NEW TYPE ANTI-TANK VEHICLE

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 05979503
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 5
• Document Creation Date: March 8, 2023
• Document Release Date: May 30, 2019
• Case Number: F-2019-00748
• Publication Date: September 8, 1952

Approved for Release: 2019/05/24 C05979503�
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CONF ENT IAL
SECURITY INFORMATION
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY,
INFORMATION REPORT
COUNTRY Germany
SUBJECT New Type Anti-Tank Vehicle
PLACE ACQUIRED
(BY SOURCE)
REPORT NO
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RESPONSIVE TO
i
2
CD NO.
00/C NO.
ORR NO.
DAS NO.
OCI NO.
(b)
(b)
DATE ACQUIRED
(BY SOURCE)
DATE (OF INFO.
DATE
NO.
DISTR. cyh52
OF4PAGES 3
THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE
OF THE UNITED STATES. WITHIN THEMEANING OF TITLE 18. SECTIONS 793
AND 794. OF THE U.S. CODE. AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR REVE-
NO.
OF ENCLS.
1
LATION OF ITS CONTENTS TO OR RECEIPT BY AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS
PROHIBITED BY LAW. THE REPRODUCTION OF THIS REPORT IS PROHIBITED.
TO
SOURCE
THIS IS UNEVALUATED INFORMATION
SUPP.
REPORT NO.
ghe Office of Naval Intelligence furnished the following information to CIA
for IAC dissemination in accordance with para 3c of NSCID#72
(1)
(3)
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"A REVOLUTIONARY, NEW ANTI-TANK VEHICLE"
1. "General Development: During the war years 1943 and 1944, the German headquarters were
forced to solve the problem of finding a weapon against all the heavy weapons that
were produced, particularly by the Americans but also by the Russian war attacks%
Considering the conditions in Germany, this seemed to be an absolute impossibility.
Still, a way had to be found to master the situation. And it was - but too late.s.
\N
2. nlly front experience from tank fighting on close or long distance from the terrain
in which tanks could operate was very happily synchronized with the laboratory ex-
perience of the ingenious vehicle constructor, Dip. Ing. Ernest Nauman Neander.
This favourable constellation resulted in the construction of the new tanklidestroyer -
Wolf.
3. "The trial use of these vehicles, while we still had the facilities for building series
of thousands of them, would have influenced the outcome of the war considerably and
started a new phase of anti-tank fighting. That we have to apply quite new battle
strategy to reach the goals is natural, and depends on the revolutionary new con-
struction of the anti-tank vehicle. We can here really talk about an ."anti-tank
vehicle shock" for the enemies (Front experience). About this there could be
sevei�al things told. The results at that time (the operation of two anti-tank
vehicles: individually, operated), proved the logic of our front experience and
laboratory work. They lead to the reality of the following constructions under the
consideration of determining requirements, as:-
(a) To neutralize the penetrating fire-power of an army.
(b) To guarantee greatest results by simplest means.
(c)
To warrant the de,ense against and extermination of enemy tanks tnd to mAke use
of it.
U.S. Offici1s Only
CONF NTIAL
SECURITY- INFORMATION
DISTRIBUTION
STATE
ARMY Ev
AlNAVY
AIR
FBI
s a re411114krt*
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(d) To reach the last state of simplicity in the series-building of these
vehicles.
(g)
The new way of building makes it possible to start production without
long preparations and to use unskilled labour, as no precision work is
necessary.
The particular construction'characteristicS pre in the absolute
simplicity, (which makes the production cheaP).,7 which enables tech- .
nically untrained soldiers to learn to operate 'and service the vehicle
very quickly.
The vehicle can be used for all sorts of front tanks.
(b)(1)
(b)(3)
(h) No more tests or experimenting with the vehicle are to be made.
(i) Provisions to equip an army with it can be made immediately.
(j) An army can be equipped with it within a few weeks.
4. "Durihgethe past years, front experience - compared to the experience in Korea and
Indo-China - elact front technical tests and revisions have been made, and kept
secret until now.
"Vehicle Specifications: The anti-tank vehicle 'Wolf, has been built as an absolutely
new type of battle vehicle with the concrete experience from the front. Because of
its low build and inconspicuousness in terrain, the vehicle has the best possible
camouflage and cover. It is very hard to notice for the enemy; both from the ground
and from the air.
6. "Motor: The power unit is demountable and motors with drive shaft or with chain drive
can be used. Any motor can be built in and easily exchanged. Accordingly the vehicle
can be ready for use quickly when motor repairs are required.
,
,�
7. "Chassis: The chassis is built after the piece assembly system and built from standard
profiles 40x 40 x 2. The construction is very rigid and abandons all twists in the
chassis. A mine sweeper can be mounted at the front end, which makes the vehicle
useful for other front tasks, too.
8. "Steering: The steering is of rotating type with steel wires and with track changing,
removable steering knuckle. This gives the vehicle the optimal turning and maneuver-
ability in terrain. The vehicle can turn, on the spot and can go through passages
that, are one-third narrower than the whole vehicle itself.
9. "Suspension: Neander,s reversible spring suspension, which operates on. tension and
pressure load,. has always been able to prove its uniqueness. Tension spring sus-
pension at the center of gravity an'd mass curve-inclination device, granted at all
speeds during attac.k for so-called zig-zag driving (See Schematischel sketch of the
nnzymmetric.steering, gearing and straight transmissions). Thanks to this the
deviation from the targets of the enemy.
�
10. "Tank: New tank fastening. Radius of action varying. 300 to 400 miles.
iL "Carburettor booster: Up to 20% gas saving. No thinning out of the motor oil occurs
and accordingly longer engine life. The motor is more flexible with excellent lugging
power, which calls for fewer gear changes.
12. "Fighting ,.._,a_ulpatat: On both sides, that is, to the left and to the right of the
rifle men, there are three tank busters on a movable attachment foundation, which
are coupled with aiming mechanism. Fighting equipment is variable.
CONFIDENTIAL SECURITY INFORMATION/
US OFFICIALS ONLY
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13. "Riflemsn: The riflemen operate in lying position, which gives more protection
and enables 'the driver and others to react quicker.
14.
"Heighth: Maximum heighth, including weapons
15. "Length: Total length 2450 mm. (97")
16. "Width: Total width 1450 mm. (57")
1650 mm. �(4.1."
17. "Other specifications cannot be given now because of secrecy reasons.
is a sketch showing a-tearing gear and
*transmission or ins anii-tanx venicie aescribed in this reporis7
-- end --
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ENCLOSURE (2)
tt'-e*Q -12ND Conf Info Rpt ser 115-52 of 29 Ju1y._1952.
to DNI; subl: Description of an Antitank Vehicle -
.E.,,,�.,...4p10ved for Release: 2019/05/24 005979503