D.M.L. DRAGON

DRR 60026 Armor Series

38cm RW61 auf Sturmmorser Tiger (Sturmtiger)

1001 st Sturmmorser Kompanie, Germany March 1945.

Dragon Armor
This line features static pre-assembled, pre-painted models made of both diecast and plastic. Each item is fully detailed and historically accurate.
Dragon ARMOR 1:72 models are:
1. True to scale: Wheels, tracks, engines, hull accoutrements ... Dragon Armor are 100% true-to-scale -- these don't look like "model tanks", these look like TANKS!
2. Authentically detailed: Dragon Armor tanks are carefully researched for maximum authenticity in detailing ... color, camouflage, unit markings, and all the other little things which mark the difference between an authentic scale model and a "toy". Dragon Armor looks REAL!
3. Fully assembled: Each Dragon Armor tank comes fully-assembled and ready for display ... no glue, no paint, no worry about mistakes. An instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box!
4. Diecast Metal: This series is mostly of METAL! Each Dragon Armor tank is made from high-quality DIE-CAST METAL ... giving the proper weight and surface finish of the REAL THING.
5. Each WITH its own protective DISPLAY CASE!

ABOUT THE VEHICLE
STURM TIGER – 38cm RW61 auf Sturmmorser Tiger, other designation – Tiger-Morser.
Type: Assault rocket mortar on heavy tank chassis
Manufacturer: Alkett
In production: January 1944 – March 1945
Production: 18 had been converted from Tiger I
Engine: Maybach HL230P45, 650hp @ 2500rpm
Speed:(km/m) 40/24.85
Range:(km/m) 120/74.6
Weight:(tons) 65
Size:(m/foot) L6.28/20.5'; W3.57/11.71'; H2.85/9.35'
Crew: 5 Armament: One 38cm Sty M RW61 L/5.4 One 7.92mm MG34
Ammunition: 14 600
ARMOUR (mm/o) Front Side Rear Top/Bottom
Superstructure: 150/45 80/30+0 80/0 40-25/90
Hull: 100/25 60/0 80/9 25/90

HISTORY
Sturmpanzer a 300mm self-propelled armored mortar (based on the Pz Kpfw IV chassis) was used to destroy fortification and building, which was proved to be a difficult or even impossible for normal tanks. It served it purpose well but more powerful one was desired.
On the August 5, 1943, 38cm heavy armored self-propelled mortar was proposed based on Tiger chassis. Originally it was planned to mount the superstructure on the back of the vehicle and engine at the middle, similar to Ferdinand / Elefant based on Tiger (P). However, delays in design and production halted the production and it was decided that Tiger I hull would serve the purpose fine. Alkett, which was in charge of the design, delivered the prototype by the end of October 1943. In order to accelerate appearance of this weapon on a front Hitler in April 1944 ordered to use Tiger I hulls with damage to the turret to mount the new superstructure. At the same time he ordered 12 superstructures be prepared. First 3 units were complotted in August 1944.
Alkett converted Tiger I on their Berlin-Spandau plant. The hull and suspension remained unchanged from the Tiger I; in order to fitted a larger superstructure box housing the 38cm mortar the original superstructure front was cut down. New superstructure had same 150mm armour, but it was slopped under 45 degree that significantly increased protection and wasn’t penetrable by any Allies guns. Mortar was mounted in a cast ball in the vehicle front plate, along with MG 34 operated by the radio operator. Though there no actual vehicle modifications some units had different arrangements of barrel exhaust pipes. Also some units known with side skirts and / or Zimmerit.
The mortar by itself was an unusual design that fired rocket-assisted ammunition (that originally was design as a anti submarine weapon) and had vents in the gun tube wall to exhaust the propellant gases forward. The range of the RW61 was 4.6km (2.86 miles). 345 kg (practically 760lb) ammunition was loaded with a crane, which was mounted on the right side behind the superstructure. Because of it size only 14 rounds were carried, one of which was located in the barrel. Hitler ordered three hundred rockets manufactured per month for Sturm Tiger, a lot of which left unused.
While firing exhausted gases created a huge dust cloud (2-3 times of the vehicle size), the large rocked propelled projectile was also easy to-spot all together it easily revealed firing position; that is a big minus for an artillery unit.
Sturm Tigers were issued to Sturmmorser Companies. It known that Sturm Tiger was used only by Wehrmacht. Though in all publication could be found that there were 3 companies according to some sources their numbers were: - 1001, 1002 and 1003 while according to other 1000, 1001 and 1002. The first unit was created on August 13, 1944. It was equipped only with two Tiger-Morser / Sturm Tiger and was immediately dispatch to fight down the uprising in Warsaw. There they were quite a success in destroying buildings and roadblocks. In September 1944 the second companies was created followed by one more in October.
1000 and 1001 companies were dispatched to Western Front in Ardennes offensive.
After that all units were used randomly.
Sturm Tiger was effective not only against fortification and buildings but also against tank. A confirmed kill of three Sherman tanks by one rocked had been recorded. There other reports about tank kills by Sturm Tiger.

This weapon was designed for a specific application and was not designed for a mass use and of cause can’t create an effect on the war in general. But it was a weapon that served its purpose very well.

*This product represents a subject from a specific period in history. It may contain details, equipment, uniform and / or vehicles that include insignia or marking that some could find offensive. All insignia and emblems are included to maintain complete historical accuracy. The inclusion of these insignia and emblems / markings is no way an endorsement or approval of the activities associated with the subject matter at any time or manner.
**Age over 14 collectable item