History: The
Wespe was designed by Alkett early in 1942, and was chosen as the most
practical self-propelled mount for the leFH18 over the Pz Kpfw III and Pz Kpfw
IV. As an interim measure, the Wespe proved a great success and in February 1943,
all further Pz Kpfw II chassis were ordered to be used for its production. The
initial order for 1,000 was cut back to 835 late in 1943. This total included
159 (without leFH18/2) designated Munitions-Sf auf Fgst Pz Kpfw II
(Ammunition-SP on chassis (of) AFV II) which carried 90 rounds with a crew of
three.
Specific features:
The Wespe was built on a modified Pz Kpfw II chassis with the hull slightly
lengthened, the engine moved forward, the glacis extended and the
cooling-system louvres completely redesigned. The suspension was altered
slightly by reducing the number of return rollers from four to three, and by
adding spring bumper stops for the road wheels to absorb the recoil loadings.
The driver occupied a small compartment forward, next to the transmission, and
separated from the remainder of the crew who were located in the rear fighting
compartment which was built up from sloping plates. The design of the
Munitions-Sf version still allowed the installation of the leFH18/2 by Field
Maintenance as replacement for unserviceable Wespe.
Combat service:
The Wespe was issued to SP detachments of the Panzerartillerie regiments in
Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions. Its first major action was at Kursk in
Russia, and it saw active service in the east, west and south-west until the
end of the war.
| Service history | |
|---|---|
| In service | 1943 - 1945 |
| Used by | Nazi Germany |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Alkett |
| Designed | 1942 |
| Manufacturer | Famo-Ursus |
| Produced | 1943 - 1944 |
| Number built | 676 |
| Variants | ammunition carrier |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 11 tonnes (24,250 lb) |
| Length | 4.81 m (15 ft 9 in) |
| Width | 2.28 m (7 ft 6 in) |
| Height | 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Crew | 5 (commander, driver, three gunners) |
|
|
|
| Armor | 5 - 30 mm (.19 - 1.18 in) |
|
Main
armament |
1x 10.5 cm leFH 18/2 L/28 with 40 rounds |
| Engine | 6-cyl petrol Maybach HL 62 TR 140 PS (138 hp, 103 kW) |
| Power/weight | 12.7 PS/tonne |
| Suspension | leaf spring |
|
Operational
range |
220 km (137 mi) |
| Speed | 40 km/h (25 mph) |
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