Panther Question

Boba Nette · Aug 4, 2004

Can anyone shed a little light on the Panther Ausf.F?I've seen plenty of model kits but no photos to prove the variant existed.As far as I can tell,it has a smaller turret with a mantlet similar to that of a TigerII.

Thanks

SturmTiger

Mutant Poodle · Aug 4, 2004

SturmTiger said:

Can anyone shed a little light on the Panther Ausf.F?I've seen plenty of model kits but no photos to prove the variant existed.As far as I can tell,it has a smaller turret with a mantlet similar to that of a TigerII.

Thanks

SturmTiger
Click to expand...

Here you go.

http://www.onwar.com/tanks/germany/tfpantherf.htm

Skua · Aug 4, 2004

It existed, but only as a prototype. I don´t know if more than one prototype was ever completed. The turret ( Schmal Turm 605 ) was intended for the Panther II as well.

Patrice · Aug 4, 2004

From Panther variants 1942-1945 New Vanguard n°22 Osprey.
I quote.

Panther Ausf.F
Wa Pruf 6 issued a specification for development of a new turret that would overcome a number of problems identified in the existing Panther turret.
The most important request were to eliminate shot deflection underneath the gun mantlet,increase armour protection without increasing overall weight,reduce the frontal aera,and internally mount a range finder.
In Febuary 1944 Rheinmetall completed a conceptual drawing of a new turret desing which reduced the width of the turret front and gun mantlet and included an internal an internally-mounted range finder as well as a periscopic gunsight.
The range finder was accommodated by creating a massive hump in the turret roof.
The Rheinmetall desing was not exactly wath Wa Pruf 6 had in mind,however,Daimler-Benz was awarded contract to complete a new turret desing,designated Schamalturm(narrow turret).
The width of the turret was reduced by reduced the gun mount,and relocating the recoil cylinder and recuperator below the gun instead of on either side.
Armour protection for the Smalturm consisted of a 120mm-thick front plate at an 20 degrees,60mm-thick side and rear plate at an angle of 25 degrees,and a 40 mm thick flat roof plate.
Armament consisted of the 7,5 cm Kw.K 44/I L/70 gun with a coaxial mounted MG-42.
A new stabilised,periscopes SZF1 gunsight was designed with the head protruding through the turret roof
The commander's cupola still have seven periscopes.
In comparison to the cast commander's cupola of the Panther Ausf A and G,the commander's cupola was lower,had a hinged hatch,and was drilled so that a TSF1 spotting periscope could be raised without opening the commander's hatch.
The fume extraction fan was relocated to the turret base plate to the right of the gun instead of the turret roof.
The new Panther created by mounting the new Schmalturm on a modified Panther Ausf.G chassis was officially designated the Panther Ausf.F.
In addition to the Schmalturm,the following changes were introduced with the Panther Ausf.F.a 25 mm-Thick hull roof plate,sliding hatches for the drivers and radio operators,a ball-mounted MP44 in the hull front,easy conversion to a Panzerbefehlswagen by mounting the long range sets in the turret,and all accessoriess needed to mount the FG1250 infra-red nigth-sighing equipment.
As planned in October 1944 delivery of a completed Panther Ausf.F was to start at Daimler-Benz in March 1945.
However,production was delayed by bombing raids.
Panther Ausf.F chassis and turrets were on the assembly line at the Daimler-Benz in April 1945.
If Daimler-Benz did manage to complete a few Panther.Ausf.F between 20 and 23 April 1945,their operation would have been impaired because key compoments were not available for the smallturm,including the range finders and gunsights.
The Panther Ausf.G turret would not fit on the Panther Ausf.F chassis without altering the turret race and turret drive,and this at a time when there were constant power failure.
If this had been done at Daimler-Benz as representatives from M.A.N.stated when interrogated directly after the war,the end result would have been just like any other Panther Ausf.G but with sliding hatches and an MP44 ball mount.
when they were interrogated after the war,Daimler-Benz representatives were not asked about,nor did they comment on,their succes in producing a few Panther Ausf.F at the Daimler-Benz assembly plant in Berlin-Marienfelde
Click to expand...

me262 phpbb3 · Aug 4, 2004

from what i can understand, acccording to my books, only 2 schmalturns were produced, 1 went to US unknow fate, and the other to GB to Bovington Camp on investigation then send to Larkhill ranges to be used as a target :cry: :cry:

E. Rommel phpbb3 · May 22, 2005

make more dumb germans. what was wrong with em?

Oli · May 22, 2005

Schmalturm was also intended for late-production Pzkpfw IV models! There was a model building article in a French armour modelling magazine (Steel Masters?) a couple of years ago.
Later variants of schmalturm, on E-50 I think, were intended to have a 75 L/100, or a 75 L/70 with 6-round rotary (revolver-style) magazine for rapid fire. That would have been nasty. :bang:
Oli

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