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Germany's PzKpfw 38(t)

PzKpfw 38(t):	PzKpfw 38(t):	PzKpfw 38(t):	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf B:
PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf E:	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf G:

Design

The PzKpfw 38(t) was originally the Czechoslovakian TNH P-S medium Tank.

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

Production

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

• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf A: 150^3,4
  • Production: May 1939 - November 1939^3,4
  • Manufacturer: BMM³
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf B: 110
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf C: 110
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf D: 105
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf B, PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf C, PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf D: 325^3,4
  • Production: January 1940 - November 1940^3,4
  • Manufacturer: BMM³
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf E, PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf F: 275, 525^3,4
  • Production: November 1940 - October 1941^3,4
  • Manufacturer: BMM³
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf G: 321^3,4
  • Production: October 1940 - July 1942^3,4
  • Manufacturer: BMM³
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S: 90^3,5
  • Production: May 1941 - December 1941³
  • Manufacturer: BMM³
• Total: 1,168⁵
  • 1940: 275
  • 1941: 698
  • 1942: 195

Variants

• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf A: Original vehicle that was produced after Germany annexed Czechoslovakia.⁴ 59 served in the 67th Panzerabteilung of the 3rd Light Division in Poland. 15 were used in Norway. Used in all theaters except Africa.
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf B: Used in France with the 7th & 8th Panzer Divisions and the 8th Panzer Division in Greece.
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf C: Repeat order 1940. Used in France with the 7th & 8th Panzer Divisions and the 8th Panzer Division in Greece.
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf D: Simplified front plate, September 1940.
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf E: Added external armor plates, up to 50mm front, 30mm sides. Smoke emitters added.
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf F: Small changes and eliminated smoke emitters.
• PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S: Was order to Sweden but impounded.⁵ 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.
• 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.

Usage

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	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf B	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf C	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf D	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf E	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf F	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf G	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf H	PzKpfw 38(t) Ausf S
Crew	41,2,3,4	42,3	42,3	42,3	42,3	42,3	42,3		42,3
Radio	FuG37 (t)3	FuG37 (t)3	FuG37 (t)3	FuG37 (t)3	FuG53	FuG53
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 mm KwK 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: 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
MG - coaxial	1: 7.92 mm MG 37(t)4
MG - hull	1: 7.92 mm MG 37(t)4
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

Sources:

1. 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
2. Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1933-1942, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
3. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Peter Chamberlain and Hilary Doyle, 1999
4. German Tanks of World War II, Dr. S. Hart & Dr. R. Hart, 1998
5. Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
6. Tanks - Over 250 of the World's Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles, Chris Chant, 2004

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