Panzerhaubitze III/IV Hummel

The Panzerhaubitze III/IV Hummel (Armored Howitzer III/IV "Bumble Bee") was the last of the self-propelled artilleries. Previous models like the Bison and Wespe had small chassis that limited the weight and firepower of their guns and as a result were becoming obsolete in the escalating gun-and-armor race. In order for the Hummel to mount a heavy field howitzer a special chassis blending features from both the PzKpfw III and IV was built (also used by the Nashorn tank-destroyer). The Hummel first saw action at Kursk in 1943 and eventually fought on all fronts. In the beginning six Hummel plus two Munitionsfahrzeuge III/IV (ammunition carrier) made up the mobile heavy battery of a Panzer or Panzergrenadier division; later some divisions were allotted two batteries. Overall the Hummel fulfilled its mission of providing mobile artillery support for the mechanized units and was liked by the crewmen, who practically lived in their Hummel as they moved with the fluid frontline. In all 666 Hummel and 157 Munitionsfahrzeuge III/IV were produced.

The Hummel was built with a top-open compartment housing the gun crew and mounting the field howitzer on the hybrid chassis. First developed in 1941, the special chassis stretched the suspension, running gear and hull of the PzKpfw IV and fitted them with the final drive assemblies, track and transmission of the PzKpfw III. The superstructure was very lightly armored, just enough to protect the crew from small-arm fire and strafing, but since the Hummel was not expected to engage enemy armor this usually posed no problem. Armament consisted of a sFH 18 L/30 heavy field howitzer, with a range of 13,325m, and a machine gun for close defense. The superstructure was roomy enough for its crew to operate the field piece but could accommodate only 18 rounds of the 43.5kg shells, making it necessary for the Munitionsfahrzeuge III/IV to run frequent re-supply rounds. Each Hummel had a crew of six or seven. Only the driver and radio operator sat in the fully enclosed hull, so it was common for the crew to weatherproof the open compartment with canvas tarpaulins. Some models were equipped with the Ostkette wide tracks for maneuver over Russian mud and snow. One disadvantage was that the vehicle posed a high silhouette.

Technical data and/or diagram of Panzerhaubitze III/IV Hummel.

A Hummel prototype. Note the large muzzle brake, dispensed with in later models as it was found to be unneeded.

Getting ready for a prolonged bombardment.

View from the top showing the compartment's interior.

A Hummel fires in anger.

Except the driver, every crewmember of this Hummel is visible. The radio operator is identified by his headphone.

This photo shows all seven crewmen.

Two Hummel in action. Note the piles of empty shell cases.

Four Hummel on a Russian steppe in 1942. It can be surmised that the Luftwaffe held controlled the sky because the crews felt safe enough to concentrate their vehicles and do away with camouflage.

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	Technical data and/or diagram of Panzerhaubitze III/IV Hummel.
	A Hummel prototype. Note the large muzzle brake, dispensed with in later models as it was found to be unneeded.
	Getting ready for a prolonged bombardment.
	View from the top showing the compartment's interior.
	A Hummel fires in anger.
	Except the driver, every crewmember of this Hummel is visible. The radio operator is identified by his headphone.
	This photo shows all seven crewmen.
	Two Hummel in action. Note the piles of empty shell cases.
	Four Hummel on a Russian steppe in 1942. It can be surmised that the Luftwaffe held controlled the sky because the crews felt safe enough to concentrate their vehicles and do away with camouflage.