The original purpose for the curved-barrel device was apparently related to
requirements for close-quarters weapons for fighting in buildings and out of trenches.
An additional requirement was generated for adaping the curved-barrel principle to the
defence of combat vehicles. This device would protect a vehicle from enemy troops who
could approach the "blind spots" of the vehicle in order to attempt to use "Molotov Cocktails"
or set magnetic mines.
As the MP43, MP44, STG44, weapon series has a comparatively low cyclic rate of full automatic fire
(500 to 800 rpm) with the 7.92X33MM low powered cartridge (2250 FPS muzzle velocity), and as it was
intended to be the principle infantry weapon, it became the logical weapon for the curved-barrel program.
Infantry and tank requirements were different in that much greater deflection was demanded for tank use.
Ultimately, 30 degrees of deflection was determined for infantry use. This was known as Krummlauf J, and
assigned the code name "Versatz J". For tank use 90 degrees of deflection was concluded to be the angle
which would meet the needs. This unit was assigned the code name "Versatz P". The tube was clamped in a mount
consisting of a ball unit, free floating in a cup joint. The mount could be assembled into a vehicle.
I have never seen a tank picture with this weapon mounted in place. If anyone has seen
this picture at another military web site could you e-mail me the address?
Or if you possess the picture would you send me a copy? Thanks!
