This Surviving Jagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer 75mm Stuk 40 tank destroyer used to be positioned outside the Ardennes 44 War Museum in Bras, Belgium. Unfortunately the Museum closed in Dec 2017. It is not know yet where the tank destroyer's new home will be. The G-13 designation means that it was built after WW2 for the Swiss Army.

G13 Hetzer tank destroyer outside the Ardennes 44 War Museum in Bras, Belgium.

Location

The Bastogne Ardennes 44 Museum is now closed down.

G13 Hetzer tank destroyer outside the Ardennes 44 War Museum in Bras, Belgium.

Specifications

The Hetzer Tank Destroyer was based on the Czech built Panzer 38(T) tank Chassis. It first saw operational service on the Eastern front in July 1944. Hetzers were used in the Ardennes Offensive. They were powered by a Praga 6-cylinder 7.8 litres petrol engine that produced 158 hp. It had a top road Speed of 42 km/h (26 mph) and had an operational range of around 177 km (110 miles) before the crew needed to refuel.

The WW2 Hetzer was armed with a 75mm Pak 39 L/48 gun. The post war G-13 Hetzer tank was armed with a 75mm StuK 40 gun and was fitted with a muzzle brake to reduce recoil and increase the life of the gun barrel. A 7.96mm MG 34 machine gun could be mounted on the roof. It required a crew of four: Commander, Driver, Gunner and Loader. The Hetzer's armour thickness ranged from 8mm to 60mm but being sloped helped increase the protection it offered from enemy shells.

G13 Hetzer tank destroyer outside the Ardennes 44 War Museum in Bras, Belgium.

Battle of the Bulge books