StuG III Ausf B - top plan
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The Sturmgeschütz Ausf.B was the second version of the StuG assault gun, and saw the introduction of all of the improvements that had been made to the tracks of the Panzer III between the Ausf F and the Ausf H. The most important of these was the increase in the track width from 36cm to 40cm. This also required a change in the drive sprocket, idler, road wheels and return rollers. The Ausf B also saw the introduction of a synchromesh transmission in place of the pre-selective type used in the Ausf A.
The Ausf B was produced in sufficient numbers to allow for the creation of seven Sturmartillerie batteries and four Sturmartillerie Abteilung (assault artillery detachments), each with three batteries. Of these the 2nd Sturmartillerie Abteilung fought in the Balkans, while the 6th Sturmartillerie Abteilung took part in the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941.
Names
Gepanzerter Selbstfahrlafette für Sturmgeschütz 7.5cm Kanone Ausf B
StuG Ausf B, 2 and 3 Serie
Stats
Number produced: 320
Produced: June 1940-May 1941
Length: 5.40m
Hull Width: 2.93m
Height: 1.98m
Crew: 4
Weight: 20.2 tons
Engine: 320hp Maybach HL120TRM
Max Speed: 40km/hr
Max Range: 160km/
Main Armament: One 7.5cm StuK37 L/24
Armour
| Armour | Front |
Side |
Rear |
Top/ Bottom |
Superstructure |
50mm |
30mm |
30mm |
11mm below |
Hull |
50mm |
30mm |
30mm |
16mm |
Gun mantlet |
50mm |
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German Weapons of World War II, Stephen Hart .
Covers a wide range of the weapons used by the Third Reich during the Second World War, from the pistol up to the battleship Tirpitz, and including a wide range of tanks, armoured vehicles, aircraft, artillery etc. All supported by a mix of full colour illustrations and contemporary photographs, giving an idea of vast range of weapons produced by the Germans during the war (Read Full Review)
