After the initial order for 200 units of the cricket, the new 38 (t) chassis (Ausf M) can be used, however, the production delayed at BMM (Bohemian-Moravian Machine Works Ltd.), so that t to the H-frame of 38 ( ) had to be used.
The first version of the cricket then the circumstances based on the half-Panzer 38 (t) Ausf H, the rear engine was installed. The tower was removed and moved forward by a structure with the 15-cm howitzer replaced (SIG 33). From February to April 1943 a total of 91 vehicles (including a prototype) were produced in BMM in Prague. The designation was " 15-cm heavy infantry gun 33 (Sf) on Panzer 38 (t) Ausf H "(Sd.Kfz. 138/1).
The second contract section of the cricket was based on the Panzer 38 (t) Ausf M, the motor was in the middle. As with the first version of the tower was replaced by a building as a battle space that was located in this design at the rear end of the vehicle and was also armed with the 150-mm howitzer. From April to June 1943 and again from October 1943 to September 1944 282 vehicles and 120 ammunition carriers were manufactured. Lie was a cricket field maintenance troops could expand the howitzer and mount it on an ammunition carrier, regaining operational Grille was available.
In both variants quickly became apparent that the 15-cm howitzer too big and too heavy for the base and was too far back or too far forward stood. The vehicle was not in any case balanced. There was also an earth spade, so that there was a risk that the vehicle fell down to a low shot angle. The shooting was bad behavior (jumping the gun for every shot, hence the name "Cricket"). The thin armor offered no real protection and the cricket led to little ammunition. Nevertheless, 373 were built.
Specifications
- Combat weight: about 12 t
- Length: 4.70 m
- Wide: 2.40 m
- Height: 2.65 m
- Engine: six-cylinder petrol engine, 125 HP
- Chassis: Chain 4 wheels, 2 support rollers
- Speed: 40 km / h
- Range: max. 250 km
- Armament: a 15-howitzer 15 SiG 33, a MG 34
- Ammo: 45 rounds gun, gun shot 600
- Armor: 20 mm pan, fighting compartment 10 mm
- Crew: 5 men
