The 15-cm schwere Feldhaubitze 18 (sFH 18) became the standard 149mm howitzer for German Army divisions of World War 2 (1939-1945). The weapon was originally developed to be horse-drawn (as all German artillery at the time was) but was later modified to be towed by mechanized means. A compromise was met to fit the Rheinmetall gun atop the Krupp carriage after several strong submissions were submitted for trials by both parties.
After the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the Soviet response thereafter, sFH 18 systems were found to be out-ranged by their counterparts so this forced modifications to be made to help increase engagement ranges. However, changes had an ill-effect on the barrels and recoil mechanism through excessive wear. As such, the modification program was abandoned though the remaining sFH 18 guns were still operated until their battlefield usefulness had expired. Modified guns went under the designation of "15-cm sFH 18(m)".
The sFH gun family came to be mounted on a motorized chassis and these vehicles were known as "Hummel" - or "Bumblebee" - and became a respected Self-Propelled Artillery (SPA) system by the end of the war in 1945. sFH 18's were also present along Hitler's famous "Atlantic Wall" - the long-running line of fortifications and guns set along the French coast between France and Britain in attempt to thwart any Allied invasion from the North/West.
Several world powers continued fielding the sFH 18 after the war in large numbers including Czechoslovakia, Portugal, and many South American and Central American countries - such was the excellence of this field piece.
Albania; Bulgaria; China; Czechoslovakia; Finland; Nazi Germany; Kingdom of Italy; Portugal; Soviet Union; Taiwan; Yugoslavia
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Fire Support / Assault / Breaching
Support allied forces through direct / in-direct fire, assault forward positions, and / or breach fortified areas of the battlefield.
Recoil Enhancement
Main weapon has an integral recoil mechanism, allowing the system to remain trained-on-target after firing.
Versatility
Vehicle's proven running gear and overall makeup lends itself well to fulfill other battlefield roles by way of specialized designs.
In-Direct Fire Capable
This system's capability is such that it can engage targets / target areas without Line-of-Sight attained.
Psychological Effect
Ability to provide lethal, in-direct firepower at range for area saturation; can include nuclear, biological, and chemical agents.
Length
14.6 ft 4.44 m
Weight
12,152 lb 5,512 kg
Tonnage
6.1 tons LIGHT
(Showcased structural values pertain to the 15cm sFH 18 production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)
Powerplant:
None. This is a towed artillery piece.
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Albania; Bulgaria; China; Czechoslovakia; Finland; Nazi Germany; Kingdom of Italy; Portugal; Soviet Union; Taiwan; Yugoslavia
