Munitionpanzer IV

The design teams of the gigantic Karl siege howitzer neglected the problem of the supply of ammunition when they drew up plans. The problem was soon recognized and addressed by building special tracked ammunition carriers that could accompany the Karls. The carriers would have to be large enough to accommodate the Karls' huge concrete-busting projectiles, each of which weighed more than 2,170kg and with a caliber of 60cm. Shells of later models weighed 1,250kg, and had a caliber of 54cm.
The PzKpfw IVF was chosen to be the ammunition carrier. The carriers were not conversions. Instead, they were manufactured anew using the basic chassis, suspension and other parts. The turret was replaced by a platform that covered the entire hull. A crane was installed at the front of the platform, offset to the left and with the swivelling jib normally stowed facing to the rear. The crane was capable of lifting 3,000kg. The main platform usually held two or three shells. Thin metal side plates were also fitted, but were usually removed during action.
Many of the components and accessories were carried by rail, and often a couple of flatcars carried the Munitionpanzer or Munitionschlepper ammunition carriers. Upon arrival at the firing position the Karls were assembled and readied for action. Shells for the howitzers were transported from the train box-cars by either the overhead gantry or the carriers' cranes. The carriers then would move to the firing position, park close to the gun, unload the shells by lifting the ammunition directly to the breech loading tray. Special ammunition handling grabs were installed on the crane to facilitate the process. Once the shells were used up the carriers woud go off for more.
Not all movements of the karl were made by rail; the Karl could be dissembled into small loads for road transport, even though it was difficult and time-consuming to rebuild the gun on site. For road transport the carriers were carried by wheeled trailers towed by large halftracks. Usually two carriers were assigned to a single Karl. The whole convoy also included two trucks, two light staff cars, and an extra 12-ton halftrack to accommodate the Karl crew.
The Karl howitzers were very specialized and did not see much action during World War II. Nonetheless, they an their faithful ammunition carriers participated in the siege of Sevastopol and the Battle of Warsaw in 1944 against the Polish Home Army.

Click on one of the thumbnails below to view the full picture.

Technical data and/or diagram of Munitionpanzer IV.

A Munitionpanzer IV Ausf F is showin in its traveling configuration with the jib folded and with the shell lifting grab stowed on the front of the hull. Each of these ammunition carriers could carry three 60cm projectiles.

The Munitionpanzer IV Ausf F used to carry the heavy projectiles for the 60cm Karl self-propelled mortar, and is seen here with its lifting jib raised ready for use. The jib could traverse through 360 degrees.

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Click on one of the thumbnails below to view the full picture.
	Technical data and/or diagram of Munitionpanzer IV.
	A Munitionpanzer IV Ausf F is showin in its traveling configuration with the jib folded and with the shell lifting grab stowed on the front of the hull. Each of these ammunition carriers could carry three 60cm projectiles.
	The Munitionpanzer IV Ausf F used to carry the heavy projectiles for the 60cm Karl self-propelled mortar, and is seen here with its lifting jib raised ready for use. The jib could traverse through 360 degrees.