Wespe Self-Propelled Howitzer

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One of the most important of all Panzerartillerie vehicles was the Wespe (Wasp). Its production run began in 1942 and continued until mid-1944. The PzKpfw II Ausf F chassis was used to carry the 10.5cm light field howitzer in an open-topped superstructure at the rear of the vehicle. As with the Marder II, MAN developed the chassis and Alkett the superstructure, while Rheinmetall-Borsig provided the gun. Production was carried out by FAMO in Warsaw until the factory was overrun in 1944. The Wespe was popular with the troops and by the end of production 682 had been built. A further 158 were completed as ammunition carriers (Munitionsträger Sfl Wespe) without a gun. Some examples of the Wespe were built on a slightly extended chassis and can be identified by a larger gap between the last roadwheel and the idler wheel on each side. Model Id: 140 Manufacture: Fahrzeug- und Motoren-Werke (FAMO) GmbH, Stare Miasto, Wrocław, Dolnośląskie, Poland (Primary manufacturer) 1) Musée Memorial, Bayeux, France Number of Photos: 1 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 98 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: It is planned that this example will be restored before being put on display. [Preserved Tanks in France: Number 16].

2) Becker Collection, Unknown Location, Belgium Number of Photos: 0 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 99 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: This Wespe appears to be in a very poor condition. It is missing its main armament as well as many other fittings. [Preserved Tanks in France: Number 215].

3) Museé Des Blindés, Saumur, France Number of Photos: 3 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 100 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: This Wespe is built on a standard length Panzerkampfwagen II chassis. [Preserved Tanks in France: Number 163].

4) BWB Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung, Koblenz, Germany Number of Photos: 2 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 101 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: This Wespe is on loan from the Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen Proving Ground, USA. It appears to have been built on a standard length chassis, and is missing its muzzle-brake.

5) Kubinka NIIBT Research Collection - Foreign Vehicles, Kubinka, Russia Number of Photos: 1 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 102 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: This Wespe is missing its muzzle brake.