15cm SCHWERES INFANTERIEGESCHÜTZ 33 (Sf) AUF PANZERKAMPFWAGEN 38(t) AUSF H (Sd. Kfz 138/1)

15cm SCHWERES INFANTERIEGESCHÜTZ 33 (Sf) AUF PANZERKAMPFWAGEN 38(t) AUSF H (Sd. Kfz 138/1)
Image: Grille Ausf H (Aviarmor)
YearFebruary 1943
Vehicle TypeHeavy Self-Propelled Infantry Gun
Origin & DesignerCzechoslovakia/BMM
Numbers Produced90
Crew5 (Commander, 2 x Gunner, 2 x Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 150mm L/12 sIG33 Infantry Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-3° to +72°
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse10°
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightRblf36
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm MG34
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried15 x 150mm & 600 x 7.92mm Rounds
Height2.40m
Width2.16m
Length4.61m
Combat Weight11.500 kg
Ground Clearance0.40m
Fording Depth0.90m
Trench Crossing1.86m
Obstacle Clearance0.80m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioFuG-16
ArmourHull Front: 50mm
Hull Sides: 15mm
Hull Rear: 15mm
Hull Top: 8mm
Hull Bottom: 8mm
Gun Compartment:
Gun Mantle: 12mm
Front: 15mm
Sides: 12mm
Rear: Open
Top: Open
EnginePraga EPA/2 (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range185 km
Maximum Cross Country Range140 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed35 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed13 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Grille sIG33 Ausf H was another first attempt to construct a self-propelled infantry gun on a tank chassis. As with previous models the armament was to be the 150mm sIG33 and the chassis was from the Czech built Panzer 38(t) Ausf H. The chassis was initially used on the Marder III in which the engine was centrally mounted, this meant that the gun to be mounted more forward. It featured an open topped fighting compartment which also carried the crew and limited supply of ammunition. The sIG33 Ausf H saw service in North Africa, Italy, Russia and France.