Panther tank suspension and torsion bar details

[SquirrelFromGradLife]

The Germans had hydraulic suspension for their 88mm gun recoil system. I wonder why they didn't use that system to make a lighter system. Maybe it would have been impossible to service inside the tank though.

[DonMeaker]

The torsion bar suspension on Panther made the tank higher, and when armored, heavier. That is why to match a 33 ton Sherman or T-34 the Germans fielded a 45 ton Panther

[redreaper2020]

oh...one bar is twisted, and it's geared to the second bar on the opposite end.

Seems kinda pointless...why wouldn't you just use one lighter torsion bar?

[RandyBriscoe]

@redreaper2020 A light, or lighter bar, would not hold the weight of the vehicle. The two bars are held, fixed in place, in a supporting "block" type structure. In the center of that block, between the two torsion bars, is a supporting Pin (shaft) and Bearing. This Pin, anchored in the hull wall, allows the block to rotate several degrees (15-20?) vertical, up or down. The first bar twists and then rotates the block, causing the second bar to twist. They also both deflect adding more "spring".

[49bobbyk]

Really great to see that set up. Thank you.

[RandyBriscoe]

caddydave, could please provide the length, diameter and center to center mounted distance between the bars? It would really help out as I have no access to the interior of any Panthers. I can't find diameter or other dimensions in print either. Thanks

[planejack777]

@RandyBriscoe Hey any response to your request for the diameter, length, and center to center distance from Dave? I too need this info. Thanks

[DirtySaltyBug]

Your one minute video just answered a lot of questions to as what colours I can use to paint the suspension on my model panthers. Thank you.

[Danny77uk]

What was German obsession with front drive sprockets? They have to be powered by an shaft running the length of the tank to the gearbox which raises the height and complexity. I've noticed the Japanese did the same thing. Why?

[raticide2002]

@Danny77uk the macanics have to be fitted in a steel shell, so if the drive was at usual high, they should add the space taken by the sheel shell + the thickness of the drive, that is not much room left between the ground, not enough.

Because it's not wheeled but chains, they can make the main drive higher to solve simply the problem. In addition, a higher front may help climb over higher obstacles, so they place it at the front.

[RandyBriscoe]

usable, safe access hatches for driver / radio operator. If you put the transmission and engine together in the rear, the turret most move forward (like in the T34). It's not "obsession", it's physics and the resulting engineering compromises of the time period.

[ml191172]

@Danny77uk the idlerwheel cleans off the belt before the drive- sprocket. Also there was no need for return- rollers as the belt tensioned itself (the t34 also has no retun- rollers, but has rear- sprocket drive. However the belt slammed across the wheels on the return ). Another factor was a desire to make a stable gun platform,- the turret is almost in the centre of gravity on these tanks. Ity was also easy to take out power from the driveshaft for use in the turret- drive, and other things.

[kaveebee]

Great Restoration Job!

32 Torsion Bars! Mechanics Nightmare!

I notice that Panzer 3's and Stug 3's use torsion bars as well. Do they cross over the floor of the Hull in the same manner as the Panther?

[RandyBriscoe]

no, only the Panther has this set up. The Tigers don't use it either.

[dvdprui]

@RandyBriscoe So, pretty much, one bogie goes across on the bar, twists, and a second bar returns, to give mor emotion? seems it'd be a better use to make each bogie paired, so that the first bogie pushes the second down when it goes up, for easier articulationa nd a lighter overall suspension (less mass needed).

How does hte tiger one work excatly?

[CAPTAINQUINN]

wonderful post. thank you.

[cambo1200]

Very interesting. Was this the first use of torsion bars in a tank? My old Plymouth used torsion bars and that seemed unique, but I guess they just copied the Germans!