Grille (artillery)

The 15 cm sIG 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t), also known as Grille (German: "cricket") was a series of self-propelled artillery vehicles used by Nazi Germany during World War II.

The Grille series was based on the Czech Panzer 38(t) tank chassis and used a 15 cm sIG 33 infantry gun.

[1] The 15 cm (5.9 in) schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (heavy infantry gun) was mounted in the front of this armored compartment.

[1] A total of 200 (including one prototype) were produced in the BMM (erstwhile ČKD Praga) factory in Prague from February to June 1943, and 10 more units were built in November 1943.

[2] The second Grille variant was very similar to the Marder III Ausf M, using the same modified Panzer 38(t) chassis which was specifically re-designed for self-propelled mounts.

The engine was relocated to the center of the vehicle behind an extended sloped glacis plate, both permitting the gun to be mounted at the rear and better protecting the crew.

Side view of Grille Ausf. H