When the Pz Kpfw II became obsolete in the face of heavier Soviet armor, a number of chassis were converted for other uses. One of these was the leichte Feldhaubitze 18/2 auf Fgst Pz Kpfw II (Sf) (Sd Kfz 124) "Wespe".
The Wespe featured a rear-mounted 105 mm howitzer, in an open-topped fighting compartment. This meant that the engine had to be moved forward to make room for the crew.
The Wespe served from its introduction in 1943 until the end of the war. An ammunition carrier version was made, by removing the gun and covering the gun slit in the armor.
| Wespe | |
|---|---|
| Crew | |
| Crew | 5 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 11 t |
| Length | 4.81 m |
| Width | 2.28 m |
| Height | 2.3 m |
| Armour | |
| Armour (max) | 30 mm |
| Performance | |
| Speed (max) | 40 km/h |
| Engine | |
| Engine | Maybach HL 62 TR |
| Net h.p. | 140 |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement | 6200 cc |
| Armament | |
| Primary weapon | 10,5 cm le F H 18/2 (1) |