Jagdpanther – Research Breakthrough Part II - Inside Track | Renault TSF Tank Kent

As we reported in last week’s InsideTrack, our second Jagdpanther Fahrgestell Nummer 303110 was photographed sitting in the finishing hall of MNH shortly after the plant fell into Allied hands in April 1945. Clear for all to see was the Stahlblech Antennenfuss that replaced the rubber Antennenfuss Nr.2. Due to extreme shortages of rubber at this period of the war a decision had been made to eliminate rubber wherever possible. Steel tyred road wheels were gradually being introduced for Panzers but necessitated development of track capable of performing with these wheels. For semi-tracks, steel pads were introduced in 1944 for a trial period but quickly dropped. All rubber antenna mounts formerly used were to be replaced by a range of clever steel spring bases. When MNH was captured on the 9th April 1945 of there were 19 Jagdpanther already in production along with some 40 Panther. The six that were on the third and last Assembly line already were fitted with Stahlblech Antennenfuss as, of course, were the three completed Jagdpanther including our Fgst.Nr.303110 that were in the finishing Hall awaiting the installation of their 8,8cm guns. Unfortunately, for the MNH Panther it is not possible to establish if the Stahlblech Antennenfuss was being fitted because the engine covers, on which aerial was located, were one of the last items fitted. These Stahlblech Antennenfuss have been identified in photographs fitted on various types of vehicles that were involved in fighting during the final months of the War. To date these Stahlblech Antennenfuss have been seen on Jagdpanther, Jagdpanzer 38t, Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.D and Sd.Kfz.250 Ausf.B. At the Weald foundation we have examples of the large type that replaced the rubber Antennenfuss Nr.1. This Antennenfuss Nr.1 with a 20 mm diameter spigot in 1944/45 was associated with the Sternantenne D and the more powerful radios. We have examples of this on our Sd.Kfz.250/3 Ausf.B. . The smaller rubber Antennenfuss Nr.2 was originally introduced to provide a mount that used less rubber for the 1.4-meter rod (14 mm spigot). Later this was fitted with a 20 mm spigot and used for the 2-meter rod. The Smaller Stahlblech Antennenfuss in our collection will be used so this purpose on our second Jagdpanther. A coil spring is encased inside the circular metal case which is mounted on an insulated base. A shielded cable runs through the centre of the coil spring directly to the spigot. Attached see Hilary Doyle’s drawing comparing the Rubber and Stahlblech Antennenfuss and pictures of an example in the Foundation's Collection.

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