DESCRIPTION

Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel Early

Unpainted kit set, 1400+ parts

The vehicle, developed in 1942 based, like the tank destroyer Rhino on the gun carriage III / IV. This was one of the chassis Panzer IV with the drive train of a Panzer III, The engine was moved forward to create a large fight in the rear room. As a weapon was the 150 mm howitzer sFH 18 used, which had a side directional field of 15 ° to both sides and with a 43 -pound projectile shot a range of 13 km. Since the vehicle was not designed for direct combat, one was enough light armor, which protect against rifle fire and shrapnel .

The structure had only one Rundumpanzerung of 10 mm. The development was carried out at Alkett and the assembly at the German ironworks in Duisburg. The official title was " 15 cm heavy howitzer 18 / 1 on chassis Panzer III / IV (Sf) ( Sd.Kfz. 165). The Hummel came in May 1943 to the front until the summer , 85 pieces with the troops.

By the end of the year 227 units were delivered. A total of 724 howitzers were produced , ten of which resulted from conversions. On February 27, 1944 accounted for on the instructions of Adolf Hitler the previously used Suggestiv name "Hummel ".

In early 1945, the production of Hummel has been set. At that time there were 335 Hummels, which was the most part of the Eastern Front and was suffering from the lack of fuel and ammunition.