DW (Durchbruchwagen) I/II(Breakthrough / Heavy Tank)

In continuation with the development of the DW I/II and VK3001(H) tanks, on January 19th of 1939, Henschel was ordered to develop a heavy 65-ton class tank with similar layout to BW (Bataillonfuhrerwagen). Designated as Schwere Wagen (Sturmwagen) VK6501(H), it was intended to be a heavier version of Panzerkampfwagen IV. Krupp was put in charge of the turret development and production. Three different armament configurations were considered - 75mm KwK L/24, 75mm KwK L/40 and 105mm KwK L/20. In June of 1939, first configuration was accepted and in March of 1940, it was decided that the turret to be used was to be a modified turret used on DW (Durchbruchwagen) tanks. In April of 1940, wooden model was produced and Krupp was ordered to produce first trial turret.

Armament consisted of the turret mounted 75mm KwK 40 L/24 and 7.92mm MG34 (modified DW turret) and small turret mounted in the hull armed with 7.92mm MG34 (some sources state there were to be two small turrets). Prototype and early models were to be protected by 80mm thick armor, while production models were to be protected by 100mm thick armor. The running gear consisted of ten interleaved road-wheels and three return rollers with 800mm wide tracks. The maximum speed was to be between 20 and 25km/h. For transportation purposes, VK6501(H) could be taken apart into three main modules: forward module with driver's compartment and transmission, fighting compartment and the engine compartment. Also for transportation reasons, special heavy truck Faun L900D/567 (6x4) (equipped with two Demag LK 5S cranes) was developed but never produced along with flatbed trailers.

On September 1st of 1939, 0-Serie was ordered to be produced. Assembly was to be done by Henschel, while armor, turret and armament were to be provided by Krupp. In mid 1940, work on mild steel prototype began but entire project was halted in October of 1940. In mid 1941, turretless prototype was completed and delivered for testing at Sennelager proving grounds. VK6501(H) prototype was never completed with the turret and in late 1941, entire project was cancelled and scrapped in 1942, in favour of the development of VK3601(H). The main reason for cancellation was the fact that the vehicle due to its size and weight was considered to be tactically and logistically problematic in deployment and use.

Specifications