Assembled model 1/35 German self-propelled gun Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel Initial Production Dragon D6430

Assembled model 1/35 German self-propelled gun Sd.Kfz.165 Hummel Initial Production Dragon D6430 The Hummel first made its debut at the Battle of Kursk, which is considered the greatest tank battle in history. Characteristics Aluminum barrel Magic Tracks Details with photoetching Hummel (German: "bumblebee") is a German self-propelled gun used by the Wehrmacht during World War II. Based on the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis and armed with a 15 cm sFH 18/1 L/30 howitzer, it saw action from early 1943 until the end of the war. The inventory designation of his ammunition was Sd.Kfz. 165. The full name was Panzerfeldhaubitze 18M auf Geschützwagen III/IV (Sf) Hummel, Sd.Kfz. 165. On February 27, 1944, Hitler ordered the cancellation of the Hummel name because it was considered inappropriate for a combat vehicle. development The Hummel was developed in 1942 after the invasion of the USSR demonstrated the need for more powerful self-propelled artillery support for the Wehrmacht's tank forces than was available at the time. The first option considered was the installation of a 10.5 cm leFH 18 howitzer on the Panzer III chassis, which was abandoned in favor of the same gun on the Panzer IV chassis. One prototype was built. This design was rejected in favor of mounting the more powerful 15 cm sFH 18 L/30 howitzer on the specially designed Geschützwagen III/IV, which combined the drive and steering system) of the Panzer III with the tank's chassis, suspension and engine. Panzer IV. The same platform was also used for the Nashorn tank destroyer. The engine was moved to the center of the vehicle to make room for a light armored fighting compartment with an open top at the rear, which housed the gun breech and service. Later models had a slightly modified design of the driver's compartment and front superstructure, offering more space for the radio operator and driver. In total, around 700 Hummels were produced. Options Since the basic Hummel could only carry a limited amount of ammunition, the Munitionsträger Hummel ("Ammunition Carrier Hummel") was developed. It was basically a standard production Hummel without the howitzer (10mm armor plate covering the gun mount) and with racks fitted for ammunition storage. If necessary, they could be equipped with a 15-centimeter howitzer of a regular Hummel; it can even be done as a field transformation. By the end of the war, 157 Munitionsträger Hummels had been built.