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Posted on 03/30/2004 12:52:46 AM PST by SAMWolf
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 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
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| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support. The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer. If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions. We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.
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Mine Clearing Vehicles  The German Army, after Poland, realized a need to clear gaps in minefields by a method other than by hand. They looked at using a remote control vehicle. One was developed by the time of the Battle for France in May 1940. This was the Sd Kfz 300 "Minenraumwagen" which weighed 1.5 tons, was radio controlled, and which towed mine detonating rollers. Fifty were made. This was the early version. A "B2" version at 2.3 tons was made and issued to the Minenraum Abteilung 1 (Mine Clearing Battalion would be a rough translation). However, it apparently wasn't deployed in either France in 1940, nor Russia in 1941.  A third vehicle was developed. This was the Sprengladungstrager (Sd Kfz 301) B IV which weighed 3.5 tons and was powered by a 49 horsepower engine. It carried a crew of one and a 500 kg (that's 1100 pounds!) explosive charge. The crewman drove the vehicle to its assembly position for the attack, then dismounted and closed the hatches. The vehicle could then be controlled by radio for a distance of approximately 800-1000 meters. This was half the design range of 2000 meters. The 500 kg charge was on the sloped glacis plate of the vehicle, and could be released by remote control, and the vehicle pulled back before the charge exploded. The main use of the vehicle was against minefields. A B IV would be driven into a minefield and exploded, the over pressure of the explosion setting off all the mines in the immediate area. A second or third or as many B IV as was needed would be moved one at a time past the cleared area to the next part of the minefield, and set-off. This would clear a path through the field. The vehicle could also be used against fixed fortifications and against stationary enemy units.  Control Vehicles: There were three different control vehicles used in Funklenk units (Fkl). They were the Mark III, both 50/L60 and 75/L24 versions (Pz IIIJ-M and Pz IIIN); the StuG IIIG, and the Tiger I. Organizations and deployment is given below. Pz Abt (battalion)(Fkl) 300, May 42, was assigned to Heeres Gruppe (H-G) Sud. It had three companies. Total strength was: 7 Pz III/L60, and 15 B IV (each company had 2 Pz III, and 5 B IV). BN HQ has 1 Pz III/L60. In Sep 42 Pz Abt (Fkl) 300 was renumbered Pz Abt (Fkl) 301 and transferred to H-G Nord. It was withdrawn in Dec 42. Pz Abt (Fkl) 300 was withdrawn to refit in late 1943. Pz Abt (Fkl) 301 was assigned to H-G Mitte with three new companies, 312, 313, and 314. These units were first employed in July at Kursk. Instead of Pz III they had StuG III, and were short StuG so they had only 1 StuG III model and 5 B IV models per company. Pz Company (Fkl) 312 was attached to sPz Abt 505 equipped with Tiger I (6 models) and Pz IIIL60 (3 models). Pz Company (Fkl) 313 was attached to II Abt/sPz Jgr 656 which had 44 Elefants (9 models). Pz Company (Fkl) 314 was attached to I/Abt/sPz Jag 656 with 45 Elefants (9 models). Pz Company (Fkl) 311 which missed Kursk went to H-G Sud in August 43 and stayed there until May 1944 when it went back to Germany to refit. It was deployed at full strength so it had 2 StuG III and 5 B IV. In Aug 43 two new companies (Fkl) were formed, 315 and 316, with StuG III.  By Dec 31 1943 the following units were training in Germany (number of vehicles are models.)
 In Dec/43 sPz Abt 508 was assigned 313 Company (Fkl). sPz Abt 504 received the 314th Company (Fkl) and Panzer Lehr Division received the 316th Pz Company (Fkl). All three of these Fkl companies were converted to Tiger I control vehicles, prior to transfer (and became the 3rd Tiger Company in the case of the two Tiger battalions). Each Schwerer Panzer Company "Tiger" (Fkl) had 2 Tiger, 5 B IV (HQ: 2 Tiger, 2 platoons each 4 Tiger and 9 B IV, plus 9 B IV in reserve). Tigers could be either Tiger I or II, although the two companies assigned to the Tiger Abteilung used Tiger I. sPz Abt 508 was deployed to Anzio, Italy in Feb 44 while sPz Abt 504 went to Italy in June 44. They were pulled out in October 44.  The Panzer Lehr Regiment had its company with it on D-day. It had 1 Tiger I and 2 StuG III as control units. They were pulled out in July to form Pz Abt (Fkl) 302. Panzer Lehr's Fkl company also had 5 Tiger II as control vehicles, these being from the first production batch with the Porsche turrets. They were mechanically unsound and were destroyed when they couldn't be moved back to Germany. Pz Abt (Fkl) 301 had four companies. Pz Company (Fkl) 312 was added to it and the entire battalion assigned to 2nd Panzer Division in Normandy. Organization of the companies was 2 StuG III and 2 B IV each. There were an additional 3 B IV in reserve. (Actual: 2 StuG III in HQ, 2 platoons each 4 StuG III, 1 251/1, and 12 B IV. 12 B IV in reserve.) Battalion strength would have been: 1 Pz III, 1 251/1 in BN HQ; 8 StuG III and 29 B IV.  Borgward IV Ausf.A captured by the British in Normandy Pz Abt (Fkl)301 was withdrawn from France and reorganized in Aug/44. It re-equipped with 2 Tiger I in the Abteilung HQ, and three companies each with 10 Tiger I and 36 B IV. SH strength would be 6 Tiger I and 21 B IV's. It was deployed in the Ardennes with H-G B. Pz Abt (Fkl) 302 was formed in June 44. It had 4 companies formed from the Pz Companies (Fkl) 311, 315, 316, and 317. It went to H-G Mitte on the Eastern Front in Aug 44 with 3 Pz IV, 40 StuG III, and 144 B IV (or SH 1 Pz IV, 8 StuG III, and 29 B IV). It surrendered in East Prussia in 1945. Pz Company (Fkl) 319 was formed September 44 with 10 StuG III and 36 B IV (SH would be 2 StuG III and 7 B IV). It was in the Ardennes with H-G B.  On the left you can see a photo from "Goliath" on the way to action. Carried on the above mentioned two wheeled trailer, pulled by two soldiers. This photo was taken on operations in Warsaw in 1944. Late in the war Pz Abt (Fkl) 303 was organized using the 301, 302, and 319 Fkl Pz Companies. On Feb 17 1945 it was issued 31 Pz IV/L48, named Pz Abt "Schlesien" and deployed on the eastern front as a regular tank battalion. The last Fkl unit formed was Pz Platoon (Fkl) 303 with 4 StuG III and 12 B1V (SH 1 StuG III and 2 B IV). It was attached to the 35th PzGr Div with H-G Mitte. The overall worth and effectiveness of these Funklenk units in the closing months of the war was minimal. During the invasion of France in 1940, a new mine clearing / destruction of bunkers method was worked out by using a PzKpfw. I Ausf. B fitted with special equipment to place explosive charges instead of sacrificing the entire vehicle. 10 modified PzKpfw. I Ausf. B were used by 1. Panzer Division - Pioniereeinheits 3. Pionierekompanie. One found this very interesting and ordered the development of special purpose vehicle. In October 1941, Borgward was order to develop the B III VK 302 to a schwere ladungsträger - B IV SdKfz. 301 and from the experiences with the B I and B II a leichter ladungsträger Goliath SdKfz. 302.  Sd.Kfz.300 Borgward BII Known as B IV it was designated by the Waffenamt as Sprengladungsträger (SdKfz. 301). Borgward IV SdKfz. 301 measured 3.65m in length, 1.8m in width and 1.19m in height. It weighed 3.6 tons and used the same engine as VK 302 giving it a maximum speed of 38km/h. It had a one-man crew, which drove the vehicle to the launch spot before engaging the enemy. Thereafter the 8mm protection plates around the driver was folded down to protect the radio and then the vehicle was radio-controlled towards the target. When engaging a 500kg explosive charge carried on the frontal armor plate was offloaded. The vehicle backed away and the explosive charge was set off with delayed detonation. Some 12 experimental vehicles were built in April 1942. Series production began in May 1942 and approx. 616 Borgward IV Ausf. A were built until June 1943, the Ausf. B being built in 260 examples until November 1943 and some 305 Ausf. C were built from December 1943 to September 1944. The Ausf. B only differed a little from Ausf. A, it weighed 400kg more, the radio antennae was moved and the radio-equipment had been improved. Borgward IV Ausf. C weighed 4.85tons, measured 4.1m in length, 1.83m in width and 1.25m in height. It carried thicker armor and used new tracks. The drivers position were moved from right to the left side. It also used a more powerful Borgward engine, providing some 78hp.  Borgward IV Ausf.A Some 56 Borgward IV were rebuilt to panzerjäger Wanze armed with six 8.8cm Panzerbüchsen 54 and used at the final stages of the war. At least single Borgward IV Ausf. B were rebuilt and tested with rudder, propeller and floating bulbs for swimming purposes. In 1943 single Borgward IV was fitted with a TV-camera with the purpose to sit in the control-tank and watch a simple TV-screen to see how one drove.  Sd.Kfz.300 Borgward BI The BI designed in 1939 was a remotely controlled vehicle charged to destroy the mines. It was equipped with a suspension and a belly able to resist to the explosion which it caused. From 1939 to May 1940, 50 Sd.Kfz.300 BI were produced. In April 1940, a new version, the BII was ordered.  Sd.Kfz.300 Borgward BII "Ente" (amphibian version) The production of 100 specimens was to start in July 1940. The broader BII was propelled by one 6 cylinders. Only two prototypes were delivered and used in Mineraeum-Kompanie. An amphibian version was also produced, known under the name of "Ente" (Duck). Only prototypes were manufactured. BI, never exceeded to it the stage of the tests in Minenraeum-Kompanie. The control of these machines was done starting from Kleiner Panzer Befehlswagen I (Sd.Kfz.265).  Borgward IV Ausf.B During the invasion of France in 1940, PzKpfw. I Ausf. B was equipped with special equipment to place explosive loads. This system made it possible not to sacrifice the whole vehicle. In October 1941, Borgward accepted the order to develop a vehicle layer of loads using this kind of equipment.  Borgward IV Ausf.C Borgward IV or Sprengladungsträger (SdKfz. 301) was 3.65 m long, 1.8 m broad and 1.19 m in height. The machine weighed 3.6 tons and was equipped with the same engine as the VK 302, which allowed it a maximum speed of 38 km/h. Borgward IV was controlled to the zone of operation by a pilot. However the vehicle was generally controlled remotely to reach its target, the plates of 8 mm around the driver were then folded up downwards to protect the radio. Borgward IV could transport one explosive load of 500 kg. The delayed detonation made it possibleto the vehicle to be escape at good distance. Approximately 12 experimental vehicles were built in April 1942 and the series production began in May 1942. On the whole, 616 Borgward IV Ausf.A (until June 1943), 260 Ausf.B (until November 1943) and some 305 Ausf.C (from December 1943 to September 1944) were built. Ausf.B weighed 400 kg of more than Ausf.A and the radio antennas laid out differently whereas the radio station was improved. Borgward IV Ausf.C A weighed 4.85 tons, measured 4.1m of length, 1.83 m broad and 1.25 m in height. The shielding of Ausf.C was thicker and it was equipped with new tracks. On Ausf.C the station of driver was placed on the left. This version was also equipped with a more powerful engine developing 78 hp. Approximately 56 Borgwards IV were converted by the panzerjäger Wanze. These conversions were armed with 6 X 8.8 cm Panzerbüchsen 54 and and were used at the end of the war. Borgward IV Ausf. B amphibious was also tested, it was equipped with buoy and a propeller. In 1943 experimental Borgward IV was equipped with a camera-video to make it possible to the pilot via a screen to better direct remotly its vehicle.  Sd.Kfz.304 Springer Borgwards were versed in Funklenk units. They were employed at the origin with of Pz.Kpfw. III 5 cm then later with of Pz.Kpfw III Ausf.N 7.5 cm. Panzers III were replaced later by of StuG III Ausf. F/G. After 1943, Borgwards IV were used in the schwere Pz.Abteilungen with the Tigers (14 Tigers and 45 Borgwards IV).  Sd.Kfz.304 Springer Springer was created to replace Goliath and Borgward IV. Product by NSU, it included many equipment (running gear, engine...) of Kleines Kettenkraftrad Sd.Kfz.2. From October 1944 at February 1945, 50 specimens only were built. The machine was operated by a man to the target zone, there it left its vehicle and directed it using radio equipment. One thought to use Springer as a basis for Kleinpanzer Wanze armed with 105 mm IG (without recoil).  Alkett Raümgerät This design was carried out by Alkett, Krupp and Mercedes-Benz and its construction finished in 1942. The body of this strange machine built on the mounting of a heavy gun with a cabin including the compartment of combat, the engine compartment and which was surmounted by a turret of Panzer I (2 MG34). The shielding varied from 20 to 40 mm on the body of the machine. The lower part to be able to resist to the mines was of 80 mm. The direction was done using the small wheel located at the back, two larger wheels supplemented the suspension. The steel wheels were provided with steel shoes similar to those used by the German heavy guns at the time of the First World War. The wheels come from Caterpillar trucks. They were in theory to resist the explosive loads of the mines. The test showed that its low speed and its imposing size made a target of choice of it.  Alkett Raümgerät The losses incurred in the rows of the panzers by the Soviet mines are at the origin of the development of such a machine. Its role was to consist to open a way in the minefields for the panzers. It proved quickly that reconverted ordinary tanks were much more practical and this AFV (Armored Fighting Vehicle) was abandoned. 10 of these German AFV were discovered by the Russians at Kummersdorf in 1945. In 1947, the Russians tested them, but the tests were distorted by the deplorable state of the mechanics of the machines.  Krupp Raumer S In 1944, Krupp constructed the prototype of a super heavy mines destroyer. This monster of 130 t was articulated in its center, and was suspended on 4 wheels out of steel of 2.7m covered with shoes. Each part of Raümer S was propelled by Maybach HL90. The prototype of Räumer S was captured at the end of the war by the U.S. Army.
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Air Power
Tornado GR4
The Tornado GR4 is a multi-role, variable-geometry interdictor aircraft optimised for low-level penetration of enemy airspace for precision attacks against high-value targets. The GR4 has fly-by-wire flight controls with mechanical back up, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce RB199 afterburning turbofan engines, giving the aircraft a low-level high subsonic cruise capability. The GR4 can operate in all weather conditions, using Terrain Following Radar (TFR) and Ground Mapping Radar (GMR) to guide the aircraft and identify the target.
Designed and built as a collaborative project in the UK, Germany and Italy, the Tornado programme was initiated in 1968 and known as Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). A new tri-national company, Panavia, was set up in Germany to build the aircraft.
The first prototype flew on 14 August 1974 and initial orders from the three partner countries totalled 640 aircraft, with the work share divided in relation to the number of aircraft ordered; UK and Germany 42.5% each and Italy 15%. The initial RAF requirement was for 220 Tornado GR1 aircraft, and the first of these was delivered to the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment (TTTE) at RAF Cottesmore in July 1980. The first front-line squadron to re-equip with Tornado was IX Squadron at Honington (previously a Vulcan unit) from June 1982. Tornado GR1s eventually equipped a total of 10 front-line squadrons as well as the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit (TWCU) (later No 45 (Reserve) Squadron) and TTTE.
The GR4 is the result of a British Aerospace upgrade programme to GR1 aircraft, adding Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR), a wide angle Head-Up Display (HUD), improved cockpit displays, Night-Vision Goggle (NVG) compatibility, new avionics and weapons systems, updated computer software and Global Positioning System (GPS). The upgrade also allows for carriage of the Storm Shadow stand-off missile, Brimstone advanced anti-armour weapon, RAPTOR and Vicon reconnaissance pods and the Thermal Imaging Airborne Laser Designator (TIALD) targeting pod. A separate programme covered an integrated Defensive Aids Suite consisting of the radar warning receiver, Sky Shadow radar jamming pod and BOZ-107 chaff and flare dispenser.
The heart of the Tornado GR4's navigation and attack system is the main computer, which takes its primary reference from an inertial navigation system (INS) supplemented by Global Positioning System (GPS). Targeting inputs can come from the GMR, FLIR, TIALD, Laser Ranger and Marked Target Seeker (LRMTS) or visually, and available weaponry includes Paveway 2 or 3 laser- or gps-guided bombs, ballistic or retarded "dumb" 1000lb bombs, Cluster Bomb Units (CBU), Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Air Launched Anti-Radiation Missile (ALARM) and Sidewinder missiles and a single 27mm cannon.
RAF Tornados participated extensively in Operation GRANBY (The Gulf War), and have been deployed on operational detachments almost continually since. Regular training detachments are carried out in Canada, USA and Europe.
A dedicated reconnaissance version, the GR4A, is also in RAF service, and this is described separately.
Roles: Air Interdiction (AI). Low- or medium-level attacks using precision-guided, freefall or retarded bombs. Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD). Attacks on enemy air defence systems such as surface-to-air missile positions with ALARM.
Specifications:
Entered Service: 1980 (Tornado GR1)
Powerplant: Two afterburning Turbo Union RB199-103 turbofans of 15,800lb st. each
Span: 45ft 7in (13.90m) - wings fully spread; 28ft 2in (8.60m) - 68° sweep
Length: 54ft 10in (16.70m)
Max Speed: 1,452mph (2,336km/h/Mach 2.2) at 36,000ft (11,000m); 710mph (1,140km/h) at sea-level
Accommodation: Pilot and navigator in tandem seating
Armament: One Mauser 27mm cannon and up to 18,000lb of ordnance.
Available weapons include Paveway 2 or 3 laser-guided bombs, ballistic or retarded "dumb" 1000lb bombs,
Cluster Bomb Units (CBU), Storm Shadow, Brimstone, Air Launched Anti-Radiation Missile (ALARM).
For self-defence, Sidewinder missiles are carried.
All photos Copyright of The Royal Air Force
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