Neubaufahrzeug

The Panzerkampfwagen Neubaufahrzeug, German for new construction vehicle and a cover name, was a series of multi-turreted German tank prototypes, the first attempt at a medium tank for the German Army after Hitler came to power. Development began in 1932 from a specification for a 15-tonne medium tractor, reusing many parts of the earlier Grosstraktor. Rheinmetall designed the chassis, while Krupp was given the contract for a turret design that carried the 7.5 cm gun with the 3.7 cm gun beside it. Rheinmetall built two mild-steel trial tanks in 1934 and three armoured tanks followed in 1936, all with the Krupp-design turret. The tanks proved heavy and slow, with problems in the front drive and aero engine, and only five were made. They were used mainly for propaganda and training, three took part in the Battle of Norway in 1940, and none survived the war.