Forces Of Valor – 1:32 Diecast – German Sturmgeschütz III AUSF.G – Kursk, 1943

Forces Of Valor – 1:32 Diecast – German Sturmgeschütz III AUSF.G – Kursk, 1943

The Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) assault gun was Germany’s most produced armoured fighting vehicle during World War II.  It was built on the chassis of the proven Panzer III tank. Initially intended as a mobile, armoured light gun for infantry support, the StuG was continually modified and was widely employed as a tank destroyer.

The Sturmgeschütz III originated from German experiences in World War I when it was discovered that during the offensives on the western front the infantry lacked the means to effectively engage fortifications. The artillery of the time was heavy and not mobile enough to keep up with the advancing infantry to destroy bunkers, pillboxes, and other minor obstacles with direct-fire. Although the problem was well known in the German army, it was General Erich von Manstein who is considered the father of the Sturmartillerie (“Assault Artillery”). This is because the initial proposal was from (then) Colonel Erich von Manstein and submitted to General Ludwig Beck in 1935, suggesting that Sturmartillerie  units should be used in a direct-fire support role for infantry divisions. On June 15, 1936, Daimler Benz AG received an order to develop an armoured infantry support vehicle capable of mounting a 75 mm (2.95 in) artillery piece. The gun mount’s fixed, fully integrated casemate superstructure was to allow a limited traverse of a minimum of 25° and provided overhead protection for the crew. The height of the vehicle was not to exceed that of the average man.

Daimler-Benz AG used the chassis and running gear of its recently designed Pz.Kpfw. III medium tank as a basis for the new vehicle. Prototype manufacture was passed over to Alkett, which produced five examples in 1937 of the experimental 0-series StuG based upon the Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. B. These prototypes featured a mild steel superstructure and Krupp’s short-barreled 75 mm StuK 37 L/24 cannon. This model was known as the Sturmgeschütz Ausführung A.

Die cast metal and plastic construction.

Upper chassis is metal.

Hatches open.

Working vinyl tracks.

Removable side skirt.

Elevating gun.

Comes with assorted gear and other accessories.

Comes with commander, loader and three soldiers.

Product Id: 80045