Steyr Panzerjager-Treibwagen (Tank Destroyer Car)

History of Steyr Panzerjager-Treibwagen (Tank Destroyer)

In 1944, Germany initiated the construction of motorized armored wagons known as "tank destroyers," with plans to build three of them, designated as numbers 51 to 53. These tank destroyers were equipped with powerful long-barreled 75 mm KwK L/48 cannons from German PzKpfw IV (H) tanks. However, only one of these tank destroyers was completed at the Steyr Werke AG plant and remained there until the end of World War II without participating in any battles. Armored trains, like these tank destroyers, have a historical precedent dating back to the American Civil War but were limited by the existing railway networks of the countries where they were used.

During World War II, armored trains continued to play a role in warfare. In late 1943, Steyr-Daimler-Puch was tasked with designing and manufacturing a collection of these armored trains for surveillance, reconnaissance, and the defense of strategic locations throughout Europe. One such armored train introduced during this period was the "Panzerjager-Motorwagen." These trains were designed to operate within the existing railway infrastructure of Europe and enhance the mobility and firepower of German forces during the war.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1944

Origins: Nazi Germany

Crew: 40

Production: 3

Manufacturer: Steyr-Daimler-Puch - Austria

Operator: Nazi Germany

Roles

Fire Support/Attack/Breakthrough

Support allied forces with direct/indirect fire, attacking forward positions and/or breaking through fortified areas of the battlefield. Special designs developed to fulfill one or more equally special battlefield roles.

Weapons

2 x 75 mm (7.5 cm) KwK 40 L/43 main guns (in 2 x PzKpfW IV Ausf H turrets).

10 x 7.92mm MG34 machine guns (estimate).