Sturmpanzer II
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|name = Sturmpanzer II | |name = Sturmpanzer II | |||
|image = | |image = | |||
? | |designation = 15 cm sIG 33 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf) | + | |designation = 15 cm sIG 33 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf) Sturmpanzer II | |
|nation = Germany | |nation = Germany | |||
|class = SPG | |class = SPG |
Revision as of 02:09, 25 February 2012
Sturmpanzer II
Germany | SPG | Tier III |
The Sturmpanzer II is a German tier 3 self propelled gun. It uses the same gun as the Bison, though it fires about 1.5 more rounds per minute. Despite looking significantly different from the Bison, the Sturmpanzer II has many of the same statistics. However, the low ammo storage capacity of 15 rounds makes it necessary to not waste any shells and shoot only when a hit is nearly guaranteed. Also, the extremely narrow horizontal arc makes it necessary to turn the hull frequently which consequently results in extremely low accuracy. The Sturmpanzer II will act better as a stationary turret than an artillery.
- The Sturmpanzer II leads to the Grille.
Modules
Historical Info
Even before the Sturmpanzer I entered service, plans were made to develop an improved version based on the PzKpfw II's chassis and components. Panzerkampfwagen II became obsolete in 1941, but the large number produced made it a perfect base for conversions. The first improvised prototype was tested at Kummersdorf on June 13th of 1940. In October of 1940, Alkett completed the first prototype based on Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf B's chassis, but did not provide adequate space for the large gun as well as its inability to absorb the recoil.
On February 18th of 1941, it was decided to built Sturmpanzer II on modified and turretless chassis/hulls of Panzerkampfwagen IIs. In July/August of 1941, the first Sturmpanzer II Bison (lenghtened version) was produced. By January of 1942, a total of twelve (versuchserie - trial series) were produced by Alkett; 7 were produced in 1941 and 5 in 1942.
The chassis was slightly widened (by 32cm) and lenghtened (by 60cm) in order to make room for the gun, and an additional sixth roadwheel was added. For a vehicle being based on the Panzerkampfwagen II , it had few components in common with the base tank variant. It was powered by a Bussing-NAG engine instead of the usual Maybach. Unlike the Wespe, there were no protecting sides along the entire length of the superstructure. A 150mm sIG 33 L/11.4 heavy infantry gun was mounted in the shield that extended straight across the full width of the superstructure. The gun had a range of 4700 meters and could be elevated vertically by 75 degress. The main armament could be used as a heavy infantry gun or as a heavy mortar, depending on the elevation and initial speed of the projectile. Sturmpanzer II was operated by the crew of 4 (commander, two gunners, and driver) and it weighed approximately 16 tons. Its performance was poor as its weak engine overheated and the vehicle had poor maneuverability.
All vehicles were grouped into the 707th and 708th sIG Kp (Sfl.) heavy infantry gun companies and were shipped to Libya, North Africa, from February to April of 1942. They proved prone to constant mechanical breakdowns, and only a few were operational by using other ones as sources for spare parts. Eight were lost by December 2nd of 1942, while six others served with DAK - Deutsches Afrika Korps until the spring of 1943, when last of them was eliminated (abandoned).
It is reported that the British captured six abandoned and dismantled Sturmpanzer IIs in one of Germany's workshops. It is also reported that a single Sturmpanzer II was pressed in service by the Egyptian Army and saw combat once again in the war with Israel in 1948. Based on experiences with the Sturmpanzer II, the more practical and successful Wespe was developed and produced.
USA | II T1 HMC • III T18 HMC • III M7 Priest • IV T82 HMC • IV M37 • V M41 HMC • VI M44 • VII M12 • VIII M40/M43 • IX M53/M55 • X T92 HMC |
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Germany | II G.Pz. Mk. VI (e) • III Sturmpanzer I Bison • III Wespe • IV Pz.Sfl. IVb • IV Sturmpanzer II • V Grille • VI Hummel • VII G.W. Panther • VIII G.W. Tiger (P) • IX G.W. Tiger • X G.W. E 100 |
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