Background on the Semovente da 105/25
The Semovente da 105/25, also known as the “Bassotto” (Dachshund) is considered to be the most powerful Italian Self-Propelled Guns (SPG) built during World War Two. It utilized a 105 mm 25 caliber howitzer on an M43 chassis. This chassis was the same as the M15-42 but widened 7.9 feet (2.4 meters). The hull superstructure had 70mm of armor protection and the rest of the vehicle’s armor ranging from 25 mm to 50 mm.
![Semovente da 105/25](https://comandosupremo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Semovente-da-105-25.jpg)
Semovente da 105/25
The Semovente da 105/25 came into production on 02 April 1943. The Italian Army put in an order of 200 units, but only 12-30 were delivered before the Armistice. The Semovente 105/25 proved its effectiveness when the 135th Armored Division “Ariete II” utilized them against the Germans near Rome following the Armistice.
The 105/25 had welded plates with the exception of the front slope and casemate which continued using bolts and rivets.
The 105 mm howitzer had a 36° horizontal traverse and a -10° to +18° vertical traverse. Secondary armament consisted of an 8mm Breda 38 machine gun.
![A size comparison of the Semovente da 75/18 (L) and Semovente da 105/25 (R).](https://comandosupremo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Semovente-7518-and-Semovente-da-10525-1024x490.png)
A size comparison of the Semovente da 75/18 (L) and Semovente da 105/25 (R).
German Use
The Germans built an additional 91 units after 08 September 1943 and renamed them the StuG M43 mit 105/25 853 (i). They were used effectively against the Allies in Italy.
Variants
Semovente da 75/34 M43: The Semovente da 75/34 M43 did not see Italian service. The Germans designated it the StuG M43 mit 75/34 (851) (i) and between 11 to 52 units were produced.
![Semovente da 75/46 M43.](https://comandosupremo.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/semovente-da-75-46-1.jpg)
Semovente da 75/46 M43.
Semovente da 75/46 M43: The Semovente da 75/46 M43 was the last Tank Destroyer built in Italy after the armistice. With a three-man crew, it utilized a 75/46 C.A. Mod. 1934 / Mod. 40 with 40 rounds. The muzzle velocity increased to 750 mp vice 510 mps and could pierce 90 mm of armor from 500 m. The turret had a -12° to + 22° vertical and a 34 ° horizontal traverse. A Breda Mod 38 machine gun with 500 rounds served as secondary armament. Eleven to thirteen units were built between 1943-1944. The Germans designated it the StuG M43 mit 75/46 (852) (i).
Specifications
Specifications | Semovente da 105/25 |
---|---|
Class | Self-Propelled Gun |
Armor | 25 mm to 70 mm |
Range | 120 miles (200 km) |
Weight | 15.8 Tons |
Length | 16.7 ft (5.1 m) |
Width | 7.9 ft (2.4 m) |
Height | 5.57 ft (1.7 m) |
Armament | 105 mm 25 caliber howitzer with 48 rounds 8 mm Breda 38 machine gun with 864 rounds |
Crew | 3 |
Speed | 23.6 mph (38 km/h) |
Powerplant | 12-litre SPA 15 TB with 190 HP |
Muzzle Velocity | 1,673 fps (510 mps) |