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SdKfz 165 Panzerfeldhaubitze 18M (Hummel)

1943 SELF-PROPELLED ARTILLERY WORLD WAR 2

History of SdKfz 165 Panzerfeldhaubitze 18M (Hummel)

With the expansion of the WWII front in Germany, the need for a viable long-range indirect fire self-propelled artillery (SPA) system for its military grew. These elements would operate behind the main force, hitting enemy positions with large-caliber projectiles.

Many of these vehicles were born from existing chassis systems by simply adding a field howitzer and erecting a rough structure for protection.

In 1942, the need remained and the company was given permission to develop a vehicle that met the requirements. After many trials and modifications, in which both the Panzer III and Panzer IV chassis were paired with different field howitzers, it was decided that the Panzer III and Panzer IV should be equipped with a combination of the 15cm sFH 18 L/30. The drive and steering systems of the Panzer III series are adapted to the suspension and engine of the Panzer IV.

Superstructures, mounting hardware and howitzers were added to create the Panzerfeldhaubitze 18M auf Geschutzwagen III/IV (Sf) Hummel, SdKfz 165, better known as "Hummel" ("Bumblebee").

Rheinmetall-Borsig and Alkett teamed up to do the job, only the bodywork was completely redesigned - the rest of the vehicle consists of proven existing components. The placement of the artillery platform above the rear of the vehicle required relocation of the engine to the center of the fuselage. The Pilot's (prototype) vehicle's engine exhaust grille was centered on either side of the fuselage, but the production model changed that, and now the grille is more forward.

The pilot vehicle was also equipped with a muzzle brake, but it was not included in production form.

The dimensions of the bumblebee include a length of 7.17 meters, a width of 2.97 meters and a height of 2.81 meters. The weight is 23 tons. The six operators include the driver and five employees responsible for gun functions.

Despite some degree of armor, Hummel was only able to withstand small arms fire and artillery jets. For communication, fu. Sp. Ger. 1er radio installed. Power comes from a liquid-cooled Maybach HL120 TRM V-12 gasoline engine producing 265 hp at 2,600 rpm. On-road speeds are up to 15.5 mph and mileage is 133 miles on-road (off-road is limited to 83.7 miles).

The layout used by the artillery only provided protection at the front, rear and sides, leaving the top open to provide more combat space. This exposes personnel to a variety of hazards on the battlefield, including artillery shells, airstrikes, and shelling, not to mention the elements in general (a net can be installed to keep the shells out, and tarpaulins are often used against the elements). That said, winter is especially harsh. The driver sitting on the hull is the only crew member who gets any meaningful protection.

The rigidity of the superstructure meant that the entire vehicle had to be turned in the direction of fire. When it was ready to fire, the rear doors of the superstructure remained open to allow the crew enough room for the loading/reloading process.

The main gun consists of a 15 cm (150 mm) sFH 18/1 series field howitzer, providing a range of up to 14,630 yards primarily through indirect fire. In addition to high-explosive and smoke grenades, riflemen can use a variety of ammunition types, including standard high-explosive (HE) and armor-piercing (AP) rounds. In this way, the Hornet can be used as a dedicated artillery vehicle, tank killer, engineering vehicle or support vehicle. The main gun is bolted to the forward tilting plate via a standard A-frame assembly. Once unlocked, the gun mount is allowed to move 15 degrees to the left or right of the vehicle's centerline.

For secondary fire, a typical 7.92mm MG34 machine gun was installed, this weapon was awarded 600 rounds. This has proven essential for protecting the vehicle from infantry attacks and low-altitude aircraft.

From the beginning, Bumblebee was intended to be an initial SPA until a more dedicated, dedicated form was delivered. However, after 714, the Hummel became a front-line combat vehicle and was forced into long-term service until 1945.

The gun carriages were arranged in six companies and were first used in July 1943 during "Operation Zitadelle" (the famous Battle of Kursk). About 100 were in use at the time. In early 1944, the series redesigned the forward porthole panel section, showing a new wheelhouse assembly that ran the entire width of the hull to create more interior space for the radio station. The late war model lacks the silencer on the earlier war form and has a cover on the grille.

Due to the shortage of rubber throughout Germany, the original deflection rollers were also made of all-steel.

In addition to the SPA Hummel model, there is the "Munitionstrager Hummel" which is nothing more than an unarmed variant of the Hummel developed as an ammunition resupply/delivery vehicle. One hundred and fifty of them were completed before the end of the war and could be converted back to their combat form if necessary.