The Efficacy of Cement as Tank Armor and the Schürzen Skirts in World War II
During World War II, advancements in tank design and armor were critical for military success. One of the novel approaches to improve tank protection was to utilize cement as an additional layer of armor. Although this method didn't materialize, another effective solution emerged in the form of the Schürzen skirts, notably implemented by German tanks. Let's delve into these innovative approaches to tank armor and explore their impact on military engagements.
Introduction to Cement as Tank Armor
The concept of using cement as an armor material was initially explored as a means to enhance tank protection. However, due to the practical limitations and logistical challenges, it was not widely adopted. Despite this, it serves as an interesting historical footnote highlighting the creative solutions that were considered during the war.
The Schürzen Skirts: An Effective Defence Mechanism
One of the more successful and widely implemented improvements to tank armor was the Schürzen system, or skirts as they were known in German. This innovation provided an additional layer of protection to the vulnerable sides and rear of tanks, significantly reducing the risk of penetration by anti-tank weapons.
Development and Deployment of Schürzen
The Schürzen system was developed in response to the growing threat posed by anti-tank rifles and shaped-charge anti-tank weapons. The first tests were conducted in early 1943, using-captured Russian 14.5 mm rifles to penetrate armor plates placed at a 90-degree angle from a distance of 100 meters. These tests demonstrated the need for enhanced protection, prompting immediate action.
In March 1943, Hitler approved the order mandating that all Sturmgeschütz, Panzer III, Panzer IV, and Panther tanks should be equipped with Schürzen. By June 1943, all units in the process of maintenance had to be updated with these protective skirts to ensure readiness for offensive operations. The Schürzen were instrumental in the Kursk offensive, where they proved their effectiveness against agile, rifled anti-tank weapons and shaped-charge weapons such as PIATs and bazookas.
Design and Installation of Schürzen
The Schürzen system consisted of thin metal plates, approximately 5 mm thick, fixed between the tank's armor and the outer hull. These plates were strategically placed on the sides and rear of the tank, covering from the top of the hull to the vertical half of it. The smaller size of the plates on Panther tanks was due to their better armor, which required less protection, except for the area between the upper height of the wheels and the lower part of the hull.
For vehicles like the Hetzer tank destroyers, additional protective skirts were used to cover the inner sides of the tank. Some Schürzen plates were adapted with an application of Zimmerit, a magnetic paint used to prevent the attachment of explosive charges, or were designed as a grid structure to avoid adhesion issues.
Effectiveness and Limitations
The Schürzen system proved highly effective against rifled anti-tank projectiles and shaped-charge anti-tank weapons. When these projectiles hit the side plates of a tank with Schürzen, they were deflected, negating the typically deadly effect on the tank's crew. However, it provided no additional protection against high-velocity projectiles fired by other tanks or anti-tank guns, which were not shaped charges.
Impact on Other Nations
While Germany adopted the Schürzen system extensively, other countries did not follow suit. For instance, the British Matilda tanks used protection in the form of metal skirts on the lower part of the hull, primarily to keep the wheels and suspension system clean. These skirts had a similar function to the Schürzen but were not designed for projectile interception.
In France, metal skirts were used to cover the tracks of tanks for cleaning purposes, but they were not intended as projectile repellents. Similarly, the American approach to defending against shaped-charge attacks involved welding support structures for sandbags, but this solution often led to excessive weight and lacked protection for the lower part of the vehicle.
Conclusion
The Schürzen system, although not as fantastical as cement armor, was a highly effective and practical solution to enhance tank protection during World War II. Its strategic placement and material choice provided a significant barrier to anti-tank weapons, making German tanks more resilient in the face of enemy fire. The lessons learned from the Schürzen skirts continue to influence modern tank design and armor technology.