Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Selbstfahrlafette), early production1-5
Wespe: General
Date of first production February 1943 Total acceptances 676
Manufacturer Fahrzeug und Motorenbau, GmbH Crew
5 men:
  • Commander in hull rear
  • Three gunners in hull rear
  • Driver in hull left front
Wespe: Dimensions
Combat weight 24,300lbs
11,000kg		 Height 90.5"
230cm
Length 189"
481cm		 Howitzer overhang forward 0"
Width 89.8"
228cm		 Tread 75.6"
192cm
Ground clearance 13"
34cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 13psi
.90kg/cm²
Wespe: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
10.5cm leFH 18M L/28 Mount in center of hull 32 rounds 34°
(17° left and right;
manual)		 +42° to -5°
(manual)
Wespe: Armor
Assembly
Welding and bolting
Hull
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front .79"
2.0cm		 30°
Lower front 1.2"
3.0cm		 15°
Sides .59"
1.5cm		 0°
Upper rear .3"
.8cm		 0°
Lower rear .59"
1.5cm		 10°
Top .40"
1.0cm		 90°
Floor .2"
.5cm		 90°
Gun shield
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Front .40"
1.0cm		 24°
Sides .40"
1.0cm		 17°
Rear .40"
1.0cm		 0°
Top Open
Wespe: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL62TR; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 140@2600rpm Fuel capacity 45gal
170L
Transmission SSG 46 synchromesh, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Wespe: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Leaf spring 5 independently sprung/track 3/track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
Front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
Wespe: Track
Outside guide, single pin steel
Width 12"
30cm		 Pitch 3.5"
9cm		 Shoes/track 106 Ground contact length 94.5"
240cm
Wespe: Performance
Max level road speed 25mph
40kph		 Max trench 66.9"
170cm
Max grade 58% Max vertical obstacle 17"
42cm
Min turning diameter 16'
4.8m		 Max fording depth 36"
92cm
Cruising range ~135mi, roads
~220km, roads


The Wespe (Sd.Kfz.124) was based on the Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.F chassis. Changes to the suspension included deleting a return roller, and bumper stops were added to the road wheels to help with the recoil forces imparted by the 10.5cm howitzer. The vehicle's engine was moved to the center, resulting in changes to the glacis plate and engine cooling grille work. The fighting compartment occupied the rear of the hull, with the gun mounted above the motor, but the driver's position remained at the front left corner. Later-production vehicles were built on a chassis that was lengthened over the old model by 22cm (8.6").

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References

  1. Chamberlain, Peter, and Hilary Doyle. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two. Technical ed. Thomas L. Jentz. London: Cassell & Co., 2000.

  2. Hogg, Ian V. The Greenhill Armoured Fighting Vehicles Data Book. London: Greenhill Books, 2000.

  3. Parada, George. "Achtung Panzer! - Wespe." Achtung Panzer! 20 Jan 2002 <http://www.achtungpanzer.com/wespe.htm>. Achtung Panzer!

  4. Siemers, Cary. "Germany's Self Propelled Guns." World War II Tanks & Vehicles and Advanced Squad Leader. 19 Aug 2002 <http://www.wwiivehicles.com/html/germany/selfpropelledguns.html>.

  5. Zuljan, Ralph. "Wespe." Second World War Armor. 16 Mar 2000. 19 Aug 2002 <http://onwar.com/tanks/germany/fwespe.htm>. Second World War Armor



Last updated 19 Aug 2002.

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© Copyright 2002 Chris Conners