3.7cm PANZERABWEHRKANONE 36

3.7cm PANZERABWEHRKANONE 36
Image: 3.7cm Pak 36
YearMarch 1936
Weapon TypeLight Anti-Tank Gun
Origin & DesignerGermany/Rheinmetall
Numbers Produced15.339
Crew5 (Gun Commander, Gunner, Loader & 2 x Ammunition Bearers)
Calibre37mm (37x249R)
Elevation-5° to +25°
Traverse30°
BreechHorizontal Sliding Block
RecoilHydropneumatic
Gun SightZ.F. 1 x 11
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
CarriageSplit Trail
Trailers[@trailers]
Gun Shield4.4mm
Armoured Plate[@armoured_plate]
Barrel Length1.650mm (L/45)
Overall Length3.04m
Width1.65m
Height1.17m
WeightWeight in Traction: 440 kg
Weight in Action: 328 kg
Round WeightSprgr Patr 0.97 kg (HE) Pzgr 40 - 0.97 kg (AP)
Muzzle Velocity1.020 m/s (AP) 680 m/s (HE)
Feed[@feed]
Magazine Capacity[@magazine_capacity]
Practical Rate of Fire[@practical_rate_of_fire]
Rate of Fire13 r.p.m.
Maximum Rate of Fire[@maximum_rate_of_fire]
Maximum Ceiling[@maximum_ceiling]
Maximum Ground Range[@maximum_ground_range]
Maximum Range5.484m
Armour Penetration31mm @ 500m @ 30°
TractionMotorised (Protze Kfz 69 & Sd.Kfz 10)
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Pak 36 was the standard anti-tank gun available to the German army in 1940. It was light, easily managed in action and adequate when dealing with light tanks but against heavy tanks it was found wanting and earned the name Heeresanklopfgerät (army door knocker). It was gradually withdrawn from front line use and replaced by the 50mm PaK 38, but some remained in service and given a new lease of life with the introduction of the Stielgranate 41 (shaped charge). It was also mounted on halftracks and used as an infantry support gun.