What if the StuG III idea survived?

[Volkodav]

How it was meant to operate on the offensive was somewhat of a mystery to me.

The only way I can see it is fire and movement bounds, one vehicle sprinting to the next firing point while covered by the second, with pairs of vehicles working with other pairs, providing mutual support.  I think rapid acceleration may have been the reason for the GT.

[Rickshaw]

How it was meant to operate on the offensive was somewhat of a mystery to me.

The only way I can see it is fire and movement bounds, one vehicle sprinting to the next firing point while covered by the second, with pairs of vehicles working with other pairs, providing mutual support.  I think rapid acceleration may have been the reason for the GT.

That'd work, particularly on broken, open plains/steppes.  In far northern Sweden which is covered in forest and marsh?  Still not sure.   However, you've given me an idea... 

[Old Wombat]

Saw a series on NetFlix not long ago which included a description of battle from a StuG commander & they used them almost like tanks. They were, apparently, quite manoeuvrable & able to bring their guns to bear as fast as the T-34's they were opposing. Their problems came if forced to withdraw from the battle, as to keep their guns on the enemy they had to reverse all the way.

Of course, you have to remember that, unlike S-tanks, they had limited traverse & the full range of elevation on the gun.

[Volkodav]

Saw a series on NetFlix not long ago which included a description of battle from a StuG commander & they used them almost like tanks. They were, apparently, quite manoeuvrable & able to bring their guns to bear as fast as the T-34's they were opposing. Their problems came if forced to withdraw from the battle, as to keep their guns on the enemy they had to reverse all the way.

Of course, you have to remember that, unlike S-tanks, they had limited traverse & the full range of elevation on the gun.

In battle the idea is to keep you frontal armour facing the enemy.

[Old Wombat]

Saw a series on NetFlix not long ago which included a description of battle from a StuG commander & they used them almost like tanks. They were, apparently, quite manoeuvrable & able to bring their guns to bear as fast as the T-34's they were opposing. Their problems came if forced to withdraw from the battle, as to keep their guns on the enemy they had to reverse all the way.

Of course, you have to remember that, unlike S-tanks, they had limited traverse & the full range of elevation on the gun.

In battle the idea is to keep you frontal armour facing the enemy.

Yep, but sometimes you just have to turn tail & run as fast as you can or get chewed up & spat out.

Oops, forgot a line: In a turreted tank you could then, at least, turn the turret & fire at the enemy to keep them occupied while you bolted - couldn't do that in a StuG.

[Rickshaw]

The S-tank takes care of that problem by having it's auxiliary driver face to the rear.  It allows it to drive as fast in reverse as forward.  This makes retreats much easier.

[GTX_Admin]

Thinking of the gun from the Sheridan or M60A2. Minus the missile of course. That round might work well for infantry support.

Include the missile so your StuG can have a long-range anti-tank capability in addition to the usual role of BSU.  :)

BSU = Blowing Shit Up

Maybe do this in the form of a Kanonenjagdpanzer with the M81/MGM-51 instead of the 90mm gun.

[Kerick]

Thinking of the gun from the Sheridan or M60A2. Minus the missile of course. That round might work well for infantry support.

Include the missile so your StuG can have a long-range anti-tank capability in addition to the usual role of BSU.  :)

BSU = Blowing Shit Up

Maybe do this in the form of a Kanonenjagdpanzer with the M81/MGM-51 instead of the 90mm gun.

Although, a 90mm gun with modern ammunition could be quite convincing on the battlefield. Maybe with a Bradley style TOW launcher. 
Maybe with more internal room than the M551 to be able to carry more rounds.

[GTX_Admin]

Maybe.  I'm not sure of the internal layout/space etc for the Kanonenjagdpanzer so can't say.

[ChalkLine]

Maybe do this in the form of a Kanonenjagdpanzer with the M81/MGM-51 instead of the 90mm gun.

I had a KJPz with a Soviet 122mm howitzer as STuH years ago complete with crappy picture

[raafif]

Spanish post-WW2 trial ..... A better installation would be preferrable.

[Kerick]

I can’t imagine what sort of rocket that would be. Loading one at a time? Very awkward to say the least.

[raafif]

I can’t imagine what sort of rocket that would be. Loading one at a time? Very awkward to say the least.

Its a 381mm diameter rocket and a twin or triple installation would be better -- may have to have a go at similar on a Stug chassis 

[Kerick]

I can’t imagine what sort of rocket that would be. Loading one at a time? Very awkward to say the least.

Its a 381mm diameter rocket and a twin or triple installation would be better -- may have to have a go at similar on a Stug chassis 

Driving through the woods would be an adventure! Loaded rocket meets tree branch!

One of these days I might try my M41/StuG conversion.