MARDER II Ausf D & E (Sd.Kfz 132)

MARDER II Ausf D & E (Sd.Kfz 132)
Image: Marder II
YearApril 1942
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank Destroyer
Origin & DesignerGermany/Alkett & Wegmann
Numbers Produced201
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 76.2mm L/51.5 Pak 36(r) Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-5° to +16°
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse50°
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightZF3x8
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm MG34 (Pivot)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried30 x 76mm + 900 x 7.92mm Rounds
Height2.60m
Width2.30m
Length5.65m
Combat Weight11.500 kg
Ground Clearance0.30m
Fording Depth0.85m
Trench Crossing1.75m
Obstacle Clearance0.42m
Climbing Ability24°
RadioFuG Spr d
ArmourHull Front: 30mm
Hull Sides: 14.5mm
Hull Rear: 14.5mm
Hull Top: 10mm
Hull Bottom: 5mm
Gun Shield Front: 14.5mm
Gun Shield Sides: 14.5mm
Gun Shield Rear: Open
Gun Shield Top: Open
EngineMaybach HL 62TRM (Petrol)
Transmission7 Forward & 3 Reverse
Maximum Road Range200 km
Maximum Cross Country Range130 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed55 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed20 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesBy 1942 it was clear that the Panzer Mk. II was inadequate as a light tank, so the decision was made to allow the chassis to be used in production of self-propelled guns. With the success of the Marder II Ausf D and E, it was decided to adapt the chassis of previous models from Ausf A, B and C, later models were built on new Ausf F chassis. The main weapon was the 75mm PaK 40/2 gun and this was housed in an open topped fighting compartment, which was slightly lower than the Marder II Ausf D and E. It served in a similar role to the previous Marder II, and fought on every front from Africa to Russia and the west.