The value of self-propelled artillery had been recognized from the start of creating a mechanized German army. The first organization chart for a trial Panzer-Division in 1934 included an Artillerie-Abteilung with three batteries, each with four self-propelled 10.5 cm howitzers. However, due to limited funds and other priorities, the first battery of self-propelled 10.5 cm howitzers wasn't given to a Panzer-Division until late in 1942. In fact due to the inability to decide on a production series design, this first battery was the last to be fielded on a chassis specifically designed as a self-propelled carriage. In 1942, Wa Pruef 4 and representatives from the artillery established basic tactical requirements for future self-propelled artillery designs. These four basic tactical requirements were: 1) relatively high speed compared to a Panzer, 2) readiness for instant action, 3) all-round traverse, and 4) the gun to be dismountable for employment on the ground. Experience in the Russian campaign had proved the importance of the demand for all-round traverse because the tactics employed by the Panzers created situations in which attack was to be expected from every quarter. The demand for all-round firing ability could not be fulfilled by turning the vehicle, which was considered to be both too inaccurate and too slow.
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