«Jagdpanther» Panzerjaeger Panther (8.8 cm) (Sd.Kfz.173) Ausf.G 1 und G2 (Panzer Tracts No.09-03)

96 Pages·2005·78.01 MB·English

by  Thomas L. Jentz

$29.95
PANZER TRACTS No.9-3
"J
agdpanther"
Panzerjaeger Panther (8.8 em) (Sd.Kfz.173)
Ausf.G 1 und G2
Created by Thomas L. Jentz
and Hilary Louis Doyle
All new 1/10th and 1/35th scale as-built drawings
Front Cover Photo: One of the first 50 Jagdpanther Ausf.G 1 with a 16 mm thick roof and a sectional
8.8 em Pak 43/3 gun tube being used for training by the s.Pz.Jg.Abt.654 in the Summer of 1944. (HLD)
The scale prints in this book were drawn at full scale using a CAD program and printed at 1/10th,
1/20th, and 1/35th scale. Eight surviving Jagdpanthers were measured in detail to produce these
extremely accurate as-built drawings within the tolerances allowed to the original assembly firms.
Thanks are especially due to Karlheinz Muench (14) for providing copies of rare and unique photos.
Photos were also obtained from the Bundesarchiv-Bildarchiv and Militaerarchiv (3), The Tank Museum
(11), the Public Archives of Canada (4), the Ordnance Museum (3), and the National Archives (3).
Special thanks also go to AI, David, Ed, Frank, John, Mike, Paul, and Rob for supporting our efforts in
measuring details on surviving Jagdpanthers to create accurate as-built drawings.
Published by
Panzer Tracts
P.O.Box 334
Boyds, MD 20841
© Copyright Thomas L. Jentz 2005
ISBN 0-9771643-0-6
www .panzertracts.com
All rights reserved. No portion of this
publication may be reprinted or reproduced
in any fashion or by any means without the
express written permission of the publisher.
INTRODUCTION
In our continuous search for better ways to discoveries, such as:
present our research results, the Panzer Tra~ts team • the first 50 Jagdpanthers hulls had 16 mm thick
have selected a unique approach for presentmg new roof plates and most of the fixtures on the roof are
coverage of the Jagdpanther - by using enhanced different than those on the rest of the Jagd
1/10th scale component drawings as well as the more panthers with 25 mm thick roof plates,
traditional 1/35th scale multiple views of the complete • . a cast (instead of a welded) bump stop for the
Panzer. These new, precise "as-built" drawings were second swing arm on both sides,
created by spending thousands of hours researching, • "spikes" cast onto one end of most Jagdpanther
measuring, and drawing · not by scanning track links,
copyrighted drawings and adding a multitude of • Jagdpanthers carried a EM 0.9 mR rangefinder
imaginative details and/or faked camouflage colors.
that was mounted on the three "spikes" welded on
This is the first time that "as-built" drawings
the superstructure roof in front of the rear hatch,
of the J agdpanther have been created to the same
• there were two Jagdpanther Ausfuehrung-an
exacting tolerances demanded of the original
Ausf.G 1 with Panzerwanne (021 B 51201) and an
producers. This was achievable only through hard
Ausf.G2 with Panzerwanne (021 B 51272) in
work because original detailed drawings for most of
which the rear deck is longer and the
the external Jagdpanther components did not survive.
superstructure rear plate is shorter and at a
It took:
steeper angle,
o over forty trips to public museums and private
• the modification of protecting cooling air louvers
collectors in England, France, Germany, Switzerland,
on the rear deck from being penetrated by
and the U.S.A. to precisely measure surviving
strafing aircraft by cutting up sections of
Jagdpanthers in detail,
Schuerzen plates was actually implemented,
o thousands of research hours digging out the
• a redesigned "squashed" armor casting (021 B
surviving original documents, photographs, and
51181) for the machine-gun ball mount,
drawings,
• and numerous internal changes.
o and over 1000 hours spent drawing with a
Surviving Jagdpanthers are especially useful
versatile CAD program by the skilled, dedicated, and
for measuring parts and·· their original locations to
interactive efforts of the authors.
create these accurate drawings; however, photo
Many details go unnoticed when they are
graphs of entire surviving Jagdpanthers have not
hidden in the four or five view drawings of a complete
been included -due to the misleading effect created by
Panzer printed at 1/35th scale. Therefore, we have
missing and damaged bits. We prefer to use the space
created additional drawings for display at 1/10th scale
available to provide a much more useful product.
(where lines as close as 2 mm apart can be seen). In
Please go to our website panzertracts.com to view
addition, it is sometimes difficult to obtain dimensions
some unique details on surviving Jagdpanthers.
of parts that are drawn at the angles in which they
This accurate, detailed history of the develop
were actually mounted on a Panzer. To aid the
ment, production, and employment of the Jagd
modeler and enhance the display of details, many
panthers has been based solely on the content of
components and parts have been redrawn to create
primary source documents written during the war by
multiple-dimension views on flat planes.
those who participated in the design, production, and
Unfortunately, many of the drawings and
employment of ,the Jagdpanthers. Thanks to the
reports on minor modifications did not survive.
British School of Tank Technology, correspondence
Therefore, we have developed a systematic approach
between Krupp and the Waffenamt on the conceptual
to identifying when modifications were introduced
design of the Pz.Sfl.4d (the grandfather of the
into a production series. Original documents,
Jagdpanther) survived.
photographs, and surviving Jagdpanthers are care
Fabulous insight into the strengths and weak
fully examined to identify the externally visible
nesses of the Jagdpanther in action in 1944 and 1945
changes (even on the belly). It is also very important
is gained from the few surviving experience reports
to identify (by Fgst.Nr.) exactly when a Jagdpanther
written by schwere Panzer-Jaeger unit commanders.
in a photograph or museum was produced and then
Hauptmann Noak reveals that Jagdpanthers were
use this information to establish the chronological
actually being penetrated by hits on the glacis plate at
modification lists. One must be diligent in comparing
short range from tank and anti-tank guns in the West
museum Panthers with wartime photographs to
in late 1944. An Oberleutnant commanding s.Pz.Jg.
ensure that parts in museums haven't been altered or
Abt.559 wanted to run the show because the sup
replaced with postwar equipment.
ported troops didn't understand Jagdpanther tactics.
All of this hard work paid off in new
9-3-1
Jagdpanther
Panzerjaeger Panther (8.8 em Pak 43/3 L/71) (Sd.Kfz.173)
Ausf.G1 and G2, Fgst.Nr.Serie 300001-, 303001, and 30(6)001-
DEVELOPMENT IVc 2 with 8.8 em gun 71 calibers long for escorting
Prior to embarking on the first attempt to infantry) to Oberst Fichtner (Chef), Obstlt. v. Wilcke,
design a Sturmgeschuetz mit 8.8 em, in 1939 Krupp and Oberbaurat Kniepkamp of Wa Pruef 6. Because
had already been contacted by Wa Pruef 6 to prepare of production reasons the Maybach HL 90 Motor was
conceptual designs for a full-tracked armored self preferred over the Kloeckner-Deutz-Stern-Diesel mot
propelled gun, known as the Pz.Sfl. mit 8.8 em Flak or. Production capabilities also governed the choice
L/56 (Pz.Sfi.IVc). In their fiscal year report for between a torsion bar and leaf spring suspension. The
1940/41, Krupp recorded that: 3 Versuchs(alzrzeuge latter allowed the firing height and overall height to
Pz.S{l.IVc are being built. It is intended to increase the be 100 mm lower than a torsion bar suspension.
gun performance by mounting an 8.8 em Flak L/71. , On 2 April 1942, Oberstlt. Crohn and Major
Acceptance of this model by the army hasn't been Ventz of Wa Pruef 6 inspected the wooden model of
concluded, because the original purpose of using this the Pz.Sfi.IV c2 mit 8.8 em K. L/71 constructed by
self-propelled gun as a Schartenbrecher (bunker buster) Krupp and agreed with the overall layout. Further
against the Maginot Line has been outdated. The points to be incorporated in the detailed design were:
armor of the Pz.S{l.IVc is not thick enough to provide a) Fahrgestell (chassis)
adequate protection of the crew for it to be employed in 1) Increase the ground clearance from 400 to 450 mm
offensive combat. In part this design has been 2) Due to the increased height, the gun depression
szirpassed by the VK 4501 Panzers from Porsche and could be reduced to 8 degrees
Henschel for which we are designing the turret as well 3) Determine if available wider tracks can reduce the
as the future 80 to 90 ton schweren Kamp(wagen with a ground pressure while staying within the. allowable
8.8 em Kamp(wagenkanone L/7I. width of 3140 nun
NOTE: A single Pz.Sfi.IVc was actually completed as 4) Periscopes or pistol ports are to be used for vision to
a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun and sent to Italy for the sides and rear
troop trials in 1944 (refer to Panzer Tracts No.12). 5) The periscope for the driver must be traversable to
Since it hadn't been mentioned in the above the side
report for fiscal year ending September 1941, 6) Investigate the installation of a commander's cupola
preliminary discussions between Krupp and Wa with periscopes and a built-in traversable ring for a
Pruef 6 on the conceptual design for a heavily Flieger-M.G.
armored 8.8 em Sturmgeschuetz (assault gun enclosed b) Gesclmetz
in armor) hadn't occurred until the last quarter of 1) The lowest possible deflector is to be designed
1941. But these preliminary discussions must have 2) Improve the gunner's position by relocating the
occurred in late 1941, since Krupp had already traversing handwheel
prepared conceptual drawings by early January 1942. 3) A redesign of the gun sight should eliminate the long
During a meeting at Meppen on 6 January slit in the roof
1942, Herrn Dorn and Woelfert from the Artillerie 4) Drop the gun sight for indirect fire
Konstruktion Abteilung of Fried.Krupp A.G. Having been sent a copy of the contract SS
presented conceptual overview drawings of a 006-6488/42 dated 4Jun42 from Wa Pruef 6 for three
Pz.Sfi.IVc2 to Major Ventz of Wa Pruef 6. Two Versuchs-Pz.Sfi.IVd, on 17 June 1942, Fried.Krupp
different conceptual designs had been prepared - one Grusonwerk informed Krupp that the assembly of
powered by a Deutz-Stern-Dieselmotor and the other these trial vehicles didn't fit into and would greatly
by a Maybach HL 90 Motor. Wa Pruef 6 agreed with disturb their BW-Serie (Pz.Kpfw.IV) production
the overall layout of the vehicle. Krupp was to program. They intended to transfer the assembly of
prepare a further conceptual design based on an these 3 Pz.Sfl. to Deutsche Stahlindustrie, Muehlheim.
Ausfuehrung with the Maybach HL 90 Motor, On 29 June 1942, Krupp sent contract SS 006-4735/42
maximum weight of 30 metric tons, 80 mm frontal dated 9Jun42 for three Versuchsaufbauten (super
and 40 mm side armor, maximum speed of 40 km/hr, structures) for Pz.Sfi.IVd back to Wa Pruef 6 with the
gun depression of 10 degrees, and an optional leaf request that this contract be given to Krupp
spring suspension. Grusonwerk, where the chassis were being assembled.
At a meeting in Berlin on 21 January 1942, Krupp asked Wa Pruef 6 to award the contract for
Woelfert presented two conceptual drawings of a production of the Panzerwanne (armor hull) and
Pz.Sfi.IV c2 mit 8.8 em L/71 Geschuetz zur Begleitung associated armor parts as Krupp proposed on
der Infanterie (armored self-propelled gun model 19Jun42.
9-3-2
A major change in design direction occurred degrees with the side plates of 40 mm at 30 degrees.
on 3 August 1942, when Major Ventz of Wa Pruef 6 The total height of the vehicle was planned to be 2.4
informed Krupp that the suspension and other meters with a firing height of 1.850 meters and a total
components from the Panther were to be ·used for the length of 9 meters.
schweren Panzer jaeger (Pz.Sfl.IV d) (8.8 em L/71). Generalmajor Phillips (head of the
Parts such as the Maybach HL 230 engines for 3 Heereswaffenamt) stated that they intended to further
Ve rsuchsfahrzeuge had already been ordered. develop the current Sturmgeschuetz Sfl.IVd as a
The first conceptual design drawings of the Panzerjaeger. It was foreseen that Krupp-Gruson
schweren Panzerjaegers 8.8 em Kw.K. L/71 mit werk would deliver 60 Panzerjaeger each month
Bauelementen des Pz.Kpfw.Panther was discussed instead of the previous plans for Panther assembly.
with Oberstlt. Crohn and Major Ventz from Wa Presented with several conceptual design
Pruef 6 with Direktor Dorn and Herr Woelfert from drawings of a Sturmgeschuetz auf Panther during a
Krupp on 9 September 1942, as follows: meeting with Speer on 20-22 September 1942, Hitler
1) The unmodified Panther Fahrgestell is to be used ordered the production of the schweren Sturmge
with the engine} steering unitJ transmission} entire schuetzes auf Fgst.Panther mit Panther Motor und
suspension} and engine deck. The Panzerwanne could Panther Getriebe mit der 8.8 em L 71.
be used with minimal changes. During a meeting at SpeerDs
2) The 8.8 em Kw.K. L/71 is to be installed. Reichsministerium fuer Rustung und
3) Wa Pruef6 will send an example 1.5 m high Sehrohr Kriegsproduktion on 15 October 1942, it was decided
for use in observation as well as a drawing for a that Daimler Benz would continue design
commander s cupola with a periscope and mount for development of this vehicle, since production .w as to
the SF14Z scissors periscope. commence at the Daimler Benz assembly plant in the
4) Krupp is awarded a contract to complete a 1/10 scale Summer of 1943. Krupp was to assist Daimler Benz
wooden model by the end of September 1942 and a}/1 with the design of the vehicle and still .m aintained
scale wooden model by 10Nov42. primary responsibility for the design of the gun and
6) Detailed drawings were to be completed by January gun mount. Even though Krupp was relieved of
1943. primary design responsibility, they were to complete a
7) Krupp is to complete 2 Versuchs(ahrzeuge in armor full scale-wooden model for presentation on 16
by June 1943. November 1942.
8) Series production was planned for delivery to start in Herr Henze and Ebel from Daimler Benz met
July 1943. with Herr Woelfert and Heerlein from Krupp A.K. on
9) Technical data included a combat weight of 35 ton 30 October 1942 to discuss further design
with an 8.8 em Kw.K. L/71 for the main armament and development of the schwerer Panzerjaeger Pz.Sfl.IV d.
an M.G.42 and two M.P. for the secondary armament. It was decided that Krupp would complete the
Traverse for the main gun was to be 14 degrees to the conceptual design up to completion of the full-scale
right and 14 degrees to the left with elevation from- 8 to wooden model. After the model was presented to Wa
+14 degrees. A total of 60 rounds of 8.8 em ammun Pruef on 16 November, Daimler Benz would take over
ition was to be carried. Armor protection was to consist the design work. From the available overview
off rontal plates of 80 11l11l at 0 degrees and so mm at 60 drawings, it was determined that the following
Typ:8,8un Stu.-Gesch.42 auf Panther
Fa hr g estell
. ------------"1
I
I
I
! ~
I
~
~
J
I
J.._- ------···-----------
<·~--MW--
_____ ----o75tJ.
- -------J27.o----~
Above: A conceptual design for the 8.8 em Stu.:Gesch.42 auf Panther Fahrgestell from 1942 when the
chassis was still based on the VK 30.02(MAN) design with a submerged fording exhaust muffler. (NA)
9-3-3
Below: A wooden model based on the conceptual design for a 8.8 em Stu.-Gesch.42 auf Panther
Fahrgestell in 1942. At this time the chassis was still based on the VK 30.02(MAN) design. (NA)
components could be taken over from the Panther of the gun mount and installation of a counterweight.
MAN: engine, fuel system, cooling system, suspension, The traversing arc would be reduced by 1 degree and
track drive, final drive, steering unit, and elevation also by 1 degree if the current firing height of
transmission. The following components would have 1850 mm was maintained.
to be newly designed or altered to fit: main drive Due to schedule restrictions, the penetration for
shaft, shock absorbers, exhaust system, track a telescopic sight through the gun mantle was dropped.
tensioner, driver seat with foot petals and steering The periscopic Zieleinrichtung 37 with Stl.ZF gun sight
levers, shape of the hull, driver's visor, MG port and is to be installed. The gun mantle can again be shaped
other vision devices, crew hatches, gun mount, crew in a ball form.
compartment ventilation, gun shield, ammunition Daimler-Benz was to make these changes to the
racks, and MP ports. full-scale model, Wa Pruef 6 is to choose the design
The full-scale wooden model of the 8.8 em model by 8 December 1942.
Sturmgeschuetz 42 (Pz.Sfl.IV d) was inspected by At a meeting at Daimler Benz in Berlin
Oberstlt. Crohn and Ventz from Wa Pruef 6 on 24 Marienfelde with Oberstlt. Ventz and Oberbaurat
November 1942. The following deficiencies related to Rau from Wa Pruef 6 on 5 January 1943, the design
the steeply angled front plate of the Sturmgeschuetz of the 8.8 em Sturmgeschuetz 43 (Panther) was
were noted: reviewed and changed as follows:
1. A deep box (Kugel(ang - shot trap) results from As designed on the current proposal, the gun
mounting the gun in the steeply inclined front plate. Scharte (embrasure) in the single piece glacis plate (55
Adding a shield to partially cover the Schacht (opening) degrees) can only be cast and not of welded
was considered to be difficult to design and wouldn't construction. Brandenburger Eisenwerke will be
present an acceptable armor protection solution. contracted to make a trial casting of the Scharte and
2. The driver's vision through the vision port is poor. gun mantle as soon as possible for quality tests and test
Installing periscopes in the steep face results in a firing. The Scharte is to be a molybdenum-free casting
protrusion unfavorable for armor protection. In 100 mm thick at the rear, 60 mm thick on the sides, and
addition, the sight line of the driver is limited by the gun 40 mm thick on the bottom.
mount. Oberbaurat Rau (head of armor design and
These deficiencies were to be corrected by the development in Wa Pruef 6) was against armor casting
following proposals: The trunnions for the shield and expounded on the special difficulties that are to be
would be moved forward about 350 m. The front slope awaited. There are shortages of alloying metals,
was to be interrupted by a 450 mm high, 120-130 mm molybdenum can't be used, casting failures, and
thick wall standing at an angle of about 15 degrees. difficulty in heat treatment resulting in rejected
The advantages of this layout were the elimination of castings. Unlike rolled plates with welded construction,
the shot trap and simpler construction of the driver's an armor casting damaged by hits can't be repaired.
vision device and openings from firing weapons for These difficulties would be significantly diminished by
close defense. However, this would cause modification the sloping design of the gun mantle.
9-3-4
The upper front plate was to be 100 mm thick degrees for the front, 60 mm at 35 degrees for the
and the lower front plate 60 nun thick -both at an angle side, 60 mm at 35 degrees for the rear, and 30 mm at
of 55 degrees from the vertical. The superstructure and 90 degrees for the roof. The hull consisted of a glacis
hull sides were to be 60 mm thick. The top, bottom and plate of 100 mm at 55 degrees, lower front plate of 60
rear plates were to be 30 nun thick. Changes to the hull mm at 55 degrees, sides at 60 mm at 0 degrees, rear of
form weren't necessary because M.A.N. was 60 mm at 30 degrees, deck of 30 mm at 90 degrees,
redesigning the steering unit. and the belly of 30 mm at 90 degrees. In addition to
NOTE: This gave the proposed Sturmgeschuetz the the 8.8 em Pak 43/3 armament, an M.G.34 and two
same armor thicknesses as the hull of the proposed M.P.38s were to be carried loose inside the vehicle.
Panther II. Vision was to be provided by an Sfl.Z.F.5 periscopic
The cast Scharte ·was to •b e·b olted to the front gun sight, an S.F.14Z scissors periscope, and seven
plate so that the gun carriage could be taken out the additional periscopes. A crew of five was needed
front after the Scharte was removed. If the consisting of the commander, gunner, driver, and two
transmission and steering unit could be removed loaders. The radio sets specified were the Fu.G.15
through the hole for the gun mount, the superstructure and Fu~G.16 commonly used by the artillery. The
roof was to be welded in place. An attempt was to be Batterie and Abteilung commander's vehicles were
made to design an upright superstructure rear plate also to be outfitted with a longer range Fu.G.8 radio
with a hatch for removing the gun tube out the rear. set.
The lower carriage of the gun was to be modified like By 4 May 1943, a decision had been made to
the model for the 8.8 em StuK 4211 to be mounted in the continue production of the Panther I. The Panther II
Tiger P. The distance from the middle of the trunnions design was to be shelved and not go into series
to the middle of the gun was 500 mm instead of 430 mill production. Several modifications had been
in the StuK 4211. Firing height was increased to 1900 incorporated into the design of the Panther II to
mm. The gun is to be shoved 30 mm to the right to simplify production, and these were to be
provide sufficient room for the driver. · incorporated into the revised designs for the Panther I
Instead of a visor for the driver, two periscopes and the schwere Sturmgeschuetz 8.8 em. Since the
were to be mounted in the front plate, and pistol ports original design basis used by Daimler Benz had been
would provide vision to the side. A sliding plate was to the Panther II hull, they were ordered to revise the
cover the hole in the roof for traversing the periscopic design and base it on the Panther I chassis but
gun sight. As requested by the troops in general a incorporate the simplifying modifications of the
Sturmgeschuetz was to be outfitted with a machinegun. Panther II design. These changes were to be quickly
Daimler-Benz was to determine if the conceptual design implemented in the design so that the first hulls could
for a Zwillings-M.G.-Kuppelmit Scheren(ernrohr (twin be delivered in September. The new armor
MG cupola with scissors periscope) could be installed thicknesses were to be 80 mm at for the
for the commander. · superstructure front, 50 mm for the lower hull front
Brandenburger Eisenwerke (Kirchmoeser) was and 50 mm at 29 degrees for the superstructure sides,
to produce all the armor components and the and 40 mm for the superstructure rear, hull sides, and
Sturmgeschuetz was to be assembled at Daimler-Benz hull rear. Only plate thicknesses of 16, 25, 40, 50, and
Werk 40 in Berlin-Marienfelde. At this time the plan 80 mm were to be used.
was for the armor manufacturer to complete the first A decision had been made by late December
hulls by the mid-September 1943 and the assembly firm 1942 to have the 8.8 em Stu.-Gesch.42 auf Panther
to complete the first production series vehicle ' in Fahrgestell assembled at Muehlenbau und Industrie
December 1943. A.G. (Miag) in Braunschweig. Responsibility for the
At Hitler's conference with Speer on 6 March detailed design had been passed on to Miag from
1943, a decision was made to examine the design of Daimler-Benz by 24 May 1943, when Miag advised
the gun mantle in the Sturmgeschuetz auf Panther Krupp to redesign the interior travel lock. It had
and, if it was possible, to use the same type of ball been previously fastened to the 30 mm thick roof, but
mount design that. had been mounted in the Porsche since the roof thickness had been reduced to 16 mm, a
Sturmgeschuetz and the Sturmgeschueti 15 em. In all travel lock holding the gun at 8 degrees elevation
cases a gun mount design which created a shot trap as should be relocated to a position below · the gun
was the case with the Sturmgeschuetz auf Pz.Kpfw.III supported· by the hull. Since the gun had been offset
was to be prevented. 50 mm to the right of the vehicle centerline to allow
A Waffenamt data sheet dated 1 May1943 for additional room for the driver and the gun's deflector
the · 8.8 cin Panzerjaeger 43/3 L/71 auf Panther guard hit a shock absorber at maximum elevation and
Fahrgestell included the following details: Arml?r traverse, Miag proposed that the traverse arc be
thicknesses for the superstructure were 100 mm at 60 reduced from 14 degrees to 12 degrees right and 12
9-3-5
degrees left. Miag was to try relocating the shock by Daimler Benz, was to be transferred to Miag by 1S
absorber to obtain a 24 degree traverse arc at June as an aid in completing assembly drawings and
maximum elevation. procedures. This same model was displayed to Hitler
By 9 June 1943, the Wa Pruef 6 specification on 20 October 1943 along with wooden models of the
for the officially named 8.8 em Panzerjaeger 43/3 Tiger II and the Jagdtiger.
(L/71) Panther with a 8.8 em Pak 43/3 (L/71) listed a Having learned the lesson at Kursk with the
crew of six (having added a radio operator), SO Ferdinand that a machinegun was needed to engage
rounds for the main gun, 30 rounds for a infantry and other soft targets, an M.G.34 was
Nebelwurfgeraet, 600 rounds for the M.G.42 (to mounted in the superstructure front to the right of the
engage ground targets, if possible with all-round main gun in the same ball mount introduced in the
traverse), and 760 rounds for the four M.P.40s. Panther. Other design modifications introduced prior
Instead of a direct telescopic sight for the main gun, to the production of the first Versuchsfahrzeug were:
the periscopic Sfl.Z.F.1a mit Zeileinrichtung 37 was to reduction of the crew size from six to five, an increase
be mounted. The head of this periscope extended in the number of main gun rounds carried from SO to
through the superstructure roof and traversed with 60, and a reduction in the number of vision periscopes
the main gun. Vision devices were limited to two in the superstructure roof from five to four of which
periscopes for the driver, five pistol ports (2 right, 1 two were fixed and two were traversable.
left, and 2 rear), a scissors periscope S.F.14Z(Sfl.),
three periscopes for the commander, and two EVOLUTION OF OFFICIAL NAMES
periscopes (one traversable) for the loaders. There
were only three hatches provided for the crew, one at • Pz.Sfl.IV c2 mit 8.8 em L/71 Geschuetz zur
center right in the roof for the commander, one at the Begleitung der Infanterie (21Jan42 by Krupp)
left rear in the roof above a loader, and one centered • schweren Panzerjaeger (Pz.Sfl.IVd) (8.8 em L/71)
in the superstructure rear plate. In addition to the (3Aug42 by Wa Pruef 6)
Bordsprechanlage (intercom), a mechanical device • schweren Panzerjaegers 8.8 em Kw.K. L/71 mit
was to be added for communication between the Bauelementen des Pz.Kpfw.Panther (9Sep42 by Wa
commander and driver - either a Sprechschlauch Pruef6)
(speaking tube) or a Maschinentelegraph as invented • 8.8 em Sturmgeschuetz 42 (Pz.Sfl.IV d) (24Nov42 by
by Telekin. Both armor hulls for penetration tests Wa Pruef6)
that had been contracted from Brandenburger • 8.8 em Stu.-Gesch.42 auf Panther-Fahrgestell
Eisenwerke were to be completed by 1 July 1943. (Jan43 by Hauptausschuss Panzerwagen)
A full-scale wooden model of the mittlere • 8.8 em Panzerjaeger 43/3 (L/71) Panther (1May43
Panzerjaeger mit 8.8 em L/71 auf Panther, completed by Wa Pruef 6)
Above: Versuchs-Panzerjaeger Panther with Fgst.Nr.V101 completed by Miag in October 1943. (HLD)
Right: Versuchs-Panzerjaeger Panther (Fgst.Nr.V102 completed by Miag in November 1943) had pistol
ports on the superstructure sides and was not coated with Zimmerit. (HLD)
9-3-6
• Panzerjaeger auf Fgst.Panther I (mit 8.8 em Pak • s.Pz.-Jaeger V 8.8 em Pak 43/3 L/71
43/3 L/71) (15Jul43 by Wa J Rue) "Jagdpanther" (1May44 by Wa Pruef 6)
• s.Panzerjaeger auf auf Fgst.Panther I (mit 8.8 em • s.Panzerjaeger mit 8.8 em Pak L/71 auf
Pak 43/3 L/71) (15Sep43 by Wa J Rue) Fgst.Panther as "Jagdpanther" (8Sep44 by
• Sturmgeschuetz Panther fuer 8.8 em Stu.Kan.43 Gen.Insp.d.Pz. Tr. )
(Sd.Kfz.172) (Oct43 by In 6) • Jagdpanther Ausf. (name to be used in manuals)
• Panzerjaeger Panther fuer 8.8 em Pak 43/3 (11Sep44 by Gen.lnsp.d.Pz.Tr.)
(Sd.Kfz.173) (0ct43 by In 6) • Jagdpanther, Panzerjaeger Panther (m. 8.8 em
• Jagdpanther - Suggestivname fuer schweren Pak 43/3 L/71) (Sd.Kfz.173) (15Nov44 by Wa J Rue)
Panzerjaeger auf Fahrgest.Panther (29Nov43 by • Jagdpanther G1 (27Feb45 by MNH)
Hitler, 1Feb44 OKW, 27Feb44 OKH) Note: It is interesting that the individual in In 6 who
• Panzerjaeger Panther fuer 8.8 em Pak 43/3 created the list of names in October 1943 did not
(Sd.Kfz.173) (1Mar44 in K.St.N.1149a and 1154a) recognize that the Sturmgeschuetz Panther fuer 8.8
• Jagdpanther (8.8 em Pak 43/3 L/71 auf em Stu.Kan.43 (Sd.Kfz.172) was simply an outdated
Fgst.Panther I) (14Mar44 by Wa J Rue) name for the Panzerjaeger Panther fuer 8.8 em Pak
43/3 (Sd.Kfz.173).
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PRODUCTION tracted parts, particularly aggravated by lengthy
While Hitler kept demanding an increase in · transport bans, must be counted as an additional
Panzer production, the actual monthly production difficulty for all firms during the entire year, but
goals were set by the Hauptausschuss Panzerwagen especially in the last folir months.
und Zugmaschinen (a committee made up of the Miag (Braunschweig) had to overcome the
managers of the assembly plants). Already in results of 10 heavy air attacks beginning in February
January 1943, plans had been laid out for the. entire until October 1944. The total loss of built-up area
Programm III covering the period from April 1943 to amounted to about 60 percent. Considerable indirect
March 1944. In this document Miag (already losses were caused by the continuous attacks on the city
designated as the assembly firm) was scheduled to of Braunschweig. SiKnificant additional stoppages were
deliver the first production series 8.8 em Stu. caused by lack of electrical power supply and absentees.
Gesch.42 auf Panther-Fahrgestell in November 1943, The housing situation in Braunschweig today has
followed by 5 in December, 10 in January, 15 in assumed catastrophic dimensions. The populcitil}n has
February, 25 in March, and 80 in July, with an 'end decreased from 280,000 to 106,000. In spite of these
goal of increasing the rate to 150 per month. difficulties the average monthly output amounts to 112
Only two months behind the original schedule, Sturmgeschuetz andlS ]agdpanthers.
the first five production series Jagdpanthers were Due to the delays in production caused by
completed at Miag and accepted by the Waffenamt bombing raids on Miag, two additional assembly
inspectors in January 1944. Production continued at plants (MNH and MBA) were awarded contracts to
a very low rate, with seven completed in February, start Jagdpanther production. Maschinenfabrik
eight in March, 10 in April, 10 in May. These early Niedersachsen Hannover (MNH) already had been
delays in production had mainly been associated with assembling Panthers since early 1943, long before
automotive improvements in strengthening the Miag delivered 80 Jagdpanther hulls to them. As
steering units and final drive gears. Then, due to a planned on 26 October 1944, MNH was scheduled to
bombing raid, production dropped to six . in J nne complete 20 in November, 30 in December, and 30 in
1944. Only 46 production series Jagdpanthers had January and then drop out of Jagdpanther
been completed by the end of June, compared to the production. MNH had only been selected as a stop
production goals totaling 160 for January through gap firm until a new plant without any previous tank
June 1944. This was barely enough Jagdpanthers to assembly experience could get past their learning.
outfit one schwere Heeres Panzerjaeger Abteilung. If curve· and take over a heavy production schedule.
the production goals had been met, there would have This new firm, Maschinenfabrik Bahn Bedarf (MBA),
been a sufficient number (135) to outfit three full units with a plant located in the suburbs of Berlin, had
plus extras for testing and training. extensive floor space which had not been previously
Production increased to 15 in July but as a exploited for armored vehicle production. The
result of another bombing raid had dropped off to Panther-Programm dated 26 October 1944 reflected
only 14 in August. Miag had complained about a that a learning period was required by MBA which
labor shortage having caused the delays in production was scheduled to complete the first 5 Jagdpanthers in
and were promised 300 additional workers. The November, 10 in December, 20 in January, 30 in
Waffenamt sent 160 soldiers who started work by 4 February, 45 in March, 60 in April, 80 in May, 90 in
August and an additional 160 soldiers were provided June and stabilized at 100 per month from July 1945.
by sending 10 men from each of the 16 Panzerjaeger With the contributions of both MNH and
Ersatz Abteilungen (training units). With the extra MBA supplementing those of Miag, 55 Jagdpanthers
manpower, Miag managed to complete 21 were completed in November, 67 in December, and
Jagdpanthers in September but were again hit by a peak production of 72 was achieved in January 1945.
bombing raid and managed to complete only eight in MBA and Miag had not produced as many as
October. expected, resulting in MNH being scheduled to
The causes of the production problems were continue Jagdpanther production beyond January
related in a report dated 31 December 1944 by Dr. through June of 1945.
Blaicher (Miag's manager, who was also head of the In his report on Panzer production dated 31
Hauptauschuss Panzerwagen): December 1944, Dr. Blaicher reported:
While during 1943 the influence of hostile air Two ]agdpanthers completed in 1943, and 161
attacks was not yet very noticeable in the tank industry from January through the end of November 1944 with
and the more· important suppliers and contractors, in an additional 70 from 1 to 31 December 1944.. The
1944 there was no single Panzer assembly plant which figures for December 1944 are not yet final. We have,
did not suffer directly and above all indirectly to a however, inserted the figures which were stressed in
considerable extent. Insufficient supply of subcon- discussions by the Panzer assembly firms as late as,3 0
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