In 1935, Erich von Manstein of the German Army General Staff, in a letter to General Ludwig Beck, described the idea of building assault artillery to support attacking infantry units. Five prototypes of the "zero" series were manufactured in 1937. Early modifications from Ausf.A to Ausf.F/8 were produced until December 1942.
Loader
Radio Operator
StuG III Ausf. B
Maybach HL 108 TR
FuG 5
7,5 cm Kanone L/24
StuG III Ausf. E
Maybach HL 120 TR
FuG 7
7,5 cm Stu.K. 40 L/43
Maybach HL 120 TRM
10,5 cm Stu.H. 42 L/28
7,5 cm Pak 39 L/48
Characteristics are specified for vehicles with crews trained to 100%.