Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer

In March 1943, Col. Gen. Heinz Guderian demanded a light tank destroyer to replace all existing "interim solutions" (e.g. Marders ) and towed anti-tank artillery (e.g. 75mm PaK 40 guns). The result of this was the Panzerjäger program or G-13. The new vehicle resulting from it was to equip tank destroyer units of infantry divisions. The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) chassis was chosen as a base for this new Panzerjäger. It was first known as "Leichtes Sturmgeschutz 38(t)", then "Jagdpanzer 38(t) für 7.5cm Pak 39 L/48", and finally "Jagdpanzer 38 Hetzer". It appears that the name Hetzer was not an official name but used by troops and then used in post-war publications. On December 17, 1943, designs were ready and, on January 24, 1944, a wooden mock-up was finished. In March 1944, the first three proto-types were produced by BMM (Boehmish-Mährische Maschinenfabrik) and it was decided to start production. From March to April of 1944, prototypes were extensively tested, while preparations for production were made at BMM (Praga/CKD-Ceskomoravska Kolben Danek) in Prague and then at Skoda Works at Pilsen.

Tank destroyer
Place of origin Nazi Germany

Service history
In service
1944–1945

Wars World War II

Production history
Manufacturer
Böhmisch-Mährische Maschinenfabrik, Skoda

Produced
March 1944–May 1945

Number built
Approx. 2827

Specifications
Weight
15.75 tonnes (34,722 lbs)
Length
6.38 m (21 ft)
Width
2.63 m (8.62 ft)
Height
2.17 m (7.11 ft)

Armor
8-60 mm (.31-2.36 in)

Primary armament
1x 7.5 cm PaK 39 L/48
41 rounds
Secondary armament
1? 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr 34
1,200 rounds
Engine
petrol R6, 7.8 liters
160 hp (120 kW) at 2800 rpm
Power/weight
10 hp/tonne
Suspension
leaf spring
Operational range
177 km (110 mi)
Speed
42 km/h (26 mph)