To show you where the journey is heading, I’d like to share a bit more information about the units in Red Horizon 41 – Revised Edition…
Until the launch of our campaign, Erich and I are delighted to give you a bit of insight into the world of the Assault System. To that end, we’ll be sharing detailed information about the game with you at regular intervals. The Units Spotlight is intended to focus specifically on the units in the new Red Horizon 41 – Revised Edition.
Today, we’re looking at a particularly exciting unit—one that can have a decisive impact on the course of the game – your enemies infantry will fear this unit: the German sIG33 Bison. Let’s take a closer look.
Historical Context – Operational Role:
In 1939, the Wehrmacht began converting surplus Panzer I chassis to carry the powerful 15 cm 15 cm sIG 33. The turret was removed and replaced with a complete heavy infantry gun mounted on the hull.
To protect the crew, box-shaped frontal and side armour plates were added. This improvised solution resulted in a very tall silhouette and a top-heavy vehicle—far from ideal under fire. Mobility was limited, and mechanical strain on the chassis was considerable.
Despite these drawbacks, the vehicle—often referred to as the Sturmpanzer I “Bison”—fulfilled a clear operational need: direct, mobile heavy fire support for infantry units.
Its primary roles included:
- Destroying fortified positions and strongpoints
- Engaging buildings and defensive nests in urban combat
- Providing close-range artillery support during assaults
On the Eastern Front, particularly in the early campaigns, the Bison’s 15 cm shells were devastating against field fortifications and entrenched defenders. While vulnerable and mechanically fragile, it delivered heavy firepower precisely where infantry commanders needed it most.
The last vehicles remained in service in Russia until 1943, marking the end of this early-war improvisation—but also demonstrating the Wehrmacht’s urgent effort to combine mobility with heavy infantry support firepower.
Key Facts / Design Basis:
- In Service: From 1939 onwards
- Classification: Support Tank
- Weight: 8.5 tons
- Speed: 40 km/h on road, 19 km/h off-road
- Armament: 150 mm sIG33 L/11.4
- Armor: Front (13mm), flank (13mm), rear lower hull (13mm), Top (open)
- Number built: 38
- Tactical Notes: Comparable with: T-35C 1939, Strength: superior firepower vs infantry and artillery units
- Weaknesses: low armor protection
Special Ability:
This unit had two key disadvantages in its design. We translated these characteristics—no turret and a high silhouette—into the game through unit-specific special rules:
- No turret: This unit has to change its facing to fire outside its arc of fire.
- Tall silhouette: When defending, +1 to spotting rolls for the attacker.
This unit provides you with powerful firepower against soft targets and fortifications. However, due to its weak armour, it is highly vulnerable to anti-tank weapons. Do not leave the Bison without protection.
We hope you enjoyed this brief overview. If so, stay tuned to discover which other units are included in this fantastic box.
Kind regards,
Wolfgang and Erich