GERMAN STURMGESCHUTSZ III ausf G 1/32 Forces of valor

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German Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. G  - Bulge-  SKN: 81206 | SCALE: 1:32

The Sturmgeschütz III Ausf G was the final version of the StuG III and was produced in vast numbers, with a total of 7,720 produced from new between December 1942 and the end of the Second World War. 

The main distinguishing feature of the Ausf G was the adoption of a new superstructure with slanted sides made up of 30mm armour with 50mm plates at the front. This is one of the easiest ways to identify the Ausf G, for the side of the superstructure overlaps the top of the tracks, while on the Ausf F and Ausf F.8 the edge of the superstructure lines up with the inner edge of the tracks.

The Ausf G also saw the introduction of a commander’s cupola, with seven periscopes and an SE14Z scissors periscope that could be raised through a hinged port in the forward edge of the hatch lid. At the same time the roof hatch for the gunner was removed, and replaced with a periscope sight.

During the two and half years that the StuG III Ausf G was in production a great many changes were introduced (and is some cases later removed). The first came right at the start of the production run, when the angle of the side plates was increased and a hinged armoured gun shield was placed in front of the loader’s hatch in an attempt to remedy the lack of a properly integrated machine gun on the StuG.

In February 1943 a pair of three smoke candle dischargers were fitted to the front left and right of the superstructure, only to be removed in May after it was discovered that they could be set off by income small arms fire. In April 1943 armoured skirts were added to the sides to protect against anti-tank rifles and hollow charges. In May 1943 the 50mm front armour with 30mm extra bolted on was replaced with a single 80mm thick armour plate, and at the same time a new muzzle brake with deflector flanges was installed. The cupola turned out to be dangerously under-armoured, and so late in 1943 an armour deflector was added.

The biggest visual change came late in 1943, when the original rectangular mantlet was replaced by a rounded cast gun mantle, known as the Topfblende (“pot mantle”) or Saukopf (“sow’s head”).

1944 saw two attempts to improve the short range defensive capability of the StuG III. In March a mounting for a remote controlled machine gun was added to the roof. This consisted of a MG.34 machine gun aimed by the loader using a sighting periscope. Unfortunately this machine gun was not belt fed, and so the loader still had to expose himself to enemy fire to reload the gun. May 1944 saw the installation of a Nahverteidigungswaffe close range defence weapon in the roof, capable of firing small grenades or smoke.

When first introduced the StuG III Ausf G was issued to the Sturmgeschütz detachments, independent artillery units available to the high command, but over the next two years their use spread until they could be found in every type of division, including the Panzer Divisions.

GENERAL DATA
Formal Designation	7.5cm Sturmgeschütz 40 Ausf. G (SdKfz 142/1)
Manufacturer(s)	Alkett, MIAG
Production Quantity	7720+173 converted from PzKpfw III	Production Period	Dec. 1942 - Mar. 1945
Type	Assault Gun	Crew	4
Length /hull (m)	6.85	Barrel Overhang (m)	1.43
Width (m) /with skirts	2.95	Height (m)	2.16
Combat Weight (kg)	23900	Radio Equipment	FuG15 or FuG16

FIREPOWER
Primary Armament	75mm StuK. 40 L/48	Ammunition Carried	54
Traverse (degrees)	Manual (10° L, 10° R)	Elevation (degrees)	-6° to +20°
Traverse speed (360°)	-	Sight	SflZF1a
Secondary Armament	1 or 2 x 7.92mm MG34 (loose)	Ammunition Carried	600

MOBILITY CHARACTERISTICS
Engine Make & Model	Maybach HL120TRM	Track Links	93/track
Type & Displacement	V12, 11.8 liters	Track Width	40 cm
Horsepower (max.)	300hp@3000rpm	Track Ground Contact	286 cm
Power/Weight Ratio	12.6 hp/tonne	Ground Pressure	13.5 psi
Gearbox	6 forward, 1 reverse	Ground Clearance (m)	0.39
Fuel	Gasoline (Petrol)	Turning Radius (m)	5.85
Range on/off road (km)	155/95	Gradient (degrees)	30°
Mileage (liters/100km)	200 on/326 off road	Vertical Obstacle (m)	0.6
Fuel Capacity (liters)	310	Fording (m)	0.8
Speed on/off road	40 km/h	Trench Crossing (m)	2.45

ARMOR PROTECTION
Armor Detail	Front	Side	Rear	Top/Bottom
Hull	50+30/80mm@69°	30mm@90°	50mm@80°	16mm@0°
Superstructure	50+30/80mm@80°	30mm@79°	30mm@90°	11-17mm@0-15°
Mantlet	80mm@Saukopf	-	-	-

 

 

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