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First in mid 1942, a Selbstfahrlafette - self propelled gun chassis - for the 15 cm schwere Feldhaubitze 18 was demanded. To met this demand in time, the Panzerkampfwagen III/IV chassis combined from components of the Panzerkampfwagen III and Panzerkampfwagen IV was created as interim solution in early 1943. In this chassis, the engine was located in the centre of the hull. The gun was mounted over the engine. This design resulted in a relatively high superstructure which was protected by thin armour plates all around. The fighting compartment was open to the top. This design was designated 15 cm sFH 18/1 auf Fgst. Panzer III/IV (Sf.) (Sd. Kfz. 165). The name Hummel was also assigned. From February 1943 to March 1945, altogether 713 of these self propelled artillery guns were made. Further ten vehicles were made by conversion.
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