Sd.Kfz.251/9 “STUMMEL”

In March 1942, Busig-NAG was asked to develop a new fire support vehicle based on the Sd.Kfz.251 half-track, to which the 75mm KwK-37 L/24 gun had to be installed. This gun was chosen because the Pz.IV tanks had been rearmed with the 75mm KwK-40 L/43 gun of greater power, and a good number of retired guns remained available. To this end, the Sd.Kfz.251 C’s superstructure was modified, and a Stug.III‘s pedestal mount was added, with the gun next to the driving position. In June 1942 two Sd.Kfz.251/9, as they were designated, were sent to the Russian front to evaluate them, and after their good results, the construction of 150 units was approved. In 1944 a new gun mount was designed and that would also be installed in the Sd.Kfz.250/8 halftrack and the Sd.Kfz.234/3 armoured car. This vehicle would be known among the troops as “Stummel” (stump) and was assigned to the Heavy Armor Infantry Companies of the Armored Divisions. With this vehicle these Infantry Units had an excellent support fire in case of facing armored vehicles and even against some tank models.

Sd.Kfz.251/9 STUMMEL gallery and more info