Hummel (vehicle)

Hummel
A Hummel on display at the Musée des Blindés in 2013
TypeSelf-propelled artillery
Place of originNazi Germany
Service history
In service1943–1945
WarsWorld War II
Production history
No. built714
Specifications
Mass24 tonnes (52,910 lb)
Length7.17 m (23 ft 6 in)
Width2.97 m (9 ft 9 in)
Height2.81 m (9 ft 3 in)
Crew6 - Driver and 5 gun crew

Armor10–30 mm (.39 - 1.18 in)
Main
armament
1 × 15 cm sFH 18/1 L/30
18 rounds
Secondary
armament
1 × 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr 34
600 rounds
EngineMaybach HL120 TRM V-12 petrol
300 PS (296 hp, 221 kW)
Power/weight12.5 PS/tonne
SuspensionLeaf spring
Operational
range
215 km (133 mi)
Maximum speed 42 km/h (26 mph)

Hummel (German: "bumblebee") was a German self-propelled gun used by the Wehrmacht during World War II. Based on the Geschützwagen III/IV chassis and armed with the 15 cm sFH 18/1 L/30 howitzer, it saw action from early 1943 until the end of the war. Its ordnance inventory designation 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 name Hummel to be dropped as it was deemed inappropriate for a fighting vehicle.[1]

  1. ^ Rickard, John. "Hummel (Bumblebee)/15cm Schwere Panzerhaubitze auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen III/IV (Sf)". historyofwar.org. Retrieved 29 July 2014.