German Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO) or Crawler Transporter East, armed with 7.5cm Pak40 anti-tank gun, was one of various interim solutions to provide self-propelled artillery for frontline troops and augment them with anti-tank capability to prevent "Tank Panic" (collapse of defensive line due to German troops lack of weapons to destroy incoming enemy armor thrusts).
Designated for Eastern Front combat to stem Soviet tank numerical superiority, it was excellent in concealed armor ambushes, but could not engage in dueling match with enemy tanks given its open fighting compartment.
Crew was also vulnerable to light caliber enemy fire, along with ever vaunted enemy Jabo or Tieflieger (enemy aircraft strafing/bomb runs), hence RSO also armed with MG42 machine gun on pedestal mount for AAA defense.
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http://uwemilitaria.org/2-Track/RSOpak40
http://uwemilitaria.org/2-Track/RSOpak40
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