[TreadHead]

The 251/rak is definitely a retrofit kit that could be added to a SdKfz 251 model A, B, C, or D. Per Gander, "the Schweres Wurfrahmen 40 [SWR 40] was designed by the J.Gast KG. of Berlin-Lichtenberg during 1940 for mounting on the Sd Kfz 251 and 251/1." Combined with the standard 28 & 32cm rockets fired right from their wood or metal "packkiste" packing/launch crate, you've got a big but admittedly inaccurate hammer. I don't recommend these for final protective fires!

I agree about using these for killing/suppressing AT guns and strongpoints. I take the "battery" of four from the campaign/battle unit selection combined with an ammo vehicle, and have two on the firing line in good overwatch positions of the Schwerpunkt while the other two are reloading. Just don't try to reload where you had been shooting before....displace to a new covered spot to avoid counter-battery. Keep AAA assets in the area, too. Similar tactics can be used with the various Grille 15cm SIG mounts.

No figures that I could find (yet) on how many of these kits went out to the field, but Gander goes on to state, "Sd Kfz 251 half-tracks carrying the SWR 40 were widely used in Russia, especially during the sieges of Stalingrad and Leningrad. They were also encountered in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, and NW Europe." Given that it's a kit, and readily available, the only limitation would be a source of the ammo for your Kampfgruppe's enterprising supply sergeant to get his hand on. Those Tokarev pistols you've been capturing from mopping up retreating crews trade well with the rocket batteries in the rear areas....

Ross