Border model BT032 1:35 Hummel early Production - Sd.Kfz.165

The Hummel was designed as a self-propelled howitzer to cooperate with tanks and mechanized infantry in German armored divisions and armored grenadiers. Its chassis was based on elements taken from tanks: the PzKpfw III Ausf J and the PzKpfw IV Ausf F. The fighting compartment was located at the rear of the fuselage, the engine was placed in the middle, while the driver and radio operator were at the front. Only one version of the Hummel howitzer was created, but in later series the hull was slightly lengthened, which gave more space for the crew at the front of the vehicle. The Hummel is considered one of the best German self-propelled howitzers of World War II. Its serial production took place at the Deutsche Eisenwerke factories in Duisburg. The vehicle was first used in combat on the Eastern Front in 1943, and it was widely deployed during the Battle of Kursk (July 1943), but it quickly found its way to both the Italian front and—from 1944—the Western Front.