The original German designation is: Sd.Kfz.124 Wespe – Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf.). The Wespe, or Wasp, was a 10,5 cm field howitzer placed on a modified Panzer II which made it a self-propelled gun.
Sd.Kfz.124 Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf.)
The Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II was a German self-propelled howitzer developed during World War II, combining the chassis of the Panzer II tank with the 10.5 cm leFH 18/2 field howitzer. It was also referred to as Wespe. This vehicle was designed to provide mobile artillery support to German armored units and to complement their firepower on the battlefield.
The Panzer II chassis, used as a base, was modified to accommodate the 10.5 cm leFH 18/2, a short-barreled howitzer capable of delivering high-explosive shells against enemy infantry and fortifications. The howitzer had a range of about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and could fire up to 20 rounds per minute. Its firepower was essential in supporting infantry and tank units during assaults.
The vehicle was powered by a Maybach HL 62 TR engine producing 140 horsepower, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph) and cover a range of approximately 150 km (93 miles). The Panzer II chassis was lightly armored, with protection up to 30 mm, which provided limited defense against small arms and light artillery fire but left it vulnerable to heavier anti-tank weapons.
The Leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II was used in various campaigns, offering mobile artillery support, particularly on the Eastern Front, until the later stages of the war when it was phased out in favor of more advanced vehicles.
