"The development of the Panther "Schmalturm"" Topic

"In the past an amount of confusion and misinterpretation has existed regarding the Panther "Schmalturm" (meaning "narrow turret"). Early sources, while recorded in good faith, were based on uncorroborated verbal reports and recollections. Gradually, each subsequent re-telling eclipsed this origin, and these details assumed the status of indisputable fact – without there being any intention to mislead. Only relatively recently have the original production and design records been reviewed, clarifying the situation.

The development of what has come to be known as the "Schmalturm" for the Panzerkampfwagen V Panther is inextricably linked with that of the Panther II, the Panther Ausf. F, the E-50 project and to a lesser degree, to the Tiger II. Due to problems evinced in the design of the original Panther turret, an improvement was sought. Naturally constraints affected the design, principally the retention of as many components and fittings as possible, the desire to maintain the size of the existing turret ring and to keep production costs and time to a minimum…"

Main page

link

Armand

That is a very good read. The advantages of a smaller turret and especially its frontage towards the enemy are very obvious. However what does it do for the ergonomics within? We could think back to 1939 and those British and French tanks with tiny turrets and one poor devil loading, aiming, firing and commanding.

A good read indeed. Thanks for posting it, Armand.

For those who want to explore the turret ergonomics, a good base for the ergonomics of the production turret is the Chieftain's video on the interior of the Panther (one of his earlier videos, some 9 years old now):
YouTube link

He also did a walk-around of the Panther II composite (Panther II hull with a Panther turret) in the US Army Armored Collection. It adds some discussion to the development of the Panther II (this video is only about a year old):
YouTube link

-Mark
(aka: Mk 1)

A votre service mes amis…

And thanks Mark 1…

Armand

Discusses details and potential mounting the turret on a Panzer IV:
link

other pictures: link

Wolfhag

Always enjoy anything by the Chieftain, if only they could drop the music.

My doubts were answered by Wofhag's link "Despite the augmented armor and the narrower turm design, the internal volume of the structure remained unchanged."

I thought it was developed for the Tiger II and later tried on the Panther.

Thanks also…

Armand

Always enjoy anything by the Chieftain, if only they could drop the music.

You are not alone in that sentiment.

You will find that the music volume came down, and then the music largely disappeared, in the sequence of videos in time.

I deliberately referenced the age of the two videos I linked to, as a guide to help folks judge if they want to suffer the "over-enthusiastic" music in the older (ie: earlier) Chieftain's Hatch videos.

Once a video is up on YouTube, it's not possible to change it. Your only option is to leave it up, or take it down (and replace it?). If you take it down and replace it you loose any connection to the comments and discussion. Not good if your videos are being used to encourage engagement and discussion with your target audience.

-Mark
(aka: Mk 1)