SdKfz 164 Hornisse / Nashorn

SdKfz 164 Hornisse / Nashorn History

The SdKfz 164 is an evolution of the existing Waffentragerfahrzeug to tow the sFH 18 gun. The car itself is a combination of Panzer III tank parts and Panzer IV tank chassis, making it an efficient vehicle to pull from available shops.

The system, designated Geschutzwagen III/IV, was chosen as the chassis to carry the powerful PaK 43 anti-tank gun in the new SdKfz 164 Panzerjager design - essentially a temporary design to meet the growing demands of the battlefield.

The Behemoth SdKfz 164 was an impressive German tank destroyer platform during WWII. Since the obsolete Panzer III and Panzer IV chassis were still in stock or on the production line, it was decided to put them to better use, converting them into self-propelled guns, installing the powerful 88mm PaK 43 series.

To achieve this, the hull was lengthened to accommodate the new guns, the engines were relocated, and the armor was removed to keep the vehicle's weight at a respectable level.

The main gun is mounted in a tall superstructure, giving the vehicle a high profile, and its turretless design means the entire vehicle must be rotated to engage the enemy. The turret also provided no protection from above or behind for firefighters and commanders, and was an open design.

As a result, crews had to resort to battlefield modifications to block elements or shrapnel, and to acquire small arms and machine guns for self-defense. Power comes from a Maybach HL 12-cylinder engine with about 300 horsepower, a crew of five can operate the system, and the driver is the only one benefiting from any type of armor protection.

SdKfz 164 appeared in its original form under the name "Hornisse" (meaning "Hornet"), although it was later changed to "Nashorn" (meaning "rhinoceros") at Hitler's request because it was required The name attached to the vehicle. Early Hornisse models were fitted with the standard PaK 43 L/71 main gun, while later 1944 Nashorn models were fitted with the new and improved PaK 43/1 L/71.

Aside from the primary armament, both vehicles are similar in design and construction.

In combat, the SdKfz 164 proved its worth by engaging and defeating Soviet tanks of all classes from 2,000 to 4,000 meters away. The post-event report pointed out how the sheer velocity of the 88mm shell was able to hit the Soviet T-34 directly like paper. However, the maneuverability of the system played a role in its usefulness, and the tank destroyer performed better in a prepared position.

The Hornet/Nashorn series was later replaced by custom Jagdpanther and Jagdpanzer tank kill designs.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

24 x 88mm shell (Bumblebee)

40 x 88mm bullet (Rhino)

600 x 7.92mm ammo

Changes