P01001 The PzKpfw IB was the first and the smallest of Germany's mass-produced tanks. Production started in 1934, and by 1937 it had already seen combat in the Spanish Civil War. Though intended as a training vehicle, having only a two-man crew and a negligible anti-tank capability, it was pressed into service when Poland was invaded in 1939 due to a general shortage of tanks, and was still in widespread use during the invasion of France in 1940. By the time Germany attacked the USSR, however, only 74 were still being used in the panzer regiments. A small number were converted in 1940 to self-propelled infantry and anti-tank guns. A total of 1493 (Models A and B) were built. "PzKpfw" stands for "Panzer-Kampfwagen" (Armored Battle Vehicle). ARMAMENT 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 13mm WEIGHT 5.8 tonnes P01077 The PzKpfw II was another of Germany's pre-war light tanks pressed into battle due to the lack of more modern vehicles. It fought as a main battle tank during the invasion of Poland, but due to its small gun and thin armor it was afterwards relegated to a reconnaissance role in tank companies and battalions. The A model was the initial production version, appearing in mid 1937. It was followed by the B and C models, which differed from the A in minor details only. 1113 of these three types were built. They were used as main battle tanks in Poland, after which most were uparmored (these are represented by the Pz IIF in the game) and shifted to a reconnaissance role in tank companies and battalions. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 16mm WEIGHT 8.9 tonnes P01002 The PzKpfw II was another of Germany's pre-war light tanks pressed into battle due to the lack of more modern vehicles. It fought as a main battle tank during the invasion of Poland, but due to its small gun and thin armor it was afterwards relegated to a reconnaissance role in tank companies and battalions. The IIF model was the 1941-42 production version, with thicker front armor than its predecessors. 1780 Pz II tanks were built, of which 524 were the IIF. Beginning in 1942 the Pz II was gradually phased out of service and, like most other pre-war tanks, was rebuilt to carry field guns and anti-tank weapons. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 35mm WEIGHT 9.5 tonnes P01004 The PzKpfw IIL "Lynx" was a light tank whose primary role was as a fast recon vehicle. It featured an extensively reworked Pz II chassis with all new running gear to give it excellent cross-country performance. Out of an original order for 800, only about 100 were built, with production starting in 1943. All Pz IIL were issued to the armored recon battalions of certain panzer divisions. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 13 tonnes P01003 The PzKpfw II(Fl) "Flamingo" was a light tank based on the Pz II chassis. The 20mm cannon was removed and replaced by a much smaller turret housing a single machinegun. Two smaller turrets were added to the front of the chassis to house the flamethrower nozzles. Very effective against dug-in troops, the main drawback was the very limited range of the flamethrower. Maximum effective range for these units was about 35 meters. 155 of these vehicles were built. In 1942 all those still surviving were converted to self-propelled anti-tank guns. ARMAMENT 2 x flamethrowers 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 12 tonnes P01005 The PzKpfw 35(t) was the German designation for the Czech LT vz 35 light tank produced in the mid '30s. When Germany invaded Czechoslovakia in 1939, 219 LT vz 35s were incorporated into German service. They served in the Polish and French campaigns, and were still in action with the 6th Panzer Division during the invasion of Russia in 1941, where during the subsequent winter it was found that the vehicle's pneumatic transmission was prone to freezing up. By the end of 1941 most had been lost. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 25mm WEIGHT 10.5 tonnes P01080 The PzKpfw 38(t)A was a Czech light tank (the LT vz 38) just going into production when Czechoslovakia was occupied in 1939. The Germans found it to be a rugged and reliable vehicle, and kept it in production for their own use. 150 of the initial model A were produced, followed by 325 of the Models B, C and D (which the A also represents in the game). Originally the tank had been designed to have a three-man crew, but the Germans added a fourth crewman to ease the work load of the vehicle commander. The Pz 38(t)A served as a main battle tank on all fronts except North Africa; and its rugged chassis would be utilized for many different kinds of armored vehicles throughout the war. This unit represents a three-tank platoon as used in 1939-40. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 25mm WEIGHT 9.4 tonnes P01006 The PzKpfw 38(t)A was a Czech light tank (the LT vz 38) just going into production when Czechoslovakia was occupied in 1939. The Germans found it to be a rugged and reliable vehicle, and kept it in production for their own use. 150 of the initial model were produced, followed by 325 of the Models B, C and D. Originally the tank had been designed to have a three-man crew, but the Germans added a fourth crewman to ease the work load of the vehicle commander. The PzKpfw 38(t) served as a main battle tank in the invasions of Poland, France and Russia; and its rugged chassis would be utilized for many different kinds of armored vehicles throughout the war. This unit represents a five-tank platoon as used after 1940. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 25mm WEIGHT 9.4 tonnes P01076 The PzKpfw 38(t)E was an uparmored version of its original predecessor the PzKpfw 38(t)A. The additional armor resulted in a heavier vehicle but did not impair its speed. In the game, this unit also represents the later (and equivalent) Models F and G. A total of 846 of these three types were built between late 1940 and mid 1942, when use of the 38(t) chassis was switched to the production of self-propelled anti-tank guns. At the start of the invasion of Russia, six of the seventeen panzer divisions participating in the attack were equipped with the PzKpfw 38(t). ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 50mm WEIGHT 9.9 tonnes P01007 The Aufklärer 38(t) was a light reconnaissance tank based on the rugged and dependable chassis of the Pz 38(t). In this case the superstructure was redesigned, and the original turret was replaced by that of the PSW 234/1 armored car. The intent was to continue providing armored reconnaissance units with a fully tracked recon vehicle after production of the PzKpfw IIL had ceased. 50 were built, all in early 1944. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92 machinegun MAX. ARMOR 50mm WEIGHT 9.75 tonnes P01078 The PzKpfw III was Germany's primary main battle tank through 1942. Limited production began in 1937, but at a slow pace as the vehicle underwent development. By early 1938 ten Model A, fifteen Model B and fifteen Model C had been built. Thirty Model D were then constructed. In the game the D represents all the early models as used in Poland. A few Pz IIIDs also participated in the Norwegian campaign. All were withdrawn from active duty during 1940. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 3 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 15mm WEIGHT 16 tonnes P01081 The PzKpfw III was Germany's primary main battle tank through 1942. Production began in 1937, but at a slow pace as the vehicle underwent development. With 435 built between September 1939 and July 1940, the F model was the first mass-production version (following 96 examples of the very similar Pz IIIE, which the IIIF also represents in the game). Even in 1940, however, its gun was seen as being too weak; and in 1941 it was hopelessly outclassed by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks. "PzKpfw" stands for "Panzer Kampfwagen" (Armored Battle Vehicle). This unit represents a three-tank platoon as used in 1939-40. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 3 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 19.8 tonnes P01008 The PzKpfw III was Germany's primary main battle tank through 1942. Production began in 1937, but at a slow pace as the vehicle underwent development. With 435 built between September 1939 and July 1940, the F model was the first mass-production version (following 96 examples of the very similar Pz IIIE, which the IIIF also represents in the game). Even in 1940, however, its gun was seen as being too weak; and in 1941 it was hopelessly outclassed by the Russian T-34 and KV tanks. "PzKpfw" stands for "Panzer Kampfwagen" (Armored Battle Vehicle). This unit represents a five-tank platoon as used after 1940. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 3 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 19.8 tonnes P01009 The PzKpfw IIIG was an uparmored and upgunned version of the Pz IIIF, with other minor improvements. The G model introduced the 50mm L/42 cannon, which was basically a lower-velocity version of the army's new PaK 38 50mm anti-tank gun. Unfortunately for the Germans, in 1941 both weapons were found to be inadequate vs. Russian T-34s and KVs. 600 Pz IIIG were built, with production ending in February 1941. ARMAMENT 1 x 50mm L/42 cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 37mm WEIGHT 20.3 tonnes P01010 The PzKpfw IIIH was based on the Pz IIIG, with extra armor plates bolted on to the front and rear of the hull. The drive train and running gear were also improved to increase reliability. The bolted-on armor was an expedient, inefficient method of increasing the tank's protection, and only 308 of the IIIH were built before the improved Model J appeared. ARMAMENT 1 x 50mm L/42 cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 30+30mm WEIGHT 21.8 tonnes P01011 The PzKpfw IIIJ was a significant improvement in the Pz III series. The armor thickness was decreased to 50mm but, being made of a single plate instead of two 30mm plates bolted together, its effectiveness was just as great with an overall reduction in the vehicle's weight as a bonus. Initially the IIIJ carried the same medium velocity 50mm L/42 gun as the IIIH, and 1549 of this type were built. (In the game these are represented by the IIIH.) The more powerful L/60 gun was then introduced, and 1067 of this version were produced. The new gun, a modified version of the towed 50mm anti-tank gun, gave the IIIJ considerably more hitting power but still not enough to deal satisfactorily with the Russian T-34s and KVs. ARMAMENT 1 x 50mm L/60 cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 50mm WEIGHT 21.5 tonnes P01067 The PzKpfw IIIL tank featured yet another increase in armor. This took the form of "spaced" armor added to the front of the vehicle in anticipation of the Allies' use of the new hollow-charge (HEAT) projectile which the Germans were already using. 653 of the Pz IIIL were produced, after which 250 of the PzKpfw IIIM were built, which differed from the IIIL only in having special modifications for deep wading. ARMAMENT 1 x 50mm L/60 cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 50+20mm WEIGHT 22.7 tonnes P01012 By mid 1942 the short-barreled 75mm L/24 gun of the Pz IV was being replaced by a longer and much more powerful weapon. The surplus L/24 guns were installed on the Pz IIIL, thus creating the PzKpfw IIIN. This gave the vehicle a better anti-personnel capability, and the 75mm gun's hollow-charge rounds increased its anti-tank effectiveness. The downside was that the gun's low muzzle velocity gave it a shorter effective range vs. enemy armor. 700 of the PzKpfw IIIN were produced. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/24 cannon 2 x 7.92 machineguns MAX. ARMOR 70mm WEIGHT 23 tonnes P01013 The PzKpfw III(Fl) flamethrower tank was a medium tank outfitted with a flamethrower instead of a main gun. 100 of these tanks, based on the Pz IIIM chassis, were produced in early 1943. These vehicles shot a sticky black oil that had a range of 55-60 meters. They were very effective in removing stubborn pockets of resistance, but their drawback was the very limited range of the flamethrower. ARMAMENT 1 x Flamethrower 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 50+30mm WEIGHT 23 tonnes P01014 The PzKpfw IV medium tank was designed in the mid '30s as a close-support vehicle for tank units. Its 75mm L/24 cannon was effective against soft targets, but its low velocity gave it a mediocre anti-tank capability. The Pz IVD and IVE were the two most common models at the start of the Russian campaign in 1941, at which time two four-tank platoons were included in the medium company of the panzer battalion.. 229 of the Pz IVD were built, with production beginning in October 1939. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/24 cannon 2 z 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 35mm WEIGHT 20 tonnes P01015 The PzKpfw IVE was an uparmored version of the Pz IVD. The two types were in production simultaneously from September 1940 till April 1941, by which time 223 of the Pz IVE had been built. In the game, this unit also represents the Pz IVF, which featured single-plate 50mm armor instead of bolted-together 30mm plates. 462 of the Model F were produced. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/24 cannon 2 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30+30mm WEIGHT 21 tonnes P01016 In response to the well armored T-34s and KVs of the Red Army, The Germans began designing a much more powerful gun for the Pz IV in late 1941. When it was ready, it was introduced during production of the Pz IVF, thus creating the PzKpfw IVF2. This changed the basic role of the Pz IV from support tank to main battle tank, with a gun more powerful than any then being carried in Allied tanks. Though still under-armored, the Pz IVF2 provided a great increase in the striking power of panzer formations. 200 of these tanks were produced. In the game, this unit also represents about half the production of its successor, the PzKpfw IVG. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/43 cannon 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 50mm WEIGHT 23 tonnes P01017 The PzKpfw IVH was the next evolutionary step in the development of the Pz IV series. It featured a substantial increase in the front armor and a longer, more powerful L/48main gun. The Model H was by far the most numerous of the series, with 3774 produced. In addition, this unit represents part of the production run of the Pz IVG with the new gun and increased armor, plus the 1758 PzKpfw IVJ that were built subsequent to the Pz IVH. Having been built from October 1937 through March 1945, the Pz IV was the only German tank to remain in production throughout the war, proving the soundness of its design. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/48 cannon 2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 25 tonnes P01018 The appearance of the Russian T-34 tank had made all German tanks obsolete overnight, and a crash program was begun to give the panzer troops something better. The result two years later was the PzKpfw V "Panther", with a truly outstanding main gun and frontal armor that could defeat all but the most powerful Allied tank and anti-tank guns. It was big, complicated and expensive, and initially suffered serious reliability problems due to being rushed into combat, but on the battlefield it proved to be one of the best tanks of the war. During 1944-45 a panzer regiment was authorized one battalion of Panthers and one of Pz IVs. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/70 cannon 2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 110mm WEIGHT 43-45.5 tonnes P01019 When first committed to large-scale combat at the end of 1942, the PzKpfw VIE "Tiger" was the heaviest and most powerfully armed production tank in the world. Contemporary Allied weapons were ineffective at all but point blank range against its stout armor, while its dreaded 88mm gun could destroy almost any enemy tank at maximum range. It quickly gained a fearsome reputation, and dominated the scene wherever it appeared until the advent of the Russian 122mm and 152mm guns. Tigers were usually allotted to independent heavy panzer battalions, though certain favored panzer divisions eventually had their own Tiger companies. 1354 PzKpfw VIE were built. Tiger crews were considered the creme de la creme of the panzer troops. ARMAMENT 1 x 88mm L/56 cannon 2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 110mm WEIGHT 57 tonnes P01020 The PzKpfw VIB King Tiger, also known as the Tiger II or Royal Tiger, was one of the ultimate tank designs of WWII. At 68 metric tons, it was the heaviest tank put into production by any nation during the war. Its great weight, slow speed and mechanical unreliability were serious disadvantages, and it was most effective as a defensive weapon. However, it carried an extremely powerful 88mm gun, and its massive frontal armor - the thickest of any WWII production tank - was all but impervious to Allied guns. 489 King Tigers were built between January 1944 and March 1945, and were issued to independent heavy tank battalions. ARMAMENT 1 x 88mm L/71 cannon 2-3 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 180mm WEIGHT 68 tonnes P01021 The StuG IIIB assault gun was designed primarily as an infantry support vehicle. It was based on the PzKpfw III chassis, and like most other assault guns it had no turret. This made it more difficult to engage a fast-moving target or one on its flank, but turretless vehicles were faster and cheaper to build while their low silhouette made them harder to hit and easier to conceal. 320 of the B version were built. In the game this unit also represents the earlier A and the later C-E models. These StuGs were used in assault gun batteries and battalions. "StuG" stands for "Sturmgeschütz" (Assault Gun). ARMAMENT 1 x 75 L/24 cannon MAX. ARMOR 50mm WEIGHT 20.2 tonnes P01075 The StuG IIIG assault gun was based on previous versions of the PzKpfw III chassis. The original StuG III had been designed as an infantry support tank, but by 1943, StuGs were being used increasingly in an anti-tank role. This was made possible by the introduction of a longer barreled 75mm cannon and additional armor. The G model was the most common StuG built. Production started in late 1942 and continued through the end of the war, with some 7800 examples produced. In the game this unit also represents the earlier F and F/8 models, of which 359 and 354 were built respectively.. ARMAMENT 1 x 75 L/48 cannon 1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 23.9 tonnes P01022 The StuG IIIG assault gun was based on previous versions of the PzKpfw III chassis. The original StuG III had been designed as an infantry support tank, but by 1943, StuGs were being used increasingly in an anti-tank role. This was made possible by the introduction of a longer barreled 75mm cannon and additional armor. The G model was the most common StuG built. Production started in late 1942 and continued through the end of the war, with over 7000 examples produced. ARMAMENT 1 x 75 L/48 cannon 1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 23.9 tonnes P01023 The StuH 42 assault gun was based on the StuG IIIG. The StuH was created in answer to requests from the front for a vehicle with more anti-personnel firepower than currently available with the 75mm cannon. The extra firepower was gained by installing a 105mm howitzer. Other than the bigger gun, the StuH was more or less identical to the StuG IIIG. Around 1200 units were constructed by the end of the war. ARMAMENT 1 x 105mm gun 1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 24 tonnes P01024 The StuIG 33B assault gun was based on the StuG III assault gun which in turn was based on the PzKpfw III chassis. For the most part, the 33B was built specifically to knock down buildings in Russian cities. It featured a heavily armored superstructure which completely enclosed the fighting compartment so as to afford the crew some measure of protection during the very close fighting that took place in urban areas. The heavy gun and armor overloaded the chassis, and as a result only about 24 vehicles were built. They were used during the fighting in and around Stalingrad. ARMAMENT 1 x 150mm L/11 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 21 tonnes P01025 The StuPz IV "Brummbär" (Grizzly Bear) assault gun was another effort at mounting a 150mm close-support weapon in a fully-tracked armored vehicle. By using the larger Pz IV chassis the StuPz could carry heavier armor and more ammunition. Production lasted almost two years from April 1943, with about 300 vehicles built. ARMAMENT 1 x 150mm howitzer 1 x 7.92 machinegun MAX. ARMOR 100mm WEIGHT 28.2 tonnes P01026 The PzJg I was the first German modification of a standard tank chassis to create a non-turreted tank destroyer. It paired an ex-Czech 47mm anti-tank gun with the chassis of a Pz I with its turret removed, in order to increase the mobility of the towed gun. The drawbacks to the arrangement were the vehicle's poor armor protection and its high silhouette which made it easier to spot. 202 were built from early 1940 through early 1941. "PzJg" stands for "Panzer-Jäger" (Tank Hunter). ARMAMENT 1 x 47mm cannon MAX. ARMOR 14.5mm WEIGHT 6.4 tonnes P01027 The Marder II Tank Destroyer was based on the PzKpfw II chassis. The PzKpfw II as a tank was obsolete by this time and a new use for the vehicle was found by eliminating the turret and mounting a 75mm anti-tank gun in its place. This gave the vehicle quite a punch, but it suffered from a lack of heavy armor. In addition, the anti-tank gun was a fairly large piece and the only way to mount it was to place it on top of the superstructure. This resulted in a relatively tall vehicle which was not easy to hide. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 10.8 tonnes P01028 The Marder III Tank Destroyer was based on the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis. At the time of its creation there was a serious need for a weapon capable of knocking out Russian tanks. Better armed German tanks were in the pipeline but still several months away. In the interim it was decided to marry the Pz-38(t) chassis with the PaK 40 75mm anti-tank gun. Ready for service by mid 1942, it was effective at killing tanks though seriously under-armored. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/46 cannon MAX. ARMOR 20mm WEIGHT 10.6 tonnes P01029 The PzJg Tiger "Ferdinand" (later also called the "Elefant") was a heavy tank destroyer. Competition between Henschel and Porsche for the new heavy tank "Tiger" contract had resulted in an early order for 90 of the new Porsche tanks. After more testing it was decided that the Henschel was the better vehicle, so the Porsche contract was canceled. Then in early 1943 Hitler ordered that 90 Porsche Tiger hulls were to be built to carry an 88mm cannon. These were completed in time for use during the battle of Kursk. The Ferdinand has the distinction of being one of the most heavily armored vehicles ever to enter production, and was one of the few with tracks driven by electric motors. ARMAMENT 1 x 88mm L/71 cannon MAX. ARMOR 200mm WEIGHT 65 tonnes P01030 The PzJg III/IV Tank Destroyer "Nashorn" (Rhino) or "Hornisse" (Hornet) was based on extensively modified Pz III or Pz IV chassises. It was created in order to mount the excellent 88mm PaK43/1 anti-tank gun to an armored chassis. The 88mm cannon was well suited to the Russian steppes and was often able to kill targets up to 5km away. On the other hand the open crew compartment and poorly armored superstructure was a serious weak point in close fighting. ARMAMENT 1 x 88mm L/71 cannon 1 z 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 24 tonnes P01031 The JgdPz 38(t) "Hetzer" (Troublemaker) was a light tank destroyer based on the Pz 38(t) tank. Though the tank itself was obsolete by 1942, its simplicity and proven reliability kept the basic chassis in production for a variety of self-propelled guns. For the Hetzer, a modified version of the Pz IV 75mm gun was mounted in the front superstructure, and the armor on all four sides of the vehicle was sloped as much as possible. Unlike the open-topped Marder II and III, the Hetzer was completely enclosed, and its well-sloped armor and low profile greatly enhanced its survivability. It was not especially popular with its crews, however, due to its extremely cramped interior. "JgdPz" stands for "Jagd-Panzer" (Hunting Panzer). ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/48 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 60mm WEIGHT 15.7 tonnes P01032 The JgdPz IV was a tank destroyer based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was intended as the replacement for the StuG assault gun in its anti-tank role. Its low height and sloped armor enhanced its survivability. With production occurring throughout 1944, 769 were produced. By late 1944 the JgdPz IV had been largely superseded by the JgdPz IV/70 with the more powerful gun of the Panther tank. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/48 cannon 1-2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 60mm WEIGHT 25 tonnes P01033 The JgdPz IV/70 was an upgunned version of the JgdPz IV tank destroyer which was based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was fitted with the same main gun used in the Panther tank, the 75mm L/70. When compared to the 75mm L/48, the L/70 was able to fire a 75mm shell at higher velocity which in turn, allowed the penetration of thicker armor over greater distances. The downside to this weapon was its very long barrel and its increased weight on an already overloaded Pz IV chassis. By late 1944 the panzerjäger battalion of (SS-) panzer divisions was theoretically equipped entirely with these vehicles, but in reality only one or two of its companies actually had them. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/70 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 26 tonnes P01034 The JgdPz V "JagdPanther" (Hunting Panther) was a heavy tank destroyer based on the PzKpfw V "Panther" chassis. One of the best tank destroyers of the war, it combined the proven 88mm PaK 43 anti-tank gun with thick and well-sloped front armor. Like most other tank destroyers it had no turret, the main gun being mounted in the front superstructure. Its only major shortcomings were in its large size and the gun's limited traverse (the vehicle itself had to be aimed in the general direction of the target). By the time production stopped in March 1945, 392 had been produced. . ARMAMENT 1 x 88mm L/71 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 46 tonnes P01035 The SPW 250/9 "Caesar" was a halftrack reconnaissance vehicle. It was an SPW 250 halftrack mounting a turret with a 20mm cannon, and was intended as the replacement for the SdKfz 222 armored car. The 250/9 was just what the German Army needed to combat the lack of roads on the Russian front. Though lightly armed and armored, it served as a recon vehicle on all fronts until the end of the war. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 14.5mm WEIGHT 6 tonnes P01036 The SPW 251/1 was the standard armored personnel carrier of the German Army. Designed primarily for transporting troops accompanying tanks in an advance, the 251/1 used a combination of wheels and tracks to give the vehicle fairly good cross-country performance. Each 251/1 could carry up to 13 men, and had mounts for its panzergrenadier squad's two light machineguns. This unit also represents the similar but smaller SPW 250/1, which was used in halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzer recon companies. ARMAMENT 0-2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 14.5mm WEIGHT 8 tonnes P01037 The SPW 251/2 was an SPW 251 halftrack carrying with a GrW 34 81mm mortar that could be fired from the vehicle. A section of two was part of the heavy platoon in a halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzergrenadier company. This unit also represents the similar but smaller SPW 250/7, which was used in halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzer recon companies. ARMAMENT 1 x 81mm mortar 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 14.5mm WEIGHT 8 tonnes P01038 The SPW 251/9 "Stummel" (Stump) was an SPW 251 halftrack fitted with a low-velocity 75mm cannon. It was used primarily for infantry support in the heavy companies of halftrack-equipped panzergrenadier formations. This unit also represents the similar but smaller SPW 250/8, which was used in halftrack-equipped (SS-) panzer recon companies. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/24 cannon 1 or 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 14.5mm WEIGHT 8.5 tonnes P01039 The SPW 251/16 flamethrower halftrack was based on the SPW 251 armored personnel carrier. Instead of transporting infantry, the 251/16 carried two flamethrowers (flammenwerfer), one mounted on each side of the vehicle. The "flammenwerfer" was good for around 80 shots using 1 to 2 second bursts. With a maximum range of 35 meters, it was truly a "close support vehicle". ARMAMENT 2 x flamethrowers 2 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 14.5mm WEIGHT 8.6 tonnes P01040 The SPW 251/22 anti-tank halftrack was based on the SPW 251 chassis. By late 1944 the role of the German Army had switched to the defensive. To combat the ever increasing numbers of tanks, any and all means were used to mount anti-tank guns. A complete(minus the wheels) PaK 40 anti-tank gun was mounted on the SPW 251 chassis, thus creating yet another version of this versatile halftrack. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/46 cannon MAX. ARMOR 14.5mm WEIGHT 9.5 tonnes P01082 The Kfz 13 was a 4x4 passenger car chassis with an open-topped armored body. Its armament consisted of a machinegun mounted on a pedestal behind the driver. 147 were built between 1932 and 1934. They were used in the reconnaissance units of non-motorized (primarily infantry) divisions. Most were withdrawn after the Polish campaign, but a few served on into 1940. ARMAMENT 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 8mm WEIGHT 2.1 tonnes P01041 The PSW 221 was a light armored car designed in the mid 1930s. It was basically an armored body and turret mounted on a standard, four-wheel heavy passenger car chassis. Its role in the German Army was as a reconnaissance vehicle operating in conjunction with PSW 222 armored cars. Most were eventually replaced by more capable vehicles, though some managed to serve out the war. With production lasting for five years ending in 1940, approximately 340 were built. ARMAMENT 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 8mm WEIGHT 4 tonnes P01042 The PSW 222 armored car was based on the PSW 221. Designed as an reconnaissance vehicle, its main difference from the 221 was an increase in armament. In addition a more powerful motor was added along with many minor upgrades. In production from 1936-43, almost 1000 examples were constructed. They were issued to the armored car squadrons of reconnaissance battalions. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 8mm WEIGHT 4.8 tonnes P01079 The PSW 231 (6 rad) armored car was an armored reconnaissance vehicle built on a 6x4 truck chassis. It had two sets of driving controls - one in the front operated by the driver, and the other at the rear used by the radio operator. This allowed the car to be driven out of a dangerous situation quickly without having to turn around. Production started in 1932 and lasted until 1937, with 123 (including the PSW 232 variant with a long-range radio) built. They were issued to the reconnaissance units of motorized forces, but after service in Poland in France were withdrawn due to their limited off-road mobility. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92 machinegun MAX. ARMOR 8mm WEIGHT 5.35-6 tonnes P01043 The PSW 231 (8 rad) was an armored car designed for reconnaissance. Its 8-wheeled chassis, which featured all-wheel drive and steering, gave it excellent off-road performance. It had two sets of driving controls - one in the front operated by the driver, and the other at the rear used by the radio operator. This allowed the car to be driven out of a dangerous situation quickly without having to turn around. Production started in 1936 and lasted until 1943, with over 600 built. They were issued to the heavy platoon of armored car squadrons in motorized reconnaissance battalions. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92 machinegun MAX. ARMOR 18mm WEIGHT 8.3 tonnes P01044 The PSW 233 was based on the PSW 231 (8 rad) chassis. It featured a 75mm cannon mounted in an open topped, fixed position. It was created to give reconnaissance vehicles an ability to engage area targets and tanks. The low muzzle velocity of the cannon made tank killing a chancy operation. Produced from December 1942 through October 1943, a little over 100 were produced. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/24 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 8.7 tonnes P01045 The PSW 234/1 was an 8-wheeled armored car. A relatively late war vehicle, it was based on the Puma chassis. A new turret was installed that carried a 20mm cannon - capable of anti-aircraft fire - instead of the 50mm cannon found on the Puma. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used a 12-cylinder diesel engine that gave it a respectable top speed and range. Between June 1944 and January 1945, around 200 were produced. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 11.5 tonnes P01046 The PSW 234/2 "Puma" was an 8-wheeled armored car carrying a 50mm L/60 cannon mounted in a fully enclosed turret. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used a 12-cylinder diesel engine which provided a respectable top speed and range. Approximately 100 were built out of an initial order for 1500. ARMAMENT 1 x 50mm L/60 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 11.7 tonnes P01047 The PSW 234/3 was an 8-wheeled armored car. Using the same chassis as the Puma, the turret was replaced with a 75mm cannon mounted in an open topped fixed position. Created to give other reconnaissance vehicles close support, it also had a limited tank killing ability. With under a hundred produced, relatively few of these vehicle saw service. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, the 234/3 used a 12-cylinder diesel engine, which provided a respectable top speed and range. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm L/24 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 11.5 tons P01048 The PSW 234/4 was an 8-wheeled armored car. Using the same chassis as the Puma, the turret was replaced with the 75mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun mounted in an open-topped fixed position. With the PaK 40 cannon, the 234/4 was able to provide a fairly potent anti-tank presence for the other reconnaissance vehicles it was intended to support. Like the other vehicles in the 234 series, it used the robust Tatra diesel engine, which provided a respectable top speed and range. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm PaK 40 L/56 cannon MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 11.5 tonnes P01049 The sIG IB was a self-propelled howitzer on the PzKpfw I chassis. The sIG 33 150mm infantry gun (sans wheels) was simply attached to the turretless superstructure. To provide some protection for the crew (which had to stand on the engine deck), they and the gun were shielded on the front and sides by armor plate. With a tall profile and thin armor, the sIG IB was top-heavy and vulnerable to even anti-tank rifles. 38 were built. ARMAMENT 1 x 150mm infantry gun MAX. ARMOR 13mm WEIGHT 8.5 tonnes P01050 The sIG 38(t) "Bison" was a self-propelled howitzer that used the PzKpfw 38(t) chassis to carry a 150mm infantry gun. An infantry gun that was mounted in a thinly armored superstructure replaced the original turret of the 38(t). Mounted on a chassis that was more appropriate for the weight of the infantry gun, the Bison proved to be a reliable weapons platform. It was limited by the relatively few rounds of ammo that it could carry and was still found to be lacking in armor. Production started in early 1943 and continued through late 1944, with close to 400 built. ARMAMENT 1 x 150mm L/12 cannon MAX. ARMOR 20mm WEIGHT 12 tonnes P01051 The PzA II "Wespe" (Wasp) was a self-propelled howitzer, that mounted a 105mm field piece on the PzKpfw II chassis. One of the more successful self-propelled howitzers, the Wespe earned a good reputation from the crews that worked with it. Somewhat better armed then previous self-propelled vehicles, the Wespe still suffered from the open top that was common with this type of vehicle. With production starting in early 1943, over 600 were produced by late 1944. ARMAMENT 1 x 105mm L/28 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 11 tonnes P01052 The PzA III/IV "Hummel" (Bumblebee) was a self-propelled howitzer mounting a 150mm field piece on an extensively modified PzKpfw IV chassis. Originally intended as a temporary solution for providing an armored, fully tracked chassis for artillery, it none the less proved to be a good design. The Hummel was introduced to combat at Kursk in 1943, and remained in service for the duration of the war. The artillery regiment of a panzer division generally contained one Hummel battery. A total of 319 were built. ARMAMENT 1 x 150mm L/30 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 30mm WEIGHT 24 tonnes P01068 The Panzerwerfer 42 "Maultier" (Mule) was a halftracked armored truck that had been modified to mount the 150mm Nebelwerfer, which fired a rocket propelled artillery shell. When fired the rockets emitted a great deal of smoke, which made them an easy target for counter-battery fire. Being mounted on a halftrack allowed the vehicle to move and scoot, thus permitting a good deal of protection. With production starting in April 1943, around 300 were produced by early 1944. ARMAMENT 1 x 150mm Nebelwerfer 42 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 8mm WEIGHT 7.1 tonnes P01053 The FlaKPz 38(t) was an anti-aircraft tank developed in late 1943 as an interim solution to the lack of full-tracked AA vehicles. It carried a 20mm FlaK 38 on a modified Marder III Ausf M chassis. The single 20mm gun was lacking in firepower, but the vehicle was needed until more heavily armed AA tanks could be produced. Constructed from late 1943 until early 1944, around 140 were built. They were assigned to the AA platoons in panzer regiments. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon MAX. ARMOR 20mm WEIGHT 9.8 tonnes P01054 The FlaKPz IV "Möbelwagen" (Furniture Van) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. With Panzer units in dire need of protection from Allied air attacks, the Möbelwagen was developed to accompany them. With the gun crew perched on top of an open deck, absolutely no protection was given. Intended as a temporary solution, it ended up serving till the end of the war. Production started in early 1944 and lasted for one year with around 240 produced. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm L/60 cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 24 tonnes P01055 The FlaKPz IV "Wirbelwind" (Whirlwind) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was designed to accompany Panzers on the battlefield so as to give some protection against Allied ground attack aircraft. Mounting four 20mm cannons in an octagonal, open-top turret, it provided an impressive amount of firepower; however, by late in the war 20mm shells weren't powerful enough to bring down Allied aircraft. On the other hand, it was a devastating weapon vs. ground troops. With production starting in mid 1944, less than 100 were produced by November 1944. ARMAMENT 4 x 20mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machineguns MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 22 tonnes P01056 The FlaKPz IV "Ostwind" (East Wind) was an anti-aircraft tank based on the PzKpfw IV chassis. It was similar to the Wirbelwind, which it was intended to replace, but carried the more powerful 37mm AA gun in a different turret. 43 were constructed. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 80mm WEIGHT 25 tonnes P01057 The SdKfz 10/4 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. It carried a single 20mm cannon which was mounted on the back of a Demag D7 halftrack. One of the first self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles produced it was very poorly armored, and as the war progressed the 20mm cannon became obsolete. Between 1938 and 1944, a little over 600 were constructed. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm L/112.5 cannon MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 5.5 tonnes P01058 The SdKfz 6/2 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. It carried a single 37mm cannon which was mounted on the back of a Büssing-NAG BN9 halftrack. Intended to provided more firepower then what the SdKfz 10/4 was capable of , it suffered due to a complete lack of armor. With production starting in 1939, over 300 were produced by 1943 when production stopped. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm L/98 MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 10.4 tonnes P01059 The SdKfz 7/1 was an anti-aircraft halftrack. Using the Zgkw 8t chassis, a flat platform was installed on the back of the vehicle, which permitted the mounting of the 20mm Flak 38. A much larger vehicle then the SdKfz 10/4, the 7/1 (like most anti-aircraft halftracks) still lacked any protection for the gun or crew. By late 1944, production ended with a little over 300 constructed. ARMAMENT 4 x 20mm L/112.6 cannons MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 11.5 tonnes P01060 The FlaK LKW 20mm was an anti-aircraft truck. With the ever increasing need for air-defense vehicles, the German Army started mounting Flak weapons on the back of specially modified 4-wheeled trucks. These vehicles used a variety of chassis and had no armor for either the gun or crew. In addition, their cross-country performance was lacking. ARMAMENT 1 x 20mm cannon MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 4 tonnes P01061 The FlaK LKW 37mm was an anti-aircraft truck. With the ever increasing need for air-defense vehicles, the German Army started mounting Flak weapons on the back of specially modified heavy 4 wheel drive trucks. Several chassis were used but for the most part the Büssing-NAG carried the heavier 37mm cannon. Like other AA trucks, the LKW had no armor for gun or crew. ARMAMENT 1 x 37mm cannon MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 7.5 tonnes P01069 The Kübelwagen was a small passenger vehicle generally used for a variety of light duties. Most all military units had them and were mainly used by the commanding officers. Powered by a 998cc air-cooled engine, speed was not the Kübelwagen's strong point. In addition most early vehicles lacked 4-wheel drive though overall, they did earn a good reputation for reliability. Over 50,000 of these were produced during the course of the war and remained in production long after the war ended. In the game, the vehicle appears in its reconnaissance role. ARMAMENT 1 x 7.92mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 1 tonne P01062 Trucks were used for transporting troops and equipment. They consisted of many different brands and just as many different styles. Just before the war started they were over 100 different types of trucks being produced or used in Germany. In 1938 the Schell plan was implemented to reduce this to a more practical number. Though this helped a great deal, Germany always needed more trucks and consequently pressed into service everyone it could find. Generally most trucks had no armor or armament, which made them easy victims. P01063 The RSO prime mover was intended as an artillery tractor. Experience on the East Front had shown that the SdKfz prime movers required too much maintenance. Hitler ordered that an inexpensive replacement be designed, and thus the Raupenschlepper-Ost (RSO) was born. Well suited for cross-country work, its top speed of around 10 mph was very slow. Despite its shortcomings, some 27,000 were built by the end of the war. ARMAMENT none MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 3.5 tonnes P01064 The SdKfz 7 prime mover was a light halftrack designed to move, mount or carry a wide variety of military equipment. Many varieties of prime movers were built and the SdKfz 7 represents the 3-ton model. Utilizing a halftrack chassis it initially had good off-road performance, but Russian mud and ice was able to bring out the shortcomings in this design. Somewhat complicated it required a good deal of maintenance to keep it in a reliable running condition. ARMAMENT none MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 10 tonnes P01065 The SdKfz 11 prime mover was a medium halftrack designed to move, mount or carry a wide variety of military equipment. Many varieties of prime movers were built and the SdKfz 11 represents the 8-tonne model. Utilizing a halftrack chassis it initially had good off-road performance, but Russian mud and ice was able to bring out the shortcomings in this design. Somewhat complicated it required a good deal of maintenance to keep it in a reliable running condition. ARMAMENT none MAX. ARMOR none WEIGHT 6 tonnes P01066 This unit represents a variable number of horses, wagons and/or artillery limbers used for transport. Throughout the war the vast majority of German divisions (i.e., the infantry-type divisions) relied almost entirely on horse-drawn transport. For example, a volksgrenadier division was authorized some 3000 horses but only 150 vehicles. The artillery in infantry and volksgrenadier divisions was entirely horse-drawn. P01070 This unit represents a number of horses sufficient to carry a platoon of cavalrymen. A 1939 platoon had 45-50 horses. P01071 Bicycles are one of the least demanding forms of transportation available to any army. Requiring neither fuel nor fodder, bicycles can move troops on improved roads about as fast as can be tactically prudent, and are easily discarded at no great loss in the event of prolonged engagement. They do, however, require reasonably well surfaced roads - something not as common in Russia as in western Europe during the 1940s. P01072 This unit represents a variable number of motorcycles used for the transport of infantry. Comprising many different brands and types, they were used for a variety of purposes but could be found most often affiliated with some type of recon unit. P01073 This unit represents a variable number of unarmed and unarmored powered boats used to transport infantry and equipment across water. P01074 This unit represents a variable number of rafts used to transport infantry and equipment across water. P01101 The GrW 34 81mm mortar was a smoothbore, muzzle loading, and portable weapon that allowed shells to be fired at a high angle of attack. Generally it was broken down into pieces and carried by the men that made up a mortar crew. In motorized outfits the mortars were carried in trucks, but in foot-infantry units they could be transported in wagons. The GrW 34 lacked the range of the U.S. 81mm mortar but fired a heavier shell. MAX. RANGE 2200m SHELL WEIGHT 3.5kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 56.7kg P01102 The GrW 34 81mm mortar section represents two 81mm mortars. By 1944 a section was normally found in the heavy platoon of all infantry-type companies. The mortar was a smoothbore, muzzle loading, and portable weapon that allowed shells to be fired at a high angle of attack. Generally they were broken down into pieces and carried by their crew. In motorized units the mortars were carried in trucks, but in foot-infantry units they could be transported in wagons. The GrW 34 lacked the range of the U.S. 81mm mortar but fired a heavier shell. MAX. RANGE 2200m SHELL WEIGHT 3.5kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 56.7kg P01103 The GrW 42 120mm mortar was basically a direct copy of the excellent Russian 120mm mortar. Due to its weight it could not be carried by its crew, so like its Soviet counterpart it came with a small two-wheeled trailer that allowed it to be towed by a vehicle. Generally four mortars could be found in the mortar platoon of the infantry battalion. 3510 were in service on October 1, 1944. MAX. RANGE 6050m SHELL WEIGHT 16kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 281kg P01104 The leIG 18 75mm infantry gun was a light, low-velocity artillery piece designed to provide advancing troops with artillery support. Six were normally found in the infantry-gun company of the infantry regiment. Overall the weapon was light and very easy to conceal due to its small size. The 1eIG 18 was introduced into the army in the late 1920s and served throughout the war. MAX. RANGE 3475m SHELL WEIGHT 6kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 400kg P01105 The sIG 33 150mm infantry gun was a low-velocity artillery piece designed to provide direct or indirect fire support for infantry. Two were normally found in the infantry-gun company of the infantry regiment. Almost three times heavier than its companion piece the 1eIG 18 75mm infantry gun, it was also more durable and effective. First introduced to the army in 1933, it served throughout the war. The sIG series of vehicles mounted this gun for use in armored formations. MAX. RANGE 4700m SHELL WEIGHT 38kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1680-1800kg P01106 The sPzB 41 was a 28mm anti-tank weapon. Generally classified as a heavy anti-tank rifle it required a crew of two and needed to be broken down into several smaller pieces in order for it to be transported. A unique feature of this weapon was the tapered bore that the barrel used. It was pretty much obsolete by the time it entered service in 1941, as most all tanks were immune to the 20mm APCR shell it fired. Less then 200 of these weapons were produced. ARMOR PENETRATION 66mm at 500m SHELL WEIGHT 630 grams WEIGHT IN ACTION 118kg P01107 The PaK 35/36 37mm was the standard German anti-tank weapon at the beginning of the war. Proving adequate for the job when Poland was overrun, it was almost obsolete one year later when France was invaded. By the time the invasion of Russia started it had earned the nickname of "door knocker" as the shells simply bounced off of medium and heavy Russian tanks. It was a relatively light weapon that could be pushed around for short distances by its crew and due to its small size, it was easy to conceal. ARMOR PENETRATION 50mm at 500m (APCR ammo) SHELL WEIGHT 0.97kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 435kg P01108 The lePaK 41 was a 42mm anti-tank weapon. It featured a "squeeze-bore" barrel that accepted a 42mm shell in the breech but tapered to a 29mm bore at the muzzle. The outer casing of the shell collapsed inward as it traveled down the barrel. This raised its muzzle velocity (and armor penetration) substantially, but at the expense of greatly increased barrel wear. Production was halted when the tungsten needed for its projectiles became in short supply. ARMOR PENETRATION 87mm at 500m (APCR ammo) SHELL WEIGHT 1.52kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 642kg P01109 This unit represents an infantry Panzerjäger ("Tank Hunter") platoon of three towed PaK 38 50mm anti-tank guns. The PaK 38 was developed in the late 1930s, and entered service in 1941. At the start of Operation Barbarossa a little over a thousand were available. Despite being some 200kg heavier than the 37mm anti-tank gun, the PaK 38 could still be manhandled by its crew. On the Eastern front it proved inadequate against the well-armored T-34 and KV tanks, and was replaced by 75mm guns as quickly as possible. ARMOR PENETRATION 120mm at 500m (APCR ammo) SHELL WEIGHT 2.73kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 986kg P01110 The PaK 97/38 was a 75mm anti-tank gun based on the famous Model 1897 French field piece. In 1941, when the standard German anti-tank guns were found to be ineffective against the Russian T-34 and KV tanks, some 700 of these French gun barrels were adapted to the PaK 38 carriage, thus creating the PaK 97/38. They were rushed to the Eastern Front, where they served until replaced by the more powerful PaK 40 75mm anti-tank gun. Many were then put to use as artillery pieces. ARMOR PENETRATION 75mm at 500m SHELL WEIGHT 5.98kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1190kg P01111 The PaK 40 was a 75mm anti-tank gun introduced at the start of 1942. Basically it was an enlarged version of the PaK 38 50mm gun. It proved to be a very successful design, and remained the standard divisional anti-tank gun for the remainder of the war. One drawback was its weight, which was too great to allow its crew to manhandle it. This made it difficult to change positions quickly to meet new enemy threats. The gun's usual towing vehicle was the SdKfz 11 halftrack or RSO prime mover. ARMOR PENETRATION 154mm at 500m (APCR ammo) SHELL WEIGHT 9.55kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1425kg P01112 This unit represents an Anti-Tank Platoon of four PaK 43 88mm anti-tank guns. This weapon was essentially the same gun as mounted in the King Tiger tank, but on a four-wheeled platform towed by an SdKfz 7 unarmored halftrack. In action the wheels were removed, and the gun could be fired through a 360-degree arc. It was probably the finest anti-tank gun ever produced. The demand for it was so great that other versions (the PaK 43/41) were built using a normal artillery-type carriage. These guns were used in independent towed heavy panzerjäger battalions, with four guns per platoon and three platoons per battalion. ARMOR PENETRATION 274mm at 500m (APCR ammo) SHELL WEIGHT 23kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 3700kg P01113 The PaK 43/41 had the same barrel as the PaK 43, but mounted on a modified howitzer carriage. Demands from the front for more 88mm anti-tank guns necessitated this expediency, which negated most of the PaK 43's qualities (the new version was so big it was nicknamed the "barndoor") - though not its deadly ability to kill targets over 3000 meters away. These guns were used in independent towed heavy panzerjäger battalions, with four guns per platoon and three platoons per battalion. ARMOR PENETRATION 274mm at 500m (APCR ammo) SHELL WEIGHT 23kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 4380kg P01114 The K81/1 was a 128mm anti-tank weapon that saw very limited use during World War II. Originally intended for production as the PaK 44, the K81/1 was hastily created in the last months of the war by mounting the PaK 44 barrel on the carriage of the French GPF 155mm gun. Some barrels were mounted instead on captured Russian 152mm carriages. ARMOR PENETRATION 230mm at 1000m SHELL WEIGHT 28.3kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 12150kg P01115 The leFK 16na was a 75mm field gun that was basically a modified version of the World War One era 77mm FK 16. In 1919 there were over 3000 77mm guns still in service in the German Army where they served as the basic divisional gun during the post war years. During the early 1930s it was decided to standardize the caliber of artillery pieces. The leFK 16na was created when the barrel of the 77mm gun was replaced with a new design utilizing a caliber of 75mm. Overall the gun was obsolete by 1940 standards, but it continued to be used by any and all formations that needed a light gun. MAX. RANGE 12875m SHELL WEIGHT 5.83kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1524kg P01139 The PaK 97/38 field gun was the PaK 97/38 anti-tank gun used as a field artillery piece. It was often found in the artillery regiment of Luftwaffe field divisions. MAX. RANGE 11000m SHELL WEIGHT 5.98kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1190kg P01116 The FK 40 75mm field gun was the PaK 40 anti-tank gun used in the field artillery role; a situation brought about by the chronic shortage of true field guns late in the war. MAX. RANGE 7680m SHELL WEIGHT 5.74kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1425kg P01117 The leFH 18 105mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Originally entering service in 1935, it was to replace the older leFH 16. This was the most commonly used light field howitzer used by the German army. It was well praised for its ease of set-up, rate of fire, and reliability. MAX. RANGE 10670m SHELL WEIGHT 14.8kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1985kg P01118 The leFH 18M 105mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Originally entering service in 1941, it was virtually identical to the leFH 18. The main difference being the addition of a muzzle brake, which increased performance about 18% when compared to the older leFH. It was well praised for its ease of setup, rate of fire, and reliability. MAX. RANGE 12315m SHELL WEIGHT 14.25kg (long-range shell) WEIGHT IN ACTION 1985kg P01119 The sK 18 105mm was the standard medium artillery gun. It used the same mount as the sFH 18, but supported a much longer barrel. Originally developed in the late 1920s it entered service in 1933. It was a large weapon for its caliber size, and difficult to operate off-road unless some type of mechanized assistance was available. MAX. RANGE 19000m SHELL WEIGHT 15.14kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 5642kg P01120 The sFH 18 150mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. It was introduced to the troops in the mid 1930s. Similar in design to the leFH 18, the sFH was quite a bit bigger and much heavier. Though an effective weapon, it was not well liked by its crew as it was very difficult to move in the mud and ice on the Russian front. MAX. RANGE 13250m SHELL WEIGHT 43.5kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 5512kg P01121 The sFH 36 150mm Howitzer was an artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. The sFH 36 was a much improved version of the sFH 18, as it only weighed half as much which allowed it to be transported in one load. This reduction was accomplished by shortening the barrel by four feet and through the extensive use of alloys. Shortly after production began, it soon ended in 1942 due to a shortage of alloy materials In addition a muzzle brake was fitted which enhanced the performance of the gun, but not enough to make up for the shortened barrel. MAX. RANGE 12300m SHELL WEIGHT 43.5kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 3280kg P01122 The K 18 150mm gun was a heavy artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Design work started on this piece in 1933 and was accepted into service by 1938. Originally intended as a replacement for the World War One era, 150mm K 16, performance was only marginally better. In addition, transportation and set-up was a tedious and drawn-out operation. MAX. RANGE 24500m SHELL WEIGHT 43kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 12760kg P01123 The K 18 170mm gun was a heavy artillery piece capable of direct or indirect fire. Entering service in 1941 it soon became the backbone of the German heavy artillery. Designed by Krupp, the weapon was noted for its stability and ease of operation, and for the most part, replaced the K 18 150mm heavy artillery gun. MAX. RANGE 29600m SHELL WEIGHT 68kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 17520kg P01124 The LG 40 75mm recoilless gun was an artillery piece that had been specially engineered for light weight so that it could be parachuted with airborne forces. The low weight was achieved by eliminating the recoil mechanism and through the use of light alloys. The first of this type to enter production, it was unique in that the recoil mechanism was no longer needed because the propellant gases were emitted to the rear of the unit. The gases were directed through a venturi attached to the rear of the barrel, which made it dangerous to stand behind, when it was fired. MAX. RANGE 6800m SHELL WEIGHT 5.83kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 145kg P01125 The LG 42 105 recoilless gun was an artillery piece that had been specially engineered for light weight so that it could be parachuted with airborne forces or carried by pack. The low weight was achieved by eliminating the recoil mechanism. The recoil mechanism was no longer needed because the propellant gases were emitted to the rear of the unit. The gases were directed through a venturi attached to the end of the barrel, which made it dangerous to stand behind, when it was fired. This weapon also saw service with mountains units. More then 3 times heavier then the LG 40 75mm, the LG 42 was almost 1400kg lighter then the leFH 18 105mm Field Howitzer. MAX. RANGE 3400m SHELL WEIGHT 14.8kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 540kg P01126 The GebG 36 75mm mountain gun was the standard light mountain howitzer. First entering service in 1938, it had been designed so that it could be easily broken down into 11 loads (none of which weighed more then 114kg) so that mules could carry the weapon on narrow mountain passes. Overall the GebG 36 was well liked by its crew and the weapon served until the end of the war. Another 75mm gun used by German mountain troops was a specially modified version of the leIG 18 75mm infantry gun. MAX. RANGE 9200m SHELL WEIGHT 5.75kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 750kg P01138 The GebH 16 100mm mountain howitzer was an old Czech gun used by the Germans to fill the gap caused by the absence of any domestically produced model in the 1930s. It was large and heavy, but quite serviceable despite its age. MAX. RANGE 9280m SHELL WEIGHT 13.4kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1235kg P01127 The GebH 40 105mm mountain howitzer was introduced later in the war. Designed so that it could be easily broken down into 9 loads (none of which weighed more then 250kg) so that mules could carry the weapon on narrow mountain passes. The barrel, which was equipped with a muzzle brake, was attached to a split-trail carriage that was supported by two light alloy wheels. Considered by many to be the best mountain gun ever built, it remained in service with many countries long after the war was over. MAX. RANGE 16740m SHELL WEIGHT 14.5kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1663kg P01129 NbW 41 150mm Nebelwerfer (Smoke Projector) rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. With no recoil to absorb, the Nebelwerfer could be produced for one-third the cost and in one-half the time that it took for a comparable artillery piece. The NbW 41 was a six-barreled launcher that was mounted to a light two-wheeled trailer. Generally all six rockets could be fired virtually simultaneously, thus creating quite an impact at the receiving end. The rocket shells were initially used for laying smoke, but could also fire HE shells. MAX. RANGE 6900m ROCKET WEIGHT 34.15kg P01136 NbW 42 210mm Nebelwerfer (Smoke Projector) rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. With no recoil to absorb, the Nebelwerfer could be produced for one-third the cost and in half the time it took for a comparable artillery piece. The NbW 42 was a five-barreled launcher based on the NbW 41. It fired a shell that was three times heavier than, and carried four times the explosive charge of, the NbW 41. Mounted to a small two-wheeled trailer, it was easily manhandled by the weapon's crew. MAX. RANGE 7850m ROCKET WEIGHT 112.6kg P01130 The sWG 40 280mm rocket launcher was an artillery piece that fired rockets instead of the traditional artillery shells. This weapon was a very simple design as it used a wooden crate to provide the launching platform for the rocket shell. A variety of simplistic methods were used to aim the weapon. Wooden stakes were driven into the ground to provide a base for the launching platform to lean against or pits could be dug into the ground which allowed the launching platform to lean against the earthen walls. All methods were very time consuming and slow to reload. Carrying 110 pounds of TNT, the sWG 40 was a potent weapon. MAX. RANGE 2000m ROCKET WEIGHT 79-82kg P01137 The RW 56 300mm rocket launcher consisted of a six-rocket launcher rack on the carriage of a PaK 38 50mm anti-tank gun. To give an idea of the immense firepower of such a weapon, in just ten seconds it could fire over 1670 lbs. (762kg) in projectile weight. MAX. RANGE 4550m ROCKET WEIGHT 127kg P01131 The FlaK 38 20mm was a single-barreled anti-aircraft weapon. It entered service in 1939 and was intended as the replacement for the Flak 20mm. Generally carried on a small two-wheeled trailer the FlaK 38 could be found in every theater of the war and mounted on a huge variety of equipment. Its high rate of fire made it useful against low flying aircraft and "soft" ground targets. During the last years of the war the FlaK 38 lost most of its effectiveness against the increasingly well armored Allied aircraft. MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING 2000m SHELL WEIGHT 0.3kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 405kg P01132 The FlaKvierling 38 was a quadruple-barreled 20mm anti-aircraft weapon. First entering service with the German navy in 1940, it quickly earned a good reputation for being able to fire an impressive amount of shells. Quickly adopted for use by all branches of the German military it was generally towed into place or could found mounted on a variety of vehicles. What the FlaKvierling lacked in punch, it more then made up with its volume of fire. Well liked by its crews, it served throughout the war on all fronts. MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING 2000m SHELL WEIGHT 0.3kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1520kg P01133 The FlaK 36 37mm was a single barreled anti-aircraft weapon. It had an automatic action that operated off of gas pressure and barrel recoil. It took a multi-round ammo clip that allowed the gun to have a practical rate of fire of 80 rounds per minute. Mounted on a triangular platform it was generally carried by a two-wheeled trailer, but could also be found mounted in a wide variety of vehicles. MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING 2000m SHELL WEIGHT 0.635kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1544kg P01134 The FlaK 43 37mm was a single barreled anti-aircraft weapon. Very similar in appearance to the FlaK 36, the FlaK 43 had a completely different mechanism for feeding and loading the shells. This fully automatic action allowed it to have almost twice the practical firing rate of the FlaK 36. Somewhat small in size it had a pedestal mount and generally came equipped with a shield that gave the crew some protection. MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING 4200m SHELL WEIGHT 0.635kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 1392kg P01135 The FlaK 18 was a single barreled 88mm anti-aircraft weapon. One of the more famous weapons developed by Germany, it first entered service in the mid 1930s. Originally intended strictly for anti-aircraft purposes only, it was soon discovered that its rapid rate of fire and pinpoint accuracy allowed it to accomplish many jobs. It was often used for destroying bunkers and for turning back armored assaults. Overall a very effective weapon it was much appreciated by the crews that served it. MAX. EFFECTIVE CEILING 10,600m SHELL WEIGHT 14.4kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 5150kg P01201 This unit represents a standard 1939-43 rifle platoon. It generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, one light machinegun per squad, and a 50mm light mortar. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Unlike other armies, the Germans considered the machinegun - not the rifle - to be the prime infantry weapon, and based all their infantry tactics around it. P01202 This unit represents the basic rifle platoon in a 1944 German infantry division. It consisted of three squads and a small HQ, with a total of about 33 men. The platoon was armed with rifles, submachineguns and four MG 42 light machineguns. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have several Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons, which enabled an ordinary soldier to eliminate a 40-ton tank with a single shot - though only at close range. P01203 This unit represents a 1941-42 rifle platoon of the Waffen (armed) SS. Like its regular army counterpart, it generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, light machineguns and a 50mm mortar. For game purposes it is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Most SS infantry was motorized; this unit represents the minority that was not. P01204 This unit represents an early-war motorized rifle platoon. It generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, two light machineguns per squad, and a 50mm light mortar. For game purposes the platoon is also assumed to have an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Transportation was provided by trucks or halftracks. With a total of eight light machineguns in its four squads, the motorized infantry platoon possessed an impressive amount of anti-personnel firepower for its size. P01205 This unit represents an early-war motorized rifle platoon of the Waffen (armed) SS. Like its regular army counterpart, it generally consisted of around 50 men armed with rifles, a few submachineguns, two light machineguns per squad, a 50mm light mortar, and an anti-tank rifle attached from its parent company. Transportation was provided by trucks or halftracks. Fierce and ruthless in combat on the Eastern Front, SS troops often took no prisoners - and in return were shown no mercy or quarter by the Russians. P01206 This unit represents a Fallschirmjäger (parachute infantry) platoon in the early-to-mid period of the war. Parachute troops were actually part of the Luftwaffe, and as in other nations were an elite, so were generally better equipped and motivated than regular infantry. P01225 This unit represents a 1944-45 Fallschirmjäger (parachute infantry) platoon. It was generally equipped with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. The platoon was armed with rifles and assault rifles, six MG 42 light machineguns and one Panzerschreck. The older parachute formations, with their core of hardened veterans, retained their elite edge throughout the war and were regarded as some of the best German troops in the field. P01207 This unit represents a late-war second-line Fallschirmjäger (Parachute Infantry) platoon. It was generally equipped with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. The platoon was armed with rifles and assault rifles, six MG 42 light machineguns and one Panzerschreck. By late 1944 most of the men in the parachute divisions were replacements with no jump training; and moreover, those in the recently raised formations lacked the experience, leadership and esprit de corps of the older outfits. P01208 This unit represents a Luftwaffe field infantry platoon, found in the field infantry divisions fielded by the German Air Force and manned by excess ground personnel. Hermann Göring refused to make the men available as replacements to the army, and created these divisions instead. Poorly trained and led by inexperienced officers, the Luftwaffe field formations had limited combat effectiveness. P01209 This unit represents a Panzergrenadier platoon. This was the new name given to the motorized infantry in mid-1942. No organizational change occurred. The new name was both an honorific and a reflection of their special training to work with the panzer forces. P01210 This unit represents a an SS Panzergrenadier platoon. This was the new name given to the SS motorized infantry in mid-1942. No organizational change occurred. The new name was both an honorific and a reflection of their special training to work with the panzer forces. P01211 This unit represents a Volksgrenadier platoon. It generally contained three squads and a small HQ; about 33 men in all. They were armed with rifles (one squad), submachineguns (two squads), three MG 42 light machineguns and several Panzerschreck. The volksgrenadier regiment had no anti-tank gun platoon; instead, it had an extra volksgrenadier company armed with Panzerschreck. In the game these troops are assumed to be split up and attached to the platoons. Volksgrenadier troops were formed in the latter half of 1944. Some were regular army units simply renamed, while others were second-class replacements with little training. P01212 This unit represents a Volkssturm platoon. By 1944 Germany's manpower losses were becoming very difficult to replace. An order went out in October 1944 that all civilian males between the ages of 16 and 60 were to join the Volkssturm (home guard). Each district was expected to form at least one battalion for the defense of the surrounding area. The recruits were either old veterans of WWI or children, usually led by young officers of the Hitler Youth group. Generally 45 men made up a platoon, and were armed with whatever small arms happened to be available - but usually with a large number of deadly Panzerschreck or Panzerfaust hand-held anti-tank weapons. P01213 This unit represents a generic machinegun platoon, with about 30 men and three or four heavy machineguns. The weapon was the revolutionary MG 34 (or later the even better MG 42) fitted to a tripod that provided a stable platform for long-range fire. The MG 42 was the most advanced design in the world, with up to twice the rate of fire (as much as 20 rounds per second) of Allied weapons. P01214 This unit represents a generic machinegun platoon of the Waffen SS, with about 30 men and three or four heavy machineguns. The weapon was the revolutionary MG 34 (or later the even better MG 42) fitted to a tripod that provided a stable platform for long-range fire. The MG 42 was the most advanced design in the world, with up to twice the rate of fire (as much as 20 rounds per second) of Allied weapons.. P01215 This unit represents a generic assault engineer platoon. It generally consisted of 40-50 men with rifles, submachineguns, light machineguns, satchel charges, flamethrowers, and later one or more Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons. The main function of this platoon was to lead the assault on fortified positions. The German term for assault engineers was Pionere ("Pioneers"). P01216 This unit represents a generic assault engineer platoon of the Waffen SS. Like its counterpart in the regular army, it generally consisted of 40-50 men with rifles, submachineguns, light machineguns, satchel charges, flamethrowers, and later one or more Panzerfaust or Panzerschreck hand-held anti-tank weapons. Its main role was to lead the assault on fortified positions. The German term for assault engineers was Pionere ("Pioneers"). P01217 This unit represents a cavalry platoon of about forty men in three squads. The Germans used only one cavalry division during the invasion of Russia, and the division was disbanded in late 1941. Additional cavalry was found in the recon battalion of the older infantry divisions, but in 1943 these mounted squadrons were consolidated into brigades controlled by each army group. These were used mainly to combat the ever-present threat of partisans. P01218 This unit represents a Waffen SS cavalry platoon of about forty men in three squads. One SS cavalry division was formed in 1942 to fight partisans. Several more created late in the war were destroyed almost immediately by the Russians. P01219 This unit represents a motorcycle platoon. Generally, it was an infantry platoon that had been assigned motorcycles to increase their mobility so that they could keep pace with armor. The goal was to provide an inexpensive form of transportation, as the construction of halftracks was never able to keep up with demand. They were issued a variety of brands, which included the traditional two-wheeled model and sidecars. Often they were part of a reconnaissance company, and worked with other forms of motorized infantry to scout for the main force. Typically, 35-40 men made up a platoon and they were issued around 9-12 motorcycles. They were armed with all types of small arms, which included rifles, grenades and light machineguns. P01220 This unit represents an SS motorcycle platoon. The SS troops were generally all volunteers, and when compared to other army units, they typically received better training and the latest weapons. Considered an elite unit, they received more food and ammo, but also got the hardest jobs. Generally, the motorcycle platoon was an infantry unit that had been assigned motorcycles to increase their mobility so that they could keep pace with armor. The goal was to provide an inexpensive form of transportation, as construction of halftracks was never able to keep up with demand. They were issued a variety of brands, which included the traditional two-wheeled model and sidecars. Often they were part of a reconnaissance company, and worked with other forms of motorized infantry to scout for the main force. Typically, 35-40 men made up a platoon and they were issued around 9-12 motorcycles. They were armed with all types of small arms, which included rifles, grenades and light machineguns. P01223 This unit represents a motorcycle machinegun platoon, with heavy MG 34 or MG 42 machineguns carried in sidecars. Motorcycle machinegun platoons were sometimes found in bicycle as well as motorcycle units. P01224 This unit represents an SS motorcycle machinegun platoon, with heavy MG 34 or MG 42 machineguns carried in sidecars. Motorcycle machinegun platoons were sometimes found in bicycle as well as motorcycle units. P01221 This unit represents a Bicycle platoon. It generally consisted of a platoon leader who was in charge of three squads, of 12 men each. Rifles, pistols, hand grenades and a few light machineguns were typically assigned to this unit. For transportation the Wehrmacht Bicycle 38 was issued. This bike, which had racks to enable the carrying of most of the light weapons, was useful only on a prepared surface. Bicycles were generally used to increase the road mobility of infantry who had no other means of transport. For obvious reasons their mobility was severely hampered by inclement weather. P01222 This unit represents an SS Bicycle platoon. The SS troops were generally all volunteers, and were considered an elite unit. When compared to other army units, the SS typically received better training and the latest weapons. This allowed them to maintain a higher moral level. It generally consisted of a platoon leader who was in charge of three squads, of 12 men each. Rifles, pistols, hand grenades and a few light machineguns were typically assigned to this unit. For transportation they were issued the Wehrmacht Bicycle 38. This bike, which had racks to enable the carrying of most of the light weapons, was useful only on a prepared surface. P01226 This unit represents the later-war panzergrenadier platoon, with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. They were armed with rifles and submachineguns, six MG 42 light machineguns and a panzerschreck (the German equivalent of the bazooka, though much more powerful than the American weapon). They are also assumed to possess a number of panzerfausts - hand-held anti-tank rockets that could easily destroy any existing vehicle. In theory all panzergrenadiers were "armored" infantry, but normally in a late-war panzer division only one of its four panzergrenadier battalions was equipped with armored halftracks. The other three were still transported in trucks. P01227 This unit represents an SS-panzergrenadier platoon, with three squads and a small HQ; about 40 men in all. They were armed with rifles, submachineguns and/or assault rifles, six MG 42 light machineguns and one panzerschreck (the German equivalent of the bazooka, though much more powerful than the American weapon). They are also assumed to possess a number of panzerfausts - hand-held anti-tank rockets that could easily destroy any existing vehicle. In theory all panzergrenadiers were "armored" infantry, but even in the SS - which received preferential treatment in supplies and equipment - only one battalion per panzergrenadier regiment was equipped with armored halftracks in a late-war panzer division. The other panzergrenadier battalions were still transported in trucks. P01301 This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand. P01302 This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand. P01303 This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand. P01304 This unit represents a non-motorized (i.e., infantry type) battalion headquarters. During the war, headquarters staffs were able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand. P01305 This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand. P01306 This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand. P01307 This unit represents a motorized headquarters. During the war, German headquarters staffs were usually able to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly, and conducted some amazing feats of improvisation. Their experience with the concept of the Kampfgruppe (battle group), a mixed force of different unit types, proved invaluable whenever it became necessary to form a cohesive force quickly from whatever troops happened to be at hand. P01401 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01402 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01403 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly could catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01404 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01405 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01406 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01407 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01408 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01409 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P01410 To generalize, German army officers were well trained, especially in staff matters. Junior-grade leaders were taught to think fast and make quick decisions, the reasoning behind this being that any decision tended to be better than none at all, and any action taken quickly might catch the enemy by surprise and throw him off balance. They were also expected to make decisions above their normal command level when necessary, and to seize opportunities that presented themselves without having to await orders. This was a tremendous difference from the training received in other armies - at least early in the war - and quick thinking by German officers often led to results out of all proportion to what might have been expected. Heavy losses diluted this advantage as the war went on, but in all save the most inexperienced units the Germans retained an edge in tactics until the very end. P10031 The M4 DD ("Duplex Drive") Medium Tank used a waterproof canvas screen attached to its hull to provide flotation. The screen was raised and lowered by compressed air and hydraulics. Twin propellers at the rear of the vehicle provided propulsion in the water. When the screen was raised, it was higher than the tank, thus keeping the tank from being able to fire its weapons. When the floating tank hit land, its screen was lowered by the vehicle commander and its guns could then be brought to bear. The Normandy landings formed the M4 DD's operational debut. ARMAMENT 1 x 75mm gun 1 x 7.62mm machinegun MAX. ARMOR 89mm WEIGHT 31 tonnes P10102 This unit represents a Light Mortar Section with seventeen men and three M2 60mm mortars. These sections were used in rifle, armored infantry, glider and parachute infantry companies. The mortars were not very powerful, but gave the company commander his own private 'artillery' that could bring immediate fire on the enemy from a mile away. The weapon itself was a copy of a French design. MAX. RANGE 1800m SHELL WEIGHT 1.3kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 19kg P10104 This unit represents a Medium Mortar Platoon with about 45 men and six M1 81mm mortars. The heavy weapons company of each infantry battalion had an 81mm mortar platoon, as did each glider infantry battalion. MAX. RANGE 3000m SHELL WEIGHT 3.2kg & 4.8kg WEIGHT IN ACTION 62kg P10201 The U.S. Rifle Platoon consisted of three squads and a small headquarters, with a total of 41 men. Each 12-man squad was authorized ten M1 rifles, a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and a Model 1903 Springfield Rifle. The platoon is also assumed to have one of the company HQ's three bazookas. Three platoons plus a weapons platoon (one 60mm mortar section and one light machinegun section) made up a rifle company, and three rifle companies plus a heavy weapons company formed an infantry battalion. P10207 This unit represents a Light Machinegun Section with twelve men and two M1919A4 .30-cal. (7.62mm) air-cooled machineguns. One section was authorized in the weapons platoon of the rifle company. P10208 This unit represents a Heavy Machinegun Platoon with about 36 men and four M1917A1 .30-cal. (7.62mm) water-cooled machineguns. Two such platoons and an 81mm mortar platoon formed the heavy weapons company of the rifle battalion. P10209 This unit represents a Combat Engineer Platoon, comprising three squads with a total of some 40 men. It was armed with standard infantry equipment along with flamethrowers, demolition charges and other special equipment. The combat engineer platoon was capable of performing various duties like mine clearance, obstacle demolition and construction. P10304 This unit represents the headquarters of a non-motorized battalion. P10401 This unit represents a U.S. leader who in some way makes a greater contribution to the battle than his 'anonymous' (in the game) counterparts. P10402 This unit represents a U.S. leader who in some way makes a greater contribution to the battle than his 'anonymous' (in the game) counterparts. P10403 This unit represents a U.S. leader who in some way makes a greater contribution to the battle than his 'anonymous' (in the game) counterparts. P10404 This unit represents a U.S. leader who in some way makes a greater contribution to the battle than his 'anonymous' (in the game) counterparts. P10405 This unit represents a U.S. leader who in some way makes a greater contribution to the battle than his 'anonymous' (in the game) counterparts. P10603 The Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel, or LCVP is it was generally known, was based on the earlier LCV. Both were of wooden construction but the LCVP had 1/4" armor plating and two .30-cal. machineguns. Both types were commonly called Higgins Boats after the company that designed and produced them. 23,358 LCVPs were built, making it by far the most common landing craft in U.S. service. One LCVP could carry an infantry platoon or a small vehicle or gun.