Wehrmacht used three remotely operated demolition tanks: the light Goliath (Sd.Kfz. 302/303a/303b), the medium Springer (Sd.Kfz. 304) and the heavy Borgward IV (Sd.Kfz. 301). The Borgward IV was the largest of the vehicles and the only one capable of releasing its explosives before detonating; the two smaller vehicles were destroyed when their explosive charges detonated.
Borgward originally developed the B IV as an ammunition carrier, but it was found unsuitable. It was also tested as a remote minesweeper, but was too vulnerable to mines and too expensive. During the Battle of France, German engineers from the 1st Panzer Division converted 10 Panzer I Ausf Bs into demolition and mine clearing vehicles, using them to place timed charges on bunkers or minefields without losing the vehicle. The Waffenamt found the idea valuable, and ordered the B IV’s development as a remote-controlled demolition vehicle. The first vehicles were delivered in 1942.[1]
The Borgward IV was much heavier than the Goliath, and carried a much larger payload. The Borgward IV was operated by radio and the Goliath was wire guided, due to the Borgward IV’s much longer range a driver in the vehicle would bring it independently to its destination before dismounting. Actual control during an attack was done from an armored fighting vehicle. The original vehicle used was the Panzer III tank. Then the StuG III/G and finally the Tiger IE. These vehicles had added radio equipment and the controller directed the BIV to its target by radio. When it reached the target, the vehicle would drop the charge and leave the danger area. While the Borgward IV was armored, its armor was only 8mm in the A and B versions and 20mm in the C version, enough to protect it from small arms and splinters but inadequate to protect it from anti-tank rifles or light anti-tank guns. It was larger than the Goliath, which made it much easier to spot and target. Like the Goliath in order to drive it remotely the controller had to see both the target and the carrier.
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Borgward IV ausf C
found in scrapyard in Germany, we have all wheels, track, rear piece of armor with original number plate, and front gear. Many pieces have to be reconstructed, however Borgward ausf C does not exist in the world, and even in this condition it bears significant importance for history.
it would be restored as a classical Borgward Ausf C or version Wanze for Battle of Berlin.
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