sIG33 AUF FAHRGESTELL PANZERKAMPFWAGEN II (Sf) BISON

sIG33 AUF FAHRGESTELL PANZERKAMPFWAGEN II (Sf) BISON
Image: sIG33 Auf Fgst Pz.Kpfw II Bison (Bundesarchiv)
YearNovember 1941
Vehicle TypeHeavy Self-Propelled Infantry Gun
Origin & DesignerGermany/Altmaerkische Kettenwerk
Numbers Produced12
Crew3 (Commander/Gunner, Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 150mm L/11 sIG33 Infantry Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-0° to +50°
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse25°
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightRblf36
Secondary Armament[@secondary_armament]
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried30 x 150mm
Height1.90m
Width2.60m
Length5.41m
Combat Weight11.200 kg
Ground Clearance0.34m
Fording Depth0.92m
Trench Crossing1.70m
Obstacle Clearance0.42m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioFuG-5
ArmourHull Front: 35mm
Hull Sides: 20mm
Hull Rear: 15mm
Hull Top: 5mm (Open Fighting Compartment)
Hull Bottom: 5mm
Upper Hull Front: 15mm
Upper Hull Sides: 15mm
Upper Hull Rear: Open
EngineMaybach HL 62 TR (Petrol)
Transmission6 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range160 km
Maximum Cross Country Range80 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed33 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed14 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe sIG33 Auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II was developed to replace the successful but top heavy sIG33 (Sf) Auf Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B. After trials using the chassis of a Panzer II, it was found that the length and width of the vehicle needed to be increased, so extra road wheels were added plus the extra width added to the hull. The engine had better cooling due to new hatches. This conversion caused delays in production but provided a vehicle with a low silhouette but had an open gun topped gun compartment. Only twelve were built and all were sent to North Africa to serve with the Afrika Korps and all were lost.