Raketenjagdpanzer 2
Overview
Raketenjagdpanzer 2
German army Raketenjagdpanzer 2.
Source: www.m136.de -
© copyright lies with original owner
Germany - Hanomag
Raketenjagdpanzer SS-11
RakJPz 2
Description
Introduction
The Raketenjagdpanzer 2 is a tank destroyer of German origin. It is also referred to as the Jagdpanzer Rakete. This vehicles was adopted alongside the cannon armed Kanonenjagdpanzer. During development missile armed tank destroyers were seen as complex and costly. The cannon armed variant was seen as risk mitigation and more cost effective. Still the introduction of new Soviet tanks required the ability to engage these tank formations effectively at long range. A feature only provided by the HEAT warheads of guided missiles.
Layout
The RakJPz 2 uses a chassis of similar design as the Kanonenjagdpanzer and Marder mechanized infantry combat vehicle. The crew of four is seated in the fighting compartment in the front. The engine and drivetrain are located at the rear. On either side of the roof there is a single launcher for the SS.11 anti-tank guided weapon.
Firepower
Two launchers for SS.11 missiles are located on the vehicle roof. Together both launchers cover the forward 180 degree arc. The left launcher can only fire forwards and to the left and the right launcher only forward and to the right. The SS.11 missile has an effective range of 3 km. The SS.11 missile is rather slow and guidance is of the MCLOS type. This means that the operator must track the missile in flight and steer it towards the target. As a result the ability to hit is limited at longer ranges. The same goes for engagement at very short distances.
Protection
The Raketenjagdpanzer 2 features a steel hull with sloped sides. The maximum thickness is 50mm. This provides protection from small arms fire and shells splinters all around. Over the frontal arc it is resistant to autocannon and heavy machine gun fire. However, against tanks and other combat vehicles it relies on its low silhouette and mobility for its survivability. The roof mounted periscopes allows the RakJPz 2 to engage targets from defilade positions. NBC protection is fitted and the vehicle is operated from under armor protection. Smoke grenade launchers are present and can be used to cover the retreat from an ambush position.
Mobility
During the design phase mobility was deemed on of the key aspects of a tank destroyer. The tracked chassis provides good mobility, both on and offroad. The MTU V8 water-cooled diesel engine provides up to 500 hp. The maximum speed is 70 km/h and on roads the range is 385 km. The Raketenjagdpanzer 2 is not amphibious.
Users
The Raketenjagdpanzer 2 was adopted by West Germany. It was one of the main weapons intended to stop Soviet armored formations during the Cold War era. A total of 318 vehicles, plus prototypes, were produced. In the late 1970's and early 1980's the RakJPz 2 were converted to Jaguar 1 standard, ending the service life of RakJPz 2. The Jaguar 1 is described separately.
Details
Media
Raketenjagdpanzer 2
German army Raketenjagdpanzer 2 launching a SS-11 missile.
Source: www.m136.de
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Raketenjagdpanzer 2
German army Raketenjagdpanzer 2 launching a SS-11 missile.
Source: www.m136.de
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
Kanonenjagdpanzer
The Raketenjagdpanzer 2 looks very similar to the Kanonenjagdpanzer. These vehicles were in service at the same time.
Jaguar 1
In the mid 1970's the Raketenjagdpanzer 2 receiver major updates, resulting in the Jaguar 1. This vehicle uses the far more capable HOT anti-tank missile and applique armor improves survivability.