SdKfz 124 Wespe

The SdKfz 124 Wespe (or "Wasp") was an excellent German self-propelled howitzer of World War 2. Using the well-regarded hull of the now-outclassed Panzer II light tanks, the Wespe appeared in modified form from 1943 through the end of the war providing mechanized artillery support for the German Army. In the end and despite its usefulness on the battlefield, the Wespe appeared in limited quantities and suffered from poor crew protection.

Taking the Panzer II chassis, the design was lengthened somewhat, with the engine re-engineered to the front of the vehicle. The turret was fitted with a powerful 105mm main gun and was thinly armored and open from the top. A crew of five personnel operated the system and included three gunners, a commander and the driver. Various munitions were afforded the crew and the Wespe's main gun could hit distances of up to 10,000 meters. Power for the mobile howitzer unit was derived from a Maybach-brand liquid-cooled gasoline engine generating some 140 horsepower.

As an infantry support weapon, the Wespe was to appear in a production order numbering 1,000 though this was later reduced to the actual 676 count by wars end. In addition to the base howitzer model, the Wespe also appeared in an ammunition carrier sans gun which could carry 90 rounds to compliment the limited 32 held in the combat model.

The Wespe would go on to appear on all major German fronts and become a favorite amongst her crews. The main gun was a heavy hitter though the vehicle suffered from inadequate crew protection, a thinly armored open-topped turret and limited munitions storage. Attempts were made in later models to up-armor the design with some success.

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Last Updated: 7/22/2008