Tanks Wehrmacht (German armed forces) is completely in harmony with what was then the German concept of their application.In developing the first combat vehicles it gives priority to firepower and mobility.The latter planned to provide at the expense of the small thickness of the armor.However, the defense had to withstand armor-piercing bullets fired from machine guns caliber rifle.During the First World War because of the front machine guns became static.Therefore, theorists believe that the bulletproof protection troops should return mobility.
Violation of the Treaty of Versailles
Under the Treaty of Versailles, the prisoner after the defeat of Germany in World War I, the country was forbidden to import production of tanks and other similar machines.But the Germans secretly violated this restriction in 1925, launched the "big tractor".The result of this program were 6 tanks that are completely assembled in the beginning of 1929.But testing in Germany was impossible, so the combat vehicles were sent to the Soviet Union (tank school at Kazan).After field testing the German engineers have taken into account all the shortcomings, so that in the future, light, medium and heavy tanks of the Wehrmacht became much more perfect.In Germany, the brewing production of the first generation of combat vehicles.
Pz.I
first German tanks Pz.I belonged to the category of light.The simplicity of their design and low price will lead to the production.Only the path of the conveyor was not easy.The first tank went into development until 1930 under the code name "Small tractor".Chassis ordered the firm "Krupp".To speed up the process of production of the Germans decided to use a copy of the British suspension tank "Carden-Loyd."To preserve the secrecy of all items purchased through the firm's brokers.But in the end, the German engineers have not waited this suspension, recreating its drawings and photos of the English counterpart.The then world crisis has slowed down the process of production, and production of the first series took place only in 1934.Since that time, the Nazis oriented German industry to build tanks for future gains.Actively open a school for training tank drivers.Germany was preparing for World War II.
first modification
By the end of 1935 the Wehrmacht tanks, pictures of which is attached to the article, reached the number of 720 units.All of them went to equip combat divisions formed in the same year.In 1936 it was founded three tank divisions, which the Nazis brought in a state of full combat readiness.
However Pz.I tank had to be modified.Engineers have shown a lack specific power (total 11 l. C. Per ton).This problem was solved by replacing the old engine with a new engine (100 hp..) From the company "Maybach".The suspension of the tank instead of the normal track roller added sloth.The new model was designated Pz.I Ausf.B.Her release began in mid-1936, and within twelve months of the new Panzer Division numbered 1175 modified pieces.
Pz.II
More in 1933 German leadership realized that the acquisition of divisions will be hopelessly delayed.To Wehrmacht tanks arrived in sufficient numbers, the engineers were ordered to work on a new model of light.It is named La.S.100, but after being hit in the arms division was renamed Pz.II.The Nazis were not be original and taken as a prototype tank Pz.I.The main difference of the new machine - a large tower.This greatly increased the armament: left gun was replaced by automatic cannon 20 mm.She wanted to establish another first-generation model Pz.I, but she was too close to her.
Of course, the main purpose of cannon armament - the fight against enemy tanks.But the most important is that the enemy artillery billboards were powerless against the cannon shots.Rate of anti-tank gun is the most dangerous weapon of the time.Its ammunition was equipped with a high-explosive and armor-piercing projectiles.
Pz.III
Development Pz.III medium tank began in 1933.And at the end of 1935 the company "Daimler-Benz" has won the tender for the construction of 25 units of the installation series.The towers were provided by "Krupp".After the release of the first installment became apparent nedovedёnnost combat vehicle design.Tanks Wehrmacht needed to be improved.On his engineers spent three years.
first numerically small series have an interesting feature in terms of armament: two machine guns were paired with a gun, and the third was located in the body of the tank.Machines equipped with a 14.5 mm bulletproof armor.And imperfect suspension reduced mobility on rough terrain.In general, each new version Pz.III Germans brought nearer to the tank, suitable for mass production.
The most successful of them was fighting vehicle Pz.III Ausf.E.Due to the fact that the chassis developed by "Daimler-Benz", it was the best tank in the world ride quality and the highest speed - 68,1 km / h.A reinforced armor (6 cm) and a powerful 50-mm gun, made him the most formidable fighting machine at that time.This was confirmed many years later, when researchers study the detail captured tanks in the Wehrmacht.
Pz.IV
being developed by "Krupp" to support the light and medium Pz.III.For this tank armed with 75-mm gun and two 24-caliber machine guns.Particular attention was paid to the engineers of his suspension.They have long experimented with leaf springs and road wheels, have not yet received an almost perfect vibration damping.It does not even require the installation of shock absorbers.
Tanks Wehrmacht Pz.IV became the most massive in the history of Germany.None of the German war machine has not received the same spread, either before or after the war.
Conclusion Since the middle of 1943, the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front began the defensive.Basically, all the battalions consisted of "fours» (Pz.IV).The Germans suffered heavy losses, and the situation was complicated with the technique every day.So much so that instead of steel tanks used assault guns.In 1944, they were armed whole battalions.Of course, the assault guns perfect for fire support, but they could not work together with a line of tanks due to the limited field of fire.As a result, the whole organizational structure of the tank battalions went to pieces.In recent months, one-day battle of battles created a group of several assault weapons and combat vehicles.After the defeat of the Nazi Wehrmacht tanks of World War II were destroyed.And those that were placed at the disposal of the Soviet troops.
Today, we have described all the main tanks of the Wehrmacht 1941-1945.Of course, we do it briefly, since the entire amount of information placed in the narrow confines of a short article it is impossible.To learn more about the said technology is better to turn to materials of military encyclopedias.
