH sIG 33 Bison, a reservoir AA Flakpanzer I and Panzerjäger hunter tank I.
1856 built a 20mm autocannon 0 79, MG 34 It consisted of a pre-production, the main variants Ausf ABC, while the war variants F and L Luchs were built in small numbers Ausf G and J were heavily armed many derivatives have emerged, including a cistern Marder II, a gun carriage motor Wespe, a howitzer carriage heavy sig-33 Bison engine and a version flamer Flamingo.
The Panzer III was, until 1942, the mainstay of the German armor, however, because it could not accommodate more, longer barrel rifles, it was replaced by the Panzer IV as the main tank German battle Production models based on its floral frame, especially with the StuGs series in this picture, New Zealand prisoners spend nearly an order of release Panzer III of Greece, near Pandelejmon, April 16, 1941.
5774 constructed a 37 mm 1 from 46 to 50 mm 1 97 or 75 mm 2 95 in the gun and three MG 34s Ausf A to N variants, as well as the control tanks, special versions and derivatives tank destroyers StuG III and howitzer engine trucks.
8800 constructed a 75 mm 2 95 into howitzer short barrel or gun barrel long and two MG 34s Ausf A to J variants, more Brummbär Sturmpanzer carriage heavy barrel holder, hunter tank Jagdpanzer IV, IV and StuG Wirbelwind Version AA.
6000 constructed a 75 mm 2 95 into KwK 42 L 70 gun, two MG-34s Ausf D, A and G Jagdpanther fighter tank derivative variants.
Panzer VI Tiger Abteilung of the 101st in North France in late 1944 Tiger was probably the most dreaded machine in the German arsenal His armor ranged from 100 to 120 mm 3 72 93-4 and the speed and range of 88 mm 3 46 in the gun crew gave immense confidence in the battle of allied tanks were considered sitting ducks Some of its commanders became aces, like the famous Michael Wittman.
1347 constructed a 88 mm3 46 into KwK 36, two MG 42s Ausf H and E. Variants
492 built, a 88 mm3 46 in the gun, two cistern derivative MG 42s Jagdtiger.
2 prototypes built A 128 mm 5 03 and a 75 mm 2 95 in the gun. Canceled
Project a landkreuzer 1,000 tons, canceled.
The impressive Jagdtiger Only a handful of these beasts were ever produced, and weight made engine limitations almost impassable led to many failures, but once in place, protection, firepower and range were without equal until the end of the war credits Wikipedia.
202 built on the basis Panzer I wit a 47 mm 1 85 on the gun.
170 constructed based on a Lorraine 37L system, Hotchkiss H39 FCM 36 or 75 mm 2 A chassis 95 in the gun.
201 built or converted, based on the Panzer II Ausf D E 76 2 mm 3 to 36 Pak gun in st.
651 built or converted, based on the Panzer II Ausf A B C F and a 75 mm 2 95 in the PaK 40 gun.
363 built based on the t Czech chassis 38 A 75 mm2 95 in the PaK 40 gun.
One of three variants of the Marder III, based on the excellent chassis Panzer 38 t manufactured by BMM Skoda Ausf M was built on one frame later, sharing the front engine configuration with the grid Ausf M as another Marder III, it was reinforced by the standard 7.5 cm Pak 40, and not with the field gun 76 2 mm Soviet Russian first Marders This gun was found capable of penetrating the armor T-34 and KV-1 at this time, the gun has been mounted in a rear casemate, with its own shield for better protection It emerged from a large opening in the front shield to better cross It also has a profile more low, and was also the most widely produced, with 942 vehicles from May 1943 to May 1944.
1139 built based on the Panzer IV chassis A 75 mm 2 95 in the PaK 40 gun.
2000 built based on the Panzer IV chassis A 75 mm 2 95 42 Pak gun.
2827 built on the basis of t Czech frame 38 a 75 mm 2 95 in the gun.
473 built on the chassis base Panzer III IV A 88 mm3 46 in the gun.
91 built based on a Porsche chassis Tiger rejected a 88 mm3 46 in the gun.
415 based on the Panzer V Panther chassis A 88 mm3 46 in the gun.
88 constructed on the basis of the chassis Panzer VI Königstiger 128 mm 5 in the gun.
2 built based on a frame with a Henschel 128 mm 5 in the gun.
38 based on the Panzer I One 155 mm 6 1 howitzer.
15 cm sig 33 auf Fahrgestell Panzer II Sf 1941.
Also known as incorectly Sturmpanzer II or II 12 Bison built based on the Panzer II.
682 based on the Panzer II A sIG 33 155 mm 6 1 howitzer.
24 built Sturm-Infanteriegeschütz 33B, based on the Panzer III One 155 mm 6 1 howitzer.
9408 built based on the Panzer III with a 75 mm 2 95 in the gun.
1211 built Sturmhaubitze 42 based on the Panzer III with a 105 mm 4 13 into howitzer.
306 based on the Panzer IV with a 150 mm 5 9-43 StuH howitzer.
19 built Sturmmörserwagen 606 4 mit 38 cm RW 61, on the basis of Tiger with 15 380 mm rocket launchers.
7 built the epitome of self-propelled gun during the war, only seven units of this gargantuan propelled mortar headquarters were built between 1940 and 1942, but its development dates back to 1937 originally Rheinmetall proposed a super-heavy howitzer to attack the Maginot line was decided to make the self-propelled in January 1937, using very long, large tracks and Daimler-Benz MB gasoline 503A or Daimler-Benz MB diesel 507C, which provided between 4 and 8 April hp ton depending on the model All seven were almost tailor and weighed about 120-125 tons, armed with a 600mm howitzer 24 Each envelope weighted nearly a ton and received a 500 kg warhead mobility was limited, and he built on a trailer and crane for ammunition It could also be dismantled and loaded on a special train for long distance transportation.
Project paper only, a self-propelled gun for supporting the huge 800 mm May 31 at Dora.
140 built armored vehicle wheel track observation hybrid artillery.
25 This rare constructed conversion emerged in 1941, after it became clear that towed Antiaircraft guns were unable to protect the movement of Panzer columns It was a conversion of the Panzer I Ausf B chassis obsolete 2cm Flak 38 L 112 May 25 were converted by Stowever and used by the motorized Battalion 614th Flak Romania.
141 built this derivative of the prolific Czech Panzer 38 T was armed with a 20 mm 0 79 in the designation Flak 38 Waffenamt was flakpanzer 38 t 38 t auf Selbstfahrlafette Ausf M SdKfz 140, or flakpanzer 38 t Gepard Given organically after early in 1944, the AA sections of each Panzerbatallion.
250 manufactured by Deutsche Eisenwerke until 1945 Based on the Panzer IV Flakpanzer IV, a 3-armed 7 cm FlaK 43 L 89 in an open platform.
87-105 built by Ostbau Werke in Silesia divergent sources Quad 20 mm Flakvierling 38 in an open turret on the chassis base Panzer IV.
43-44 similar model built by the same manufacturer, but armed with only 3-7 cm Flak 43 L 89.
2-6 Flakpanzer IV built Kugelblitz was armed with a fully enclosed turret with Zwillingsflak 30mm MK 103 double antiaircraft guns only a handful were built at the end of the war.
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