Pak 40 year of creation. Wehrmacht artillery. German guns, mortars. Ballistic data and armor penetration

7.5 cm Kw.K.40 / 7.5 cm Stu.K.40- a family of German 75 mm tank (KwK 40) and assault guns (StuK 40), based on the 75 mm PaK 40 (PaK 44 L/46) anti-tank field gun. Self PaK gun 40 appeared in the game later than KwK 40, and in terms of its game characteristics before patch 1.49 it was a complete copy of the long-barreled version of KwK 40 L/48 / StuK 40 L/48.

Historical reference

The most popular tank gun of the Wehrmacht. It was created by the design bureaus of Krupp and Rheinmetall on the basis of the 75 mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun to replace the KwK37. Produced from 1941 to 1945. The gun received an electric ignition device and a semi-automatic wedge shutter. It was also necessary to reduce the length of the projectiles and the breech of the gun, which resulted in a slight drop in the initial velocity of the projectile compared to the PaK 40. The gun was produced in several modifications, mainly differing different lengths barrel and some mechanisms depending on the target vehicle. The guns mounted on tank destroyers were named StuK 40, and for tanks - KwK 40.

At the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, Germany had no a large number of anti-tank guns PaK 40, which was due to the weak armor of enemy tanks. But in battles with the latest Soviet T-34 and heavy KV-1 tanks, most other Wehrmacht guns proved to be ineffective. The tank commission headed by Guderian decided to develop a long-barreled gun for installation on tanks and tanks based on the PaK 40. self-propelled units. The development of the weapon was carried out by two companies: design department Krupp was responsible for the gun's ballistics, and Rheinmetall was responsible for its design. Since PaK 40 was very heavy weapon, then the development of a lightweight version for installation on tanks took a long time and resulted in a slight deterioration in the shooting characteristics of the gun. The recoil distance of the original PaK 40 (~900 mm) and the length of the shells (969 mm) were too long for the cramped tank cabin. Therefore, the designers had to reduce the recoil distance of the gun (to ~520 mm) and shorten the length of the cartridges (to ~495 mm), and in order to maintain a comparable amount of explosive in the propellant charge, the diameter of the cartridges had to be increased. At the same time, the gun barrel remained unchanged, the same as on the PaK 40 L/46, with a length of 2470.5 mm. The barrel had a progressive rifling in increments of 6° to 9°. The result was the initial version of the KwK 40 L/43 gun with a 43-caliber (3225 mm) barrel. Reducing the breech of the gun freed up space for additional ammunition, and a shortened charging chamber with a large diameter simplified loading and increased the rate of fire.

Due to the large amount of explosive propellant in the projectiles used, the gun had problems, especially in its first versions. Often, after firing, the cartridge case would become stuck in the breech of the gun, blocking the ability to reload or fire the gun. To remove the cartridge case, the crew had to get out of the tank and use a cleaning rod to push the cartridge case out of the gun through the barrel. This took considerable time, and in combat conditions it exposed the crew to danger. To solve this problem it was necessary to reduce the amount of explosive in the propellant charge and change the design muzzle brake. As a result, there was little difference between previously produced shells and guns and their later versions.

By the spring of 1942, the initial version was ready for installation on Pz.Kpfw tanks. IV. And already the first use of Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. The F2 showed the undeniable superiority of the new gun over the enemy's guns, allowing it to destroy enemy tanks at distances at which the enemy was simply unable to inflict significant damage. With the advent of enemy guns larger caliber this advantage has disappeared. Nevertheless, various modifications of the PaK 40 remained quite effective until the very end of the war.

Media

7.5 cm PAK 40 at Canadian Air Base armed forces Borden in Ontario.



7.5 cm PAK 40 somewhere in Belgium.



75 mm KwK 40 L/43 on the Panzer IV Ausf. F2.



View into the barrel of a gun



StuG III at the Musee des blindes, France.



Illustration Panzer tank IV Ausf. H in section.





Series of muzzle brakes for the KwK 40 / StuK 40 gun



Muzzle brake of the first version. Panzer IV Ausf. F2



Muzzle brake of the second version. Panzer IV Ausf. G L/43



Muzzle brake of the third version. Panzer IV Ausf. G L/48



Muzzle brake version 4. Panzer IV Ausf. H



Muzzle brake version 5. Panzer IV Ausf. H-J







The breech of the KwK 40 on the Panzer IV Ausf. G

KwK40 L/43 (75 mm)

The original version of the German 75 mm KwK 40 cannon with a barrel length of 43 calibers (3225 mm). The gun coped well with both the latest Soviet T-34 tanks and the KV-1 and KV-2 heavy tanks. From April 1942 to June 1943 it was installed on Panzer IV medium tanks. In the version for Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. The F2 featured a single-chamber, ball-shaped muzzle brake, while later versions featured a dual-chamber muzzle brake.

The ballistics of the gun provides high accuracy projectile hits, which allows you to target modules or weak spots in enemy armor. The armor penetration of the chamber shell is sufficient to penetrate the frontal armor of most medium tanks, but may not be enough to penetrate the frontal projection of the turret of later medium tanks. Entry-level heavy tanks can be dealt with with a sub-caliber projectile. The most effective tactic to combat armored targets is to approach the flank and attack the side of the hull or turret. Vertical aiming angles allow you to target enemies from hills and other uneven surfaces, but you won’t be able to fully use this. Due to the low armor effect of all 75-mm shells, only the chambered PzGr.39 and sub-caliber PzGr.40 will be truly useful. The Gr.38 HL/B cumulative projectile has insufficient armor penetration and poor ballistics, while the Sprgr.34 high-explosive fragmentation projectile will only be effective against unarmored vehicles.

Although the gun is slightly superior in armor penetration of the main projectile to comparable guns of the USSR and the USA, it is inferior to them in the armor penetration of the projectiles. Which may require several hits to destroy the enemy. It follows that to successfully destroy the enemy you need to fire first and, if possible, hit vulnerable spot, destroying or depriving the enemy tank of the ability to fire back.

Historical reference

The KwK40 L/43 gun became the most widespread tank gun(including other modifications). The gun made it possible to destroy all tanks of that time (1942-1943) at a distance of about 1500 meters. It was installed on new modifications of the Panzer IV tank, which determined its widespread use. Since it was an intermediate modification, its production was soon stopped in favor of a long-barreled version. Tanks with this weapon participated in battles until the very end of the war and found well-deserved fame among the Wehrmacht tankers and their allies. But with the advent of more powerful weapons and new armored tanks from the enemy, the KwK40 L/43 could no longer hit the enemy so confidently.

For the first time, Pz.Kpfw tanks. IV Ausf. The F2 with the new 75mm KwK40 L/43 gun was used by Rommel during Operation Venice in Libya in May 1942 against the British 8th Army. Only a few new tanks arrived at the front-line units, and even then they were late for the start of the operation, which were nicknamed “special” by the soldiers. At the same time, the 8th Army received the newest “pilot” Grant tank in the amount of 138 units for testing. German intelligence then mistakenly believed that “pilot” was the name of the new British tank. From the August reports of the German Afrika Korps, it became clear that the new “Special” tank easily destroyed any enemy tank from a distance of 1500 meters or more, including the “Pilot”. Tests have shown that main problem The gun had a muzzle brake. Due to its design, the shot produced a bright flash of flame and a noticeable puff of smoke, unmasking the position. In subsequent versions of the gun, the design of the muzzle brake was changed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• High rate of fire

Flaws:

Media

KwK40 L/48 (75 mm)

Long-barreled version of the 75 mm KwK 40 cannon with a barrel length of 48 calibers (3600 mm). The increase in barrel length leveled out the drop in the muzzle velocity of the projectile compared to the PaK 40, which slightly increased the armor penetration of the projectiles and firing accuracy. This version of the gun became the most widespread and was installed on Panzer IV tanks from March 1943 to April 1945, allowing them to destroy enemy tanks of comparable class at distances of 1000-1500 m, remaining out of the reach of enemy guns. But with the advent of more powerful weapons from the Allies, this advantage disappeared.

In the game the weapon is present on:

• For all 3774 pcs. Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H
• For all 1758 pcs. Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. J
• For all 105 pcs. Panzerbefehlswagen IV, converted from Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. J (17 pcs.) and restored Panzer IV (88 pcs.)
• On captured tanks Panzerkampfwagen KV-1В 756(r)

The ballistics of the gun ensures high accuracy of projectiles, which allows you to target modules or weak spots in enemy armor. The armor penetration of the chamber shell is sufficient to penetrate the frontal armor of most medium tanks, but may not be enough to penetrate the frontal projection of the turret of later medium tanks. Entry-level heavy tanks can be dealt with with a sub-caliber projectile. The most effective tactic to combat armored targets is to enter from the flag and attack the side of a tank or turret. Good vertical guidance angles allow you to attack enemies from hills and other uneven surfaces. Due to the low armor effect of all 75-mm shells, only the chambered PzGr.39 and sub-caliber PzGr.40 will be truly useful. The Gr.38 HL/B cumulative projectile has insufficient armor penetration and ballistics, while the high-explosive fragmentation projectile Sprgr. 34 will only be useful against unarmored vehicles.

Although the gun is slightly superior in armor penetration of the main projectile to comparable guns of the USSR and the USA, it is inferior to them in the armor penetration of the projectiles. Which may require several hits to destroy the enemy. It follows that in order to successfully destroy the enemy, you need to fire first and, if possible, hit a weak spot, destroying the enemy tank or depriving him of the ability to shoot.

Historical reference

The KwK40 L/48 gun (including all modifications) became the most popular Wehrmacht tank gun. The gun made it possible to destroy all tanks of that time (1942-1943) at a distance of about 1500 meters. It was installed on the latest modifications of the Panzer IV tank, which determined its popularity. Tanks with this weapon participated in battles until the very end of the war and found well-deserved fame among the Wehrmacht tankers and their allies. But with the advent of more powerful guns and new armored tanks from the enemy, the KwK40 L/48 could no longer hit the enemy so confidently. After the war, the surviving tanks with this gun were in service with the USSR until the end of 1949. And in 1967, several tanks took part in the Six-Day War.

Advantages and disadvantages

The gun is well suited for hitting most medium and some heavy tanks at a distance of up to 1000 m. Although it allows you to hit a target at a distance of 1500 m, due to the low armor penetration of shells at such a distance, it will not be able to penetrate the armor of most tanks.

Advantages:

• High rate of fire
• Ability to hit medium tanks at a distance of 1000 m
• Comfortable vertical guidance angles

Flaws:

• Weak armor effect of shells
• Low armor penetration does not allow easy destruction heavy tanks at medium and long distances

Media

75 mm KwK 40 L/48 on Panzer IV Ausf. H



75 mm KwK 40 L/48 on Panzer IV Ausf. J



75 mm KwK 40 L/48 on Panzerbefehlswagen IV



75 mm KwK 40 L/48 on Pz.Kpfw. KV-1B 756(r)





Syrian Panzer IV Ausf. J captured Israeli army during the Six Day War of 1967



Syrian Panzer IV Ausf. G captured by the Israeli army during the Six Day War of 1967.



Panzer IV F2 at Aberdeen Proving Grounds Ordnance Museum.



Panzer IV in a Californian museum.



Panzer IV at the Musee des blindes, France.





75 mm KwK 40 L/48, view into the loading chamber



75 mm KwK 40 L/48, breech



Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. G LAH Division Kharkov 1943





PzKpfw IV Ausf G. Apr - May 1943 production. Dragon 1/35.



Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. J Last Production



Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H with side screens and zimmerit coating. USSR, July 1944.



Panzer IV J Eastern Front



Pz IV J with mesh screens



Destroyed Ausf J in Syria



Syrian Pz IV J in Latrun



Finnish Pz IV J







X-ray Pz IV J





Pz.Kpfw. KV-1B 756(r) with 7.5 cm KwK40 gun

StuK40 L/43 (75 mm)

The initial version of the German 75-mm assault gun StuK 40 with a barrel length of 43 calibers (3225 mm). The StuK 37 L/24 assault gun has proven itself well both in the fight against enemy infantry and the new Soviet T-34 tanks. But the troops needed a weapon capable of dealing with enemy tanks at long range. Despite the fact that Krupp had already developed and tested a prototype of the 7.5 cm Kanone L/40 gun, in November 1941 the command ordered that all work be curtailed. Adolf Hitler demanded that assault tanks be equipped with a long-barreled 75-mm gun with a high muzzle velocity, capable of fighting heavy KV tanks at long distances. Based on his requirements, the command ordered the development of such a weapon from Rheinmetall, which produced field weapons. anti-tank gun PaK 40, which has already proven itself in practice. Since the PaK 40 was a very heavy gun, the development of a lightweight version for installation on assault tanks took a long time and resulted in a slight deterioration in the gun’s shooting characteristics. The recoil distance of the original PaK 40 (~900 mm) and the length of the shells (969 mm) were too long for the cramped cabin. Therefore, the designers had to reduce the recoil distance of the gun and shorten the length of the projectiles. At the same time, the gun barrel remained unchanged, the same as on the PaK 40 L/46, with a length of 2470.5 mm. The barrel had a progressive rifling in increments of 6° to 9°. The result was the StuK 40 L/43 gun, 43 calibers (3225 mm) long. Reducing the breech of the gun freed up space for additional ammunition, and a shortened charging chamber with a large diameter simplified loading and increased the rate of fire. The gun received an electric ignition device, a semi-automatic wedge bolt and a cylindrical two-chamber muzzle brake that absorbs up to 58% of recoil. The gun was mounted on a durable frame along with guidance devices. Which provided vertical guidance angles -6° ~ +20° and horizontal -12° ~ +12°. The gun coped well with both the latest Soviet T-34 tanks and the KV-1 and KV-2 heavy tanks. The first three guns were ready in February 1942, although mass production started in April. And the first units to receive Stug III F assault tanks with the new gun were the Grossdeutschland division and the 1st tank division SS "Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler".

In the game the weapon is present on:

• On the initial modification of the StuG III F from March to June 1942

The ballistics of the gun ensures high accuracy of projectiles, which allows you to target modules or weak spots in enemy armor. The armor penetration of the chamber shell is sufficient to penetrate the frontal armor of most medium tanks, but may not be enough to penetrate the frontal projection of the turret of later medium tanks. Entry-level heavy tanks can be dealt with with a sub-caliber projectile. The most effective tactic to combat armored targets is to approach the flank and attack the side of the hull or turret. Vertical aiming angles allow you to target enemies from uneven surfaces, but not from steep hills. Due to the low armor effect of all 75-mm shells, only the chambered PzGr.39 and sub-caliber PzGr.40 will be truly useful. The Gr.38 HL/B cumulative projectile has insufficient armor penetration and poor ballistics, and the Sprgr.34 high-explosive fragmentation projectile will only be useful against vehicles with an open wheelhouse.

For more detailed instructions on combat, read the article on the relevant technique.

Historical reference

The StuK 40 L/43 gun (including other modifications) became the Wehrmacht's most popular assault tank gun. The gun made it possible to destroy all tanks of that time (1942-1943) at a distance of about 1500 meters. It was installed on new modifications of the StuG III F assault tank. Since it was an intermediate modification, its production was soon stopped in favor of a long-barreled version. Tanks with this weapon participated in battles until the very end of the war and found well-deserved fame among the Wehrmacht tankers and their allies. But with the advent of more powerful guns and new armored tanks from the enemy, the StuK 40 L/43 could no longer hit the enemy so confidently.

The first units to receive Stug III F assault tanks with the new gun at the beginning of 1942 were the Grossdeutschland division and the 1st SS Panzer Division Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler. They soon took part in the summer offensive of the German troops. And although the gun made it possible to easily destroy any enemy tank from a distance of 1000 meters or more, limited pointing angles did not allow effective offensive operations. At the same time, vehicles with this weapon have proven themselves excellent in defense, and have actually moved from the class assault guns into tank destroyers.

Advantages and disadvantages

The gun is well suited for hitting most medium and some heavy tanks at a distance of up to 1000 m. Although it allows you to hit a target at a distance of 1500 m, due to the low armor penetration of shells at such a distance, it will not be able to penetrate the armor of most tanks.

Advantages:

• High rate of fire
• Ability to hit medium tanks at a distance of 1000 m

Flaws:

• Weak armor effect of shells
• Low armor penetration does not allow you to easily destroy heavy tanks at medium and long distances
• Insufficient pointing angles

Media

StuK40 L/48 (75 mm)

A long-barreled version of the 75 mm StuK 40 assault gun with a barrel length of 48 calibers (3600 mm). The increase in barrel length leveled out the drop in the muzzle velocity of the projectile compared to the PaK 40, which slightly increased the armor penetration of the projectiles and firing accuracy. This version of the gun became the most widespread and was installed on StuG III assault tanks from June 1942 to April 1945, allowing them to destroy enemy tanks at distances of 1000-1500 m, remaining out of the reach of enemy guns. But with the advent of more powerful weapons from the Allies, this advantage disappeared.

In the game the weapon is present on:

The ballistics of the gun ensures high accuracy of projectiles, which allows you to target modules or weak spots in enemy armor. The armor penetration of the chamber shell is sufficient to penetrate the frontal armor of most medium tanks, but may not be enough to penetrate the frontal projection of the turret of later medium tanks. Entry-level heavy tanks can be dealt with with a sub-caliber projectile. The most effective tactic to combat armored targets is to approach the flank and attack the side of the hull or turret. Vertical aiming angles allow you to target enemies on uneven surfaces, but not from hills. Due to the low armor effect of all 75-mm shells, only the chambered PzGr.39 and sub-caliber PzGr.40 will be truly useful. The Gr.38 HL/B cumulative projectile has insufficient armor penetration and poor ballistics, and the Sprgr.34 high-explosive fragmentation projectile will only be useful against vehicles with an open wheelhouse.

Although the gun is slightly superior in armor penetration of the main projectile to comparable guns of the USSR and the USA, it is inferior to them in the armor penetration of the projectiles. Which may require several hits to destroy the enemy. It follows that in order to successfully destroy the enemy, you need to fire first and, if possible, hit a weak spot, destroying the enemy tank or depriving him of the ability to shoot back.

For more detailed guidance on combat, read the article on the relevant technique.

Historical reference

The StuK L/48 gun became the most popular assault tank gun (including all modifications). The gun made it possible to destroy all tanks of that time (1942-1943) at a distance of about 1500 meters. It was installed on new modifications of the StuG III assault tank. Tanks with this weapon participated in battles until the very end of the war and found well-deserved fame among the Wehrmacht tankers and their allies. But with the advent of more powerful guns and new armored tanks from the enemy, the StuK L/48 could no longer hit the enemy so confidently.

By the beginning of Operation Citadel, more than 700 StuG long-barreled assault guns were in service. And although the operation failed, the StuG III proved to be very successful. So, according to the countdown of the 11th Assault Gun Division for August 1943, they managed to destroy 423 enemy tanks, while irretrievably losing only 18 assault guns. A September command report indicated that the gun could easily hit any Soviet tank of a class below the tiger. It was noted that soviet tanks often panicked when fighting German assault tank destroyers. And from the orders intercepted by intelligence it followed that Soviet tank crews prohibited from engaging in battle with German assault guns.

The production of guns and tanks continued until the very end of the war. And in 1967, several assault tanks took part in the Six-Day War.

Advantages and disadvantages

The gun is well suited for hitting most medium and some heavy tanks at a distance of up to 1000 m. Although it can hit a target at a distance of 1500 m, due to the low armor penetration of shells at such a distance it will not be able to penetrate the armor of most tanks.

Advantages:

• High rate of fire
• Ability to hit medium tanks at a distance of 1000 m

Flaws:

• Weak armor effect of shells
• Low armor penetration does not allow you to easily destroy heavy tanks at medium and long distances
• Insufficient pointing angles

Media

75 mm StuK 40 L/48 on the StuG III Ausf. G



Syrian StuG III Ausf. G, captured by the Israeli army during the 1967 Six-Day War.



StuG III Ausf. G at the Musee des blindes, France.



StuG III in the Finnish Museum.



StuG III Ausf. G and its ammunition



Scale model StuK 40 L/48, without barrel.



StuG III Ausf. G





StuG III Ausf. G Gun breech



StuG III Ausf. G Gun breech





StuG III Ausf. G Scale model

Available projectiles

The KwK 40 / StuK 40 gun from the PaK 40 inherited a whole family of 75 mm ammunition. While the shells remained unchanged, the cartridge case had to be reduced in length and increased in diameter. As a result, the amount of propellant charge in the case became less than in the PaK 40, which resulted in a slight deterioration in the ballistics and armor penetration of shells for the new gun. And due to the fact that there was still quite a lot of propellant charge in the cartridge case, after the shot the cartridge case sometimes got stuck in the breech of the gun, jamming it. This forced the crew to abandon the vehicle and manually push the cartridge case through the gun barrel with a ramrod. This problem was solved by reducing the explosive in the propellant charge and changing the muzzle brake. Therefore, shells produced in different time, have different characteristics.

The armor-piercing projectile had a thick steel body, inside which was placed an explosive charge, a bottom fuse and a tracer compound. It could penetrate armor plates of considerable thickness and hit internal elements tank explosion.

The sub-caliber projectile had an armor-piercing core made of hard metals (usually tungsten carbide or hard steel), which was fixed on a pallet in the projectile body. Such a projectile was lighter than a conventional armor-piercing projectile and had a higher initial velocity. Due to this, its armor-piercing ability was also higher, since only the core penetrated the armor.

The cumulative projectile could penetrate armor due to the fact that waves of gases generated during the explosion were concentrated at the point where the projectile met the armor. Its armor-piercing ability did not depend on the firing range, but its damaging effect inside the tank was less than that of other anti-tank shells. To protect the shell of the projectile from destruction before the explosive charge was activated, it was necessary to reduce the speed of the projectile at the moment of its meeting with the surface of the armor. In addition, the penetrating ability of the cumulative projectile dropped significantly due to the rotation of the projectile in flight, to reduce which it was necessary to reduce the initial speed of the projectile. As a result, the firing range of cumulative projectiles did not exceed 1500-2000 m. The armor penetration of a cumulative projectile did not depend on the firing range, but its destructive effect inside the tank was less than that of other anti-tank projectiles. To protect the shell of the projectile from destruction before the explosive charge was activated, it was necessary to reduce the speed of the projectile at the moment of its meeting with the surface of the armor. In addition, the penetrating ability of the cumulative projectile dropped significantly due to the rotation of the projectile in flight, to reduce which it was necessary to reduce the initial speed of the projectile. As a result, the firing range of cumulative projectiles did not exceed 1500-2000 m.

The high-explosive fragmentation projectile was equipped with a head fuse of instantaneous and inertial action with a deceleration setting. Used to destroy infantry and lightly armored targets.

The smoke projectile was filled with a smoke-forming composition and equipped with an impact fuse. The smoke cloud was small, about 30 m in diameter, and lasted for about 30 seconds. These shells were very rarely used by tanks.

Ammunition for KwK 40 / StuK 40



Ammunition for KwK 40 / StuK 40

75 mm PzGr. 39 for KwK 40 / StuK 40



75 mm Pz.Gr. 39 Armor-piercing chamber projectile



75 mm Pz.Gr. 40 Sub-caliber projectile



75 mm Pz.Gr. 40W Armor-piercing projectile



75mm Spr.Gr. 34 High-explosive fragmentation projectile



75mm K.gr. rot Pz. Armor-piercing projectile



75 mm Gr. 38 HL HEAT projectile



75 mm Gr. 38 HL/A HEAT projectile



75 mm Gr. 38 HL/B HEAT projectile



75 mm Gr. 38 HL/C HEAT projectile



75 mm Nb.Gr. Smoke shell

75 mm PzGr. 39 in a sleeve for PaK 40

PzGr. 39

German 75-mm armor-piercing tracer chamber projectile with an armor-piercing and ballistic tip, model 1939 - 7.5 cm. Panzergranate 39. The most common German armor-piercing projectile, released in various modifications for guns with calibers from 20 mm to 128 mm. With the exception of gauge, the differences were minimal, mainly in the quality of the steel and the number of guide rings. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge. The propellant cartridge cases differed in length and diameter depending on the design of the gun breech (even in guns of the same caliber).

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained 2.15 kg of smokeless powder as the main propellant charge - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and diethylene glycol dinitrate. The propellant charge is made in the form of pressed cylindrical tubes 370 mm and 420 mm long, placed in an artificial silk bag. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St. and a demolition charge weighing 0.315 kg, which initiates the detonation of the main propellant charge.

The projectile consists of a steel body, in the head of which there is a soft armor-piercing tip, covered with a ballistic cap. The armor-piercing tip is attached to the head of the projectile using low-melting solder. At the bottom of the projectile there was a chamber with 0.017 kg of explosive (phlegmated hexogen) and a Bdz 5103* detonator, combined with a tracer. The projectile received rotation due to the friction of the copper guide ring on rifled barrel guns. When fired, a tracer substance lit up, allowing the flight of the projectile to be tracked. The ballistic cap ensured high flight speed of the projectile over a long distance. The soft armor-piercing tip absorbed the kinetic energy of the collision of the projectile with the armor, thereby protecting it from destruction and disrupting the integrity of the armor, making it easier for the main projectile to work. At high angles of attack, the armor-piercing tip also ensured normalization of the projectile. The sharp-headed steel projectile, crushing the soft armor-piercing tip, crashed into the weakened armor and pierced it, forming a cloud of armor fragments. Armed upon impact, the bottom detonator with gas-dynamic deceleration detonated the explosive charge when the projectile had already pierced the armor and flew some distance away from it.

There was a training version of the PzGr projectile. 39 Ub.

Verdict
The main armor-piercing projectile. High muzzle velocity ensures good ballistics and armor penetration of the projectile. The amount of explosive, although small, can cause additional damage to the crew and highly flammable modules. Using a tracer, you can track the trajectory of a projectile and more accurately adjust the aim, but the enemy will also know from which side they are firing at him. In patch 1.47, the range of scattering fragments during a chamber explosion was increased almost 2-fold, which slightly increased the armor-protection effect of the projectile, increasing the affected area.

Advantages

• Good armor penetration and ballistics
• The presence of a chamber with explosive

Flaws

• Moderate armor effect

SprGr. 34

German 75-mm high-explosive fragmentation projectile, model 1934 - 7.5 cm. Sprenggranate 34. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge. The propellant cartridge cases differed in length and diameter depending on the design of the gun's breech. The 5.74 kg projectile is painted dark olive green, with the exception of the copper guide ring. The chamber occupies almost the entire volume of the projectile and has an exit hole in the front of the projectile. The walls of the projectile at its base are thicker than at the front. One of the modifications of the Kl.A.Z 23 fuse is installed in the head of the projectile, instantaneous or delayed action with a delay of 0.15 sec. The projectile is filled with 0.68 kg of ammotol 40/60 (or TNT) and a red phosphorus smoke bomb.

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained 0.78 kg of smokeless powder as the main propellant charge - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroguanidine. The propellant charge is placed in an artificial silk bag. In the center of the bag was a long cylindrical tube of compressed diethylene glycol dinitrate, reaching to the base of the projectile. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St.

There was a training version of the Sprgr. 34 Ub.

Verdict
The only use of a high-explosive fragmentation projectile is shooting at unarmored vehicles or at the crew in an open wheelhouse. Despite the 700 g of explosive, the blast radius barely exceeds half a meter, and not so numerous fragments cannot penetrate even thin armor.

Advantages:

• Good at destroying unprotected crew
• High chance of causing a fire

Flaws:

• Disgusting armor penetration
• Small blast radius
• Short shooting range

Gr. 38 Hl/B

German 75-mm cumulative tracer projectile model 1938, modification B - 7.5 cm. Granate Hohlladung 38/B. Common German cumulative projectile, was produced in various modifications for 75 mm guns. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge. The propellant cartridge cases differed in length and diameter depending on the design of the gun's breech.

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained 0.43 kg of smokeless powder as the main propellant charge - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroguanidine. The propellant charge is placed in an artificial silk bag. In the center of the bag was a long cylindrical tube of compressed diethylene glycol dinitrate, reaching to the base of the projectile. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St.

The 4.57 kg projectile is painted dark olive green, with the exception of the copper guide ring. The chamber occupies almost the entire volume of the projectile. The walls of the projectile at its base are thicker than at the front. One of the modifications of the Kl.A.Z 38 instant action fuse is installed in the head of the projectile. The projectile head itself is made of brittle cast iron and is screwed into the steel body of the projectile. The projectile is filled with 0.5 kg of Phlegmated RDX, packaged around a central aluminum tube. The top of the explosive charge has a goblet-shaped recess, and most of the projectile head is hollow. A perforated aluminum disk was installed at the boundary between the charge and the cavity in the head of the projectile. When a projectile collided with an obstacle, the fuse was triggered, it initiated the detonator demolition charge at the rear of the projectile. When the explosive detonated, a compacted gas-dynamic jet was created, which entered through the head of the projectile, which had collapsed from the impact, onto the armor. The enormous pressure of the gas jet significantly exceeds the yield strength of the armor metal, which is why the armor behaves like a liquid and the jet penetrates it without any problems. The main damaging elements are a hot gas jet and red-hot fragments (“drops”) of armor.

Verdict
Like all early cumulative projectiles, Gr. Hl. 38/B has a low muzzle velocity and therefore poor ballistics. The instantaneous fuse Kl.A.Z 38 triggers prematurely when hitting protective screens, trees or fences. The cumulative jet is inferior in armor penetration to an armor-piercing projectile, but has a huge chance of causing fire or detonation of the module. The presence of a large amount of explosive allows the projectile to be used not only as a cumulative one, but also as a high-explosive one, albeit with less effect. In field conditions, the projectile pierced a 75-mm armor plate at an angle of 30° from the normal. The armor penetration of the projectile in the game is slightly lower compared to German tests - this is essential for hitting heavily armored tanks (such as the KV, T-44 or T-34-85 turret). The armor effect of a cumulative projectile in reality is higher than in the game, but it strongly depends on the thickness of the pierced armor. The penetrating power of a cumulative jet drops significantly when flying in the air and drops catastrophically when a projectile is detonated on the screen - up to 5 ~ 10 mm on the main armor behind the screen.

Advantages:

• High chance of causing a module fire or explosion
• Can be used as a high-explosive projectile

Flaws:

• Poor ballistics
• Reduced armor penetration
• Detonation on any obstacle
• Extremely weak armor effect
• Cannot penetrate armor behind the screen

PzGr. 40

German 75-mm armor-piercing tracer sabot projectile with a ballistic tip, model 1940 - 7.5 cm. Panzergranate 40. A common German armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge.

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained 2.18 kg of smokeless powder as the main propellant charge - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroguanidine. The propellant charge is made in the form of pressed cylindrical tubes 370 mm and 420 mm long, placed in an artificial silk bag. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St. and a demolition charge weighing 0.315 kg, which initiates the detonation of the main propellant charge.

Externally, the projectile looks like a PzGr. 39, but internally it consists of a steel body (serving as a tray), in the central part of which there is a solid tungsten carbide core, covered with a ballistic cap. At the bottom of the projectile there is a tracer device. The projectile received rotation due to the friction of the guide ring on the rifled barrel of the gun. When fired, a tracer substance lit up, allowing the flight of the projectile to be tracked. The pallet centered the projectile when fired from a cannon and stored kinetic energy for flight. And in combination with a ballistic cap, it ensured high projectile flight speed over a long distance. Upon impact, the steel body of the projectile was deformed, releasing a hard, pointed tungsten core of small caliber, which, when separated from the pan, easily pierced the armor.

Verdict
The projectile is not filled with explosives, but due to the high muzzle velocity and small caliber of the armor-piercing core, it has excellent ballistics and armor penetration. Ideal for shooting at fast-moving targets at long range. A weak armor effect may require several hits to destroy an enemy. Like most sub-caliber projectiles, it has a high cost per unit. In patch 1.49 it was reduced starting speed(L/48) from 990 m/s to 930 m/s and (L/43) from 930 m/s to 919 m/s.

Advantages:

• High armor penetration
• Excellent ballistics and flight speed
• Suitable for hitting heavily armored targets

Flaws:

• Weak armor effect
• High price

PzGr. 40 W

German 75-mm armor-piercing tracer projectile with a ballistic tip, model 1940, modification W - 7.5 cm. Panzergranate 40 W. A relatively rare German armor-piercing projectile, it was produced in a limited batch as a cheap replacement for the expensive and scarce PzGr 40 sub-caliber projectile. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge.

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained 2.18 kg of smokeless powder as the main propellant charge - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroguanidine. The propellant charge is made in the form of pressed cylindrical tubes 370 mm and 420 mm long, placed in an artificial silk bag. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St. and a demolition charge that initiates the detonation of the main propellant charge.

The projectile weighing 4.1 kg consists of a solid steel flat-headed body covered with a ballistic cap. A tracer device was screwed into the base of the projectile. The projectile itself was made from blanks for the PzGr. 40 without tungsten core.

Verdict
At its core, it is a solid projectile with a ballistic cap. There is no explosive in it, just as there is no high armor penetration of the Pzgr 40 sub-caliber projectile. Due to the high muzzle velocity, it has good ballistics. It was in service with the KwK 40 until patch 1.40.13.0 and is now not used in the game.

Advantages:

• Good ballistics
• Increased chance of causing a fire

Flaws:

• Very weak armor effect
• Low armor penetration

K.Gr. rot Pz.

German 75 mm armor-piercing tracer chamber projectile with an armor-piercing and ballistic tip. Sometimes referred to as Pz. Gr. 38 rot or 7.5 Gr. Patr. 38 KwK. When the KwK 40 gun just came off the production lines, there weren’t enough new ones for it armor-piercing shells Pzgr. 39. Therefore, at first a large number of K.Gr. rot Pz. for short-barreled gun 7.5 cm KwK 38 L/24. Namely, the cartridge case with the propellant charge was replaced with a cartridge case for the KwK 40. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge.

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained, as the main propellant charge, presumably 2.15 kg of smokeless powder - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and diethylene glycol dinitrate. The propellant charge is made in the form of pressed cylindrical tubes 370 mm and 420 mm long, placed in an artificial silk bag. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St. and a demolition charge weighing 0.315 kg, which initiates the detonation of the main propellant charge.

The projectile consists of a steel body, in the head of which there is a soft armor-piercing tip, covered with a ballistic cap. The armor-piercing tip is attached to the head of the projectile using low-melting solder. At the bottom of the projectile there was a chamber with 0.08 kg of explosive (pressed TNT) and a Bdz detonator combined with a tracer. The projectile received rotation due to the friction of the copper guide ring on the rifled barrel of the gun. When fired, a tracer substance lit up, allowing the flight of the projectile to be tracked. The ballistic cap ensured high flight speed of the projectile over a long distance. The soft armor-piercing tip absorbed the kinetic energy of the collision of the projectile with the armor, thereby protecting it from destruction and disrupting the integrity of the armor, making it easier for the main projectile to work. At high angles of attack, the armor-piercing tip ensured the normalization of the projectile. The sharp-headed steel projectile, crushing the soft armor-piercing tip, crashed into the weakened armor and pierced it, forming a cloud of armor fragments. Armed upon impact, the bottom detonator with gas-dynamic deceleration detonated the explosive charge when the projectile had already pierced the armor and flew some distance away from it.

Verdict
The projectile served as a temporary replacement for the Pzgr. 39.

Advantages:

• Larger amount of explosive compared to Pzgr 39

Flaws:

• Higher probability of ricochet and shell destruction than Pzgr 39
• Less armor penetration compared to Pzgr 39

Gr. 38 Hl

German 75-mm cumulative tracer projectile, model 1938 - 7.5 cm. Granate Hohlladung 38. A common German cumulative projectile, produced in various modifications for 75-mm guns. The projectile was used to a limited extent for firing from this weapon. Mainly in the first stages, until it was established mass release more advanced modifications for this weapon. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge. The propellant cartridge cases differed in length and diameter depending on the design of the gun's breech.

The 4.4 kg projectile is painted dark olive green, with the exception of the copper guide ring. The chamber occupies almost the entire volume of the projectile. The walls of the projectile at its base are thicker than at the front. One of the modifications of the Kl.A.Z 38 instant action fuse is installed in the head of the projectile. The projectile head itself is made of brittle cast iron and is screwed into the steel body of the projectile. The projectile is filled with 0.54 kg of a phlegmatic mixture of hexogen and TNT, packaged around a central aluminum tube reaching to the fuse. The top of the explosive charge has a goblet-shaped recess, and part of the projectile head is hollow. When the projectile collided with an obstacle, the fuse was triggered, it initiated the detonator of the explosive charge in the rear of the projectile. When the explosive detonated, a gas-dynamic jet was created, which entered the armor through the head of the projectile, which was destroyed by the impact. The enormous pressure of the gas jet significantly exceeds the yield strength of the armor metal, which is why the armor behaves like a liquid and the jet penetrates it without any problems. The main damaging elements are a hot gas jet and fragments (“drops”) of armor.

Verdict
Not in the game.

Gr. 38 Hl/A

German 75-mm cumulative tracer projectile model 1938, modification A - 7.5 cm. Granate Hohlladung 38/A

The cartridge case, 495 mm long, contained 0.43 kg of smokeless powder - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroguanidine - as the main propellant charge. The propellant charge is placed in an artificial silk bag. In the center of the bag was a long cylindrical tube of compressed diethylene glycol dinitrate, reaching to the base of the projectile. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St.

The 4.4 kg projectile is painted dark olive green, with the exception of the copper guide ring. The chamber occupies almost the entire volume of the projectile. The walls of the projectile at its base are thicker than at the front. One of the modifications of the Kl.A.Z 38 instant action fuse is installed in the head of the projectile. The projectile head itself is made of brittle cast iron and is screwed into the steel body of the projectile. The projectile is filled with 0.4 kg of phlegmatic RDX, packaged around a central aluminum tube. Top part The explosive charge has a cone-shaped recess, and most of the projectile head is hollow. When the explosive detonated, a compacted gas-dynamic jet was created, which entered through the head of the projectile, which had collapsed from the impact, onto the armor. The enormous pressure of the gas jet significantly exceeds the yield strength of the armor metal, which is why the armor behaves like a liquid and the jet penetrates it without any problems. The main damaging elements are a hot gas jet and fragments (“drops”) of armor.

Verdict
Not in game

Gr. 38 Hl/C

German 75-mm cumulative tracer projectile model 1938, modification C - 7.5 cm. Granate Hohlladung 38/C. A common German cumulative projectile, produced in various modifications for 75-mm guns. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge. The propellant cartridge cases differed in length and diameter depending on the design of the gun's breech.

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained 0.5 kg of smokeless powder as the main propellant charge - a dibasic mixture of Nitrocellulose and Nitroguanidine. The propellant charge is placed in an artificial silk bag. In the center of the bag was a long cylindrical tube of compressed diethylene glycol dinitrate, reaching to the base of the projectile. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St.

The 4.8 kg projectile is painted dark olive green, with the exception of the copper guide ring. The chamber occupies almost the entire volume of the projectile. The walls of the projectile at its base are thicker than at the front. One of the modifications of the Kl.A.Z 38 instant action fuse is installed in the head of the projectile. The projectile head itself is made of brittle cast iron and is screwed into the steel body of the projectile. The projectile is filled with 0.5 kg of RDX-TNT alloy, packaged around a central solid aluminum tube. The top of the explosive charge has a goblet-shaped recess, and most of the projectile head is hollow. At the boundary between the charge and the cavity in the head of the projectile, a perforated aluminum disk and a cardboard guide nozzle were installed. When the explosive detonated, a compacted gas-dynamic jet was created, which entered through the head of the projectile, which had collapsed from the impact, onto the armor. The enormous pressure of the gas jet significantly exceeds the yield strength of the armor metal, which is why the armor behaves like a liquid and the jet penetrates it without any problems. The main damaging elements are a hot gas jet and red-hot fragments (“drops”) of armor.

Verdict

Flaws:

• The KwK 40 is not in service

NbGr. 40

German 75mm smoke shell 7.5cm Nebel-granate. Its structure is almost no different from the high-explosive fragmentation projectile Sprgr. 34, with the exception of the filler and the additional recess in the base. There was a plugged hole in the wall of the projectile for filling the projectile with a smoke-forming mixture. It was a unitary projectile consisting of a shot and a cartridge case with a propellant charge. The propellant cartridge cases differed in length and diameter depending on the design of the gun's breech. The 6.2 kg projectile is painted dark olive color, with the exception of the copper guide ring. The chamber occupies almost the entire volume of the projectile and has an exit hole in the front of the projectile. The walls of the projectile at its base are thicker than at the front. One of the modifications of the Kl.A.Z 23 Nb instantaneous or delayed action fuse is installed in the head of the projectile. The projectile is filled with 0.068 kg of picric acid in a cardboard tube running down the center of the chamber from the top of the projectile to its base. The rest of the space is filled with a smoke-forming mixture.

The 495 mm long cartridge case contained 0.8 kg of smokeless powder as the main propellant charge - a dibasic mixture of nitrocellulose and nitroguanidine. The propellant charge is placed in an artificial silk bag. In the center of the bag was a long cylindrical tube of compressed diethylene glycol dinitrate, reaching to the base of the projectile. At the base of the sleeve there was an electric ignition mechanism C/22 or C/22 St.

Use in combat

This is the most popular tank weapon of the Wehrmacht, which fought until the very end of the war and many years later. It has seen almost every possible enemy there was. In the game, tanks equipped with this weapon (including the PaK 40) typically encounter opponents with a combat rating of 2.0 to 6.0. In this range there is a huge number of armored vehicles of various classes and designs. There is no reasonable way to describe combat tactics on each vehicle against all enemies, so this section will be limited to general guidelines only. And for detailed guidance, refer to the corresponding section of the article on technology using this weapon.

Ammo selection

There are 4 types of ammunition available for the gun: armor-piercing chamber, high-explosive fragmentation, cumulative fragmentation and sub-caliber. You definitely shouldn’t take a full load of ammunition, since if the ammunition rack is hit, there is a high probability that it will explode (up to 95%). Since it is impossible to remove an already loaded shell from the gun, you should not take all 4 types of shells - you will quickly use up the ammunition by firing “inappropriate” shells. It is recommended to take only 2 types of shells - Pzgr. 39 and Pzgr. 40. The first is filled with explosives and is capable of fighting lightly armored vehicles, and the second has enormous armor penetration and will allow you to deal with heavily armored vehicles. High-explosive fragmentation projectile Sprgr. 34 is practically useless, since it cannot penetrate armored shields light equipment posing a danger to you. A machine gun will cope better with this task, or if you don’t have one, then a regular Pzgr armor-piercing chamber projectile. 39. High-explosive fragmentation impact of the Gr. HL 38/B is slightly weaker than Sprgr. 34, so it works even worse against light vehicles. The cumulative jet, although it has a high chance of setting fire to/exploding the gas tank/ammunition rack, is still inferior to the same effect from the explosion of the Pzgr chamber. 39, and insufficient armor penetration and armor effect do not make the projectile so effective.

Battle tactics

The equipment with this gun has weak armor, and the gun itself has good ballistics at a distance of 1000-1500 meters. The shells don't have much armor protection, so don't expect to kill your target with one shot and be prepared to fire another one or retreat to cover.

If your barrel is knocked out, use a pry bar to fight the enemy.

• Your main friend is distance. It's easier to hit at a distance most enemies than they are you.
• The gun's elevation angles on tanks allow you to shoot while hiding behind hills.
• Take cover behind a hill and use binoculars to safely scout the surrounding area and "jump out" from an ambush when you spot an enemy.
• Staying in cover behind the hill, use binoculars to aim and shoot.
• The enemy's most vulnerable module is the ammunition rack, so try to hit it.
• Shooting at the side of an enemy turret will allow you to hit several key modules at once - the crew, ammunition rack, breech and turret drive system.
• For shooting at fast-moving targets, it is best to use sub-caliber shells Pzgr 40 s high speed, but armor-piercing chambered Pzgr 39 is also possible.
• The engine of most enemies can be destroyed with one hit from the Pzgr 39.
• If in front of you is a heavily armored tank whose armor you cannot penetrate, then try to destroy its barrel - this will give you time to change position or allow you to hit it in a vulnerable spot. To destroy the enemy's barrel, it takes three Pzgr 39 shells.
• When fighting against high-level vehicles, try to flank them, since such vehicles can destroy you from a long distance.
• Your rate of fire is higher than most enemies, but your projectiles are weaker.
• Win.
• The Pzgr 39 can be used against most targets, and the Pzgr 40 against the most heavily armored ones.
• Work as a team.

Low level light armored vehicles This includes small-caliber tanks and light anti-aircraft guns. They are only dangerous at close range (<500 метров). В то же время, вы можете поразить их с любой дистанции. Стоит опасаться фланговых атак такой техники.

Light armored vehicles of medium and high level This includes light tanks and self-propelled guns, as well as large-caliber anti-aircraft guns. Rapid-firing anti-aircraft guns are especially dangerous, capable of penetrating your armor at a distance of up to 1000 m. Try to determine their location by sound and tracers and take them by surprise or cover them with artillery support.

Medium tanks This includes entry-level and mid-level medium tanks with comparable weapons. You are dangerous to each other, but you have a higher rate of fire and a more accurate weapon. Take advantage of this. If your armor allows you, then try to "diamond" at a distance or try to enter from the flank.

High tier medium tanks This includes medium tanks that can confidently hit you at a distance of 1000 m. They are extremely dangerous and can destroy you with one shot. Try to shorten the distance and enter from the flag. Another tactic could be a well-placed ambush, but do not reveal yourself until the enemy is within striking distance.

Self-propelled guns This includes Soviet self-propelled guns: both short-barreled (for example, SU-122) and long-barreled (for example, SU-85). They pose a mortal danger even at long distances. The angles of inclination and thickness of the frontal armor will not allow you to easily hit the fighting compartment of a self-propelled gun. Armor-piercing shells will penetrate your armor even at a distance of 1800 m, and large-caliber high-explosive shells can destroy you even if they hit you next to a tank. Deadly in a head-on collision at close range, but vulnerable to flanking. The most effective way is to hit the side, which almost always leads to the destruction of a self-propelled gun with one shot.

Medium tier heavy tanks This includes heavy tanks, which you can penetrate without much difficulty with the main projectile (KV-1 and M6A1). These tanks are capable of destroying you from a long distance, while their armor will protect you from your projectiles. To defeat heavy tanks, it is better to get close to them at least at a medium distance and target weak points in the armor. To hit enemies at long distances, it would be better to use a sub-caliber projectile. Like any other tank, they are vulnerable to flank attacks. Your advantage is maneuverability and sometimes rate of fire.

High level heavy tanks This includes heavy tanks with frontal armor above the armor penetration limit of the Pzgr 39 (IS and Sherman Jumbo). Extremely dangerous. Some tanks can be hit in vulnerable areas of the armor or on the side. The best way to do this is through ambushes and flanking. You can also try to immobilize a heavy tank and cover it with artillery. You can also try to knock out his barrel, making him an easy target for other members of your team.

Aviation For experienced pilots, you are not a priority target, but a frag is a frag. Hide from aircraft in forests and between buildings. Do not move in a large group, especially near heavy tanks. In some cases, you can destroy a low-flying enemy aircraft with a shell, in particular, an aircraft approaching you. Remember that the gun's rate of fire is only enough for one shot.

Tank bots It will not be easy for you to destroy enemy tank bots, since KwK 40 shells have a weak armor effect, and the bots do not have ammunition racks. Try to hit the tank crew or use artillery on enemies standing still. If your ammo is low, then ignore the bots.

Artillery and other stationary targets Computer artillery is dangerous for you, but you can destroy it with any projectile. Therefore, use binoculars to scout out artillery locations. Large groups of enemies can be covered with an artillery strike.

see also

• link to an article about the cannon/machine gun variant;
• links to approximate analogues in other nations and branches.

And similar ones.

Links

• Artillery ammunition of the former German Army
• Guderian G. - Tanks-forward (1957)
• Studying the penetrating effect of German captured shells on the armor of our tanks and developing measures to combat them. 3rd Main Directorate, Central Research Institute. - 1942
StuH 42 L/28

By 1939, rumors about the next generation of Soviet tanks reached the German command. And although the new 50-mm Pak 38 had not yet entered service with the troops, the General Staff understood that a more powerful weapon was needed, and the Rheinmetall-Bortsir concern was tasked with developing a project for a new weapon. Given the lack of time, the concern simply scaled the Pak 38 to 75 mm caliber with a barrel length of L/46. The new 75 mm Pak 40 gun was ready in 1940, but appeared at the front only at the end of 1941.

Externally, the Pak 40 resembled its predecessor, but in addition to the increased scale of the main dimensions, there were many other differences. Although the design of the gun remained unchanged, given the predicted shortage of light alloys (special light alloys were developed taking into account the requirements of the Luftwaffe), the gun was mainly made of steel, due to which it was significantly heavier than the Pak 38. To speed up production, the shield consisted of flat, and not curved plates. There were other technology-oriented simplifications, including the elimination of wheels under the coulters to make the implement frame easier to maneuver. The result was an excellent gun, capable of dealing with almost any existing tank.
It was planned that the Pak 40 would be produced until 1945. It was modified into a tank gun, but the design of the Pak 40 itself remained virtually unchanged.
On its basis, the Bordkanone 7.5 aircraft gun was also created. Its frame was adapted for a short 75 mm barrel. This is how a hybrid anti-tank gun for infantry fire support was created specifically for infantry battalions.
To use the Pak 40 as a light field gun, it was placed on the bed of a 105 mm howitzer. But by 1945, the Pak 40 itself was used by several artillery formations as the 75 mm FK 40 field gun.
However, the Pak 40 was most valuable as an anti-tank gun. It fired a variety of projectiles, from solid armor-piercing to tungsten-core AP40; There were also powerful high-explosive and cumulative shells. At a distance of 2 km, the AP40 projectile penetrated an armor plate up to 98 mm thick, and at a distance of 500 m - up to 154 mm.

As the Wehrmacht's standard gun in its class, the Pak 40 replaced the previous 37 mm and 50 mm guns in the special anti-tank units of infantry battalions and brigades. This gun was used in the ranks of German military units until the end of World War II. German anti-tank tactics consisted of distributing Pak 40s among the troops and closing the gaps caused by the shortage of heavier 88mm guns.

75 mm anti-tank gun Rak 40

Tests of the Pak 38 were just underway, and in 1938 the designers of Rheinmetall-Borzig began designing an even more powerful 75-mm anti-tank gun. At first they tried to make do with what is called “little loss” - the first samples of the new gun were a proportionally enlarged Pak 38 cannon. But tests of the gun, designated Pak 40, began in 1939, showed the fallacy of this approach: aluminum components, widely used in The carriage of the 50-mm gun, and above all the tubular frames, could not withstand the sharply increased loads. It was necessary to completely redesign the gun, but the work was carried out at a slow pace - simply, the Wehrmacht did not feel the need for an anti-tank gun more powerful than the Pak 38.

The impetus for accelerating work on the 75-mm gun came from the beginning of the war against the USSR, namely, the collision with T-34 and KV tanks that we have already mentioned many times. The company received instructions to urgently complete the development of the Pak 40. In December 1941, prototypes of the gun were tested, serial production began in January of the following year, and already in February the first 15 Pak 40 entered service with the troops.

105 mm leFH18 anti-tank gun

The weight of the Rak 40 in combat position was 1425 kg. The gun had a monoblock barrel with a highly effective muzzle brake. The barrel length was 3450 mm (46 calibers), and its rifled part was 2461 mm. The horizontal wedge semi-automatic bolt provided a rate of fire of 12–14 rounds/min. The longest firing range was 10,000 m, the direct shot range was 2,000 m. The carriage with sliding frames provided a horizontal aiming angle of 58°, and a vertical aiming angle from -6° to +22°. The carriage had sprung wheels with solid rubber tires (there were two types of wheels - with solid disks with lightening holes and spoked ones). The permissible towing speed is 40 km/h. The gun was equipped with pneumatic travel brakes, which were controlled from the tractor cab. It was also possible to brake manually - using two levers located on both sides of the carriage. The crew of the gun is eight people.

The Pak 40 ammunition consisted of unitary rounds with the following types of projectiles:

SprGr - fragmentation projectile weighing 5.74 kg. Initial projectile speed - 550 m/s;

PzGr 39 - armor-piercing tracer projectile weighing 6.8 kg. Initial speed - 790 m/s, armor penetration - 132 mm at a distance of 500 m and 116 - at 1000 m;

PzGr 40 is an armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile weighing 4.1 kg with a tungsten core. Initial speed - 990 m/s, armor penetration - 154 mm at a distance of 500 m and 133 mm at 1000 m;

HL.Gr - cumulative projectile weighing 4.6 kg. Used to destroy armored targets at distances up to 600 m.

The cost of the Pak 40 gun was 12,000 Reichsmarks. The Rak 40 was the Wehrmacht's most successful and most popular anti-tank gun. The scale of its production is evidenced by the figures for the average monthly output, which amounted to 176 guns in 1942, 728 in 1943 and 977 in 1944. The largest monthly output was recorded in October 1944, when 1050 Pak 40 were produced. 1945, due to the destruction of a significant part of the industrial potential of the Third Reich, the rate of production of the Pak 40 decreased significantly - from January to April inclusive, 721 such weapons were manufactured. The total production volume of the Pak 40 was 23,303 units, of which more than 3,000 were used in self-propelled units.

In 1942, based on Cancer 40, Gebr. Heller" developed the 75-mm anti-tank gun Pak 42, which featured a longer barrel (71 caliber instead of 46). Only 253 of these guns were manufactured on a field carriage. Subsequently, Pz.IV(A) and Pz.IV(V) tank destroyers were armed with Pak 42 guns without a muzzle brake.

In 1944, an attempt was made to create a lightweight version of the 75 mm anti-tank gun. The new gun, designated Pak 50, had a barrel shortened to 30 calibers, placed on the carriage of a 50-mm Pak 38 cannon. However, it was not possible to make do with a minimum of alterations - the aluminum frames of the original sample had to be replaced with steel ones. As a result, the weight of the gun decreased, but not to the extent expected (up to 1100 kg), but the armor penetration decreased significantly and amounted to 75 mm for the PzGr 39 projectile at a distance of 500 m. The gun’s ammunition included the same types of projectiles as for Pak 40, but the dimensions of the cartridge case and the powder charge were reduced. Production of the Pak 50 lasted from May to August 1944, and the production volume was relatively small - 358 units.