Germany's Bergepanther; SdKfz 179

Photos

Bergepanther armored recovery vehicle:

Design

To recover large broke down tanks in the field two large halftracks were used.¹ However, it wasn't always possible to get two halftracks into some locations or even have two available.¹ Some Tigers were converted to be recovery vehicles but it was decided to modify Panthers as Tigers were in short supply and more valued at the front.¹

From July to August 1943, Henschel produced 70 with a 40 ton winch in place of the turrent.^1,2,4,5 There was a wood and steel superstructure with a canvas that protected the crew.^2,3 A hinged spade was placed on the rear to be use as a counterbalance and lever.^2,4 The spade wasn't installed on all vehicles.^3,4

The middle part of the hull roof was removed and a metal box was mounted across the hull.^3,5 Additional boards were added to increase it's height.³ The boards on the sides could be folded down to allow for people to walk or work on them.³

The compartment held the equipment, winch, cable drum, and the steel arm that ran above the winch area.³ The engine had to be turned off every time the winch was to be turned on.³ Rollers guided the cables over the rear of the Bergepanther.³

Production

Ruhrstahl of Hattingen supplied the armor.

• Bergepanther: 297^1,4, ~300⁵, 350²
  • Conversion: DEMAG in Berlin¹, Demag in Berlin-Falkensee, MAN and Henschel²
    • PzKpfw V Ausf A: 232 (June - September 1943)
    • PzKpfw V Ausf G: 107 (September 1944 - March 1945)
    • 2 (August 1944)

Usage

It was intended to have two in every Panther battalion.²

Kursk

In June 1943, MAN sent 12 Panthers, without their turrets, to two Panther battalions that were to be used at Kursk.²

The Panzer Regiment Lauchert and the 51st & 52nd Panzerabteilungen each had 4 at Kursk in July 1943.

Specifications