PzKpfw 38(t)
Was the Czechoslovakia's TNH P-S Medium Tanks.
In March 1939 there was only one TNH P-S that was completed, with eight others in production when Germany took over Czechoslovakia.4 In May 1939 the German Army extensively tested the TNH P-S.4 It was found that it was basically equivalent to the PzKpfw III.4 By then nine were completed and were designated the PzKpfw 38(t).4
In late May 1939 contracts were issued to CKD of Prague (renamed Bohemia-Moravia Machine Works or BMM) for 150 tanks.4 These would be the Ausf A.4
The following types and orders were placed:4
| Type | Quantity | Production Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Ausf A | 1503,4 | May 1939 - November 19393,4 |
| Ausf B, Ausf C, Ausf D | 3253,4 | January 1940 - November 19403,4 |
| Ausf E and Ausf F | 5253,4 | November 1940 - October 19413,4 |
| Ausf G | 3213,4 | October 1940 - July 19423,4 |
| Ausf S | 903 | May 1941 - December 19413 |
Invasion of Poland
80 Ausf As were with the 2nd and 3rd Light Divisions.4
Invasion of Normandy
15 participated.4
Invasion of France
1/10 of the available tank strength was the PzKpfw 38(t).4 132 were used in the 7th Panzer Division6 and 85 in the 8th Panzer Division6.4 228 in the 7th & 8th Panzer Divisions.5
Invasion of Russia
There were 754 available at the start of Operation Barbarossa, which was about 1/4 of the total available tank strength.4 They were primarily deployed in the 7th, 8th, 12th, 19th, and 20th Panzer Divisions.4
By July 1941 there were 763.5
By April 1942, loses (even with increased production) had reduced this number down to 522.4
Occupation
After most were withdrawn from frontline combat formations, 229 served throughout occupied Europe up until mid-1944.4
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf A:
Original vehicle that was produced after Germany annexed Czechoslovakia.4 150 produced from May to November 1939 (chassis nos. 0001-0150).
59 served in the 67th Panzerabteilung of the 3rd Light Division in Poland. 15 were used in Norway.
Used in all theaters except Africa.
Used FuG37 (t) radio.3
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf B:
110 produced (chassis nos. 0151-0260).
Used in France with the 7th & 8th Panzer Divisions and the 8th Panzer Division in Greece.
Used FuG37 (t) radio.3
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf C:
Repeat order 1940. 110 produced (chassis nos. 0261-0370). Used in France with the 7th & 8th Panzer Divisions and the 8th Panzer Division in Greece. Used FuG37 (t) radio.3
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf D:
Simplified front plate, September 1940. 105 produced (chassis nos. 0371-0475). Used FuG37 (t) radio.3
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf E:
Added external armor plates, up to 50mm front, 30mm sides. Smoke emitters added. 275 produced (chassis nos. 0476-0750). Used FuG5 radio.3
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf F:
Small changes and eliminated smoke emitters. 250 produced (chassis nos. 0751-1000). Used FuG5 radio.3
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S:
Was order to Sweden but impounded.5 90 vehicles5 produced from May to December 1941 (chassis nos. 1001-1090). These were fitted with extra radios and designated Panzerbefehlswagen 38(t). Some were exported to the Slovak Free State and served in southern Russia in 1941 and 1942.
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf G:
Late 1941 production model with extra plates. 500 produced, only 321 as tanks from October 1941 to June 1942 (chassis nos. 1101-1600).
SdKfz 140/1:
Fitted the chassis with the same turret as used on the SdKfz 222.4 70 were produced from 1943-1944.4 These were issued to reconnaissance battalions of elite panzer divisions
Bison
Marder III
19 were converted from and carried the 7.62 cm Pak 36(r).4
Hetzer
2,396 chassis used in producing the Hetzer.4
leichte Flakpanzer
162 chassis were used to mount a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun.4
Nebel Ausrüstung:
Had turret removed and used as smoke-screen layer.
Waffenträger:
Weapons carrier. It was to carry and then dismount various types of guns. Two prototypes were completed and production was to start in mid-1945. The engine was moved to the front near the driver. This made room in the rear for the carrying of additional ammunition. Two models were to be produced, one to carry the 88 mm PaK L/71 or the 105 mm light field howitzer. The other model was lengthened and was to cary the 128 mm K 81 gun or a heavy field howitzer.
Also used as reconnaissance vehicle, ammunition carrier, and artillery prime mover.
| Ausf A | Ausf B | Ausf C | Ausf D | Ausf E | Ausf F | Ausf G | Ausf H | Ausf S | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 41,2,3,4 | 42,3 | 42,3 | 42,3 | 42,3 | 42,3 | 42,3 | 42,3 | |
| Physical Characteristics | |||||||||
| Weight | 20,723 lb 9.25 tons1, 9.4 tons3, 9.7 tons2,4 9,400 kg1 |
20,944 lb 9.5 tons3, 9.7 tons2 |
20,944 lb 9.5 tons3, 9.7 tons2 |
20,944 lb 9.5 tons3, 9.7 tons2 |
21,715 lb 9.85 tons2,3 |
21,715 lb 9.85 tons2,3 |
21,715 lb 9.85 tons2,3 |
9.7 tons5 | 20,944 lb 9.5 tons3, 9.7 tons2 |
| Length w/gun | 15' 1"1, 16' 1"4 4.6 m1,3, 4.61 m2, 4.9 m4 |
15' 1", 14' 11" 4.9 m, 4.61 m2,3 |
15' 1", 14' 11" 4.9 m, 4.61 m2,3 |
15' 1", 14' 11" 4.9 m, 4.61 m2 |
15' 1", 14' 11" 4.9 m, 4.61 m2,3 |
15' 1", 14' 11" 4.9 m, 4.61 m2,3 |
15' 1", 14' 11" 4.9 m, 4.61 m2,3 |
15' 1", 14' 11" 4.9 m, 4.61 m2,3 |
|
| Length w/o gun | 16' 1"4 4.9 m4 |
||||||||
| Height | 7' 9"4, 7' 10"1 2.25 m2, 2.37 m4, 2.4 m1,3 |
2.25 m2, 2.43 | 2.25 m2, 2.43 | 2.25 m2, 2.43 | 2.25 m2, 2.4 m3 | 2.25 m2, 2.4 m3 | 2.25 m2, 2.4 m3 | 2.25 m2, 2.4 m3 | |
| Width | 6' 9"4, 6' 11"1 2.06 m4 2.12 m1,3, 2.14 m2 |
2.14 m2,3 | 2.14 m2,3 | 2.14 m2,3 | 2.14 m2,3 | 2.14 m2,3 | 2.14 m2,3 | 2.14 m2,3 | |
| Ground clearance | 0.4 m2 | 0.4 m2 | 0.4 m2 | 0.4 m2 | 0.4 m2 | 0.4 m2 | 0.4 m2 | 0.4 m2 | |
| Ground contact length | |||||||||
| Ground pressure | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | 0.57 (kg/cm2)2 | |
| Turret ring diameter | |||||||||
| Armament | |||||||||
| Main | 37 mm1 37 mm KwK L/401 37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L48.73 37 mmKwK A7(t) L/404 37 mm KwK L/451,4 |
37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/47.83 |
37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/47.83 |
37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/47.83 |
37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/47.83 |
37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/47.83 |
37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/47.83 |
37 mm L/48.72 37 mm KwK 38(t) L/47.83 |
|
| Secondary | |||||||||
| MG | 2: 7.92 mm MG1 2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 2: 7.92 mm MG 37(t), coaxial, hull4 |
2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 |
2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 |
2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 |
2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 |
2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 |
2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 |
2: MGs2 2: 7.92 mm MG37(t)3 |
|
| Side arms | |||||||||
| Quantity | |||||||||
| Main | 723, 902,4 | 902 | 902 | 902 | 42 Pzgr & Sprgr3, 902 | 42 Pzgr & Sprgr3, 902 | 902 | 902 | |
| Secondary | |||||||||
| MG | 2,400 (including 900 AP)3 2,7002,4 |
2,7002 | 2,7002 | 2,7002 | 2,4003 | 2,4003 | 2,7002 | ||
| Side arms | |||||||||
| Armor Thickness (mm) | 15-251 | 506 | |||||||
| Hull Front, Upper | 252, 25@17°3, 25@80°4 | 252, 25@17°3 | 252, 25@17°3 | 252, 25@17°3 | 502, 25+25@17°3 |
502, 25+25@17°3 |
502 50@17°3 |
252, 25@17°3 | |
| Hull Front, Lower | 25@16°3, 25@25°4 | 25@16°3 | 25@16°3 | 25@16°3 | 25+25@16°3 | 25+25@16°3 | 50@16°3 | 25@16°3 | |
| Hull Sides, Upper | 152, 15@0°3. 17.5@90°4 | 152, 15@0°3 | 152, 15@0°3 | 152, 15@0°3 | 15-302, 15+15@0°3 |
15-302, 15+15@0°3 |
15-302 15+15@0°3 |
152, 15@0°3 | |
| Hull Sides, Lower | 15@0°3 | 15@0°3 | 15@0°3 | 15@0°3 | 15@0°3 | 15@0°3 | 15@0°3 | 15@0°3 | |
| Hull Rear | 152, 10@60°3 & 15@12°3, 10@80°4 | 152, 10@60°3 & 15@12°3 | 152, 10@60°3 & 15@12°3 | 152, 10@60°3 & 15@12°3 | 152, 10@60°3 & 15@12°3 |
152, 10@60°3 & 15@12°3 |
152, 103 & 15@12°3 |
152, 10@60°3 & 15@12°3 | |
| Hull Top | 102, 8@90°3 | 102, 8@90°3 | 102, 8@90°3 | 102, 8@90°3 | 122, 8@90°3 |
122, 8@90°3 |
122, 8@90°3 |
102, 8@90°3 | |
| Hull Bottom | 82, 8@90°3 | 82, 8@90°3 | 82, 8@90°3 | 82, 8@90°3 | 82, 8@90°3 |
82, 8@90°3 |
82, 8@90°3 |
82, 8@90°3 | |
| Turret Front | 252, 25@10°3, 25@84°4 | 252, 25@10°3 Mantlet: 25 round3 |
252, 25@10°3 Mantlet: 25 round3 |
252, 25@10°3 Mantlet: 25 round3 |
502, 25+25@10°3 Mantlet: 25 round3 |
502, 25+25@10°3 Mantlet: 25 round3 |
502 50@10°3 Mantlet: 25 round3 |
252, 25@10°3 Mantlet: 25 round3 |
|
| Turret Sides | 152, 15@10°325@74°4 | 152, 15@10°3 | 152, 15@10°3 | 152, 15@10°3 | 302, 30@10°3 | 302, 30@10°3 | 302 30@10°3 |
152, 15@10°3 | |
| Turret Rear | 152, 15@10°3, 25@86° | 152, 15@10°3 | 152, 15@10°3 | 152, 15@10°3 | 222, 22@10°3 | 222, 22@10°3 | 222 22@10°3 |
152, 15@10°3 | |
| Turret Top | 82, 10@90°3, 10@0-4°4 | 82, 10@90°3 | 82, 10@90°3 | 82, 10@90°3 | 12215@90°3 | 12215@90°3 | 122 15@90°3 |
82, 10@90°3 | |
| Engine (Make / Model) | Praga EPA1,3 TNHPS2 Praga EPA TZ4 |
Praga EPA3 TNHPS2 |
Praga EPA3 TNHPS2 |
Praga EPA3 TNHPS2 |
Praga EPA3 TNHPS2 |
Praga EPA3 TNHPS2 |
Praga EPA3 TNHPS2 |
epa/AC Model IV5 | Praga EPA3 TNHPS2 |
| Cylinders | 64 | 65 | |||||||
| Net HP | 1254 | 150 @ 2,600 rpm5 | |||||||
| Transmission | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | 5 forward, 1 reverse.2,3 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline4 | ||||||||
| Octane | |||||||||
| Capacity | 48 gallons4 218 liters4, 220 liters2 |
220 liters2 | 220 liters2 | 220 liters2 | 220 liters2 | 220 liters2 | 220 liters2 | 220 liters2 | |
| Performance | |||||||||
| Traverse | 360°, hand.3 | 360°, hand.3 | 360°, hand.3 | 360°, hand.3 | 360°, hand.3 | 360°, hand.3 | 360°, hand.3 | 360°, hand.3 | |
| Max Speed | 26 mph1,4 42 kph1,2,3,4 |
42 kph2,3 | 42 kph2,3 | 42 kph2,3 | 42 kph2,3 | 42 kph2,3 | 42 kph2,3 | 42 kph2,3 | |
| Cross Country | 9 mph4 15 kph4 |
||||||||
| Road radius | 143 miles4, 155 miles1 230 km4, 250 km1,2,3 Cross country: 103 miles4, 160 km2, 165 km4 |
250 km2,3 Cross country: 160 km2 |
250 km2,3 Cross country: 160 km2 |
250 km2,3 Cross country: 160 km2 |
250 km2,3 Cross country: 160 km2 |
250 km2,3 Cross country: 160 km2 |
250 km2,3 Cross country: 160 km2 |
250 km2,3 Cross country: 160 km2 |
|
| Turning Radius | 8.7 m2 | 8.7 m2 | 8.7 m2 | 8.7 m2 | 8.7 m2 | 8.7 m2 | 8.7 m2 | 8.7 m2 | |
| Elevation Limits | -10° to +25°3 | -10° to +25°3 | -10° to +25°3 | -10° to +25°3 | -10° to +25°3 | -10° to +25°3 | -10° to +25°3 | -10° to +25°3 | |
| Fording depth | 0.8 m2 | 0.8 m2 | 0.8 m2 | 0.8 m2 | 0.8 m2 | 0.8 m2 | 0.8 m2 | 0.8 m2 | |
| Trench crossing | |||||||||
| Vertical Obstacle | |||||||||
| Suspension (Type) | |||||||||
| Wheels each side | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | |
| Return rollers each side | |||||||||
| Track length | |||||||||
| Tires | |||||||||
| Track width | 293 mm2 | 293 mm2 | 293 mm2 | 293 mm2 | 293 mm2 | 293 mm2 | 293 mm2 | 293 mm2 | |
| Track centers/tread | |||||||||
| Production | Chassis #s: 0001-01503 BMM3 |
Chassis #s: 0151-02603 BMM3 |
Chassis #s: 0261-03703 BMM3 |
Chassis #s: 0371-04753 BMM3 |
Chassis #s: 0476-07503 BMM3 |
Chassis #s: 0751-10003 BMM3 |
Chassis #s: 1101-16003 BMM3 |
Chassis #s: 1001-10903 BMM |
| Year | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 1940 | 275 |
| 1941 | 698 |
| 1942 | 195 |
| Total | 1,1685 |
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
- Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1933-1942, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
- Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Peter Chamberlain and Hilary Doyle, 1999
- German Tanks of World War II, Dr. S. Hart & Dr. R. Hart, 1998
- Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
- Tanks - Over 250 of the World's Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles, Chris Chant, 2004
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