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While the full range of combat support and service troops are necessary to support Panzer and Panzergrenadier units, their degree of mechanization was always inferior to that of the mobile combat units. It was essential that artillery, antitank, and antiaircraft units providing direct support to the mobile combat units be just as capable of cross-country mobility and possess at least minimal armor to protect them from small arms fire and artillery and mortar fragments. These weapon systems, while able to keep pace with the fast moving kampfgruppen to which they were attached, were mounted on full-tracked, armored chassis, provide them with at least minimal armor protection, and give them the capability to operate their weapon while mounted with minimal firing preparation and displacement time.

There were abundant chassis available for this purpose, but they were for the most part obsolete or obsolescent designs, or converted from captured combat vehicles. This later factor made them more difficult to maintain and repair because of often scarce, non-standard spare parts. Cramped space and limited gun traverse often added to the crew's discomfort.

For the most part the self-propelled artillery, antitank guns, and antiaircraft guns fielded by the Germans were ad hoc measures necessary to fulfill pressing tactical requirements. Some were more successful than others. Some were quite effective and led to new models. Others were dismal failures.

Noted historian Gordon Rottman is the author of this book, while Arek Wrobel provided 16 color plates, some in ? views. Photos feature Bison, Grille,Wespe, Hummel, Thor, Panzerjager I, Marder I, Marder II, Marder III, Nashorn, Emil, Flakpanzers, Flak Half-tracks, Mobelwagen, Wirbelwind, 8.8cm PzIV and others

Название: German Self-Propelled Guns: Self-propelled artillery, anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns
Издатель: Concord Publications Company
Armor At War Series 7022
Год издания: 2005
Автор: Gordon Rottman
ISBN: 962-361-630-9
Язык: english
Страниц:72 pages, 176 b/w photos, 16 color plates
Формат: PDF
Размер: 22.8 mb