Deviation Actions
Description
Nashorn Vehicle Stats:
Type: Tank hunter
Manufacturer: Alkett, Deutsche-Eisenwerke
First deployed: May 1943
Crew: 4-5
Lenght: 8.44 m
Width: 2.95 m
Height: 2.94 m
Weight: 24 tons
Armor: 30mm
Armament, primary: 1 x 88mm PaK 43/1 L/71 AT gun
Armament, secondary: 1 x 7.92mm MG-34 machinegun
Ammo stowage, primary: 40 rounds
Ammo stowage, secondary: 600 rounds
Powerplant: Maybach HL 120 TRM 265hp V-12 water-cooled gasoline engine
Max speed: 42 km/h
Max range: 235 km
Operators: Germany
The Nashorn, also known as the Hornisse (German for "Hornet"), was a German tank destroyer used during World War II. It was a self-propelled anti-tank gun designed to provide long-range, mobile firepower against enemy armored vehicles. The Nashorn was built on the chassis of the Panzer IV tank and was one of several tank destroyers developed by the Germans during the war.
Here are some key characteristics and details about the Nashorn tank destroyer:
Armament: The primary armament of the Nashorn was a 8.8 cm PaK 43/1 anti-tank gun. This gun was known for its penetration power and effectiveness against enemy tanks. It could engage and destroy enemy armor at long distances.
Mobility: The Nashorn was mounted on the chassis of a Panzer IV, which gave it good mobility. It was powered by a 300 horsepower Maybach HL120 TRM engine, which allowed it to move quickly on the battlefield.
Open-topped: One distinctive feature of the Nashorn was its open-topped fighting compartment. While this design provided good visibility for the crew, it left them exposed to enemy artillery, small arms fire, and adverse weather conditions.
Production and use: Production of the Nashorn began in 1943, and it saw combat on the Eastern and Western Fronts. It was used as a mobile anti-tank gun to counter Allied and Soviet armored forces. Its long-range firepower made it effective in defensive roles.
Limited numbers: The Nashorn was not produced in large numbers compared to some other German armored vehicles of the time. Approximately 494 Nashorn tank destroyers were built during the war.
Replacement: As the war progressed, more advanced tank destroyers like the Jagdpanther and Jagdtiger entered service, which had better armor protection and firepower. The Nashorn became increasingly vulnerable to enemy fire.
The Nashorn served a specific role in the German Army's armored forces, providing an effective anti-tank capability against Allied and Soviet tanks. However, like many German armored vehicles of the period, it faced challenges due to the rapidly evolving nature of armored warfare and the increasing capabilities of the Allied forces.