“Stuka zu Fuß” Sd.Kfz. 251/1 Ausf.B 1/35

ICM 1/35 pienoismalli, rakennussarja. 

In 1929, Germany began developing its own rocket weapons, and in 1931, a dedicated department was established within the War Ministry to oversee this work. By 1940, the Wehrmacht had already introduced 158 mm multiple rocket launchers—the 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41—for direct fire support of ground units.

Subsequently, heavier systems were developed, employing 280 mm high-explosive and 320 mm incendiary rockets. These powerful munitions, weighing around 80 kg, had a range of approximately 2 km and were intended to break through enemy defences in both field and urban conditions.

To improve mobility, launchers were mounted on various platforms. One such system was based on the Sd.Kfz. 251 armoured personnel carrier. It was equipped with three wooden or metal launch frames on each side, carrying rocket projectiles. Elevation was adjusted by changing the angle of the frames, while horizontal aiming was achieved by turning the entire vehicle. The rockets were fired electrically via remote ignition.

Among German soldiers, this system earned the nickname Stuka zu Fuß (“Stuka on foot”), referencing the famous Ju 87 dive bomber. The Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.B was the second variant in the line of these armored personnel carriers, with production beginning in the second half of 1939. Several changes were made to the vehicle’s design, mostly related to technological improvements, with the primary modification being the removal of observation slits on the side walls. Production of the Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.B continued until the end of 1940. Notable operations in which they participated include the occupation of the Balkans, Operation Barbarossa, and combat operations in North Africa.