Grosstraktor

Grosstraktor (German: "large tractor") was the codename given to six prototype medium tanks built (two each) by Rheinmetall-Borsig (Grosstraktor II), Krupp and Daimler (Grosstraktor I), for the Weimar Republic, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Constructed in secret, they were tested by Reichswehr units at the Kama tank school in the Soviet Union. They were used for training and retired as monuments after the Nazi party came to power.[1]

Grosstraktor (Großtractor)
The Grosstraktor used for anti-tank training
TypeMedium tank
Place of originWeimar Republic
Service history
In service1935
Used byWeimar Republic
Nazi Germany
Production history
Designed1926
ManufacturerRheinmetall, Krupp, Daimler
Produced1928–1930
No. built6
Specifications
Mass19 tonnes (21 short tons)
Length6.6 m (21 ft 8 in)
Width2.81 m (9 ft 3 in)
Height2.3 m (7 ft 7 in)
Crew6
Armor13 mm mild steel
Main
armament
One 75 mm KwK L 24
EngineBMW Va 6-cylinder
250 PS
Suspensioncoil-spring suspension (Rheinmetall, Krupp)
leaf springs suspension (Daimler-Benz)
Operational
range
150 km (93 mi) on-road
Maximum speed 40 km/h (25 mph) on-road

Development

In 1926 various German companies, including Rheinmetall and Daimler-Benz, each produced a single prototype Großtraktor ("large tractor", so codenamed to veil the true purpose of the vehicle) armed with a large 75-millimeter cannon.[2] Development of the subsequent Neubaufahrzeug (German for "new construction vehicle") started in 1933 when the then Reichswehr gave a contract for the development of a follow-on Großtraktor to both Rheinmetall and Krupp.

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References
  1. Peter Chamberlin and Hillary Doyle, Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, 1978, 1999, p. 147
  2. Franco, Panzer I: El Inicio de una Saga, p.3
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