1945, but none were produced. Cancellation The Nazi high command thought that the production of the Heuschrecke would disrupt the production of the needed Panzers. The quantity of materials required for the construction of weapon-carriers were so great that companies like Krupp were told to halt production. The majority of weapon-carriers never left the production stage. The Heuschrecke was seen as interesting by the General Inspector of the Panzer Troops, Heinz Guderian, however, Guderian agreed that their development was not worth the disruption to tank production. The development of the Heuschrecke was therefore canceled in February 1943. Design Turret The distinguishing feature of the Heuschrecke was its removable turret. A lifting gantry attached to the chassis could remove the turret for use on concrete fortifications or the ground. Although the howitzer could equally be fired from the chassis, the vehicle was designed to carry the artillery piece to a firing emplacement for removal before usage. The turretless vehicle could be used as an ammunition carrier or recovery vehicle. The prototype turret was armed with the 105 mm leFH 18/1 L/28. The production models, however, were to have the 105 mm leFH 43 L/28. Chassis and engine The Heuschrecke consisted of a welded steel hull, with thickness ranging from 10 to 25 millimeters, and sloped armour to deflect incoming fire more effectively. It had a large ammunition stowage, making it one of the chosen ammunition-carriers to help alleviate losses of ammunition that could not otherwise be transported. The original prototype engine was the twelve-cylinder Maybach HL90, but for the production models, the twelve-cylinder Maybach HL100 was chosen. Surviving vehicle It is believed only one Heuschrecke survived the war. This sole survivor was originally on display at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. It was transferred from there to the Fort Sill Field Artillery Museum in Fort Sill, Oklahoma along with several other World War II self-propelled guns. Shortly after its arrival at Fort Sill in 2012, the Grasshopper 10 was restored by the Fort Sill Directorate of Logistics paint shop. Specification comparison See also Self-propelled artillery References External links William Maloney The Shadock's website SVSM Image 1 and SVSM Image 2 World War II self-propelled artillery of Germany 105 mm artillery