Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz.251/9"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', nicknamed "Stummel", was an infantry support vehicle developed by Nazi Germany during WW2 in 1942. Learning from the lessons in the Eastern Front and with a surplus of 7.5 cm howitzers due to the Panzer IV and StuG III being refitted with more capable anti-tank weapons, the Wehrmacht decided to use the already proven Sd.Kfz.251 platform to mount this gun and use it as an infantry support weapon. Initially armed with just the cannon and a narrow range of fire, the vehicle proved unsatisfactory, but after being refitted with a new gun mount and a coaxial machine gun it was deployed in large numbers in the Eastern Front. It mostly served in Armored Recon Units and was used in areas were tanks couldn't support infantry due to poor terrain or weak infrastructure (like roads or bridges) that the Sd.Kfz.251/9 had no problem crossing, as a direct fire platform it proved very good, reliable, cheap to produce and maintain and it filled the need of a "bunker buster" vehicle in the Eastern Front.
 +
 
 +
The "Stummel" was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]] and is considered a competent vehicle against its foes. While the armour is not good enough to stop even 12.7 mm shots, its gun and mobility compensate this lack of protection. The HEAT rounds are the best to deal with most enemies, it can be used effectively against armoured and open top vehicles, the 870 g of explosive mass would make sure most enemies are dealt with, however post penetration damage may feel lacking. The APCBC can be used specially in flanking manoeuvres, but it has less penetration and velocity than the HEAT rounds and thus, hitting enemies would be even harder, the mobility is decent enough, to the point that you can rush for capture points and then hide in favourable positions to ambush passing tanks.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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The armour protection of the vehicle is thin and ineffective against any tank cannon and even heavy machine guns.  
+
Like all APCs the '''{{Specs|name}}'''armour is not enough to protect against any kind of enemy heavy fire. Since it's armour was designed to be effective against small arms fire even 50.cal ammunition common in tanks like the Sherman and the M3 Lee would be able to penetrate it and cause damage to internal modules and crewmembers.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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The vehicle's mobility will take you wherever you need to go. Use it to be able to quickly reach and prepare a sniper/ambush position. Be careful when making sharp turns at maximum speed as the vehicle has a chance of tipping over.
+
The vehicle's mobility will take you wherever you need to go. Use it to be able to quickly reach and prepare a sniper/ambush position. Be careful when making sharp turns at maximum speed as the vehicle has a chance of tipping over.
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
Like all wheeled vehicles the '''{{Specs|name}}'''has better mobility than tanks when traversing trough paved roads, it has indeed tracks in the rear and those help to increase off-road mobility, but it will still be faster than most tanks in paved roads/ground.
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=142|rbMinHp=88}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
First, it is important obtaining early modules like improved FPE, improved parts and Crew replenishment, then, improving the tracks and the suspension as well as the breaks is very important to compensate the lack of mobility in harsh terrain.
 +
 +
Recommended modifications (Not in order)
 +
 +
* All protection modifications
 +
* Tracks, suspension, brakes and transmission
 +
* Elevation mechanism and horizontal drive
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 38 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±14° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 38 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±14° || rowspan="2" | - || 12.3 || 17.0 || 20.7 || 22.9 || 24.4 || rowspan="2" | 4.29 || rowspan="2" | 3.80 || rowspan="2" | 3.50 || rowspan="2" | 3.30
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 8.3 || 9.8 || 11.9 || 13.2 || 14.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Right flank empty: 33&nbsp;''(+5) shells.''
 
{{Clear}}
 
{{Clear}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The Sd.Kfz.251/9 is a lightly-armoured vehicle that can be penetrated by nearly anything, including heavy machine guns, and destroyed by overpressure. This means you want to avoid rushing points and areas of high traffic, and instead flank the enemy team with your decent mobility. The 75 mm gun on the 251/9 is excellent at its BR, coming with an APCBC shell with moderate penetration and an excellent HEAT shell with good explosive filler and 100 mm of penetration at all angles. However, sniping with this tank is not recommended, as its gun and shells have low muzzle velocity and high drop, making it difficult to hit your targets at range. A better way to use this tank is in an ambush role. If you can find a good spot that protects your sides and flanks from enemy tanks, you can surprise and quickly destroy almost enemy tank that come your way with your excellent reload speed and HEAT shells. It also has excellent depression, allowing you to engage enemy targets over ridges and give you more combat flexibility.
+
The Sd.Kfz.251/9 is a lightly armoured vehicle that can be penetrated by nearly anything, including heavy machine guns, and destroyed by overpressure. This means you want to avoid rushing points and areas of high traffic, and instead flank the enemy team with your decent mobility. The 75 mm gun on the 251/9 is excellent at its BR, coming with an APCBC shell with moderate penetration and an excellent HEAT shell with good explosive filler and 100 mm of penetration at all angles. However, sniping with this tank is not recommended, as its gun and shells have low muzzle velocity and high drop, making it difficult to hit your targets at range. A better way to use this tank is in an ambush role. If you can find a good spot that protects your sides and flanks from enemy tanks, you can surprise and quickly destroy almost enemy tank that come your way with your excellent reload speed and HEAT shells. It also has excellent depression, allowing you to engage enemy targets over ridges and give you more combat flexibility.
  
 
The biggest threats to this tank are aircraft and flankers. It is an open-topped vehicle, leaving it vulnerable to strafing and bombing from enemy aircraft. Because it lacks a turret, the 251/9 also struggles against flanking manoeuvres and is doomed if an enemy tanker flanks and gets a good firing profile on the side of your tank. To counteract this, stick with teammates and/or relocate after a few shots, to prevent players whose tanks you destroyed from coming back and revenge-bombing you. It may also be beneficial to pair with a friendly SPAA, as they can help provide some measure of defence against CAS.
 
The biggest threats to this tank are aircraft and flankers. It is an open-topped vehicle, leaving it vulnerable to strafing and bombing from enemy aircraft. Because it lacks a turret, the 251/9 also struggles against flanking manoeuvres and is doomed if an enemy tanker flanks and gets a good firing profile on the side of your tank. To counteract this, stick with teammates and/or relocate after a few shots, to prevent players whose tanks you destroyed from coming back and revenge-bombing you. It may also be beneficial to pair with a friendly SPAA, as they can help provide some measure of defence against CAS.
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* Potent gun with a fast reload that allows for versatile engagement of enemies
 
* Potent gun with a fast reload that allows for versatile engagement of enemies
 
* Gun depression makes hull-down positions possible
 
* Gun depression makes hull-down positions possible
 +
* Smoke shells available, useful for covering allied movements, specially good thanks to a low reload time
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Open-topped, vulnerable to HE rounds, artillery strikes and strafing aircraft
 
* Open-topped, vulnerable to HE rounds, artillery strikes and strafing aircraft
 
* A single shot can knock out the driver, gunner and loader at once, leaving you vulnerable
 
* A single shot can knock out the driver, gunner and loader at once, leaving you vulnerable
 +
* Weak mobility in harsh terrain compared to tanks because of it's design without full tracks
 +
* Relatively poor shell velocity for it's main gun
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->[[File:Sd.Kfz.251-9.jpg|thumb|Mittlerer Schützenpanzer (Sd.Kfz 251/9) Ausf. D "Stummel"]]
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was developed over the Sd. Kfz. 251 platform, which was already proven alongside infantry as an APC and in other roles. This variant was made with infantry support in mind, thanks to the lessons learned in the Eastern Front and the need of a cheaper assault gun against soviet fortifications and entrenched infantry.
 +
 
 +
The gun chosen was the '''7.5 cm K. 37 L/24''' that was available in large numbers after the Panzer IV and StuG III were refitted with more capable anti tank cannons. Early versions of this mount proved unsatisfactory, with 10 to 12 degrees of horizontal traverse and only -5 degrees of gun depression, still the vehicle was sent to the Eastern front and a first batch of 150 units was ordered.
 +
 
 +
The improved version entered service in 1944 with a revision of the 7.5cm Howitzer, a new gun mount, a coaxial MG-42 machine gun and a simpler construction that allowed better maintenance and more ammo capacity thanks to more internal space (many rounds were carried in bags and rifle racks). The new design proved much more efficient, the horizontal traverse was increased to 20 degrees and gun depression went from -5 to -10 degrees.
 +
 
 +
The "''mittlerer Schützenpanzerwagen Stummel''" entered service in 1942 with the SS-Panzerregiment 4 „Der Führer“, 2nd SS Armored Division in the Eastern front, it should be noted that most units served in that theatre, and not against the Allied forces. Later in the war the vehicle would be deployed in all armoured reconnaissance units to provide heavy fire support and also in the paratrooper division “Hermann Göring”, this was made considering that the "Stummel" could be carried inside the Me 323
 +
 
 +
The vehicle had a many uses for the Wehrmacht, for instance, it was much cheaper to produce and maintain than the Panzer IV or Stug III, and when those tanks went from infantry support to anti tank duties, it was far cheaper and easier modifying an existing platform like the Sd.Kfz.250 to fulfil this new role. Not only that, but the "kanonenwagen" as it was called, was also lighter, and was able to cross weak bridges alongside infantry and APCs to provide direct fire support and even help in anti tank duties when shooting from favourable positions.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 145: Line 168:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
'''''Sources'''''
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de/Homepage_english/Miscellaneous/Kfz-Numbers/Sd__Kfz__Numbers/Sd_Kfz__251-9_m__Spw__-7-5cm-/sd_kfz__251-9_m__spw__-7-5cm-.html Sd.Kfz. 251/9 m. Spw. (7,5cm) - Kfz. der Wehrmacht]
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/sdkfz-251_hanomag.php Sd.Kfz.251 - Tank Encyclopedia]
  
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}
 
[[Category:Half-tracks]]
 
[[Category:Half-tracks]]

Latest revision as of 07:39, 16 March 2024

This page is about the German tank destroyer Sd.Kfz.251/9. For other versions, see Sd.Kfz.251 (Family).
Sd.Kfz.251/9
germ_sdkfz_251_9.png
GarageImage Sd.Kfz.251-9.jpg
ArtImage Sd.Kfz.251-9.png
Sd.Kfz.251/9
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:3 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The m.Schütz.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.251/9), nicknamed "Stummel", was an infantry support vehicle developed by Nazi Germany during WW2 in 1942. Learning from the lessons in the Eastern Front and with a surplus of 7.5 cm howitzers due to the Panzer IV and StuG III being refitted with more capable anti-tank weapons, the Wehrmacht decided to use the already proven Sd.Kfz.251 platform to mount this gun and use it as an infantry support weapon. Initially armed with just the cannon and a narrow range of fire, the vehicle proved unsatisfactory, but after being refitted with a new gun mount and a coaxial machine gun it was deployed in large numbers in the Eastern Front. It mostly served in Armored Recon Units and was used in areas were tanks couldn't support infantry due to poor terrain or weak infrastructure (like roads or bridges) that the Sd.Kfz.251/9 had no problem crossing, as a direct fire platform it proved very good, reliable, cheap to produce and maintain and it filled the need of a "bunker buster" vehicle in the Eastern Front.

The "Stummel" was introduced in Update "Fire and Ice" and is considered a competent vehicle against its foes. While the armour is not good enough to stop even 12.7 mm shots, its gun and mobility compensate this lack of protection. The HEAT rounds are the best to deal with most enemies, it can be used effectively against armoured and open top vehicles, the 870 g of explosive mass would make sure most enemies are dealt with, however post penetration damage may feel lacking. The APCBC can be used specially in flanking manoeuvres, but it has less penetration and velocity than the HEAT rounds and thus, hitting enemies would be even harder, the mobility is decent enough, to the point that you can rush for capture points and then hide in favourable positions to ambush passing tanks.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull14 / 8 / 8
Turret14 / 8 / 0
Crew5 people
Visibility88 %

Like all APCs the m.Schütz.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.251/9)armour is not enough to protect against any kind of enemy heavy fire. Since it's armour was designed to be effective against small arms fire even 50.cal ammunition common in tanks like the Sherman and the M3 Lee would be able to penetrate it and cause damage to internal modules and crewmembers.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear
Hull 14.5 mm (20°) Engine compartment
14.5 mm (30°) Driver Cabin
8 mm (41°) Lower glacis 		8 mm (41°) Top - Engine
8 mm (35°) Top - Crew compartment
8 mm (19°) Bottom - Engine
8 mm (34°) Bottom - Crew compartment
8 mm + 8 mm (34°) Storage bins
8 mm Bottom - Undercarriage 		8 mm (31°)
5.5 mm (42°) Lower glacis
Gun shield 14.5 mm (40°) + 14.5 mm (15°) Gun shield - centre
14.5 mm (34°) Gun shield - sides
14.5 mm (16°) + 14.5 mm (15°) Gun mantlet 		10 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB57 / 12 km/h
RB and SB53 / 11 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
2 back
Weight8.0 t
Engine power
AB191 hp
RB and SB100 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB23.9 hp/t
RB and SB12.5 hp/t

The vehicle's mobility will take you wherever you need to go. Use it to be able to quickly reach and prepare a sniper/ambush position. Be careful when making sharp turns at maximum speed as the vehicle has a chance of tipping over.

Like all wheeled vehicles the m.Schütz.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.251/9)has better mobility than tanks when traversing trough paved roads, it has indeed tracks in the rear and those help to increase off-road mobility, but it will still be faster than most tanks in paved roads/ground.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 57 12 8 142 191 17.75 23.88
Realistic 53 11 88 100 11 12.5

Modifications and economy

First, it is important obtaining early modules like improved FPE, improved parts and Crew replenishment, then, improving the tracks and the suspension as well as the breaks is very important to compensate the lack of mobility in harsh terrain.

Recommended modifications (Not in order)

  • All protection modifications
  • Tracks, suspension, brakes and transmission
  • Elevation mechanism and horizontal drive
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB289 → 357 Sl icon.png
RB321 → 397 Sl icon.png
SB379 → 468 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 950 Rp icon.png
4 460 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost410 Ge icon.png
Crew training1 800 Sl icon.png
Experts6 300 Sl icon.png
Aces75 Ge icon.png
Research Aces135 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 40 / 40 % Sl icon.png
106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
270 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
270 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
270 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_kwk_37_40_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
270 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
270 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_ger_kwk37_Hl_C_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_ger_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm K51 L/24 cannon
Ammunition38 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
4.3 → 3.3 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 16°
Horizontal guidance-14° / 14°
Main article: K51 L/24 (75 mm)

The main gun of the Sd.Kfz.251/9 is the same howitzer that you will find on all Pz.IVs found before the F2 model. It gets access to the more capable Hl.Gr 38C round, which is very potent at its low BR, and comes in handy against heavily-armoured vehicles (e.g. B1 bis, 2C bis, etc.). The stock APCBC round has a potent explosive filler and a decent penetration for its BR, but do try to have a handful of HEAT rounds ready in case they are needed. One upside of the (relatively) large calibre of this BR is that you have access to a capable HE round, which will overpressurize lightly-armoured and open-topped vehicles, a useful thing in case SPAAGs shows up.

75 mm K51 L/24 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 38 -10°/+16° ±14° - 12.3 17.0 20.7 22.9 24.4 4.29 3.80 3.50 3.30
Realistic 8.3 9.8 11.9 13.2 14.0

Ammunition

The available ammunition offers a wide range of shells to engage all types of targets:

  • K.Gr.rot Pz.: APCBC; a slow shell with explosive filler mass that will knock out any tank with a single shot but has an average penetration power.
  • Hl.Gr 38B: HEAT; a shaped charge with good penetration and without penetration loss over distance. Only penetrates flat vertical surfaces but the post-penetration damage is very effective on open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • Hl.Gr 38C: HEAT; a shaped charge with increased penetration over the previous shell. Very useful against heavily armoured targets.
  • Sprgr. 34: HE; useful for destroying open and lightly armoured vehicles.
  • K.Gr.Rot Nb.: Smoke; useful to blind enemy vehicles that are too remote for you to disable so that you can progress towards objectives.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
K.Gr.rot Pz. APCBC 52 51 45 39 34 30
Hl.Gr 38B HEAT 80 80 80 80 80 80
Hl.Gr 38C HEAT 115 115 115 115 115 115
Sprgr. 34 HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
K.Gr.rot Pz. APCBC 385 6.8 1.2 14 102.4 48° 63° 71°
Hl.Gr 38B HEAT 450 4.57 0.05 0.1 872.1 62° 69° 73°
Hl.Gr 38C HEAT 450 4.8 0.05 0.1 875.5 62° 69° 73°
Sprgr. 34 HE 420 5.74 0.2 0.1 686 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
K.Gr.Rot Nb. 423 6.2 9 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Sd.Kfz.251/9
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
38 33 (+5) 1 (+37) No

Note:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Right flank empty: 33 (+5) shells.

Usage in battles

The Sd.Kfz.251/9 is a lightly armoured vehicle that can be penetrated by nearly anything, including heavy machine guns, and destroyed by overpressure. This means you want to avoid rushing points and areas of high traffic, and instead flank the enemy team with your decent mobility. The 75 mm gun on the 251/9 is excellent at its BR, coming with an APCBC shell with moderate penetration and an excellent HEAT shell with good explosive filler and 100 mm of penetration at all angles. However, sniping with this tank is not recommended, as its gun and shells have low muzzle velocity and high drop, making it difficult to hit your targets at range. A better way to use this tank is in an ambush role. If you can find a good spot that protects your sides and flanks from enemy tanks, you can surprise and quickly destroy almost enemy tank that come your way with your excellent reload speed and HEAT shells. It also has excellent depression, allowing you to engage enemy targets over ridges and give you more combat flexibility.

The biggest threats to this tank are aircraft and flankers. It is an open-topped vehicle, leaving it vulnerable to strafing and bombing from enemy aircraft. Because it lacks a turret, the 251/9 also struggles against flanking manoeuvres and is doomed if an enemy tanker flanks and gets a good firing profile on the side of your tank. To counteract this, stick with teammates and/or relocate after a few shots, to prevent players whose tanks you destroyed from coming back and revenge-bombing you. It may also be beneficial to pair with a friendly SPAA, as they can help provide some measure of defence against CAS.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Highly mobile for the BR, will get to one's destination quickly.
  • Potent gun with a fast reload that allows for versatile engagement of enemies
  • Gun depression makes hull-down positions possible
  • Smoke shells available, useful for covering allied movements, specially good thanks to a low reload time

Cons:

  • Open-topped, vulnerable to HE rounds, artillery strikes and strafing aircraft
  • A single shot can knock out the driver, gunner and loader at once, leaving you vulnerable
  • Weak mobility in harsh terrain compared to tanks because of it's design without full tracks
  • Relatively poor shell velocity for it's main gun

History

Mittlerer Schützenpanzer (Sd.Kfz 251/9) Ausf. D "Stummel"

The m.Schütz.Pz.Wg. (Sd.Kfz.251/9) was developed over the Sd. Kfz. 251 platform, which was already proven alongside infantry as an APC and in other roles. This variant was made with infantry support in mind, thanks to the lessons learned in the Eastern Front and the need of a cheaper assault gun against soviet fortifications and entrenched infantry.

The gun chosen was the 7.5 cm K. 37 L/24 that was available in large numbers after the Panzer IV and StuG III were refitted with more capable anti tank cannons. Early versions of this mount proved unsatisfactory, with 10 to 12 degrees of horizontal traverse and only -5 degrees of gun depression, still the vehicle was sent to the Eastern front and a first batch of 150 units was ordered.

The improved version entered service in 1944 with a revision of the 7.5cm Howitzer, a new gun mount, a coaxial MG-42 machine gun and a simpler construction that allowed better maintenance and more ammo capacity thanks to more internal space (many rounds were carried in bags and rifle racks). The new design proved much more efficient, the horizontal traverse was increased to 20 degrees and gun depression went from -5 to -10 degrees.

The "mittlerer Schützenpanzerwagen Stummel" entered service in 1942 with the SS-Panzerregiment 4 „Der Führer“, 2nd SS Armored Division in the Eastern front, it should be noted that most units served in that theatre, and not against the Allied forces. Later in the war the vehicle would be deployed in all armoured reconnaissance units to provide heavy fire support and also in the paratrooper division “Hermann Göring”, this was made considering that the "Stummel" could be carried inside the Me 323

The vehicle had a many uses for the Wehrmacht, for instance, it was much cheaper to produce and maintain than the Panzer IV or Stug III, and when those tanks went from infantry support to anti tank duties, it was far cheaper and easier modifying an existing platform like the Sd.Kfz.250 to fulfil this new role. Not only that, but the "kanonenwagen" as it was called, was also lighter, and was able to cross weak bridges alongside infantry and APCs to provide direct fire support and even help in anti tank duties when shooting from favourable positions.

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Sources


Germany tank destroyers
Pz. I Derivatives  Panzerjäger I
Pz. II Derivatives  15cm sIG 33 B Sfl
Pz. 38(t) Derivatives  Marder III · Marder III H · Jagdpanzer 38(t)
Pz. III Derivatives  StuG III A · StuG III F · StuG III G · StuH 42 G
Pz. IV Derivatives  Jagdpanzer IV · Panzer IV/70(A) · Panzer IV/70(V) · Dicker Max · Nashorn · Brummbär · VFW
Pz. V Derivatives  Jagdpanther G1 · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1
Pz. VI Derivatives  Sturer Emil · Elefant · Ferdinand · 38 cm Sturmmörser · Jagdtiger
Wheeled/Half-track  8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl. · Sd.Kfz.251/9 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · 15 cm Pz.W.42
ATGM Carrier  RakJPz 2 · RakJPz 2 (HOT) · Wiesel 1A2
Other  Waffenträger · M109G · JPz 4-5 · Raketenautomat · VT1-2

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