German abandonment of the use of hollow-charge projectiles and
AP 40 tungsten carbide core ammunition for the 75-mm antitank gun
Pak 40 is indicated by reports from United States observers in the
field. This, it is expected, will be followed by adoption, as the most
common type of ammunition. of the 14.96-pound armor-piercing
capped ballistic cap (A.P.C.B.C.) with a muzzle velocity of 2,600
f/s and the 12.5-pound high explosive with a muzzle velocity of
1,800 f/s.
General characteristics of the 75-mm German antitank gun Pak 40
are: Weight in action, 3,040 pounds; barrel length, 126.14 inches without
muzzle brake, and 145.75 inches with muzzle brake; ground
clearance, 13.8 inches; height of shield, 48.6 inches; diameter of wheels,
35.43 inches; elevation, -5° to +22°; traverse, 65°.
The welded tubular trails of the weapon are frequently found on
medium-caliber German guns manufactured or modified within the
last 18 months. The gun shield is a new design of two 4-mm spaced
plates and is probably proof against small arms up to, but not
including, 20-mm armor-piercing ammunition. Hand or semiautomatic
operation is provided.
Previous references to this weapon were published in TACTICAL AND
TECHNICAL TRENDS. No. 18, page 4 and No. 25, page 9.