Schwere Ladungsträger Ausf. C, model by John Robinson
Schwere Ladungsträger (Sd Kfz 301)
Schwere Ladungsträger Ausf. C, model by John Robinson
During offsensive operations, it is often necessary
to destroy enemy pillboxes and other fortifications. The Ladungsträger
was developed to perform in that role.
During the campaign in France in 1940, modified Panzerkampfwagen I
were used to deliver heavy charges to destroy minefields, pillboxes,
and other fortifications. The results were favorable, therefore
Borgward were order to develop a special-purpose vehicle in October,
1941. The resulting vehicle was based on their Munitionsschlepper VK301, and
was equipped with a radio control-feature.
The Ladungsträger was armed with a 500kg Sprengladung
(demolition charge). The vehicle drove up to the placement zone, and
released the charge through means of explosive bolts. Once in place,
the vehicle would move to a safe distance and remotely detonate
the charge. Alternately, the entire vehicle could be remotely
piloted to a location and detonated.
Three different models of the Ladungsträger were produced, the
Ausführung A, B, and C. 616 Ausf. A were produced from May 1942
until June of 1943. Ausf. B production started in July 1943 and continued
until November 1943 at which time 260 had been produced. During
the production run of the Ausf. B, the armor thickness on the side and rear was
increased to match the 10mm of the driving compartment. Dry pin track
was also added during this run. The Ausf. C was produced from
December of 1943 until the following September with a total of
305 rolling off of the assembly line. Features of the Ausf. C included simplified
construction and much thicker armor: 15mm to 20mm over much of the
surface. An experimental version of the Ausf. C added a front-mounted
TV camera to improve visibility, but the project was eventually
abandoned. Numerous Ladungsträger were ultimately converted to
self-propelled guns or rocket launchers in the later stages
of the war.
Schwere Ladungsträger Ausf. C, model by
John Robinson
It is interesting to not that the 301st
Panzerabteilung was issued 21 Tiger Ausf. E in August-September
of 1944. These were used to control their Ladungsträger (also
known as sonderschlepper B IV, or just B IV). Each Tiger controlled
three B IV. This fact could have relevance to the
Bergetiger discussion.
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