The T-37 was an amphibious tankette employed in the scouting role by both armored and cavalry brigades. 1200 of these vehicles were produced between 1933 and 1936. In 1937 the extensively improved T-38 entered production, which was both wider and lower than the T-37, and had improved swimming capabilities and greater ammunition stowage capacity. Production of the T-38 ceased in 1939 after the completion of some 1300 units. Both T-37s and T-38s are represented by the same counter in the game.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
9mm
WEIGHT
3.2 tonnes
P00002
The T-40 was a light amphibious scouting tank designed to replace the T-37 and its successor, the T-38. Improvements in design included the use of a heavier main armament, a more powerful engine and superior armor. Staggering losses at the front prompted the termination of T-40 production in September 1940 after the completion of only 230 units, the last batch being used as Katyusha multiple rocket launchers with a BM-8-24 rocket rack installed in place of a turret.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
14 mm
WEIGHT
5.9 tonnes
P00003
T-60 M40 scout tanks began production in July, 1941 at Zavod Nr. 37 in Moscow, alongside their amphibious cousins, the T-40. When this facility was relocated to the Urals, production of the inadequate T-40 was terminated, and production of the T-60 was continued primarily at GAZ in Gorki, and Zavod Nr. 38 in Kirov.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
5.8 tonnes
P00004
T-60 M42 scout tanks began production in the later half of 1942. The design team at GAZ incorporated a number of improvements on the original type, including a more powerful GAZ-203 engine, and in the last units, greatly increased frontal and side armor. In the end, however, these improvements were not enough. The T-60 design was entirely obsolete,: it was sluggish in rough terrain, the increased armor was still too thin to survive the front, and the 20mm gun was capable of little more than marking the T-60 as a target for German tanks. Production continued until September 1942 only because of the pressing need for tanks to fill in depleted units, and the capacity limitations of factories unable to assemble larger machines such as the T-34. A total of 6,022 T-60 and T-60 M42 light tanks were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
35mm
WEIGHT
6.4 tonnes
P00005
The T-70 design was entrusted to the team of N. Astrov at Zavod Nr. 38 and began in earnest in late 1942. The T-60 was slower in rough terrain than the heavier T-34s it was supposed to scout for, and its use as a fighting vehicle was negligible. The need for a heavier gun and armor capable of protecting the two-man crew from a 37mm projectile was recognized , so the new T-70 was designed around a hull armor thickness of 45mm and a main gun of 45mm. Many of the vehicle's components were of ready availability, and the T-70 was rushed into production in March 1942. The one man gun turret made it nearly impossible to coordinate platoon activity, and by 1943, the T-70 was unlikely to survive a clash with German armor. Although an improved design, the T-80, addressed some of these problems, very few of them were built before the red Army ceased design exploration on lightly armed scout tanks. 8,226 T-70 scout tanks were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 45mm gun
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
9.2 tonnes
P00006
T-26 light tanks were based on a British Vickers-Armstrong design imported into the Soviet Union in 1930. Typically employed by tank units as close support for infantry, 1200 T-26s were produced from 1931 to 1941, more than the total tank production of France and Germany combined. Most of these were the T-26 Model 1933s, and T-26 Model 1937s, which are represented together in the game.
ARMAMENT
1 x 45mm cannon
1-3 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
3 tonnes
P00007
OT-133 flamethrower light tanks were the result of fitting a flame projector in place of a main gun for use against bunkers and other fortifications. While the flamethrower was certainly effective, it had to be used at a range of no more than 40-50 meters. Since the vehicle carried no other significant armament, they were virtually defenseless once the flamethrower fuel ran out, and their thin armor made them vulnerable to anti-tank guns or even anti-tank rifles.
ARMAMENT
1 flamethrower
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
3 tonnes
P00008
BT-7 light tanks featured a suspension based on that of the American Christie convertible tank. The suspension of these vehicles were designed to be operated without tracks on roads, which reduced track wear and the possibility of track failure. The tracks could then be fitted for use across terrain. The resulting speed of such a flexible design found the BT series normally assigned to independent tank brigades or to cavalry formations rather than to the slower infantry. Some 7,000 BT series tanks were produced during the period 1932-41 in many variants, the most numerous being the 45mm gunned versions represented in the game.
ARMAMENT
1 x 45mm cannon
1-3 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
22mm
WEIGHT
14 tonnes
P00009
BT-7A light tanks were support versions of the BT-7 light tanks, being fitted with a 76.2mm howitzer in place of a 45mm tank gun. This gave the BT-7A greater effectiveness in the support role, without sacrificing any of the vehicle's agility.
ARMAMENT
76.2mm howitzer
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
13mm
WEIGHT
14.5 tones
P00010
T-28 medium tanks were actually rather heavy tanks for their time, and rather well armed as well. Approximately 600 of these vehicles were produced from 1943-1940. Four heavy tank brigades were equipped with the T-28, three of them exclusively, the fourth with a mixture of T-28s and T-35 heavy tanks. Neither maneuverable nor well armored, T-28s suffered severe losses in the Finnish campaign, and were dubbed "The Mail Train" by the Finns.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm howitzer
3-5 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR: 30 or 80mm
WEIGHT: 28-32 tonnes
P00011
At the time of its introduction in 1940, the T-34 M40 was the finest medium tank in the world. Designed to serve multiple roles, the T-34 eventually replaced the T-26 infantry tank, the BT cavalry tank and the cumbersome T-28 medium tank. With its wide tracks and Christie-based suspension, it was fast, agile, and far better suited to the mud, snow and swamp of European Russia than were its German contemporaries, the PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV. Moreover, its sloped armor and good gun made it more than a match for them in striking power. The T-34's main weakness was the design of its turret; operated by only a gunner and the tank commander, with the latter having to load the main gun and coaxial machinegun as well as observe terrain and coordinate his actions with those of the other vehicles in his unit (a task made even more difficult by the lack of a radio in most vehicles).
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
26 tonnes
P00012
In June 1941 a more powerful version of the L11 76.2mm main gun in the T-34 M40 was being introduced. Appearing initially in commanders' tanks, the new F34 gun quickly became the standard main armament of the T-34 series until replaced by the 85mm gun in 1944. Tanks carrying the F34 weapon were designated T-34 M41.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
2 x 76.2mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
52mm
WEIGHT
26.5 tonnes
P00013
OT-34 flamethrower tanks were T-34 medium tanks with a flame projector mounted in place of the hull machinegun. The main gun was retained, but the presence of the flamethrower and its fuel within the tank left little room within the vehicle for the gun crew. The heavy and medium flamethrower tanks were initially organized into independent battalions, but were later mixed with gun tank formations which could better provide them with fire support.
ARMAMENT
1 x ATO-41 flamethrower
1 x 76.2mm cannon
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
52mm
WEIGHT
26.5 tonnes
P00014
Three years after its introduction, the greatest shortcoming of the T-34 was still the poor ergonomic layout of its turret. This was addressed to some degree by the T-34 M43, which featured a larger hexagonal turret providing more room for the crew and ammunition, and somewhat later, a 360 degree vision cupola for the tank commander. This went a long way to streamline his tasks, but he was still faced with the task of loading the main gun in addition to his other duties. Other improvements were the fitting of fuel panniers or drums to the rear deck to increase range, and the development of special tracks for even greater traction in snow or mud. Armor was increased yet again, and the attempt was made from 1943 on to equip more T-34s with radios.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
70mm
WEIGHT
30.9 tonnes
P00015
T-34/85 mediums tanks were rushed into production in December 1943 in response to improved German designs such as the Panther. In addition to incorporating a more powerful main gun, the turret of the new T-34/85s finally accommodated three men instead of two, which removed the greatest operational deficiency of the design. Full radio equipment and a full vision copula for the commander were also specified. T-34/85s served in brigades mixed with 76.2mm T-34s as new tanks were rushed forward as quickly as possible, and requirements were satisfied by what was available. Guards units generally received preferential treatment, so were more likely to have the more powerful tanks at earlier stages of production.
ARMAMENT
1 x 85mm cannon
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
90mm
WEIGHT
32 tonnes
P00016
The American M4A2(76)W Sherman medium tank carrying a high-velocity 76mm gun began serving with Soviet forces in September 1944. Under the provisions of Lend-Lease, 2073 of these tanks were shipped to the USSR. The M4A2 series had diesel engines, which were preferred by the Soviets since their tanks were diesel powered as well. Whole mechanized corps were equipped with these Shermans, and they played an important role in the 1944-45 fighting. Shermans were known as "Emchas" (a shortened form of "M4") by their crews.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
2 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
89mm
WEIGHT
33.4 tonnes
P00017
T-35 heavy tanks were enormous vehicles for their time. With a crew of eleven serving five separate turrets, these "land battleships" were ungainly to maneuver; and the separate turrets, while impressive enough at the annual parades in Moscow, were difficult to fire accurately unless the tank was stationary. Production of the T-35 was leisurely, with only 61 produced from 1933 to 1939. Just one battalion of T-35s became operational, the rest being stationed permanently around Moscow.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm howitzer
2 x 45mm cannon
5-6 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
45 tonnes
P00018
KV-1 heavy tanks, like T-34 medium tanks, were a nasty shock to the invading Germans in 1941. Early production versions had suffered from serious transmission and clutch deficiencies, a relatively weak main gun, and insufficient armor, but by 1941, they had no peers in the German arsenal. Early in the war, the rather precious KVs were issued to one company of a tank battalion, but later, due to their slow speed and tendency to crush bridges, they were assigned to independent tank regiments as infantry support.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
3-4 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
75mm
WEIGHT
43 tonnes
P00019
By 1942, the KV-1 had become vulnerable to newer German anti-tank guns such as the 75mm PaK 40. The Soviets responded by increasing the turret and hull armor of the new KV-1 M42 to 120mm and 90mm respectively, but no improvements were made to the drivetrain or the main gun. This increase in armor weight made the KV-1 M42 even slower and more cumbersome than its predecessor, and it was still no more heavily armed than the more nimble T-34 medium tank. KVs were thus assigned to support infantry.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
3-4 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
120mm
WEIGHT
47 tonnes
P00020
KV-2 heavy tanks, popularly known as "Dreadnoughts" by their crews, were KV-1 heavy tanks fitted with 152mm howitzers for the purpose of "bunker busting" and other forms of infantry support. The massive gun was impressive, but the turret was difficult to traverse unless the tank was on level ground. The defensive war of 1941-42 left the KV-2 without a mission; production of these tanks was terminated by the end of 1941.
ARMAMENT
1 x 152mm howitzer
3 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
110mm
WEIGHT
52 tonnes
P00021
KV-8 flamethrower heavy tanks were fitted with a flamethrower in place of their 76.2mm main guns, although as some measure of protection, a 45mm tank gun was fitted in the turret as well. This smaller gun was disguised with a dummy sleeve to make it appear like the normal 76.2mm gun to opposing anti-tank gunners inclined to give the flamethrower tanks preferential treatment. KV-8s were issued to one company of independent flamethrower tank battalions early in the war, the remaining two companies of these battalions being equipped with flamethrower versions of the T-34 medium tank.
ARMAMENT
1 x flamethrower
1 x 45mm cannon
3 x 7.62mm machine-guns
MAX. ARMOR
90mm
WEIGHT
43 tonnes
P00022
KV-1S heavy tanks entered production in August 1942. The entry of more effective German anti-tank guns had prompted he fitting of heavier armor on the original KV-1 design, resulting in the KV-1 M42, which in turn resulted in a vehicle which was so slow and cumbersome that it became an impairment to armored operations. Soviet tank production could barely keep up with battlefield losses in 1942, and could not yet afford the delays associated with production step-up of a new heavy tank; the result was a KV that addressed some of the maladies of the earlier versions. The cranky transmissions of the earlier tanks were replaced with units that functioned properly, and armor was reduced to save weight. Turret layout was reconfigured to increase the efficiency of the gun crew, and 360 degree viewing was provided for the commander. These changes were not entirely successful, however; the KV-1S was still too heavy and cumbersome to keep pace with the T-34 which shared the same 76.2mm main gun.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
4 x 7.62mm machine-guns
MAX. ARMOR
82mm
WEIGHT
42.5 tonnes
P00023
KV-85 heavy tanks combined a slightly modified KV-1S hull and a turret from the forthcoming IS -1heavy tank. Strictly a stopgap measure, 130 KV-85s were produced during September and October, 1943.
ARMAMENT
1 x 85mm cannon
3 x 7.62mm machine-guns
MAX. ARMOR
160mm
WEIGHT
46 tonnes
P00024
IS-2 heavy tanks first entered combat with the 11th Guards Heavy Tank Regiment in March of 1944. The 122mm main gun and redesigned hull and layout of the IS series were considerable improvements over the undergunned and aging KV designs. Developing 3.5 times the kinetic energy of the 76.2mm gun, the 122mm could penetrate 160mm of armor at l000 meters, and often would knock the turret off an enemy tank even when the projectile failed to penetrate it. The major sacrifice made in the IS-2 design was in ammunition stowage; only 28 main gun rounds could be carried internally.
ARMAMENT
1 x 122mm cannon
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
2 x 7.62mm machine-guns
MAX. ARMOR
160mm
WEIGHT
46 tonnes
P00025
The IS-2m was a somewhat redesigned IS-2. The main difference was a much more smoothly sloped front hull, which greatly increased its strength vs. anti-tank projectiles.
ARMAMENT
1 x 122mm cannon
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
2 x 7 62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
160mm
WEIGHT
46 tonnes
P00026
SU-76 assault guns entered production in December 1942, and were intended to serve as tank destroyers and as support for infantry and tank formations. Consisting of a 76.2mm divisional gun mounted on a lengthened T-70M light tank chassis, the SU-76s were too lightly gunned and armored to engage most German tanks, but were successful in the assault gun role. The open rear of the gun position made the SU-76s vulnerable to close infantry assault, and miserable to serve in during periods of adverse weather. Nicknamed "Suka", or "bitch", the SU-76 was produced in larger numbers than any other Soviet armored vehicle except the T-34.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
35mm
WEIGHT
10.2 tonnes
P00027
The SU-122 assault gun first went into action in January 1943. Utilizing the chassis and running gear of a T-34 medium tank and an armor enclosed 122mm howitzer, the SU-l22 was effective in support of infantry and tank formations against fortified strongpoints, but was less so when deployed against tanks.
ARMAMENT
1 x 122mm howitzer
MAX. ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
30.9 tonnes
P00028
SU-152 heavy assault guns saw their first action at Kursk in July 1943, and earned the nickname "Zvierboy", or Animal Hunter for their ability to defeat the new German Panthers, Tigers and Elefants. Mounting a 152mm gun on a KV-1S heavy tank chassis, SU-152s were used by independent mechanized gun regiments to provide long range direct fire support for advancing tanks.
ARMAMENT
1 x 152mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
45.5 tonnes
P00029
ISU-122 heavy assault guns combined a encased 122mm gun with the chassis of the new IS heavy tank. Used by independent mechanized gun regiments as direct fire support for tanks, ISU-122s entered service in March 1944, and were produced concurrently with their nearly identical but heavier gunned relatives, the ISU-152. The 122mm had a greater range and better armor penetration capability than the 152mm gun , but was not preferred because the tactics of the gun regiments seldom required it. Nevertheless, ISU-122s were produced throughout the remainder of the war due to the ready availability of the 122mm gun.
ARMAMENT
1 x 122mm cannon
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
90mm
WEIGHT
45.5 tonnes
P00030
ISU-152 heavy assault guns entered service in March 1944 alongside the ISU-122, and were identical to them except for the fitting of the 152mm gun-howitzer in place of the longer 122mm gun. Very effective in the support of tank formations, the ISU-152s, like the earlier SU-152s and SU-122s, were issued to independent mechanized gun regiments. The success of these regiments led to the formation of Guards Mechanized Heavy Artillery Brigades in December 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 152mm cannon
1 x 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
90mm
WEIGHT
46 tonnes
P00031
650 American T-48 halftracks were Lend-Leased to the USSR, and served in the Red Army from August 1943 until the end of the war. Mounting the 57mm anti-tank gun on an M3 armored halftrack, the SU-57s were organized into special anti-tank battalions of about 60 vehicles each.
ARMAMENT
1 x 57mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P00032
SU-85 tank destroyers mounted an 85mm high velocity gun on the chassis of a T-34 medium tank much in the same manner as the SU-122 assault gun. Improvements made on the later SU-122s, such as better gun protection and traverse, were incorporated into the new tank destroyers, and production commenced in August 1943, just after the great battles of Kursk-Orel. 2050 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 85mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
29.2 tonnes
P00033
The SU-100 was the last and most effective tank destroyer built on the T-34 medium tank chassis. Production of the SU-100 began in September 1944, and eventually supplanted that of the SU-85. In December 1944, SU-100s equipped the new Guards Mechanized Artillery Brigades.
ARMAMENT
1 x 100mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
45mm
WEIGHT
31.6 tonnes
P00034
The BA-20 armored car was designed as a reconnaissance vehicle, and was little more than an automobile mounting a rifle caliber machinegun in a thinly armored turret. Production of the BA-20 began in 1936, and it remained in service until December, 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
2.5 tonnes
P00047
M3A1 scout cars were built by White in the United States, and supplied to the Soviets through Lend Lease. Though limited in cross-country capability, the M3Al was fast and reliable, and proved useful for scouting and liaison duties. A total of 3340 M3A1s were shipped to the USSR.
ARMAMENT
1 x 12.7mm machinegun; 2 x .7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
12.7mm
WEIGHT
3.9 tonnes
P00035
The BA-64 was the first new Soviet armored car design of the war, and featured a curious coffin shaped hull. Early versions had an open position for the single 7.62mm machinegun, but the most commonly produced variants had a lightly armored turret. Production of the BA-64 was slow due to technical difficulties with the GAZ chassis, prompting the importation of American scout cars such as the M3A1. Approximately 3500 B-64s were completed between January 1943 and the end of the war.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
or 12.7mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
10mm
WEIGHT
2.4 tonnes
P00036
BA-10 heavy armored cars, although a 1930s design based on a 6x4 truck chassis , remained the standard Soviet heavy armored car throughout the war. They mounted a 45mm gun in an enclosed turret.
ARMAMENT
1 x 45mm cannon
1 x 7.62mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
15mm
WEIGHT
5.1 tonnes
P00037
BM-13 rocket launchers first saw combat in July 1941, and remained an effective ordnance delivery system for the remainder of the war. At first so secret that they were officially designated "Guards Mortars", BM-13s were more affectionately referred to by the Soviet forces as "Katyushas", or "Little Kate." The Germans called the BM rocket launchers "Stalin Organs" after the horrific scream the rockets made in flight, and feared them more than conventional artillery despite the fact that the rockets were rather less accurate. A single BM-13 salvo could drop 4.35 tonnes of explosives and rocket bits into a 10 acre area in a 7-l0 second burst. The standard mounting platform for the BM-13 was the BM-13-16, which featured 16 launching rails on an American Lend Lease Studebaker US6 2.5 ton truck, although a number of other trucks and vehicles were utilized as requirements demanded.
ARMAMENT
16 x 132mm rockets
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P00038
BM-8 rocket launchers were developed in August, 1941, following the success of the larger BM-13 launchers. The 82mm rockets of the BM-8 system were of shorter range than those of the BM-13, but their smaller size permitted the mounting of the BM-8 system on a smaller platform such as a GAZ jeep, or the mounting of a greater number of launcher rails on a given chassis. The most common mounting was that of the BM-8-36, which featured 36 launching rails on a medium sized truck.
ARMAMENT
36 x 82mm rockets
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
3.5 tonnes
P00046
300mm rockets had been in service since July 1942, but not until the introduction of the BM-31-12 in June, 1944, were the heavy rockets truly mobile. Earlier launching systems had consisted of launching rails that were set into the ground, which greatly restricted mobility and subjected the launching teams to the risk of German counter battery fire. By fitting twelve launching rails to larger trucks, such as the American Studebaker 2.5 ton 6 x 6, the Guards Mortar heavy rockets could now accompany tank and infantry formations during all phases on an assault, and launch their volleys after only 7-12 minutes of preparation. The troops loved the mobile launchers, dubbing them "Andryusha", and "Vanyusha", or "Andy" and "Johnny".
ARMAMENT
12 x 300mm rockets
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P00039
ZSU-37 anti-aircraft tanks were the result of mounting a 37mm anti-aircraft gun on an SU-76 assault gun chassis. Accepted for production in January 1944 after a prolonged and troublesome development, ZSU-37s suffered from a slow turret traverse. Only a few hundred of these vehicles were completed.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm anti-aircraft cannon
MAX. ARMOR
35mm
WEIGHT
10.5 tonnes
P00040
M17 anti-aircraft halftracks were the only armored anti-aircraft vehicles available to the Soviets in any quantity, 1000 being supplied by the United States from early 1944. Featuring an electrically operated quadruple .50 cal. (12.7mm) machinegun setup on an International Harvester M5 halftrack, the M17 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage could be devastating to non-hardened ground targets as well attacking aircraft.
ARMAMENT
4 x .50 machine-guns
MAX. ARMOR
16mm
WEIGHT
9 tonnes
P00041
GAZ 4M anti-aircraft trucks were the standard Soviet anti-aircraft vehicles at the beginning of the war. A quadruple Maxim machinegun mount was fitted to the GAZ AAA truck.
ARMAMENT
4 x 7.62mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
3 tonnes
P00042
SU-12 76mm howitzer trucks were the first true self-propelled guns in Soviet service. Produced from 1932 to 1935, these vehicles were flatbed GAZ AAA trucks mounting a thinly shielded 76.2mm regimental howitzer. SU-12s were issued to cavalry and motorized infantry regiments.
ARMAMENT
1 x 76.2mm howitzer
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P00043
The difficult weather and ground conditions of European Russia prompted the Soviets to use tractors throughout the war as prime movers for towed artillery pieces. The size and configuration of these tractors varied according to the type of piece being towed. The handy Komsomolyets was designed to pull the 45mm infantry anti-tank gun, and was lightly armored and provided with a 7.62mm machinegun for the commander. The heavy Voroshilovyets used the same diesel engine as the T-34 medium tank, and towed heavy artillery such as the 152mm howitzer. Obsolete armored vehicles such as T-70 light tanks were stripped of their turrets and put to use towing anti-tank or field guns. Other tractors were little different from civilian industrial vehicles.
P00044
Trucks of various sizes and types were used by the Soviets during the Great Patriotic War. Many were of native design but some, like the GAZ A, were domestically produced versions of foreign vehicles such as the Ford Model A. Others, such as the Studebaker US6 were imported via Lend-Lease. The rather primitive infrastructure of European Russia required trucks of sturdy construction, and the relative unfamiliarity of the average Russian soldier with machinery placed value on simplicity as well.
P00045
Wagons played an important role during the war. Motor vehicle transport was often in short supply due to action or other attrition, and the deplorable state of most roads during the spring and fall wet seasons often made them impassable for trucks and other wheeled conveyances. Wagons were cheap, burned no fuel other than the forage for the horses that pulled them, and were easily requisitioned from the civilian populace.
P00048
Horses were vital to the Soviet war effort. Mounted cavalry formations were still a major part of their order of battle at the beginning of the war, and remained useful for the remainder of it. The harsh Russian climate, often so strenuous to mechanized formations and transport services, was the natural habitat of the small, hardy native breeds. Russian animals required little enriched fodder such as oats during the winter, and could survive the most severe weather with a minimum of protection. This gave the cavalry formations a flexibility that other types of units lacked, and permitted the movement of material during periods when motorized transport was bogged down or snowed in.
P00050
Motorcycles served the Red Army much the same way as they served others during the Second World War-as escort, security, liaison and reconnaissance vehicles. A shortage of radios at the beginning of the war forced the Soviets to rely on outdated and easily disrupted field telephones and the physical transportation of information; motorcycles, with their lightness, simplicity, and speed could be highly successful in the latter role under the right conditions. Guards Mortar units often relied on motorcycles for reconnaissance, as the range of their rockets was less than that of many types of German artillery, and by 1943, rapid counter battery fire was likely to fall on the Katyushas if they were not smartly set up, fired, and relocated for another volley.
P00051
Boats of all sorts and sizes served the Soviets during the war, particularly in the movement of troops and material along and across the numerous strategically important rivers in Western Russia.
P00052
Rafts were often the only conveyance available to the Soviets for the movement of men and material. Boats were often not available for fording rivers but inflatable rafts were often used to float across infantry and their smaller supporting weapons. The Red Army was also adept at building larger rafts for the floating of artillery or armor with little more than lumber and muscle, and surprisingly little time.
P00101
The BM obr. 37 82mm was the standard medium mortar in Soviet rifle battalions. Reasonably light and effective, the weapon was initially crewed by five men, and could be transported by three. Later in the war, the crews were reduced by one or two men to conserve manpower. Later models (obr. 41 and obr. 43) had wheels so they could be moved without being disassembled. Two sections of two mortars each are represented by this unit.
MAX. RANGE
3100m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
56kg
P00129
BM obr. 37 82mm mortars were often the only indirect-fire weapons immediately available to the commander of a rifle battalion or regiment, aside from the nearly useless 50mm. The mortar sections normally set up their weapons in a line, 15 to 30 meters apart. This unit represents three sections of two 82mm mortars apiece.
MAX. RANGE
3100m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
56kg
P00102
The GVPM obr. 38 107mm mortar was basically an enlarged 82mm mortar modified for use by mountain troops. Though heavier and more difficult to move than the 82mm, it also had twice the range and packed a much heavier punch.
MAX. RANGE
6100m
SHELL WEIGHT
8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
160kg
P00103
The PM obr. 38 120mm mortar was the largest of the three integral indirect support weapons available to the commander of a Red Army rifle regiment. Less portable than the smaller 50mm and 82mm mortars, the 120mm required a wagon or light truck for transport. Nevertheless, for its weight it packed a tremendous punch, and it so impressed the Germans that they put a virtually identical copy into production for themselves. In the game this unit represents two sections of two 120mm mortars each.
MAX. RANGE
6050m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
285kg
P00128
Three sections of two PM obr. 38 120mm mortars are represented by this unit. 120mm mortars were employed in several different types of heavy mortar battalions; a heavy mortar companywas assigned to each rifle regiment.
MAX. RANGE
6050m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
285kg
P00104
The PM obr. 43 160mm mortar was developed to provide relatively portable indirect fire at the corps and army level. Unlike most mortars, which are loaded from the muzzle end, the barrel of the PM 43 was lowered after being fired, and it was reloaded from the breech end. In the game this unit represents a platoon of two such mortars.
MAX. RANGE
5160m
SHELL WEIGHT
41kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
350kg
P00105
PP obr. 27 infantry guns were available in large numbers at the onset of war, as they were intended to replace all other infantry guns then in Soviet service. Simple and basic in design, the 76.2mm Model 1927 remained front-line issue with infantry and cavalry divisions until 1943, when replaced in production by a lighter and cheaper version using a 45mm anti-tank gun carriage. This, combined with hollow-charge projectiles, preserved the multi-purpose role for these regimental guns.
MAX. RANGE
8550m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.23kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
600kg
P00106
PTP obr. 32 45mm anti-tank guns were essentially scaled up versions of the German 37mm Rheinmetall gun and, despite their small caliber they served the Soviets throughout the war. The carriages of the Model 1937s were designed to be pulled by either horse or motorized transport. In 1937 the weapon was updated slightly without any major changes in performance.
ARMOR PENETRATION
35mm at 1000m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
510kg
P00107
PTP obr. 42 45mm anti-tank guns were improved Model 1932/37 guns, and gradually replaced the earlier weapons as the war went on. The barrels of the earlier design were lengthened and the breechblocks strengthened which permitted greater velocity for the 1.43kg projectile, but by 1942, the 45mm was markedly small in caliber. Nevertheless, these weapons served the Soviets throughout the remainder of the war and well beyond.
ARMOR PENETRATION
95mm at 300m
SHELL WEIGHT
1.43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
570kg
P00108
PTP obr. 41 57mm anti-tank guns were about to enter Soviet service as Operation Barbarossa commenced in June 1941. Using the carriage of a ZIS-3 76mm field gun, the Model 1941 57mm ZIS-2 was nearly twice as heavy as earlier Soviet anti-tank guns, but with its heavier round and longer barrel, the 57mm was a far more capable weapon. In 1943, 57-41 anti-tank gun production was superseded by that of the PTP obr. 43, also of 57mm, which differed largely in using the tubular carriage of another version of the ZIS-3 76mm gun. The performance of the two guns were nearly identical. Both are represented by the PTP obr. 4l in the game.
ARMOR PENETRATION
140mm at 500m (with APCR)
SHELL WEIGHT
3.148kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1125kg
P00109
P obr. 39 76mm anti-tank guns were 76mm F-22 field guns using armor piercing shot. In 1941, the rather complicated 76-39 was superseded by the simplified and improved 76mm Model 1942 ZIS-3, which reduced production time by a third, and production costs by two thirds. The Germans referred to the ZIS-3 as the "Ratsch-Bum" or "crash-boom" because the sound of impact of the weapon's high velocity projectile followed the sound of its firing so closely. Both rifle and Guards Rifle divisions were equipped with this gun, to the number of 32 and 36, respectively. A crew of six could fire a ZIS-3 25 times/minute.
ARMOR PENETRATION
90mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.21kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1120kg (ZIS-3)
P00127
P obr. 43 85mm anti-tank guns were field pieces designed to add throw weight to the masses of 76.2mm guns normally used in Soviet barrages, but the heavier rounds of the 85-43s were found to be more useful penetrating German armored vehicles. Crewed by seven men, the 85-43 could fire 15 rounds/minute. Relatively few of these guns were built, as they were replaced by an improved model, the 85mm D-44. The D-44 shared similar ballistic capabilities, and with its low silhouette also excelled in the anti-tank role. As anti-tank guns, both are represented by the 43-85 in the game.
MAX. RANGE
16,600m
SHELL WEIGHT
9.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1704kg
P00110
PTP obr. 100mm anti-tank guns were BS-3 100mm field guns employed in the anti-tank role. Though much larger and more cumbersome than the 45mm and 57mm anti-tank guns, or the multi-purposed 76mm ZIS-3s, the long barreled BS-3s were quite capable of penetrating the frontal armor of German Tigers and Panthers.
ARMOR PENETRATION
160mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3,650kg
P00111
P obr. 02/30 76mm field guns were modernized pieces dating from the days of Tsar Nicholas II. A confusing array of more efficient propellants and projectiles were specified for the updated guns, which combined with the fact that some cases longer barrels were fitted as well led to the necessity of issuing four different range tables for one type of gun. Many 02/30s were still in service at the beginning of the war, a good number of them seeing service with the Germans as well.
MAX. RANGE
13,290m (L40)
SHELL WEIGHT
6.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1350kg (L/40)
P00112
P obr. 36 76mm field guns were one of the most commonly used Soviet regimental field guns in the early stages of the war. Well designed and robust, the 76-36 could fire 25 rounds/minute. Those who captured or acquired these guns thought highly of them-the Germans to the point of remanufacturing them as the 7.62mm PaK 36(r) for anti-tank service.
MAX. RANGE
13,580m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1350kg
P00113
P obr. 39 76mm field guns entered service in 1939, and were an attempt to provide Soviet field artillery regiments with a smaller and more manageable piece than the 76-36 then in service. Although the Model 39 was less bulky than its predecessor, it was slightly heavier, and more difficult to produce. Ballistics were little changed from those of the more primitive 76-36, and armor piercing shot was a standard issue. In 1941, the 76-39 was replaced by the superb ZIS-3, which had the same ballistics, but featured a simplified carriage which made the gun easier to handle and produce. Eventually the ZIS-3 would make up the bulk of Soviet light artillery. The 76-39 and ZIS-3 series are represented together in the game.
MAX. RANGE
13,290m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1570kg
P00114
P obr. 44 85mm field guns were produced in large numbers during 1944-45, replacing the earlier 85-43. Many of these guns saw service in the anti-tank role instead, as their low silhouette, powerful rounds, and relatively high rate of fire could pose a serious threat to even the heaviest German armored vehicles.
MAX. RANGE
15,500m
SHELL WEIGHT
9.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1725kg
P00115
P obr. 10/30 107mm field guns were a pre World War I design modernized in the early 1930s by fitting longer barrels on the existing horse drawn carriages. Many of these guns were still in service at the time of the German invasion, and saw service with their captives as well. These elderly pieces could fire 5-6 rounds/minute.
MAX. RANGE
16,350m
SHELL WEIGHT
17.18kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2380kg
P00116
The G obr. 10 122mm field howitzer began service before the First World War. In 1930, those guns still in store were renovated and redesignated 122mm howitzer Model 1910/30. At the beginning of the Second World War, a large number of the venerable howitzers were still in service despite the fact that their carriage design was of an earlier age, and could only be towed by tractors at very slow speeds.
MAX. RANGE
8940m
SHELL WEIGHT
21.76kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1466kg
P00117
The G obr. 38 122mm field howitzer was an excellent design. Relatively light, sturdy, and reliable, the Model 1938, or M20, eventually become the standard Soviet divisional and Army heavy howitzer, and remained in production throughout the war. A crew of 7 could fire the 122-38 5-6 rounds/minute, and the piece could be towed at 50 kph over good roads. Those who captured or acquired 122-38s thought highly of them, the Germans employing them both in the field and as coastal defense guns.
MAX. RANGE
11,80 m
SHELL WEIGHT
21.76kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
2450kg
P00118
Unlike most Soviet field pieces of its time, the G. obr. 31 122mm field gun was of domestic design, produced by grafting a 122mm long gun barrel on the Model 1934 152mm howitzer. In 1937, the 122-31 was replaced by the 122mm 1931/37, which used the carriage of the Model 1937 gun-howitzer, and differed from the earlier gun only in detail. The Model 1931/37 could be towed by either horse or motorized transport, and required 8-10 minutes to unlimber and prepare for firing. Mobile versions of the Model 1931/37 mounted on a suitably modified KV heavy tank chassis resulted in the SU-122 assault gun.
MAX. RANGE
20,400m (1931/37)
SHELL WEIGHT
25kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
7117kg (1931/37)
P00119
G obr. 38 152mm field howitzers were one of the last designs of the Soviet prewar artillery modernization program to actually see service during the war. A sturdy and reliable piece, the 152-38, or M10, featured a carriage designed for increased traction, but this design coupled with the weight of the gun, greatly hindered transport speed. A crew of seven could fire the Model 1938 3-4 times a minute, and like most Soviet artillery pieces, the M-10 could also function as an anti-tank gun, firing a 40 kg shot for that purpose. In 1943, the D-1 152mm howitzer was conceived to replace the M10, and quantity production began in early 1944. The D-1 had roughly the same ballistic capabilities as the earlier gun, but was more than 500 kg lighter in action, and just as importantly, more than 900 kg lighter traveling. The D-l was first issued to the 1st Guards Howitzer Brigade in mid 1944, and while each rifle division was to receive 18 of these new howitzers, the earlier pieces such as the Model 1938 were never entirely supplanted.
MAX. RANGE
12,400m
SHELL WEIGHT
51.1kg (D-1)
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3601kg (D-1)
P00120
Entering service in 1938, the G obr. 37 152mm Gun Howitzer was one of the most widely used Soviet artillery pieces of the war, and was perhaps the most important counter-battery weapon in their inventory. Two different carriages were specified: one with dual wheels for motorized transport, and one with spoked wheels for transport by horse. The crew of nine could bring the gun into battery in about 5 minutes, and fire three or four rounds/minute thereafter. Suitably modified, the Model 1937 was mated to the KV heavy tank chassis as the SU-152 assault gun, and the IS heavy tank chassis as the ISU-152. As an anti-tank gun, the 152-37 depended upon its shot weight rather than its velocity, but was highly effective. The Germans made good use of any 152-37s they could acquire.
MAX. RANGE
17,265m
SHELL WEIGHT
43.56kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
7128kg
P00121
The 203mm G. obr. 31 howitzers, or B-4s, were rather unique in design, being supported by a tracked rather than a more conventional wheeled carriage. The tracks of the B4 were capable of moving 8 degrees from each side of center to increase maneuverability and to reduce its weight in ice and snow, but the huge howitzer was never intended to be self-propelled. Produced in many variants from 1931 to 1937, the highly accurate B-4s were particularly well suited for the reduction of fortifications and bunkers. Served by a crew of 15, (including 3 on the rammer), the 203mm required 3 minutes to load.
MAX. RANGE
17,500m
SHELL WEIGHT
100kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
17,700kg
P00122
M-30 heavy rocket battalions first went into action on July 5, 1942. The new 300mm rockets generated much more explosive force than their lighter cousins, but their range was shorter, and the bulkiness of the projectiles required a special launching apparatus that had to be set into the ground. This system took a great deal of time to set up or dismantle, which made them rather immobile. Nevertheless, the effect of these large rockets was devastating, and when the Soviets reorganized their Guards Mortar units into divisions in December 1942, the 300mm M-30 equipped two of each division's brigades. In 1943, two more Guards Mortar divisions were formed, with three M-30 brigades apiece, that were capable of launching 1152 rockets per volley. Still, however, the problem of mobility remained.
MAX. RANGE
2800m
ROCKET WEIGHT
70.2kg
P00123
The M-31 heavy rocket entered combat in July 1943, and like the earlier M-30, was of 300mm diameter. The range of the M-31 was greater, however, and the launching system consisted of eight rails rather than four, which doubled the throw weight of each volley. This permitted the Guards Mortar brigades to put seven or eight rockets at once into an area roughly the size of a football field over a target area of over 100 acres. By late 1943 the Soviets could call on the services of thirteen M-31 brigades.
MAX. RANGE
4300m
ROCKET WEIGHT
70.2kg
P00124
The ZP obr. 39 37mm anti-aircraft gun was based on the splendid Swedish 40mm Bofors gun, and was in Soviet service at the beginning of the war. Simple, rugged and reliable, the 37-39 could fire up to 180 rounds/minute, although 80 rounds/minute was more representative of the gun's combat capability. These guns were mounted in self propelled carriages as the ZSU-37. The Germans pressed many of Model 1939s into their service as the 3.7cm Flak M.39(r).
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
1373m
SHELL WEIGHT
.785kg
WEIGHT (TRAVELING)
2100kg
P00125
The ZP obr. 38 76.2mm anti-aircraft gun was an updated version of a Vickers based Soviet design of 1931. Many of the earlier gun's virtues were retained, such as sturdiness and reliability, but improvements in the commander's controls and the addition of a second axle to the carriage increased the Model 1938's effectiveness. Many of these guns captured by the Germans were rebored to take 88mm rounds.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
9300m
SHELL WEIGHT
6.61kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3047kg
P00126
By 1939, the Soviets realized that their 76.2mm anti-aircraft guns would be incapable of meeting the requirements that would be forced upon them by the development of larger and higher flying aircraft. The ZP obr. 39 85mm gun was developed to address this problem, and was available in some quantities by the beginning of the war. Basically a scaled up version of the 76.2mm model 1938 anti-aircraft gun, the Model 1939, or K-12, was a highly successful design, and like many anti-aircraft guns of the war was also quite capable in the anti-tank role. Modified versions of this gun were used in the SU-85 assault gun and the T-34/85 tank.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
10,500m
SHELL WEIGHT
9.2kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3057kg
P00201
This unit represents a typical Red Army rifle platoon from September 1939 until the end of 1941. This period was one of confusion and change for the Army; having endured Stalin's purges, it next had to endure the Finnish debacle, and then the German invasion. Performance of the rifle divisions was inconsistent; some fought to the death , while others surrendered with hardly a fight. The loss of the most experienced officers to Stalin's paranoia and a fear of the abuses of the Communist Party did little to encourage the loyalty of the common Russian soldier, but as the war began to be recognized as one for the Motherland, the will of the Soviet soldier hardened. The Soviet rifleman's equipment was haphazard during the early stages of the war, as the authorized patterns of gear were either unavailable in sufficient quantities, or were considered too expensive to produce. Through December 1941, Red Army riflemen were typically armed with the five-shot, bolt-action m 1891/30 bolt action rifle. A mid-1941 rifle platoon contained about 50 men, with each of its four squads armed with rifles and either a submachinegun or light machinegun. A 50mm mortar was also authorized, but losses soon forced its official removal from the platoon.
P00202
By late 1941, losses in the field and the great eastward exodus of Soviet industry forced a drastic reduction in the authorized strength of the rifle platoon. From this time till later in 1942 a full-strength rifle platoon contained about 40 men in three squads, each of which was armed with rifles, a submachinegun and a light machinegun. In addition, all medium machineguns and light mortars were removed from the rifle company, thus depriving its platoons of this additional firepower.
P00203
In the latter half of 1942 the rifle platoon was reorganized again. Though still containing about 40 men, it now had four squads, each armed with rifles, a submachinegun and one or two light machineguns. With equipment availability on the rise, the rifle company was authorized a medium machinegun and 2-3 50mm mortars to provide extra firepower for its platoons. With minor changes, this platoon organization lasted until the end of the war.
P00204
In late 1941 the Red Army general staff (STAVKA) reintroduced the old practice of awarding "Guards" status to units that had distinguished themselves in battle. By designating as Guards those formations that had performed well, STAVKA intended to boost morale and create a standard to which regular line units might aspire. In addition to the honors and responsibilities bestowed upon them, Guards were authorized higher pay, better clothing and generally newer equipment. Guards rifle platoons were identical to their non-Guards counterparts in organization, but had more support weapons at the company and battalion level.
P00205
This unit represents the Guards rifle platoon as reorganized in the second half of 1942. Like its non-Guards counterpart, it contained about 40 men and four squads, each armed with rifles, a submachinegun and one or two light machineguns. At the company level were two medium machineguns and 2-3 50mm mortars to provide extra firepower for the platoons. With minor changes, this platoon organization remained in effect for the remainder of the war.
P00206
The Red Army made far greater use of the submachinegun than did the other combatants in WW2. Many were issued in a practice similar to that of the Germans - i.e., provided to platoon and squad leaders - but the majority were issued to submachinegun platoons and companies. This game unit represents a platoon armed solely with submachineguns. They had two main uses. The first was in the submachinegun company of the rifle regiment, where they acted as a general reserve and performed special functions like infiltration attacks. The second was as "Tankodesantniki" - infantry whose role was to ride on tanks. This method of transport allowed them to close with the enemy rapidly, and those who survived could dismount right into the enemy's position for maximum shock value. It also gave greater tactical mobility to the infantry that accompanied tanks, while providing the tanks a measure of close-in protection from the dreaded German Panzerfaust and Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons. In both roles, three platoons, each of three squads, made up a company. The hundred men in a full-strength company carried only submachineguns - no rifles or light machineguns were normally present.
P00207
As the war went on, the importance of the rifle regiment's submachinegun company declined, the need for replacements often overriding the necessity of maintaining such a 'specialist' unit. Many submachinegun companies were disbanded for this reason, and their weapons used to rearm a rifle company. Since this company retained its fourth squad and all its light machineguns, its firepower was superior to that of its submachinegun-only counterpart. At the end of May 1944 it was ordered that one rifle platoon in each rifle company was to be re-equipped with submachineguns.
P00208
Guards submachinegun platoons, like most Guards units, initially followed the same table of organization as that of their regular Red Army counterparts. As with the regular rifle divisions, the submachinegun companies were the regimental commander's reserve, to be used either to reinforce his scouts or to intervene with the support of the regimental artillery. In the motorized or mechanized units, the submachinegunners would ride into battle as "Tankodesantniki" atop the assaulting tanks. Once the tanks had reached the point where the close fighting capabilities of the submachinegun could be exploited, the surviving submachinegunners would disembark and continue the assault on foot. As might be expected, casualties under such conditions were very high.
P00209
Guards submachinegun units evolved much in the same manner as its Red Army counterpart. Initially deployed at company strength as regimental reserves or attached to motorized or mechanized units, submachinegun companies eventually became an integral part of the regular Soviet rifle division. By 1944, a submachinegun platoons had replaced one rifle platoon in a regular rifle company. This was not done in Guards Rifle Divisions, at least according to the tables of organization, or shtat, the submachinegunners instead being organized into two companies of 100 men per each of the three rifle regiments. Each company would rate four platoons of about forty men apiece and a minimal headquarters. On paper this would mean that the number of submachineguns in a Guards Rifle Division, including those issued to scouts, NCOs, officers and the like would total 3,594. This, when compared with the 6,330 rifles issued to the same division under the same establishment, emphasizes how readily the Soviets came to appreciate the cheaply produced, easily used, and brutally lethal submachinegun. Guards submachinegun platoons, when not employed tankoviy desant, would also receive additional support at the company level by two medium or heavy machineguns and possibly a 50mm mortar section.
P00210
In the early 1930s the Soviet Union experimented very successfully with the concept of massed airborne assaults, and by 1940 the Red Army possessed over 18,000 trained paratroops, most of whom had combat experience. When the Germans invaded in June 1941, however, most of these lightly armed and intensely motivated parachute, airlanding and airborne troops were squandered in defense against German armor and artillery, as most of the officers capable of coordinating complicated airborne operations had been purged, and the Luftwaffe had very quickly destroyed the Soviets' airlift capability. Those that survived were pulled back by autumn to rebuild the existing units and form new ones. The large number of trained pre-war civilian parachutists permitted the doubling of the Soviet airborne force by the summer of 1942, but most of these troops would once again be employed as infantry. Soviet air transport capability was restored to a serviceable level by 1943, but by then it was deemed far more practical to penetrate the enemy's rear with hordes of tanks than with lightly armed airborne troops, as the few large airborne operations conducted were bloody failures. After September 1943, only single company or battalion drops were made in support of partisans or ground units. Like the German FallschirmjΣger, the Red Army paratroopers earned much of their reputation as elite infantry. A 1941 parachute platoon comprised about 40 men in three squads, armed with semi-automatic rifles and one light machinegun per squad.
P00229
A lack of airlift capability and capable leadership compelled the Soviets to employ most of the airborne units rebuilt and newly formed during the winter of 1941-42 as infantry. The first ten airborne corps were converted to Guards Infantry Divisions, and the Guards Airborne Divisions then forming, despite some parachute training, were strictly ground units. In October 1944 most of the remaining airborne units were merged into the Separate Guards Airborne Army, later redesignated 9th Guards Army, and converted to Guards Rifle Divisions under a new shtat that served as a model for Guards and regular rifle divisions. For most of the war, the Soviet parachute infantry platoon would number approximately 40 men, divided between three platoons. The riflemen would be armed with semi-automatic rifles when available, and each of three platoons would have an integral light machinegun. Late in the war, the platoon would expand to comprise four infantry platoons, each with an integral LMG, and a 50mm mortar section (1 50mm mortar).
P00211
Soviet heavy machineguns were usually operated at the company level, with one company per each rifle regiment, or three to a rifle division. Each company rated 91 men, divided between three platoons of four guns each. The weapon used for most of the war was the venerable 7.62mm Maxim, most often mounted on a wheeled carriage. Although heavy and rather cumbersome, the Maxim was impeccably reliable and effective out to 1,000 meters. Heavy machinegun squads were sited for flanking fire, and if possible from multiple positions prepared 20-30 meters apart which would permit the guns to be shifted after 5-10 minutes of firing.
P00212
Guards machinegun companies were rated at the same strength as their regular Red Army counterparts, consisting of 91 men divided between three platoons of four guns apiece, although as with most types of Guards units, the machinegun companies were more likely to be equipped and maintained according to their establishment than regular ones. The guns would be set up in the same manner, with squads shifting between prepared positions 20-30 meters apart. The same weapons were used the sturdy and reliable water cooled 7.62mm Maxim.
P00213
Engineers were used by the Soviets in much the same manner as other armies-to build, repair or destroy bridges, roads, fortifications and other forms of construction requiring specialized skill. The training and equipment of the Soviet infantryman was such that an entire rifle regiment and all of its supporting equipment could be dug in behind cleared fields of fire, camouflaged, and under protective cover in 12 hours or less. Anti-tank brigades had integral mine-engineer battalions for the laying of anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. These would be divided into companies of sappers, or mine-engineers, which in turn were divided into three platoons of about thirty men apiece.
P00214
Guards engineer platoons would, as with most Guards units, follow the same table of organization as regular Red Army units. Engineers were allotted the tasks beyond those expected of the typical Soviet infantryman or artilleryman - those tasks requiring specialized training or expertise. An example would be the sappers or mine engineers attached to anti-tank brigades.
P00215
Contrary to the popular image of World War II Soviet cavalry as a mass of madly charging saber swinging Cossacks, the horse soldiers of the Red Army were well trained in both mounted and dismounted action, and as the war went on, very adept at selecting which method of operation best suited their immediate tactical requirements. The use of cavalry was not a complete anachronism; the Red Army never developed armored troop transport during the war, and tanks used in combined-arms operations would inevitably be slowed down to the foot speed of the supporting infantry. Cavalry could close the final distance of an assault at the speed of a galloping horse, which often enough was faster than that attainable by the tanks. The inherent lack of firepower of mounted cavalry was addressed to some extent by the tachanka, a light cart drawn by one or two horses with a heavy Maxim machinegun mounted in a firing position to the rear. The 1941 cavalry platoon had two sections of 12 men and a light machinegun, and early in the war a nearly useless 50mm mortar. With two or three men held back as horse holders, this would give the cavalry platoon the same integral firepower as a contemporary rifle squad. Each squadron contained four platoons, which combined with the tachanka-mounted heavy machineguns of the regimental machinegun squadron, would lead one to believe that a dismounted cavalry regiment would be able to perform much as would a rifle regiment. The reality was rather different. Cavalry regiments integral medium and heavy mortars, and the 76mm and 45mm guns from the regimental artillery were insufficient to support them in static defense. In a mounted attack, the same lack of support made it impossible for cavalry to assault dug in, wired and mined front-line defenses unless armor or infantry supported by heavy guns first created a breach through which the horses could pass. The vulnerability of mounted troops to opposing artillery was acute. By the summer of 1943, the revitalization of the Soviet armored and mechanized forces led to the reduction of the number of cavalry divisions to 27 from the 82 listed at the end of 1941.
P00216
Guards cavalry units were first formed in November 1941, and began raiding behind the German lines shortly thereafter. At the company level and below, the Guards cavalry was little different than its regular Red Army counterparts, except that as Guards units, they were more likely to be equipped to the level of their establishment. Guards cavalry served until the end of the war, often linked with mechanized forces.
P00217
The Red Army learned to appreciate the value of skis during the "Winter War" with Finland, when immobilized Red Army forces were often brutalized by smaller Finnish forces well trained in their use. The Red Army infantry units subsequently issued skis had little or no training with them, particularly with regards to combat, but they were often the only troops capable of movement during the winter following the German invasion in 1941. The equipment of a ski platoon generally followed that of a regular infantry platoon, with the exception that they might receive rather less support from higher echelons.
P00218
The establishment of Guards units at the end of 1941 also would effect ski troops, as many of these were simply infantrymen handed the devices and set to learning "on the job". The Finns had greatly impressed the Soviets by their skillful use of skis during the "Winter War" of 1939-40, and prompted the issue of such devices to various units of the Red Army. A Guards ski platoon, like its regular Red Army counterpart, would generally follow the same table of organization and equipment as a contemporary regular rifle platoon.
P00219
Soviet partisans began operating shortly after the German invasion, and remained active for the remainder of the war. The sizes and capabilities of these groups varied; some groups might be little more than a few haggard civilians armed with battlefield debris, while others might be well supported by the Red Army, possibly to the extent of being reinforced with paratroops. The day to day operations of partisan bands was entirely successful in forcing the Germans to pull severely needed combat troops back from front line service to police their rear areas. A platoon sized band of thirty or forty partisans with infantry small arms is represented here in the game.
P00220
The Soviets, despite their innovative tank designs, lagged behind most of the Western powers in the development of infantry anti-tank weapons. In 1941, the 14.5mm PTRD and PTRS anti-tank rifles began to appear in the rifle divisions. These were no more than oversized bolt action or semi-automatic rifles firing a high velocity cartridge which could penetrate the light armor of many contemporary tanks. The number of such weapons issued to a rifle regiment varied, but was usually a company, with three platoons of 8-12 anti-tank rifles apiece. One such platoon is represented here in the game. Anti-tank rifles were always deployed in groups, with regular infantry units for close support. By 1943, the anti-tank rifle was largely ineffective against the newer, more heavily armored German panzers.
P00221
Anti-tank rifles were in service at the time of the reinstitution of Guards status to deserving Red Army units in 1941. Typically issued at a ratio of one company to a rifle regiment, 14.5mm anti-tank rifle was effective against early panzers such as the PzKpfw I or II, but by 1943, the heavier armor of the newer German vehicles proved too thick for these weapons to penetrate in most cases. Having never developed a more advanced infantry anti-tank weapon such as the German panzerfaust, or panzerschreck, or the American bazooka, Soviet infantry was then forced to rely upon anti-tank grenades or mines, and such improvisations as petrol bombs and satchel charges. A Guards anti-tank rifle company of July 1942 would nominally consist of 23 men armed with nine PTRD or PTRS anti-tank rifles.
P00222
A platoon of motorcycle reconnaissance troops were often attached to the headquarters of Red Army tank, tank destroyer and mechanized brigades. The motorcycles were faster than foot troops, and on good roads, than mounted recon platoons, but more limited than either in off road capability. These platoons would be armed with rifles and other personal weapons only, as their primary purpose was to observe. A platoon would nominally consist of 16 machines.
P00223
Guards mechanized, tank, and tank destroyer brigades had a platoon of motorcycle reconnaissance troops attached to their headquarters as did their regular Red Army counterparts. A platoon of motorcycles would consist of 16 machines, crewed by two men apiece, and a minimal headquarters.
P00224
Motorcycle machinegun platoons were intended to combine the speed of the motorcycle with the support value of the machinegun. As long as road conditions permitted, the motorcycle platoon could move quickly, dismount, and go into action where needed until heavier units arrived.
P00225
Guards motorcycle machinegun platoons would operate in the same manner as their regular Red Army
counterparts, combining the road speed of the motorcycle with the firepower of light machineguns.
P00226
Anti-aircraft machinegun platoons were attached to most every sort of Red Army for the duration of the war. Each platoon would consist of three 12.7mm machineguns, and their crews, and two trucks for transport if available.
P00227
Guards anti-aircraft platoons consisted of three 12.7mm anti-aircraft machineguns, their crews, and a pair of trucks for transport if available.
P00228
The Narodnyy Kommissariat Vneutrennikh Del, or People's Commissariat For Internal Affairs was responsible for several functions, among them defense of the Soviet border, policing the infrastructure, controlling the worker peasants, and the infamous gulag. Many of these troops saw extensive combat. The Border Guards were the first to be engaged by the Germans on June 22, 1941, and those that survived provided a well trained cadre for new NKVD units, or experienced officers and NCOs for rifle divisions then forming. As the Soviets retreated, the Border Guards assumed policing activity up to an area between 10 and 20 miles behind the front line. Many Internal Guard forces were swept up into the line during the first months of the war forces, and NKVD rifle divisions composed of former Border Guards and Internal Guards were formed which went into line beside regular Red Army units. Other Internal Guard units were retained to control partisans, stopping stragglers, counter reconnaissance, and Retreat Blocking operations. Smaller units, typically a platoon, were attached to rifle division headquarters. A typical NKVD platoon comprised one officer, five NCOs and fourteen men (1 LMG, 1 SMG)
P00301
The size of Red Army headquarters staffs depended, quite naturally, upon the size of the unit it controlled. Smaller headquarters were little different from those of other armies, but early in the war, a divisional headquarters would contain a both a political detachment of approximately 26 officers and men, and an NKVD platoon of another 23. Political officers with the power to oversee and intervene in operational planning were attached to headquarters staffs at the battalion level and higher early in the war. In March 1942, a rifle division headquarters would nominally consist of 29 officers, 52 political officers, clerks and technicians, 30 NCOs and 71 enlisted men. A contemporary rifle company headquarters would contain 19 officers and men, and a platoon but three.
P00302
The size of Red Army headquarters staffs depended, quite naturally, upon the size of the unit it controlled. Smaller headquarters were little different from those of other armies, but early in the war, a divisional headquarters would contain a both a political detachment of approximately 26 officers and men, and an NKVD platoon of another 23. Political officers with the power to oversee and intervene in operational planning were attached to headquarters staffs at the battalion level and higher early in the war. In March 1942, a rifle division headquarters would nominally consist of 29 officers, 52 political officers, clerks and technicians, 30 NCOs and 71 enlisted men. A contemporary rifle company headquarters would contain 19 officers and men, and a platoon but three.
P00303
The size of Red Army headquarters staffs depended, quite naturally, upon the size of the unit it controlled. Smaller headquarters were little different from those of other armies, but early in the war, a divisional headquarters would contain a both a political detachment of approximately 26 officers and men, and an NKVD platoon of another 23. Political officers with the power to oversee and intervene in operational planning were attached to headquarters staffs at the battalion level and higher early in the war. In March 1942, a rifle division headquarters would nominally consist of 29 officers, 52 political officers, clerks and technicians, 30 NCOs and 71 enlisted men. A contemporary rifle company headquarters would contain 19 officers and men, and a platoon but three.
P00304
The size of Red Army headquarters staffs depended, quite naturally, upon the size of the unit it controlled. Smaller headquarters were little different from those of other armies, but early in the war, a divisional headquarters would contain a both a political detachment of approximately 26 officers and men, and an NKVD platoon of another 23. Political officers with the power to oversee and intervene in operational planning were attached to headquarters staffs at the battalion level and higher early in the war. In March 1942, a rifle division headquarters would nominally consist of 29 officers, 52 political officers, clerks and technicians, 30 NCOs and 71 enlisted men. A contemporary rifle company headquarters would contain 19 officers and men, and a platoon but three.
P00305
The size of Red Army headquarters staffs depended, quite naturally, upon the size of the unit it controlled. Smaller headquarters were little different from those of other armies, but early in the war, a divisional headquarters would contain a both a political detachment of approximately 26 officers and men, and an NKVD platoon of another 23. Political officers with the power to oversee and intervene in operational planning were attached to headquarters staffs at the battalion level and higher early in the war. In March 1942, a rifle division headquarters would nominally consist of 29 officers, 52 political officers, clerks and technicians, 30 NCOs and 71 enlisted men. A contemporary rifle company headquarters would contain 19 officers and men, and a platoon but three.
P00306
The size of Red Army headquarters staffs depended, quite naturally, upon the size of the unit it controlled. Smaller headquarters were little different from those of other armies, but early in the war, a divisional headquarters would contain a both a political detachment of approximately 26 officers and men, and an NKVD platoon of another 23. Political officers with the power to oversee and intervene in operational planning were attached to headquarters staffs at the battalion level and higher early in the war. In March 1942, a rifle division headquarters would nominally consist of 29 officers, 52 political officers, clerks and technicians, 30 NCOs and 71 enlisted men. A contemporary rifle company headquarters would contain 19 officers and men, and a platoon but three.
P00307
The size of Red Army headquarters staffs depended, quite naturally, upon the size of the unit it controlled. Smaller headquarters were little different from those of other armies, but early in the war, a divisional headquarters would contain a both a political detachment of approximately 26 officers and men, and an NKVD platoon of another 23. Political officers with the power to oversee and intervene in operational planning were attached to headquarters staffs at the battalion level and higher early in the war. In March 1942, a rifle division headquarters would nominally consist of 29 officers, 52 political officers, clerks and technicians, 30 NCOs and 71 enlisted men. A contemporary rifle company headquarters would contain 19 officers and men, and a platoon but three.
P00401
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00402
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00403
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00404
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00405
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00406
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00407
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00408
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00409
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P00410
The purges of 1936-39 greatly effected the Red Army's capability to plan and conduct complex military operations. Most of the talented and experienced senior officers were perceived as threats and eliminated, and those that remained were under the scrutiny of political officers. when the Germans invaded in June 1941, The untrained junior officers, having been largely passed over by the purges, suffered under the guns of the Wehrmacht. As the war progressed, the senior officers became quite adept at using the assets at their disposal. The political commissars were removed from company sized formations in May 1943, and later, from all formations smaller than a corps, which both streamlined the tasks of headquarters staffs, and released 122,000 political officers to be taught more relevant arts of war. In 1942 alone, 564,000 officers graduated command, staff, or branch courses.
P01001
The PzKpfw IB was the first and the smallest of Germany's mass-produced tanks. Production started in 1934, and by 1937 it had already seen combat in the Spanish Civil War. Though intended as a training vehicle, having only a two-man crew and a negligible anti-tank capability, it was pressed into service when Poland was invaded in 1939 due to a general shortage of tanks, and was still in widespread use during the invasion of France in 1940. By the time Germany attacked the USSR, however, only 74 were still being used in the panzer regiments. A small number were converted in 1940 to self-propelled infantry and anti-tank guns. A total of 1493 (Models A and B) were built.
ARMAMENT
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
13mm
WEIGHT
5.8 tonnes
P01002
The PzKpfw II was another of Germany's pre-war light tanks pressed into battle due to the lack of more modern vehicles. It fought as a main battle tank during the invasion of Poland, but due to its small gun and thin armor it was afterwards relegated to a reconnaissance role in tank companies and battalions. The IIF model was the 1941-42 production version, with thicker front armor than its predecessors. 1780 Pz II tanks were built, of which 524 were the IIF. Beginning in 1942 the Pz II was gradually phased out of service and, like most other pre-war tanks, was rebuilt to carry field guns and anti-tank weapons.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
35mm
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P01004
The PzKpfw IIL "Lynx" was a light tank whose primary role was as a fast recon vehicle. It featured an extensively reworked Pz II chassis with all new running gear to give it excellent cross-country performance. Out of an original order for 800, only about 100 were built, with production starting in 1943. All Pz IIL were issued to the armored recon battalions of certain panzer divisions.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
13 tonnes
P01003
The PzKpfw II(Fl) "Flamingo" was a light tank based on the Pz II chassis. The 20mm cannon was removed and replaced by a much smaller turret housing a single machinegun. Two smaller turrets were added to the front of the chassis to house the flamethrower nozzles. Very effective against dug-in troops, the main drawback was the very limited range of the flamethrower. Maximum effective range for these units was about 35 meters. 155 of these vehicles were built. In 1942 all those still surviving were converted to self-propelled anti-tank guns.
ARMAMENT
2 x flamethrowers
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P01005
The PzKpfw 35(t) was the German designation for the Czech LT vz 35 light tank produced in the mid '30s. When Germany invaded Czechoslovakia in 1939, 219 LT vz 35s were incorporated into German service. They served in the Polish and French campaigns, and were still in action with the 6th Panzer Division during the invasion of Russia in 1941, where during the subsequent winter it was found that the vehicle's pneumatic transmission was prone to freezing up. By the end of 1941 most had been lost.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
2 x machineguns type 37
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
10.5 tonnes
P01006
The PzKpfw 38(t)A was a Czech light tank (the LT vz 38) just going into production when Czechoslovakia was occupied in 1939. The Germans found it to be a rugged and reliable vehicle, and kept it in production for their own use. 150 of the initial model were produced, followed by 325 of the Models B, C and D. Originally the tank had been designed to have a three-man crew, but the Germans added a fourth crewman to ease the work load of the vehicle commander. The PzKpfw 38(t) served as a main battle tank in the invasions of Poland, France and Russia; and its rugged chassis would be utilized for many different kinds of German armored vehicles throughout the war.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
2 x machineguns type 37
MAX. ARMOR
25mm
WEIGHT
9.4 tonnes
P01076
The PzKpfw 38(t)E was an uparmored version of its original predecessor the PzKpfw 38(t)A. The additional armor resulted in a heavier vehicle but did not impair its speed. In the game, this unit also represents the later (and equivalent) Models F and G. A total of 846 of these three types were built between late 1940 and mid 1942, when use of the 38(t) chassis was switched to the production of self-propelled anti-tank guns. At the start of the invasion of Russia, six of the seventeen panzer divisions participating in the attack were equipped with the PzKpfw 38(t).
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
2 x machineguns type 37
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
9.9 tonnes
P01007
The AufklΣrer 38(t) was a light reconnaissance tank based on the rugged and dependable chassis of the Pz 38(t). In this case the superstructure was redesigned, and the original turret was replaced by that of the PSW 234/1 armored car. The intent was to continue providing armored reconnaissance units with a fully tracked recon vehicle after production of the PzKpfw IIL had ceased.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm L/55 cannon
1 x 7.92 machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
9.75 tonnes
P01008
The PzKpfw III was Germany's primary main battle tank through 1942. Production began in 1937, but at a slow pace as the vehicle underwent development. With 435 built between September 1939 and July 1940, the F model was the first mass-production version (following 96 examples of the very similar Pz IIIE). Even in 1940, however, its gun was seen as being too weak; and in 1941 it was hopelessly outclassed by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks. "PzKpfw" stands for "Panzer Kampfwagen" (Armored Battle Vehicle).
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
19.8 tonnes
P01009
The PzKpfw IIIG was an uparmored and upgunned version of the Pz IIIF, with other minor improvements. The G model introduced the 50mm L/42 cannon, which was basically a lower-velocity version of the army's new PaK 38 50mm anti-tank gun. Unfortunately for the Germans, in 1941 both weapons were found to be inadequate vs. Russian T-34s and KVs. 600 Pz IIIG were built, with production ending in February 1941.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/42 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
37mm
WEIGHT
20.3 tonnes
P01010
The PzKpfw IIIH was based on the Pz IIIG, with extra armor plates bolted on to the front and rear of the hull. The drive train and running gear were also improved to increase reliability. The bolted-on armor was an expedient, inefficient method of increasing the tank's protection, and only 308 of the IIIH were built before the improved Model J appeared.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/42 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
30+30mm
WEIGHT
21.8 tonnes
P01011
The PzKpfw IIIJ was a significant improvement in the Pz III series. The armor thickness was decreased to 50mm but, being made of a single plate instead of two 30mm plates bolted together, its effectiveness was just as great with an overall reduction in the vehicle's weight as a bonus. Initially the IIIJ carried the same medium velocity 50mm L/42 gun as the IIIH, and 1549 of this type were built. (In the game these are represented by the IIIH.) The more powerful L/60 gun was then introduced, and 1067 of this version were produced. The new gun, a modified version of the towed 50mm anti-tank gun, gave the IIIJ considerably more hitting power but still not enough to deal satisfactorily with the Russian T-34s and KVs.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/60 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
21.5 tonnes
P01067
The PzKpfw IIIL tank featured yet another increase in armor. This took the form of "spaced" armor added to the front of the vehicle in anticipation of the Allies' use of the new hollow-charge (HEAT) projectile which the Germans were already using. 653 of the Pz IIIL were produced, after which 250 of the PzKpfw IIIM were built, which differed from the IIIL only in having special modifications for deep wading.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/60 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50+20mm
WEIGHT
22.7 tonnes
P01012
By mid 1942 the short-barreled 75mm L/24 gun of the Pz IV was being replaced by a longer and much more powerful weapon. The surplus L/24 guns were installed on the Pz IIIL, thus creating the PzKpfw IIIN. This gave the vehicle a better anti-personnel capability, and the 75mm gun's hollow-charge rounds increased its anti-tank effectiveness. The downside was that the gun's low muzzle velocity gave it a shorter effective range vs. enemy armor. 700 of the PzKpfw IIIN were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
2 x 7.92 machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
70mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P01013
The PzKpfw III(Fl) flamethrower tank was a medium tank outfitted with a flamethrower instead of a main gun. 100 of these tanks, based on the Pz IIIM chassis, were produced in early 1943. These vehicles shot a sticky black oil that had a range of 55-60 meters. They were very effective in removing stubborn pockets of resistance, but their drawback was the very limited range of the flamethrower.
ARMAMENT
1 x Flamethrower
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50+30mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P01014
The PzKpfw IV medium tank was designed in the mid '30s as a close-support vehicle for tank units. Its 75mm L/24 cannon was effective against soft targets, but its low velocity gave it a mediocre anti-tank capability. The Pz IVD and IVE were the two most common models at the start of the Russian campaign in 1941, at which time two four-tank platoons were included in the medium company of the panzer battalion.. 229 of the Pz IVD were built, with production beginning in October 1939.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
2 z 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
35mm
WEIGHT
20 tonnes
P01015
The PzKpfw IVE was an uparmored version of the Pz IVD. The two types were in production simultaneously from September 1940 till April 1941, by which time 223 of the Pz IVE had been built. In the game, this unit also represents the Pz IVF, which featured single-plate 50mm armor instead of bolted-together 30mm plates. 462 of the Model F were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30+30mm
WEIGHT
21 tonnes
P01016
In response to the well armored T-34s and KVs of the Red Army, The Germans began designing a much more powerful gun for the Pz IV in late 1941. When it was ready, it was introduced during production of the Pz IVF, thus creating the PzKpfw IVF2. This changed the basic role of the Pz IV from support tank to main battle tank, with a gun more powerful than any then being carried in Allied tanks. Though still under-armored, the Pz IVF2 provided a great increase in the striking power of panzer formations. 200 of these tanks were produced. In the game, this unit also represents the major version of its successor, the PzKpfw IVG.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/43 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
23 tonnes
P01017
The PzKpfw IVH was the next evolutionary step in the development of the Pz IV series. It featured a substantial increase in the front armor and a longer, more powerful L/48main gun. The Model H was by far the most numerous of the series, with 3774 produced. In addition, this unit represents part of the production run of the Pz IVG with the new gun and increased armor., plus the 1758 PzKpfw IVJ that were built subsequent to the Pz IVH. Having been built from October 1937 through March 1945, the Pz IV was the only German tank to remain in production throughout the war, proving the soundness of its design.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/48 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
25 tonnes
P01018
The appearance of the Russian T-34 tank had made all German tanks obsolete overnight, and a crash program was begun to give the panzer troops something better. The result two years later was the PzKpfw V "Panther", with a truly outstanding main gun and frontal armor that could defeat all but the most powerful Allied tank and anti-tank guns. It was big, complicated and expensive, and initially suffered serious reliability problems due to being rushed into combat, but on the battlefield it proved to be one of the best tanks of the war. During 1944-45 a panzer regiment was authorized one battalion of Panthers and one of Pz IVs.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/70 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
110mm
WEIGHT
43-45.5 tonnes
P01019
When first committed to large-scale combat at the end of 1942, the PzKpfw VIE "Tiger" was the heaviest and most powerfully armed production tank in the world. Contemporary Allied weapons were ineffective at all but point blank range against its stout armor, while its dreaded 88mm gun could destroy almost any enemy tank at maximum range. It quickly gained a fearsome reputation, and dominated the scene wherever it appeared until the advent of the Russian 122mm and 152mm guns. Tigers were usually allotted to heavy panzer battalions, though certain favored panzer divisions eventually had their own Tiger companies. 1354 PzKpfw VIE were built. Tiger crews were considered the creme de la creme of the panzer troops.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/56 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
110mm
WEIGHT
57 tonnes
P01020
The PzKpfw VIB "King Tiger", also known as the "Tiger II" or Royal Tiger", was one of the largest tanks produced during WWII. Being one of the most heavily armed and armored tanks also caused the King Tiger to be one of the heaviest. This ultimately caused severe problems, in that the tank was more likely to be put out of action due to mechanical trouble then enemy fire. Once a King Tiger broke down, enormous amounts of effort were needed to recover it. Aggravating these problems were the inexperienced crews that were often assigned to it. The size of the tank also created problems with transportation, as it was too heavy and too large for most bridges. Despite these shortcomings, the King Tiger was a very formidable opponent once it did make its way into combat.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
180mm
WEIGHT
68 tonnes
P01021
The StuG IIIB assault gun was designed primarily as an infantry support vehicle. Based on the PzKpfw III chassis, it played an important part in the new style of warfare called "Blitzkrieg". Like most other assault guns the StuG had no turret. This limited the vehicle somewhat when it came to engaging enemy armor though the low silhouette made the vehicle harder to hit. A little over three hundred were produced by the time Operation Barbarossa (the invasion of Russia) started in June 1941.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75 L/24 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
20.2 tonnes
P01075
The StuG IIIG assault gun was based on previous versions of the PzKpfw III chassis. The original StuG III had been designed as an infantry support tank, but by 1943, StuGs were being used increasingly in an anti-tank role. This was made possible by the introduction of a longer barreled 75mm cannon and additional armor. The G model was the most common StuG built. Production started in late 1942 and continued through the end of the war, with over 7000 examples produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75 L/48 cannon
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
23.9 tonnes
P01022
The StuG IIIG assault gun was based on previous versions of the PzKpfw III chassis. The original StuG III had been designed as an infantry support tank, but by 1943, StuGs were being used increasingly in an anti-tank role. This was made possible by the introduction of a longer barreled 75mm cannon and additional armor. The G model was the most common StuG built. Production started in late 1942 and continued through the end of the war, with over 7000 examples produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75 L/48 cannon
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
23.9 tonnes
P01023
The StuH 42 assault gun was based on the StuG IIIG. The StuH was created in answer to requests from the front for a vehicle with more anti-personnel firepower than currently available with the 75mm cannon. The extra firepower was gained by installing a 105mm howitzer. Other than the bigger gun, the StuH was more or less identical to the StuG IIIG. Around 1200 units were constructed by the end of the war.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm L/28 cannon
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01024
The StuIG 33B assault gun was based on the StuG III Assault Gun which in turn was based on the PzKpfw III chassis. For the most part, the 33B was built specifically to knock down buildings in Russian cities. It featured a heavily armored superstructure which completely enclosed the fighting compartment so as to afford the crew some measure of protection during the very close fighting that took place in urban areas. Only about 24 of these vehicles were built, and were used during the fighting in and around Stalingrad.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm L/11 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
21 tonnes
P01025
The StuPz IV "BrummbΣr" (Grizzly Bear) assault gun was based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. This was another effort at mounting a 150mm close support weapon on an armored vehicle. By using the PZ IV chassis the StuPz was more successful then earlier attempts as there was more room to work with. This allowed more armor and munitions to be carried. With production lasting almost 2 years only around 300 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150 L/12 cannon
1 x 7.92 machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
100mm
WEIGHT
28.2 tonnes
P01026
The PzJg I tank destroyer was based on the PzKpfw I chassis. This basically was the pairing of an anti-tank gun to the chassis of a Pz I which had its turret removed. It allowed a certain degree of movement to what had traditionally been an immobile piece. The trade off in this marriage was the very poor armor that the vehicle carried. In addition, the tank destroyer was relatively easier to spot as it was more difficult to hide due to its high silhouette.
ARMAMENT
1 x 47mm L/43.4 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
6.4 tonnes
P01027
The Marder II Tank Destroyer was based on the PzKpfw II chassis. The PzKpfw II as a tank was pretty much obsolete by this time and a new use for the vehicle was found by eliminating the turret and placing a 75mm anti-tank gun in its place. This gave this particular vehicle quite a punch but was lacking in armor. In addition the anti-tank gun was a fairly large piece and the only way to mount it to the tank was by placing it on top of the deck. This resulted in a relatively tall vehicle, which was not easy to hide.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
10.8 tonnes
P01028
The Marder III Tank Destroyer was based on the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis. At the time of its creation there was a serious need for a weapon capable of knocking out Russian tanks. Better armed German tanks were in the pipeline but still several months away. In the interim it was decided to marry the Pz-38 chassis with the PaK 40 anti-tank gun. Ready for service by mid 1942 they were effective at killing tanks though they were seriously under armored.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/46 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
10.6 tonnes
P01029
PzJg Tiger "Ferdinand or Elefant" was a heavy tank destroyer. Competition between Henschel and Porsche for the new heavy tank "Tiger" contract had resulted in an early order for 90 of the new Porsche tanks. After more testing between the two tanks is was later decided that the Henschel was the better vehicle and the Porsche contract was canceled. With the Porsche tanks already built it was decided to replace the turret with a 88mm cannon housed in a huge armored box. The Ferdinand has the distinction of being one of the most heavily armored vehicles to enter production and in addition it was one of the few tanks to be powered by electric motors.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
200mm
WEIGHT
65 tonnes
P01030
The PzJg III/IV Tank Destroyer "Nashorn" (Rhino) or "Hornisse" (Hornet) was based on extensively modified Pz III or Pz IV chassises. It was created in order to mount the excellent 88mm PaK43/1 anti-tank gun to an armored chassis. The 88mm cannon was well suited to the Russian steppes and was often able to kill targets up to 5km away. On the other hand the open crew compartment and poorly armored superstructure was a serious weak point in close fighting.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
1 z 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01031
The JgdPz 38(t) "Hetzer" was a light tank destroyer based on the Pz 38(t) chassis. Though the 38(t) tank was obsolete by late 1941, it was one of the more reliable vehicles in the German inventory, because of this its chassis was still being produced in order to mount a variety of German weapons. The Hetzer was created to fill the need of a light tank destroyer that was well armored and completely enclosed, unlike the Marder II and III. Extensively reworking the 38(t) chassis allowed the mounting of a 75mm cannon and the placement of well sloped armor, which afforded a great deal of protection. One of the better hybrids that Germany produced, the Hetzer was well liked by most commanding officers due to its reliability and high performance. It was not well received by its crew, because of the extremely cramped conditions in the hull.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/48 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
15.7 tonnes
P01032
The JgdPz IV was a tank destroyer based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. Intended as the replacement for the StuG assault guns, its main role would be as a tank destroyer. A low vehicle height made this tank easy to hide and in an ambush position the JgdPz IV was fairly successful. With production occurring throughout 1944, over 700 hundred were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/48 cannon
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
60mm
WEIGHT
25 tonnes
P01033
The JgdPz IV/70 was an up gunned version of the JgdPz IV tank destroyer which was based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was fitted with the same main gun that was used in the Panther, the 75mm L/70. When compared to the 75mm L/48, the L/70 was able to fire a 75mm shell at higher velocities which in turn, allowed the penetration of thicker armor over greater distances. The downside to this weapon was its very long barrel and its increased weight on an already over loaded Pz IV chassis.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/70 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
26 tonnes
P01034
The JgdPz V "JagdPanther or Hunting Panther" was a heavy tank destroyer based on the PzKpfw V "Panther" chassis. One of the best tank destroyers produced during WWII, the JagdPanther combined the proven 88mm PaK 43 anti-tank gun to the equally proven (by 1944) Panther chassis. As was the case with most German tank destroyers the turret was removed and replaced with the new main gun in a fixed position. In addition a thick and well-sloped armored superstructure protected the gun and crew. Its only major shortcomings were in the size of the vehicle (it was large) and the limited traverse of the main gun (the tank itself had to be aimed in the general direction of the target). By the time production stopped in March 1945, a little over 380 were produced
.
ARMAMENT
1 x 88mm L/71 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
46 tonnes
P01035
The SPW 250/9 "Caesar" was a halftrack reconnaissance vehicle. It was an SPW 250 halftrack mounting a turret with a 20mm cannon, and was intended as the replacement for the SdKfz 222 armored car. The 250/9 was just what the German Army needed to combat the lack of roads on the Russian front. Lightly armed and armored it served as a recon vehicle throughout the war on both fronts.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P01036
The SPW 251/1 was the standard armored personnel carrier of the German Army. Designed primarily for transporting troops that were accompanying tanks in an advance, the 251/1 used a combination of wheels and tracks to give the vehicle fairly good cross country performance.
ARMAMENT
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
14.5
WEIGHT
8 tonnes
P01037
The SPW 251/2 was an armored personnel carrier that had been fitted with the GrW 34 81mm mortar. It allowed the mortar, munitions and crew to keep up with advancing troops. Using a combination of wheels and tracks (half track) the 251/2 had fairly good off road performance.
ARMAMENT
1 x 81mm mortar
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
8 tonnes
P01038
The SPW 251/9 "Stummel" (Stump) was an SPW 251 halftrack fitted with a low-velocity 75mm cannon. It was used primarily for infantry support in the heavy companies of panzergrenadier formations.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
8.5 tonnes
P01039
The SPW 251/16 flamethrower halftrack was based on the SPW 251 armored personnel carrier. Instead of carrying infantry the 25/16 carried two flamethrowers (flammenwerfer) mounted on either side of the vehicle. The "flammenwerfer" was good for around 80 shots using 1 to 2 second bursts. With a maximum range of 35 meters, it was truly a "close support vehicle".
ARMAMENT
2 x flamethrowers
2 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
8.6 tonnes
P01040
The SPW 251/22 anti-tank halftrack was based on the SPW 251 chassis. By late 1944 the role of the German army had switched to the defensive. To combat the ever increasing numbers of tanks, any and all means were used to mount anti-tank guns. A complete(minus the wheels) PaK 40 anti-tank gun was mounted on the SPW 251 chassis, thus creating yet another version of this versatile halftrack.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/46 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
14.5mm
WEIGHT
9.5 tonnes
P01041
The PSW 221 armored car was originally designed in the mid 1930s. It was basically an armored shell mounted on a standard, heavy passenger car chassis. Its role in the German Army was as a reconnaissance vehicle. Not well suited to off-road travel it was soon replaced by more capable vehicles though some did managed to serve throughout the war. With production lasting for 5 years, and ending in 1940, approximately 340 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P01042
The PSW 222 armored car was based on the PSW 221. Designed as an reconnaissance vehicle, its main difference with the 221 was an increase in armament. In addition a more powerful motor was added along with many minor upgrades. In production from 1936-43, almost 1000 examples were constructed.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
4.8 tonnes
P01043
The PSW 231 (8 rad) was an armored car that was designed primarily for reconnaissance work. Its 8 wheeled chassis allowed a greater degree of off-road performance compared to the PSW 221-222 series. It had two sets of controls that operated the vehicle. One set located in the front that was operated by the driver, and one set at the rear, that was used by the radio operator. This allowed the car to be driven out of a dangerous situation as quickly as possible. Production started in 1936 and lasted until 1943, with over 600 built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92 machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
18mm
WEIGHT
8.3 tonnes
P01044
The PSW 233 was an 8 wheeled armored car based on the PSW 231 chassis. It featured a 75mm cannon mounted in an open topped, fixed position. It was created to give reconnaissance vehicles an ability to engage area targets and tanks. The low muzzle velocity of the cannon made tank killing a chancy operation. Produced from December 1942 through October 1943, a little over 100 were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
8.7 tonnes
P01045
The PSW 234/1 was an 8-wheeled armored car. A relatively late war vehicle, it was based on the Puma chassis. A new turret was installed that carried a 20mm cannon instead of the 50mm cannon found on the Puma. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used a 12-cylinder diesel engine that gave it a fairly respectable top speed and range. Between June 1944 and January 1945, around 200 were produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.5 tonnes
P01046
The PSW 234/2 "Puma" was an 8-wheeled armored car. One of the more heavily armed cars produced during the war, it carried a 50mm L/60 cannon mounted in a fully enclosed turret. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used a 12-cylinder diesel engine, which provided a respectable top speed and range. Approximately 100 were built out of an initial order for 1500.
ARMAMENT
1 x 50mm L/60 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.7 tonnes
P01047
The PSW 234/3 was an 8-wheeled armored car. Using the same chassis as the Puma, the turret was replaced with a 75mm cannon mounted in an open topped fixed position. Created to give other reconnaissance vehicles close support, it also had a limited tank killing ability. With under a hundred produced, relatively few of these vehicle saw service. Like other 234 chassises, the 234/3 used a 12-cylinder diesel engine, which provided a respectable top speed and range.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm L/24 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.5 tons
P01048
The PSW 234/4 was an 8-wheeled armored car. Using the same chassis as the Puma, the turret was replaced with the 75mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun mounted in an open-topped fixed position. With the PaK 40 cannon, the 234/4 was able to provide a fairly potent anti-tank presence for the other reconnaissance vehicles that it was intended to support. Like the other 234 chassises, it used the robust Tatra diesel engine, which provided a respectable top speed and range.
ARMAMENT
1 x 75mm PaK 40 L/56 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11.5 tonnes
P01049
The sIG IB was a self-propelled howitzer that used the PzKpfw I chassis to propel a 150mm heavy infantry gun. The infantry gun was mounted on top of the panzer after the turret had been removed. To provide some protection for the crew (which was now perched on top of the chassis), the gun and crew were shielded on the front and sides by armored plate. The IB was created to provide advancing infantry with heavy fire support as soon as possible. With a tall profile and thin armor, the IB was not the safest place to be when fighting in close quarters. Very few (almost 40) of these were constructed in 1940.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm L/11 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
15mm
WEIGHT
8.5 tonnes
P01050
The sIG 38(t) "Bison" was a self-propelled howitzer that used the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis to carry a 150mm infantry gun. An infantry gun that was mounted in a thinly armored superstructure replaced the original turret of the 38(t). Mounted on a chassis that was more appropriate for the weight of the infantry gun, the Bison proved to be a reliable weapons platform. It was limited by the relatively few rounds of ammo that it could carry and was still found to be lacking in armor. Production started in early 1943 and continued through late 1944, with close to 400 built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm L/12 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
20mm
WEIGHT
12 tonnes
P01051
The PzA II "Wespe" (Wasp) was a self-propelled howitzer, that mounted a 105mm field piece on the PzKpfw II chassis. One of the more successful self-propelled howitzers, the Wespe earned a good reputation from the crews that worked with it. Somewhat better armed then previous self-propelled vehicles, the Wespe still suffered from the open top that was common with this type of vehicle. With production starting in early 1943, over 600 were produced by late 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 105mm L/28 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
11 tonnes
P01052
The PzA III/IV "Hummel" (Bumblebee) was a self-propelled howitzer mounting a 150mm field piece on an extensively modified PzKpfw IV chassis. Originally intended as a temporary solution for providing an armored, fully tracked chassis for artillery, it none the less proved to be a good design. The Hummel was introduced to combat at Kursk in 1943, and remained in service for the duration of the war. The artillery regiment of a panzer division generally contained one Hummel battery. A total of 319 were built.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm L/30 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
30mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01068
The Panzerwerfer 42 "Maultier" (Mule) was a halftracked armored truck that had been modified to mount the 150mm Nebelwerfer, which fired a rocket propelled artillery shell. When fired the rockets emitted a great deal of smoke, which made them an easy target for counter-battery fire. Being mounted on a halftrack allowed the vehicle to move and scoot, thus permitting a good deal of protection. With production starting in April 1943, around 300 were produced by early 1944.
ARMAMENT
1 x 150mm Nebelwerfer 42
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
8mm
WEIGHT
7.1 tonnes
P01053
The FlaKPz 38(t) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the proven PzKpfw 38(t) chassis. With Allied air attacks occurring with increasing frequency by late 1943, Hitler demanded a vehicle be developed as soon as possible to help counter them. An interim solution was the mounting of the 20mm FlaK38 on top of the 38(t) chassis. While helping somewhat, the single 20mm gun proved to be seriously lacking in firepower. Produced from late 1943 until early 1944, around 140 were constructed.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm L/112.5 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
50mm
WEIGHT
9.8 tonnes
P01054
The FlaKPz IV "M÷belwagen" (Furniture Van) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. With Panzer units in dire need of protection from Allied air attacks, the M÷belwagen was developed to accompany them. With the gun crew perched on top of an open deck, absolutely no protection was given. Intended as a temporary solution, it ended up serving till the end of the war. Production started in early 1944 and lasted for one year with around 240 produced.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm L/60 cannon
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
24 tonnes
P01055
The FlaKPz IV "Wirbelwind" (Whirlwind) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. Allied air attacks were becoming more and more problematic. The Wirbelwind was designed to accompany Panzers on the battlefield so as to give some protection against air attacks. Mounting four 20mm cannons in a rotating turret, it could throw up a serious amount of lead. The downside was that the 20mm just didn't have enough punch to be able to bring down Allied aircraft. With production starting in mid 1944, less then 100 were produced by November 1944.
ARMAMENT
4 x 20mm cannon
1 x 7.92mm machineguns
MAX. ARMOR
80mm
WEIGHT
22 tonnes
P01056
The FlaKPz IV "Ostwind" (East Wind) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. Designed to accompany Panzer units onto a battlefield, it was able to provide an effective deterrent towards Allied air attacks. Using the more effective 37mm cannon (as opposed to the more common 20mm), the Ostwind also provided more protection for the crew especially when compared to the M÷belwagen. Less then 50 were constructed.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm L60
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
85mm
WEIGHT
25 tonnes
P01057
The SdKfz 10/4 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. It carried a single 20mm cannon which was mounted on the back of a Demag D7 halftrack. One of the first self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles produced it was very poorly armored, and as the war progressed the 20mm cannon became obsolete. Between 1938 and 1944, a little over 600 were constructed.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm L/112.5 cannon
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
5.5 tonnes
P01058
The SdKfz 6/2 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. It carried a single 37mm cannon which was mounted on the back of a Bⁿssing-NAG BN9 halftrack. Intended to provided more firepower then what the SdKfz 10/4 was capable of , it suffered due to a complete lack of armor. With production starting in 1939, over 300 were produced by 1943 when production stopped.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm L/98
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
10.4 tonnes
P01059
The SdKfz 7/1 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. Using the Zgkw 8t chassis, a flat platform was installed on the back of the vehicle, which permitted the mounting of the 20mm Flak 38. A much larger vehicle then the SdKfz 10/4, the 7/1 (like most anti-aircraft halftracks) still lacked any protection for the gun or crew. By late 1944, production ended with a little over 300 constructed.
ARMAMENT
4 x 20mm L/112.6 cannons
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT 11.5
tonnes
P01060
The FlaK LKW 20mm was an anti-aircraft truck. With the ever increasing need for air-defense vehicles, the German Army started mounting Flak weapons on the back of specially modified 4-wheeled trucks. These vehicles used a variety of chassis and had no armor for either the gun or crew. In addition, their cross-country performance was lacking.
ARMAMENT
1 x 20mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
4 tonnes
P01061
The FlaK LKW 37mm was an anti-aircraft truck. With the ever increasing need for air-defense vehicles, the German Army started mounting Flak weapons on the back of specially modified heavy 4 wheel drive trucks. Several chassis were used but for the most part the Bⁿssing-NAG carried the heavier 37mm cannon. Like other AA trucks, the LKW had no armor for gun or crew.
ARMAMENT
1 x 37mm cannon
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
7.5 tonnes
P01069
The Kⁿbelwagen was a small passenger vehicle generally used for a variety of light duties. Most all military units had them and were mainly used by the commanding officers. Powered by a 998cc air-cooled engine, speed was not the Kⁿbelwagen's strong point. In addition most early vehicles lacked 4-wheel drive though overall, they did earn a good reputation for reliability. Over 50,000 of these were produced during the course of the war and remained in production long after the war ended. In the game, the vehicle appears in its reconnaissance role.
ARMAMENT
1 x 7.92mm machinegun
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
1 tonne
P01062
Trucks were used for transporting troops and equipment. They consisted of many different brands and just as many different styles. Just before the war started they were over 100 different types of trucks being produced or used in Germany. In 1938 the Schell plan was implemented to reduce this to a more practical number. Though this helped a great deal, Germany always needed more trucks and consequently pressed into service everyone it could find. Generally most trucks had no armor or armament, which made them easy victims.
P01063
The RSO prime mover was intended as an artillery tractor. Experience on the East Front had shown that the SdKfz prime movers required too much maintenance. Hitler ordered that an inexpensive replacement be designed, and thus the Raupenschlepper-Ost (RSO) was born. Well suited for cross-country work, its top speed of around 10 mph was very slow. Despite its shortcomings, some 27,000 were built by the end of the war.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
3.5 tonnes
P01064
The SdKfz 7 prime mover was a light halftrack designed to move, mount or carry a wide variety of military equipment. Many varieties of prime movers were built and the SdKfz 7 represents the 3-ton model. Utilizing a halftrack chassis it initially had good off-road performance, but Russian mud and ice was able to bring out the shortcomings in this design. Somewhat complicated it required a good deal of maintenance to keep it in a reliable running condition.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
10 tonnes
P01065
The SdKfz 11 prime mover was a medium halftrack designed to move, mount or carry a wide variety of military equipment. Many varieties of prime movers were built and the SdKfz 11 represents the 8-tonne model. Utilizing a halftrack chassis it initially had good off-road performance, but Russian mud and ice was able to bring out the shortcomings in this design. Somewhat complicated it required a good deal of maintenance to keep it in a reliable running condition.
ARMAMENT
none
MAX. ARMOR
none
WEIGHT
6 tonnes
P01066
This unit represents a variable number of horses, wagons and/or artillery limbers used for transport. Throughout the war the vast majority of German divisions (i.e., the infantry-type divisions) relied almost entirely on horse-drawn transport. For example, a volksgrenadier division was authorized some 3000 horses but only 150 vehicles. The artillery in infantry and volksgrenadier divisions was entirely horse-drawn.
P01070
This unit represents a variable number of horses used to transport men and equipment. Throughout the war, horses transported most all of Germany's men, equipment and supplies.
P01071
Bicycles are one of the least demanding forms of transportation available to any army. Requiring neither fuel nor fodder, bicycles can move troops on improved roads about as fast as can be tactically prudent, and are easily discarded at no great loss in the event of prolonged engagement. They do, however, require reasonably well surfaced roads - something not as common in Russia as in western Europe during the 1940s.
P01072
This unit represents a variable number of motorcycles that were used to transport infantry. Comprising many different brands and types they were used for a variety of purposes, but most often, they could be found affiliated with some type of recon unit.
P01073
This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored powered boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P01074
This unit represents a variable number of rafts used to transport infantry and equipment across water.
P01101
The GrW 34 81mm mortar was a smoothbore, muzzle loading, and portable weapon that allowed shells to be fired at a high angle of attack. Generally it was broken down into pieces and carried by the men that made up a mortar crew. In motorized outfits the mortars were carried in trucks, but in foot-infantry units they could be transported in wagons. The GrW 34 lacked the range of the U.S. 81mm mortar but fired a heavier shell.
MAX. RANGE
2200m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
56.7kg
P01102
The GrW 34 81mm mortar section represents two 81mm mortars. By 1944 a section was normally found in the heavy platoon of all infantry-type companies. The mortar was a smoothbore, muzzle loading, and portable weapon that allowed shells to be fired at a high angle of attack. Generally they were broken down into pieces and carried by their crew. In motorized units the mortars were carried in trucks, but in foot-infantry units they could be transported in wagons. The GrW 34 lacked the range of the U.S. 81mm mortar but fired a heavier shell.
MAX. RANGE
2200m
SHELL WEIGHT
3.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
56.7kg
P01103
The GrW 42 120mm mortar was basically a direct copy of the excellent Russian 120mm mortar. Due to its weight it could not be carried by its crew, so like its Soviet counterpart it came with a small two-wheeled trailer that allowed it to be towed by a vehicle. Generally four mortars could be found in the mortar platoon of the infantry battalion. 3510 were in service on October 1, 1944.
MAX. RANGE
6050m
SHELL WEIGHT
16kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
281kg
P01104
The leIG 18 75mm infantry gun was a light, low-velocity artillery piece designed to provide advancing troops with artillery support. Six were normally found in the infantry-gun company of the infantry regiment. Overall the weapon was light and very easy to conceal due to its small size. The 1eIG 18 was introduced into the army in the late 1920s and served throughout the war.
MAX. RANGE
3475m
SHELL WEIGHT
6kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
400kg
P01105
The sIG 33 150mm infantry gun was a low-velocity artillery piece designed to provide direct or indirect fire support for infantry. Two were normally found in the infantry-gun company of the infantry regiment. Almost three times heavier than its companion piece the 1eIG 18 75mm infantry gun, it was also more durable and effective. First introduced to the army in 1933, it served throughout the war. The sIG series of vehicles mounted this gun for use in armored formations.
MAX. RANGE
4650m
SHELL WEIGHT
31.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1750kg
P01106
The sPzB 41 was a 28mm anti-tank weapon. Generally classified as a heavy anti-tank rifle it required a crew of two and needed to be broken down into several smaller pieces in order for it to be transported. A unique feature of this weapon was the tapered bore that the barrel used. It was pretty much obsolete by the time it entered service in 1941, as most all tanks were immune to the 20mm APCR shell it fired. Less then 200 of these weapons were produced.
ARMOR PENETRATION
66mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
630 grams
WEIGHT IN ACTION
118kg
P01107
The PaK 35/36 37mm was the standard German anti-tank weapon at the beginning of the war. Proving adequate for the job when Poland was overrun, it was almost obsolete one year later when France was invaded. By the time the invasion of Russia started it had earned the nickname of "door knocker" as the shells simply bounced off of medium and heavy Russian tanks. It was a relatively light weapon that could be pushed around for short distances by its crew and due to its small size, it was easy to conceal.
ARMOR PENETRATION
50mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
0.97kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
435kg
P01108
The lePaK 41 was a 42mm anti-tank weapon. It featured a "squeeze-bore" barrel that accepted a 42mm shell in the breech but tapered to a 29mm bore at the muzzle. The outer casing of the shell collapsed inward as it traveled down the barrel. This raised its muzzle velocity (and armor penetration) substantially, but at the expense of greatly increased barrel wear. Production was halted when the tungsten needed for its projectiles became in short supply.
ARMOR PENETRATION
87mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
1.52kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
642kg
P01109
This unit represents an infantry PanzerjΣger ("Tank Hunter") platoon of three towed PaK 38 50mm anti-tank guns. The PaK 38 was developed in the late 1930s, and entered service in 1941. At the start of Operation Barbarossa a little over a thousand were available. Despite being some 200kg heavier than the 37mm anti-tank gun, the PaK 38 could still be manhandled by its crew. On the Eastern front it proved inadequate against the well-armored T-34 and KV tanks, and was replaced by 75mm guns as quickly as possible.
ARMOR PENETRATION
120mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
2.73kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
986kg
P01110
The PaK 97/38 was a 75mm anti-tank weapon based on the famous Model 1897 French field gun. In 1941, when the standard German anti-tank guns were found to be ineffective against the Russian T-34 and KV tanks, some 700 of these French gun barrels were adapted to the PaK 38 carriage, thus creating the PaK 97/38. They were rushed to the Eastern Front, where they served until replaced by the more powerful PaK 40 75mm anti-tank gun. Many were then put to use as artillery pieces.
ARMOR PENETRATION
75mm at 500m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.98kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1190kg
P01111
The PaK 40 was a 75mm anti-tank gun introduced at the start of 1942. Basically it was an enlarged version of the PaK 38 50mm gun. It proved to be a very successful design, and remained the standard divisional anti-tank gun for the remainder of the war. One drawback was its weight, which was too great to allow its crew to manhandle it. This made it difficult to change positions quickly to meet new enemy threats. The gun's usual towing vehicle was the SdKfz 11 halftrack or RSO prime mover.
ARMOR PENETRATION
154mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
9.55kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1425kg
P01112
This unit represents an Anti-Tank Platoon of four PaK 43 88mm anti-tank guns. This weapon was essentially the same gun as mounted in the King Tiger tank, but on a four-wheeled platform towed by an SdKfz 7 unarmored halftrack. In action the wheels were removed, and the gun could be fired through a 360-degree arc. It was probably the finest anti-tank gun ever produced. The demand for it was so great that other versions (the PaK 43/41) were built using a normal artillery-type carriage. These guns were used in independent towed heavy panzerjΣger battalions, with four guns per platoon and three platoons per battalion.
ARMOR PENETRATION
274mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
23kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3700kg
P01113
The PaK 43/41 had the same barrel as the PaK 43, but mounted on a modified howitzer carriage. Demands from the front for more 88mm anti-tank guns necessitated this expediency, which negated most of the PaK 43's qualities (the new version was so big it was nicknamed the "barndoor") - though not its deadly ability to kill targets over 3000 meters away. These guns were used in independent towed heavy panzerjΣger battalions, with four guns per platoon and three platoons per battalion.
ARMOR PENETRATION
274mm at 500m (APCR ammo)
SHELL WEIGHT
23kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
4380kg
P01114
The K81/1 was a 128mm anti-tank weapon that saw very limited use during World War II. Originally intended for production as the PaK 44, the K81/1 was hastily created in the last months of the war by mounting the PaK 44 barrel on the carriage of the French GPF 155mm gun. Some barrels were mounted instead on captured Russian 152mm carriages.
ARMOR PENETRATION
230mm at 1000m
SHELL WEIGHT
28.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
12150kg
P01115
The leFK 16na was a 75mm field gun that was basically a modified version of the World War One era 77mm FK 16. In 1919 there were over 3000 77mm guns still in service in the German Army where they served as the basic divisional gun during the post war years. During the early 1930s it was decided to standardize the caliber of artillery pieces. The leFK 16na was created when the barrel of the 77mm gun was replaced with a new design utilizing a caliber of 75mm. Overall the gun was obsolete by 1940 standards, but it continued to be used by any and all formations that needed a light gun.
MAX. RANGE
12875m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.83kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1524kg
P01139
The PaK 97/38 field gun was the PaK 97/38 anti-tank gun used as a field artillery piece. It was often found in the artillery regiment of Luftwaffe field divisions.
MAX. RANGE
11000m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.98kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1190kg
P01116
The FK 40 75mm field gun was the PaK 40 anti-tank gun used in the field artillery role; a situation brought about by the chronic shortage of true field guns late in the war.
MAX. RANGE
7680m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.74kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1425kg
P01117
The leFH 18 105mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Originally entering service in 1935, it was to replace the older leFH 16. This was the most commonly used light field howitzer used by the German army. It was well praised for its ease of set-up, rate of fire, and reliability.
MAX. RANGE
10670m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1985kg
P01118
The leFH 18M 105mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Originally entering service in 1941, it was virtually identical to the leFH 18. The main difference being the addition of a muzzle brake, which increased performance about 18% when compared to the older leFH. It was well praised for its ease of setup, rate of fire, and reliability.
MAX. RANGE
12315m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.25kg (long-range shell)
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1985kg
P01119
The sK 18 105mm was the standard medium artillery gun. It used the same mount as the sFH 18, but supported a much longer barrel. Originally developed in the late 1920s it entered service in 1933. It was a large weapon for its caliber size, and difficult to operate off-road unless some type of mechanized assistance was available.
MAX. RANGE
19000m
SHELL WEIGHT
15.14kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5642kg
P01120
The sFH 18 150mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. It was introduced to the troops in the mid 1930s. Similar in design to the leFH 18, the sFH was quite a bit bigger and much heavier. Though an effective weapon, it was not well like by its crew as it was very difficult to move in the mud and ice on the Russian front.
MAX. RANGE 13250m
SHELL WEIGHT 43.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION 5512kg
P01121
The sFH 36 150mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. The sFH 36 was a much improved version of the sFH 18, as it only weighed half as much which allowed it to be transported in one load. This reduction was accomplished by shortening the barrel by four feet and through the extensive use of alloys. Shortly after production began, it soon ended in 1942 due to a shortage of alloy materials In addition a muzzle brake was fitted which enhanced the performance of the gun, but not enough to make up for the shortened barrel.
MAX. RANGE
12300m
SHELL WEIGHT
43.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
3280kg
P01122
The K 18 150mm gun was a heavy artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Design work started on this piece in 1933 and was accepted into service by 1938. Originally intended as a replacement for the World War One era, 150mm K 16, performance was only marginally better. In addition, transportation and set-up was a tedious and drawn-out operation.
MAX. RANGE
24500m
SHELL WEIGHT
43kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
12760kg
P01123
The K 18 170mm gun was a heavy artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Entering service in 1941 it soon became the backbone of the German heavy artillery. Designed by Krupp, the weapon was noted for its stability and ease of operation, and for the most part, replaced the K 18 150mm heavy artillery gun.
MAX. RANGE
29600m
SHELL WEIGHT
68kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
17520kg
P01124
The LG 40 75mm recoilless gun was an artillery piece that had been specially engineered for light weight so that it could be parachuted with airborne forces. The low weight was achieved by eliminating the recoil mechanism and through the use of light alloys. The first of this type to enter production, it was unique in that the recoil mechanism was no longer needed because the propellant gases were emitted to the rear of the unit. The gases were directed through a venturi attached to the rear of the barrel, which made it dangerous to stand behind, when it was fired.
MAX. RANGE
6800m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.83kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
145kg
P01125
The LG 42 105 recoilless gun was an artillery piece that had been specially engineered for light weight so that it could be parachuted with airborne forces or carried by pack. The low weight was achieved by eliminating the recoil mechanism. The recoil mechanism was no longer needed because the propellant gases were emitted to the rear of the unit. The gases were directed through a venturi attached to the end of the barrel, which made it dangerous to stand behind, when it was fired. This weapon also saw service with mountains units. More then 3 times heavier then the LG 40 75mm, the LG 42 was almost 1400kg lighter then the leFH 18 105mm Field Howitzer.
MAX. RANGE
3400m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.8kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
540kg
P01126
The GebG 36 75mm mountain gun was the standard light mountain howitzer. First entering service in 1938, it had been designed so that it could be easily broken down into 11 loads (none of which weighed more then 114kg) so that mules could carry the weapon on narrow mountain passes. Overall the GebG 36 was well liked by its crew and the weapon served until the end of the war. Another 75mm gun used by German mountain troops was a specially modified version of the leIG 18 75mm infantry gun.
MAX. RANGE
9200m
SHELL WEIGHT
5.75kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
750kg
P01138
The GebH 16 100mm mountain howitzer was an old Czech gun used by the Germans to fill the gap caused by the absence of any domestically produced model in the 1930s. It was large and heavy, but quite serviceable despite its age.
MAX. RANGE
9280m
SHELL WEIGHT
13.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1235kg
P01127
The GebH 40 105mm mountain howitzer was introduced later in the war. Designed so that it could be easily broken down into 9 loads (none of which weighed more then 250kg) so that mules could carry the weapon on narrow mountain passes. The barrel, which was equipped with a muzzle brake, was attached to a split-trail carriage that was supported by two light alloy wheels. Considered by many to be the best mountain gun ever built, it remained in service with many countries long after the war was over.
MAX. RANGE
16740m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.5kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1663kg
P01129
NbW 41 150mm Nebelwerfer (Smoke Projector) rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. With no recoil to absorb, the Nebelwerfer could be produced for one-third the cost and in one-half the time that it took for a comparable artillery piece. The NbW 41 was a six-barreled launcher that was mounted to a light two-wheeled trailer. Generally all six rockets could be fired virtually simultaneously, thus creating quite an impact at the receiving end. The rocket shells were initially used for laying smoke, but could also fire HE shells.
MAX. RANGE
6900m
ROCKET WEIGHT
34.15kg
P01136
NbW 42 210mm Nebelwerfer (Smoke Projector) rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. With no recoil to absorb, the Nebelwerfer could be produced for one-third the cost and in half the time it took for a comparable artillery piece. The NbW 42 was a five-barreled launcher based on the NbW 41. It fired a shell that was three times heavier than, and carried four times the explosive charge of, the NbW 41. Mounted to a small two-wheeled trailer, it was easily manhandled by the weapon's crew.
MAX. RANGE
7850m
ROCKET WEIGHT
112.6kg
P01130
The sWG 40 280mm rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. This weapon was a very simple design as it used a wooden crate to provide the launching platform for the rocket shell. A variety of simplistic methods were used to aim the weapon. Wooden stakes were driven into the ground to provide a base for the launching platform to lean against or pits could be dug into the ground which allowed the launching platform to lean against the earthen walls. All methods were very time consuming and slow to reload. Carrying 110 pounds of TNT, the sWG 40 was a potent weapon.
MAX. RANGE
2000m
ROCKET WEIGHT
79-82kg
P01137
The RW 56 300mm rocket launcher consisted of a six-rocket launcher rack on the carriage of a PaK 38 50mm anti-tank gun. To give an idea of the immense firepower of such a weapon, in just ten seconds it could fire over 1670 lbs. (762kg) in projectile weight.
MAX. RANGE
4550m
ROCKET WEIGHT
127kg
P01131
The FlaK 38 20mm was a single-barreled anti-aircraft weapon. It entered service in 1939 and was intended as the replacement for the Flak 20mm. Generally carried on a small two-wheeled trailer the FlaK 38 could be found in every theater of the war and mounted on a huge variety of equipment. Its high rate of made it useful against low flying aircraft and "soft" ground targets. During the last years of the war the FlaK 38 lost most of its effectiveness against the increasingly well armored Allied aircraft.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
2000m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.3kg
WEIGHT
407kg
P01132
The FlaKvierling 38 was a quadruple-barreled 20mm anti-aircraft weapon. First entering service with the German navy in 1940, it quickly earned a good reputation for being able to fire an impressive amount of shells. Quickly adopted for use by all branches of the German military it was generally towed into place or could found mounted on a variety of vehicles. What the FlaKvierling lacked in punch, it more then made up with its volume of fire. Well like by its crew it served throughout the war on all fronts.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
2000m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.3kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1520kg
P01133
The FlaK 36 37mm was a single barreled anti-aircraft weapon. It had an automatic action that operated off of gas pressure and barrel recoil. It took a multi-round ammo clip that allowed the gun to have a practical rate of fire of 80 rounds per minute. Mounted on a triangular platform it was generally carried by a two-wheeled trailer, but could also be found mounted in a wide variety of vehicles.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
4800m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.635kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
1544kg
P01134
The FlaK 43 37mm was a single barreled anti-aircraft weapon. Very similar in appearance to the FlaK 36, the FlaK 43 had a completely different mechanism for feeding and loading the shells. This fully automatic action allowed it to have almost twice the practical firing rate of the FlaK 36. Somewhat small in size it had a pedestal mount and generally came equipped with a shield that gave the crew some protection.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
4800m
SHELL WEIGHT
0.635kg
WEIGHT
1248kg
P01135
The FlaK 18 was a single barreled 88mm anti-aircraft weapon. One of the more famous weapons developed by Germany, it first entered service in the mid 1930s. Originally intended strictly for anti-aircraft purposes only, it was soon discovered that its rapid rate of fire and pinpoint accuracy allowed it to accomplish many jobs. It was often used for destroying bunkers and for turning back armored assaults. Overall a very effective weapon it was much appreciated by the crews that served it.
MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING
8000m
SHELL WEIGHT
14.4kg
WEIGHT IN ACTION
5000kg
P01201
This unit represents a standard 1941-43 rifle platoon. It generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, one light machinegun per squad, and a 50mm light mortar. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Unlike other armies, the Germans considered the machinegun - not the rifle - to be the prime infantry weapon, and based all their infantry tactics around it.
P01202
This unit represents the basic rifle platoon in a 1944 German infantry division. It consisted of three squads and a small HQ, with a total of about 33 men. The platoon was armed with rifles, submachineguns and four MG 42 light machine guns. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have several Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons, which enabled an ordinary soldier to eliminate a 40-ton tank with a single shot - though only at close range.
P01203
This unit represents a 1941-42 rifle platoon of the Waffen (armed) SS. Like its regular army counterpart, it generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, light machineguns and a 50mm mortar. For game purposes it is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Most SS infantry was motorized; this unit represents the minority that was not.
P01204
This unit represents a 1941-43 motorized rifle platoon. It generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, two light machineguns per squad, and a 50mm light mortar. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Transportation was provided by trucks. With a total of eight light machineguns in its four squads, the motorized infantry platoon possessed a impressive amount of anti-personnel firepower for its size.
P01205
This unit represents a 1941-42 motorized rifle platoon of the Waffen (armed) SS. Like its regular army counterpart, it generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, two light machineguns per squad, a 50mm light mortar, and an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Transportation was provided by trucks. Fierce and ruthless in combat on the Eastern Front, SS troops often took no prisoners - and in return were shown no mercy or quarter by the Russians.
P01206
This unit represents a FallschirmjΣger (parachute infantry) platoon in the early-to-mid period of the war. Parachute troops were actually part of the Luftwaffe, and as in other nations were an elite, so were generally better equipped and motivated than regular infantry.
P01225
This unit represents a 1944-45 FallschirmjΣger (parachute infantry) platoon. It was generally equipped with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. The platoon was armed with rifles and assault rifles, six MG 42 light machine guns and one Panzerschreck. The older parachute formations, with their core of hardened veterans, retained their elite edge throughout the war and were regarded as some of the best German troops in the field.
P01207
This unit represents a late-war second-line FallschirmjΣger (Parachute Infantry) platoon. It was generally equipped with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. The platoon was armed with rifles and assault rifles, six MG 42 light machine guns and one Panzerschreck. By late 1944 most of the men in the parachute divisions were replacements with no jump training; and moreover, those in the recently raised formations lacked the experience, leadership and esprit de corps of the older outfits.
P01208
This unit represents a Luftwaffe field infantry platoon, found in the field infantry divisions fielded by the German Air Force and manned by excess ground personnel. Hermann G÷ring refused to make the men available as replacements to the army, and created these divisions instead. Poorly trained and led by inexperienced officers, the Luftwaffe field formations had limited combat effectiveness.
P01209
This unit represents a Panzergrenadier platoon. The Panzergrenadiers were considered elite troops because of the special training and equipment they received. This training allowed them to effectively accompany advancing armor and hold newly won ground in the face of enemy armored counterattacks. They were armed with a variety of weapons, which included rifles, pistols, light machineguns, stick grenades and mortars. Usually three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all, made up a platoon.
P01210
This unit represents an SS Panzergrenadier platoon. The SS Panzergrenadiers were generally all volunteers, and were considered an elite unit. When compared to other army units, the SS typically received better training and the latest weapons. This training allowed them to effectively accompany advancing armor and hold newly won ground in the face of enemy armored counterattacks. They were armed with a variety of weapons, which included rifles, pistols, light machineguns, stick grenades and mortars. Usually three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all, made up a platoon.
P01211
This unit represents a Volksgrenadier platoon. It generally contained three squads and a small HQ; about 33 men in all. They were armed with rifles (one squad), submachine guns (two squads), three MG 42 light machine guns and several Panzerschreck. The volksgrenadier regiment had no anti-tank gun platoon; instead, it had an extra volksgrenadier company armed with Panzerschreck. In the game these troops are assumed to be split up and attached to the platoons. Volksgrenadier troops were formed in the latter half of 1944. Some were regular army units simply renamed, while others were second-class replacements with little training.
P01212
This unit represents a Volkssturm platoon. By 1944 Germany's manpower losses were becoming very difficult to replace. An order went out in October 1944 that all civilian males between the ages of 16 and 60 were to join the Volkssturm (homeguard). Each district was expected to form at least one battalion for the defense of the surrounding area. The recruits were either old veterans of WWI or children, usually led by young officers of the Hitler Youth group. Generally 45 men made up a platoon, and were armed with whatever small arms happened to be available - but usually with a large number of deadly Panzerschreck or Panzerfaust hand-held anti-tank weapons.
P01213
This unit represents a generic machinegun platoon, with about 30 men and three or four heavy machineguns. The weapon was the revolutionary MG 34 (or later the even better MG 42) fitted to a tripod that provided a stable platform for long-range fire. The MG 42 was the most advanced design in the world, with up to twice the rate of fire (as much as 20 rounds per second) of Allied weapons.
P01214
This unit represents a generic machinegun platoon of the Waffen SS, with about 30 men and three or four heavy machineguns. The weapon was the revolutionary MG 34 (or later the even better MG 42) fitted to a tripod that provided a stable platform for long-range fire. The MG 42 was the most advanced design in the world, with up to twice the rate of fire (as much as 20 rounds per second) of Allied weapons..
P01215
This unit represents a generic assault engineer platoon. It generally consisted of 40-50 men with rifles, submachineguns, light machineguns, satchel charges, flamethrowers, and later one or more Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons. The main function of this platoon was to lead the assault on fortified positions. The German term for assault engineers was Pionere ("Pioneers").
P01216
This unit represents a generic assault engineer platoon of the Waffen SS. Like its counterpart in the regular army, it generally consisted of 40-50 men with rifles, submachineguns, light machineguns, satchel charges, flamethrowers, and later one or more Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons. Its main role was to lead the assault on fortified positions. The German term for assault engineers was Pionere ("Pioneers").
P01217
This unit represents a cavalry platoon of about forty men in three squads. The Germans used only one cavalry division during the invasion of Russia, and the division was disbanded in late 1941. Additional cavalry was found in the recon battalion of the older infantry divisions, but in 1943 these mounted squadrons were consolidated into brigades controlled by each army group. These were used mainly to combat the ever-present threat of partisans.
P01218
This unit represents a Waffen SS cavalry platoon of about forty men in three squads. One SS cavalry division was formed in 1942 to fight partisans. Several more created late in the war were destroyed almost immediately by the Russians.
P01219
This unit represents a motorcycle platoon. Generally, it was an infantry platoon that had been assigned motorcycles to increase their mobility so that they could keep pace with armor. The goal was to provide an inexpensive form of transportation, as construction of halftracks was never able to keep up with demand. They were issued a variety of brands, which included the traditional two-wheeled model and sidecars. Often they were part of a reconnaissance company, and worked with other forms of motorized infantry to scout for the main force. Typically, 35-40 men made up a platoon and they were issued around 9-12 motorcycles. They were armed with all types of small arms, which included rifles, grenades, and light machineguns
P01220
This unit represents an SS Motorcycle platoon. The SS troops were generally all volunteers, and when compared to other army units, they typically received better training and the latest weapons. Considered an elite unit, they received more food and ammo, but also got the hardest jobs. Generally, the motorcycle platoon was an infantry unit that had been assigned motorcycles to increase their mobility so that they could keep pace with armor. The goal was to provide an inexpensive form of transportation, as construction of halftracks was never able to keep up with demand. They were issued a variety of brands, which included the traditional two-wheeled model and sidecars. Often they were part of a reconnaissance company, and worked with other forms of motorized infantry to scout for the main force. Typically, 35-40 men made up a platoon and they were issued around 9-12 motorcycles. They were armed with all types of small arms, which included rifles, grenades, and light machineguns.
P01223
This unit represents a motorcycle machinegun platoon, with heavy MG 34 or MG 42 machineguns carried in sidecars. Motorcycle machinegun platoons were sometimes found in bicycle as well as motorcycle units.
P01224
This unit represents an SS Motorcycle Machinegun platoon. The SS troops were generally all volunteers, and were considered an elite unit. When compared to other army units, the SS typically received better training and the latest weapons. This allowed them to maintain a higher moral level.
P01221
This unit represents a Bicycle platoon. It generally consisted of a platoon leader who was in charge of three squads, of 12 men each. Rifles, pistols, hand grenades and a few light machineguns were typically assigned to this unit. For transportation they were issued the Wehrmacht Bicycle 38. This bike had racks attached, which permitted the carrying of most of their light weaponry, but was only useful on a prepared surface. Bicycles were generally used to increase the road mobility of infantry who had no other means of transport. For obvious reasons their mobility was severely hampered by inclement weather.
P01222
This unit represents an SS Bicycle platoon. The SS troops were generally all volunteers, and were considered an elite unit. When compared to other army units, the SS typically received better training and the latest weapons. This allowed them to maintain a higher moral level. It generally consisted of a platoon leader who was in charge of three squads, of 12 men each. Rifles, pistols, hand grenades and a few light machineguns were typically assigned to this unit. For transportation they were issued the Wehrmacht Bicycle 38. This bike had racks attached, which permitted the carrying of most of their light weaponry, but was only useful on a prepared surface. Due to the lack of hard roads in Russia, the bicycle was more of a hindrance than a help
P01301
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01302
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01303
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01304
This unit represents a non-motorized (i.e., infantry type) battalion headquarters. During the war, headquarters staffs were able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01305
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01306
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01307
This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand.
P01401
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01402
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01403
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01404
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01405
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01406
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01407
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01408
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01409
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
P01410
To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end.
