| Artikelnummer:: | TAK8005 |
| Menge: | 1 |
In February 1934, following the specifications ordered by Hans Guderian, the Armaments Department ordered the development of a new tank, code-named “Zugführerwagen” or “Z.W.” It was intended as the main battle tank of the German Panzer divisions, capable of engaging and destroying opposing tank forces. It was to feature a maximum weight of 24,000 kg (53,000 lbs.) and a top speed of 35 km/h (22 mph). Four companies responded with designs for the contract: Daimler-Benz, Krupp, MAN, and Rheinmetall. After testing each proposal, the Daimler-Benz design was selected for production in August 1935.
The basic design layout of the Panzer III was the same as the previous Panzer I and II, with the gearbox at the front and the engine at the rear of the hull. The turret was an enlarged version of the one used on the Panzer II, able to house three of the five-man crew (commander, gunner and loader). This new arrangement dramatically improved the fighting power of the tank by increasing its rate of fire.
