10.5cm LeFH 16(Sf) auf Geschutzwagen FCM36(f)

ICM 1:35

WWII German self-propelled howitzer

This
self-propelled unit was created as an artillery support vehicle. The
captured French FCM 36 tank became the base for it, and the German
105-mm leFH 16 howitzer was used as the main armament. The
self-propelled gun was designed by German engineer and artilleryman
Alfred Becker (in collaboration with Alkett). In the process of
re-equipment, the engine-transmission group and a significant part of
the hull of the FCM 36 tank remained unchanged. The howitzer was
installed in an armored conning tower, open at the top. The MG 34
machine gun was used as an additional weapon. The concept of using these
self-propelled guns provided for their joint actions with
self-propelled 75-mm anti-tank installations as part of one unit, and
howitzers could fire both direct fire and from closed positions. Both
types of self-propelled guns were part of the mobile brigade West
(Schnelle Brigade West), which eventually transferred its units to the
German 21st Panzer Division.