|
|
Crew |
4 |
Engine |
Maybach HL42TRKM |
Weight |
5.70 tons |
Gearbox |
7 forward : 3 reverse |
Length |
4.70m |
Speed km/hr |
65 |
Width |
1.95m |
Range |
320 km |
Height |
1.80m |
Radio |
FuG 15 & FuG16 |
Armament |
One 7.92mm MG34 |
| Armour (mm/angle) | Front | Side | Rear | Top/Bottom |
| Superstructure | 18 / 30º | 8 / 30º | 8 / 23º | 8 / 90º |
| Hull | 18 / 12º | 8 / 30º | 8 / 45º | 8 / 90º |
|
During the late thirties trials were held of the pre-production series of the Sturmgeschütz and it was concluded that these vehicles would have to be supported by an armored ammunition carrier and observation vehicle.Thers were to be based on the Demag semi-tracked chassis.Shortly after the Sturmgeschütz had gone into production in 1940 an order for 25 le gep Beob Wg was placed and these were built between March and June 1940.As these were the very first production vehicles using the Demag-developed D7p shortened version of the 1 ton tractor some manufacturing difficulties were experienced.Further series were ordered as the number of Sturmgeschütz was increased , but this specialized model was abandoned in favour of the normal Sd Kfz 250. Heavier armour and a fully-enclosed crew compartment were features of these Sd Kfz 253.Observation was from a large circular hatch in the roof.The radio aerial on the right-hand side folded forward into a protective channel when not in use.The Sd Kfz 253 served with Sturmgeschütz Batterien 640 , 659 , 660 and 665 in France in 1940 and later with other assault artillery batteries in Russia. |
