Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) neuer Art

Overview

Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) neuer Art
General Data
Type	• Light Tank • Reconnaissance Vehicle
Place of Origin	Occupied Czechoslovakia (Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia)
Designed by	BMM
Designed	1942 - January 1943
Manufacturer	BMM
Produced	1942
Number Built	5
Serial Numbers	Fgst.Nr. 1 through Fgst.Nr. 5
Development
Developed From	Panzerkampfwagen 38(t)
Armament
Main Gun	3,7cm KwK 38(t) L/47.8 (60 rounds)
Main Gun Sights	Turmzielfernrohr(t)
Traverse	360° manual
Elevation	-10° to +25°
Coaxial Gun	7.92x57mm Mauser MG 37(t) (2,100 rounds)
Defence
Armour Type	Partially riveted
Armour Layout	8 - 30mm
Misc Specs
Crew	4: • Commander • Gunner • Radio Operator • Driver
Internal Communication	Yes
External Communication	FuG 5 & FuG 2
Dimensions
Weight	11.5t
Length	4.70m
Width	2.22m
Height	2.22m
Wheelbase	1.92m
Automotive
Engine	BMM V-8
Power/Weight	19.1hp/t
Engine Characteristics	V8, water-cooled, Gasoline 220hp @ 2200rpm
Gears	5 forward, 1 reverse
Ground Pressure	0.84kg/cm²
Ground Clearance	0.36m
Operational Range	Onroad: 175km Offroad: 125km
Speed	Maximum: 60.8km/h Onroad: 45km/h Offroad: 25km/h
Maximum Fording Depth	1.6m
Suspension
Suspension	Leaf spring
Maximum Grade	35°
Vertical Obstacles	0.7m
Roadwheels	4 per side
Roadwheel Materials	Rubber tires
Return Rollers	2
Drive Sprocket	Front, double
Idler Sprocket	Rear, double, adjustable
Track Type	Outside guide, single dry pin, steel
Steering System	Differential
Track Width	305mm

The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) neuer Art (abbreviated as Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) n.A.) is a light tank developed by BMM as a tracked reconnaissance vehicle for the German Army during the second world war.

The vehicle competed with the Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. L, Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. M, and the T 15 for the role of Panzerspähwagen II (armoured scout tank II).

Names

The context dictates the use of the name, but both names are valid.

Name	Abbr.	Date	Context
Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) neuer Art	Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) n.A.	2 Mar 1942	As an independent vehicle.
Panzerspähwagen II Ausf. B.M.M.	Pz.Sp.Wg. II Ausf. B.M.M.	5 Mar 1942	As part of the Panzerspähwagen II design competition.

Development

The Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) n.A. began development in early 1942 according to surviving records. The first mention of the vehicle is in data sheet from Wa Prüf 6 dated 2 March 1942, entitled "38 t n.A.". BMM had completed an experimental chassis and turret by April 1942, so development was likely initiated months prior.

There is no record as to who initiated the development of the vehicle. There are three likely possibilities as given by Panzer Tracts No. 11-2;

1. Wa Prüf 6 initiated the program for the Panzerspähwagen II, which was given to MAN. BMM could have also been included in this program, developing their own model.
2. BMM may have initiated development of the vehicle themselves, in order to extend the life of the Pz.Kpfw. 38(t).
3. Ferdinand Porsche may have authorized the project from his position as the head of the Panzerkommission; he was directly involved in the development of the Škoda T 15.

Early Specifications

On 2 March 1942, Wa Prüf 6 recorded limited details about the vehicle, with further details yet to be determined.

Weight	10,600 kg
Engine	V-8, four-cycle, gasoline, 220 hp
Power/Weight Ratio	20.7 hp/t
Maximum Speed	52.5 km/h
Onroad Speed	40 - 50 km/h
Offroad Speed	20 - 30 km/h
Fuel Capacity	260 - 270 L
Slope Grade	35°
Vertical Step	0.75 m
Water Fording Depth	1.6 m
Length	4.56 m
Width	2.03 m
Height	2.25 m
Crew	4

Specifications found the vehicle too narrow for a crew of 4, and it affected the steering ratio negatively. Armour consisted of 30mm plates on the front, 25mm plates on the sides, and 20mm plates on the rear. The turret had 20mm plates capable of effective protection against armour-piercing rounds of anti-tank weapons of up to 25mm at ranges over 600 meters. The turret roof was 12mm thick, the hull roof was 10mm, and the hull bottom 8mm. The vehicle met the specifications of protection for its purpose at the time.

The turret was planned to fit a 5cm Kw.K.-Turm that was being designed by Daimler-Benz, and the turret designed for the 3,7cm KwK 38(t) was not mentioned. The turret was to fit a 5cm KwK 39/1 L/60 gun.

On 5 March 1942, additional information was added to the data sheet by hand, including a name change to Panzerspähwagen II Ausf. B.M.M.. An MG 34 and an MP 40 were added to the vehicle outfitting in addition to the planned 5cm Kw.K. gun. Ammo stowage made for 60 rounds for the 5cm gun, 2100 rounds for the MG, and 192 rounds for the MP 40. The dimensions changed too, with the overall length increasing to 4.70 meters and the width to 2.225 meters. An articulated Turmzielfernrohr 12 b telescope was to be mounted for use with the 5cm gun and the coaxial machine gun. The driver was provided with twin K.F.F. 2 periscopes. An intercom system was introduced, and FuG 5 send/receive radio, and a FuG 2 receiver radio were to be fitted. A gyroscopic compass was included to aid the driver in maintaining direction.

In April 1942, an experimental version of the Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) n.A. was demonstrated to Hitler. The vehicle had a turret mounting a 3,7cm gun with a cupola extending across the width of the turret, as seen in all known photographs of the vehicle. No documentation has been found showing BMM attempting to design the 38(t) n.A. with a 5cm gun, although it was originally planned to be fitted with one.

Trials

Between April and late June 1942, a Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) n.A. was sent to the Kraftfahrversuchsstelle (automotive testing station) in Kummersdorf for comparative testing against the Škoda T 15 and the MAN VK13.03. The test findings were dated 29 June 1942.

The commander at Kummersdorf, Oberst Esser, stated that the drive train in the Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) series was impressive, and that after 3,886 kilometers driven in the n.A., the only comment on any engine component problems was the failure of the rivets holding the fan wheel. The steering was good, with exception of a leaking gasket. Brakes and transmission were exceptional, however the leaf spring suspension had frequently broken during trials, and the track pins were excessively worn, but in all the suspension performed quite well. If the issues mentioned were corrected then the vehicle would perform well in itself, however in comparison to its competition it had some flaws.

Comparison between the n.A., T-15, and VK13.03

Oberst Esser of Kummersdorf stated the following on the Panzerspähwagen II competition

The weight of all three vehicles is close together. Attention should be paid to the fact that a 3,7cm gun is planned for the T 15 and the 38(t) and the free space in the turret is very restricted. A 2cm is the basic gun mounted in the VK13.03, resulting in significantly more favourable space in the turret than in both other vehicles. At 33cm, the ground clearance of the T 15 is the lowest, at 36cm for the 38(t) somewhat more favourable, and most favourable at 42.5cm with the VK13.03. The ground clearance of the VK13.03 is significantly better than the T 15. Fuel consumption of the VK13.03 couldn't be determined because of converting the suspension and work on the superstructure. Fuel consumption of the T 15 and 38(t) is about 20 percent higher than that experienced in German Pz.Kpfw. It is expected that the VK13.03 will achieve the same favourable results as achieved previously in other German Pz.Kpfw. The range of the T 15, only 170 kilometres on the road and 100 kilometres cross country, is not acceptable. The range of the 38(t) is better at 202 kilometres on the road and 124 kilometres cross country.

Fate

On 15 June 1942, in a report detailing the extensive modifications recommended for the Versuchs-Serie (experimental series), a total of five Pz.Kpfw.38(t) n.A. were produced and identified as Nr. 1 through Nr. 5.

On 19 January 1943, Kummersdorf was advised that a production series of the n.A. will not be be ordered and that the five trial vehicles should finish testing and be set aside.

Fgst.Nr. 3 was used post-war as a test bed for the Tatra Typ 103 engine.

Fgst.Nr. 3, with Tatra Typ 103 engine.

Variants

LT vz. 38 Original Czech production. Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) The Germans continued production of the LT vz. 38. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. A — TNHPS/I Chassis numbers 1 to 150. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. B — TNHPS/II Chassis numbers 151 to 260. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. C — TNHPS/III Chassis numbers 261 to 370. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. D — TNHPS/IV Chassis numbers 371 to 475. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. E — TNHPS/V Chassis numbers 476 to 750. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. F — TNHPS/VI Chassis numbers 751 to 1000. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. G — TNHPS/VII Chassis numbers 1100 to 1359 and 1480 to 1526. Last mainstream production model, increased armour and other improvements. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. G (Tp) Topen conversion. Pz.Kpfw. 38 (t) Ausf. S — TNH-SV Chassis numbers 1001 to 1090. Model developed for export designed before the Ausf. E, but produced alongside the Ausf. F and incorporating some Ausf. F features. Pz.Bfw. 38 (t) Ausf. B Pz.Bfw. 38 (t) Ausf. E Pz.Bfw. 38 (t) Ausf. F 38(t) Derivatives 7,5cm Stu.K. 40 auf Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) Flakpanzer 38 (t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38 (t) Ausf. L Geschützwagen 38 (t) mit 3cm Fla.K. 103/38 Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) neuer Art Modernization effort to produce a panzerspähwagen. Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) Ausf. # mit Schwimmkörper Selbstfahrlafette 38 Ausf. H Selbstfahrlafette 38 Ausf. M Selbstfahrlafette 38 Ausf. K Selbstfahrlafette 38 Ausf. L Selbstfahrlafette 38 Ausf. M Pz.Kpfw. 38 Second generation of vehicles utilizing new superstructure. J.Pz. 38 Dedicated tank destroyer model. Its chassis served as a basis for a number of vehicles. Pz.Kpfw. 38 m. 7,5cm Kw.K. 40 J.Pz. 38 with the superstructure replaced by a shorter one with the turret from the Pz.Kpfw. IV J. Pz.Kpfw. 38 m. 8cm P.A.W. 600 J.Pz. 38 with the superstructure replaced by a shorter one with the turret from the Pz.Kpfw. IV J, fitting the 8cm P.A.W. 600. Pz.Kpfw. 38 Derivatives 3cm Zwilling-Fla.K. auf Panzerkampfwagen 38 15cm sIG auf Panzerkampfwagen 38 Aufklärer auf Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) mit 7,5cm K. 51 Aufklärungspanzer 38 (2cm) Bergepanzer 38 Armoured recovery vehicle. Fahrschulpanzer 38 Driver training vehicle. Geschützwagen 38 für Munition Ausf. K Ammunition carrier for vehicles or artillery units equipped with the 15cm s.I.G. 33. Mörserträger 38 Mortar carrier. Schützenpanzerwagen Kätzchen 38 Troop transport model by BMM. Schützenpanzerwagen Kätzchen K1 Troop transport model by Auto Union. Schützenpanzerwagen Kätzchen K2 Troop transport model by Auto Union. Vollketten Aufklärer Troop transport model by Auto Union. Vollkettenaufklärer 38 Reconnaissance model with 7,5cm K. 51. Pz.Kpfw. 38 D Third generation utilizing completely indigenous components. Panzerkampfwagen 38 D Standard tank model. Pz.Kpfw. 38 D Derivatives Aufklärer 38 D mit 2cm Hängelafette Aufklärer 38 D mit 7,5cm A.K.F. Panzerjäger 38 D Panzerjäger 38 D mit 10,5cm P.A.W. 1000 Waffenträger 38 D

Germany (Deutsches Reich) Land Vehicles 1919 - 1945

Half-Tracked Vehicles
Offensive / Defensive	SPAA	2cm Fla.K. 30 auf Fgst. le.Zgkw. 1t • 2cm Fla.K. 38 auf Fgst. le.Zgkw. 1t • 2cm Fla.K. 38 (Sf.) auf le.Zgkw. 1t • 2cm Fla.K. 38 Vierling (Sf.) auf m.Zgkw. 8t • 3,7cm Fla.K. 43/1 auf Sfl. s.W.S. • 5cm Fla.K. 41 (Sf.) auf m.Zgkw 5t • 8,8cm Fla.K. 18 (Sfl.) auf s.Zgkw 12t • 8,8cm Fla.K. 37 (Sfl.) auf s.Zgkw 18t
	Armoured Recon	le.S.P.W. (2cm) • le.S.P.W. (3,7cm) aA • le.S.P.W. (3,7cm) nA • Pz.Spw. RK A
	Fire Support	le.S.P.W. (7,5cm) • le.S.P.W. (s.Pz.B. 41)
	SPM	8cm R-vielfachwerfer auf Fahgestell S 303(f) • leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (schwerer Granatwerfer) • mittlerer Schützenpanzerwagen S307(f)
	SPRA	8cm R.W. auf Fgst. S303(f) • 8cm Reihenwerfer auf Fahgestell S303(f)
	SPATG	5cm PaK 38 (Sf) auf leichter Zugkraftwagen 1t • 7,5cm PaK 40 (Sf) auf Fahrgestell S 307(f) • 8,8cm FlaK 18 (Sf) auf schwerer Zugkraftwagen 12t • 8,8cm FlaK 37 (Sfl.) auf schwerer Zugkraftwagen 18t • leichter Schützenpanzerwagen mit Sfl 5cm PaK 38 L/60 • Panzerjäger S307(f) mit 7,5cm PaK 40 L/46
Utility	Ammunition Carriers	l.gp.Mun.Tr.Kw. • le.Mun.Pz.Wg. (A • B)
	Command	le.Beob.Pz.Wg. n.A.
	Communication & Cable Related	kl.Kett.Krad. f. Fe.Kab. • kl.Kett.Krad. f. s.Fe.Kab. • leichter Fernsprechpanzerwagen • leichter Funkpanzerwagen
	Engineering	m.S.P.W. (Pi)
	Observation, Spotting & Survey	leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen • leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen Alte • le.Messtrupp-Pz.Wg. • m.S.P.W. (IR)
	Transport & Towing	gepanzerter Transportkraftwagen P380(f) • kl.Kett.Krad • leichter Schützenpanzerwagen Series • leichter Schützenpanzerwagen Alte • le.S.P.W. n.A. • le.S.P.W. U304(f) • le.Zgkw 1t • le.Zgkw 3t • le.Zgkw S307(f) • m.gep.Zgkw S303(f) • m.Zgkw 5t • m.Zgkw 8t • S.P.W. M2(a) • S.P.W. M3(a) • s.Zgkw 12t • s.Zgkw 18t • Zgkw P302(b) • Zgkw P302(f) • Zgkw P304(f)