The Panzer 38(t) Ausf. A mit Schwimmkörper or Panzerkampfwagen
38(t) Ausfuhrüng A mit Schwimmkörper or abbreviated
to Pz.Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. A mit Schwimmkörper
One of the Wehrmacht's first endeavours at designing an amphibious
tank, the Panzer 38(t) Ausf. A mit Schwimmkörper and
Panzer II mit Schwimmkörper
was basically two large pontoons that attached to either side
of a Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) designed and built by Gebr Sachsenberg.
The Panzer 38(t) were specially sealed and some adjustment
had to be made to the engine exhaust, and alternative cooling
was needed. The pontoons were detachable.
The Panzer 38(t) Ausf. A mit Schwimmkörper was developed
as a result of requirements for Operation Sea Lion the invasion
of England late in 1940. The firm of Gebr Sachsenberg in Roslau
was responsible for the pontoons which were attached to the
sides and front of the Panzer 38(t). Propulsion was was achieved
by transferring power from the drive sprocket, whilst in the
water, it was capable of 10 km per hour.
Gallery:
Panzer 38(t) Ausf. A mit Schwimmkörper Heer Comments
Sources:
German Military Vehicles.
ISBN-10: 087349783X
Armoured Fighting Vehicles of Germany World War II.
ISBN-10: 0214203077
Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World Two.
ISBN-10: 1854095188
