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⚫ {{Infobox weapon
{{multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=October 2008}}
{{more footnotes|date=May 2012}}
}}

⚫ {{Infobox Weapon
|name= ''Leichter Panzerspähwagen'' |name= ''Leichter Panzerspähwagen''
| image= The British Army in North Africa 1941 E3776.jpg
|image= ]
| image_size = 300
|caption= British soldiers inspect a captured SdKfz 222, North Africa, 1941 |caption= British soldiers inspect a captured Sd.Kfz. 222, North Africa, 1941
|origin=Nazi Germany |origin=Nazi Germany
|type= ] |type= ] /
]
<!-- Type selection --> <!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged= |is_ranged=
Line 17: Line 14:
|is_vehicle=yes |is_vehicle=yes
|is_missile= |is_missile=
|is_UK=yes <!-- for ou spelling in infobox -->
|is_UK=
<!-- Service history --> <!-- Service history -->
|service= |service=
|used_by= ] |used_by= {{ubl|]|]}}
|wars= ] |wars= {{ubl|]|]}}
<!-- Production history --> <!-- Production history -->
|designer= Eisenwerk Weserhütte |designer= Eisenwerk Weserhütte
|design_date= |design_date=
|manufacturer= ], ] |manufacturer= {{ubl|]|]}}
|unit_cost= {{Reichsmark|23,420|link=yes}}{{cn|date=June 2021}}
|unit_cost=
|production_date= 1935 - 1944 |production_date= 1935&ndash;1944
|number= |number=2,394
|variants= |variants=
<!-- General specifications --> <!-- General specifications -->
|weight= 4,000&nbsp;kg |weight= {{convert|4,000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|length= {{convert|4.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |length= {{convert|4.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|part_length= |part_length=
|width= {{convert|1.95|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |width= {{convert|1.95|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|height= {{convert|1.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |height= {{convert|1.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|diameter= |diameter=
|crew=4 |crew=3
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications --> <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
|armour= 5 - 14.5 mm |armour= {{convert|5 |- |14.5| mm|abbr=on}}
|primary_armament= 1 × ] (for Sd.Kfz 221)<br/>1 × ] ] (for Sd.Kfz 222) |primary_armament= {{ubl|1 × ] machine gun (for Sd.Kfz 221)|1 × ] ] (for Sd.Kfz 222)}}
|secondary_armament= 1 × ] (for Sd.Kfz 222) |secondary_armament= 1 × ] (for Sd.Kfz 222)
|engine= ] 3.8 ] ] |engine= ] 3.8 ] ]
|engine_power= {{convert|90|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} |engine_power= {{convert|90|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}}
|transmission= |transmission=
|payload_capacity= |payload_capacity=
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|suspension=4x4 |suspension=4x4
|clearance= |clearance=
|vehicle_range= {{convert|300|km|0|abbr=on}} |vehicle_range= {{convert|350|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref>German Light Reconnaissance Vehicles Kfz.13 14, Sd.Kfz. 221, 222, 223, 260, 261, 247, 2509 Panhard 178 by Horst Scheibert page 48.</ref>
|speed= road: {{convert|80|km|0|abbr=on}}<br>cross-country: {{convert|40|km|0|abbr=on}} |speed= {{ubl|Road: {{convert|80|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}|Cross-country: {{convert|40|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}}}
|guidance= |guidance=
}} }}
] ]
The '''''Leichter Panzerspähwagen''''' (German: roughly "light armoured reconnaissance vehicle") were a series of light four-wheel drive ]s produced by ] from 1935 to 1944. The '''''Leichter Panzerspähwagen''''' (German: "light armoured ]") was a series of light ] ]s produced by ] from 1935 to 1944.


==Development history==
⚫ They were developed by ] of ] by using the chassis of type Horch&nbsp;108 ] with an angled armoured body and turret.
The '''] 221''' was the first in a series of light ] vehicles designed to meet operational requirements including reliability, an ability to run on a variety of grades of fuel, simple construction and good off-road performance. However, this type proved too small and too lightly armed, so in 1936-37 a heavier version was planned, using one of two standard chassis for four-wheeled armoured cars - one with a front-mounted engine, the other rear-mounted. The latter was used in the '''Sd.Kfz. 222''', which then became the standard light armoured car in German army service until the defeat of Nazi Germany.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title = Armoured Fighting Vehicles of World Wars I and II|last = Livesey|first = Jack|publisher = Anness Publishing Ltd|year = 2007|isbn = 978-1-84476-370-2|pages = 104}}</ref>

⚫ The vehicles were developed by ] of ] by using the chassis of the type ] (one of the '']'' standardised designs of heavy off-road car for the armed forces) with an angled armoured body and turret.


Chassis were built by ] (]) in ] and assembled by ] of ] and ] in ]-Linden. Chassis were built by ] (]) in ] and assembled by ] of ] and ] in ]-Linden.


The rear-mounted ] engine was a Horch ] (3.5 Litre: {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}; from 1939 on 3.8 Litre - {{convert|90|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}), giving it a road speed of {{convert|80|km/h|0|abbr=on}} and a cross-country speed of {{convert|40|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. It had a maximum range of {{convert|300|km|0|abbr=on}}. The rear-mounted ] engine was originally a 3.5 Litre Horch ] with {{convert|75|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} (Ausf. A chassis); from 1942, this was replaced by a 3.8 Litre with {{convert|90|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} (Ausf. B chassis), giving it a road speed of {{convert|80|km/h|0|abbr=on}} and a cross-country speed of {{convert|40|km/h|0|abbr=on}}. It had a maximum range of {{convert|300|km|0|abbr=on}}.


Used by the reconnaissance battalions (''Aufklärungs-Abteilung'') of the ]s, the type performed well enough in countries with good road networks, like those in Western Europe. However, on the ] and in ], this class of vehicle was hampered by its relatively poor off-road performance. In those theaters, it gradually found itself replaced in the reconnaissance role by the ] half-track. The Sdkfz 250/9 was the Sdkfz 250 with the same turret as the Sdfkz 222. Used by the reconnaissance battalions ('']'') of the ], the type performed well enough in countries with good road networks, like those in ]. However, on the ] and in the deserts of the ], this class of vehicle was hampered by its relatively poor off-road performance.


The Sd.Kfz. 222 was fitted with heavier armament and a larger ] than the Sd.Kfz. 221 but it was still comparatively cramped and lacked top protection other than a wire screen designed to allow ]s to roll off, but this made using the main armament problematic. The machine gun was mounted ] with the autocannon, and both weapons were ], and fitted with an elevation and traverse mechanism and floor-mounted firing mechanisms. The turret was rotated by the traversing weapons rather than the weapons being fixed to a traversing turret. There was thus no bearing-ring and no turret basket, only a fighting compartment largely obstructed by the breeches of the weapons.
The Sdkfz 222 was examined by Soviet designers before they created the similar ] light armoured car.


When the limitations of the vehicle were highlighted during the ] the Sd.Kfz. 222 was gradually replaced in the reconnaissance role by the ] half-track, but the turret and armament of the Sd Kfz 222 was sometimes retained, despite its shortcomings (the Sd.Kfz. 250/9 variant was a Sd.Kfz. 250 fitted with a top plate surmounted by the same turret and gun combination of the Sd.Kfz 222 fitted to the half-track)<ref name=":0" /> Captured Sd.Kfz 222s were examined by Soviet designers before they created the similar ] light armoured car.
⚫ Front and sides were made of {{convert|8|mm|1|abbr=on}} ]; thinner {{convert|5|mm|1|abbr=on}} plates protected the top, rear, and bottom. Cast vision ports later replaced ports cut into the armour. The open-topped ] was fitted with wire mesh anti-] screens.


⚫ Front and sides were made of {{convert|8|mm|1|abbr=on}} ]; thinner {{convert|5|mm|1|abbr=on}} plates protected the top, rear, and bottom. Cast vision ports later replaced ports cut into the armour. The open-topped ] was fitted with wire mesh anti-] screens. Beginning in 1939, the front armour was increased to {{convert|14.5|mm|1|abbr=on}}. In 1942, the Ausf.&nbsp;B chassis was introduced; this had 30&nbsp;mm of frontal armour, as well as a more powerful engine.
⚫ ==Variants==


⚫ ==Variants==
;SdKfz. 221 ;Sd. Kfz. 221
Base model and first production series of light armoured car built on a standardized chassis for military use. The Sdkfz. 221 was armed with a single ] ] ], manned by a two man crew, and had 4-wheel drive. Armour protection was originally 8&nbsp;mm thick, but increased to 14.5&nbsp;mm later in production.
Base model and first production series of light armoured car built on a standardised chassis for military use; full designation was ''Leichter&nbsp;Panzerspähwagen&nbsp;(M.G.)'' The Sd.Kfz. 221 was armed with a single ] ] ], replaced from 1938 onwards with a ]. It had a two-man crew (driver and commander/gunner), and was equipped with ]. Production ran from 1935 to 1940 with at least 339 vehicles produced. It was only produced with Ausf. A chassis and a maximum frontal armour of 14.5&nbsp;mm. Some Sd.&nbsp;Kfz&nbsp;221 were rearmed with a ] heavy ] in a modified turret.


;Sd. Kfz. 222
;SdKfz 221 ''mit 2.8cm'':
This version of the vehicle was armed with a ] ] and one MG 13 machine gun; full designation was ''Leichter&nbsp;Panzerspähwagen&nbsp;(2&nbsp;cm)''. The crew was increased to three by the addition of a gunner, relieving the commander of that task. In 1938, the MG 13 was replaced by an MG 34, and in 1942 the KwK 30 was replaced by the faster-firing KwK 38 of the same calibre. Production ran from 1937 to late 1943, with at least 990 vehicles produced.
Armed with a ] "heavy anti-tank rifle" in a modified turret.


;SdKfz. 222 ;Sd. Kfz. 223
An armoured car with similar features to the Sd. Kfz. 221, but with the addition of a frame antenna and a 30-watt ''FuG 10'' medium-range radio set; full designation was ''Leichter&nbsp;Panzerspähwagen&nbsp;(Fu)''. Later versions of the vehicle were equipped with an improved 80-watt ''FuG'' ''12'' radio set. It was originally armed with an MG 13 machine gun, but in 1938 this was changed to an MG 34. The three-man crew consisted of a driver, commander and radio operator. Production ran from 1936 to January 1944, with at least 567 vehicles produced.
This version of the vehicle was armed with a ] ] and a 7.92&nbsp;mm MG34 ].
Crew increased to three by the addition of a gunner, relieving the commander of that task.


;SdKfz. 223 ''Panzerfunkwagen'' ;''Kleiner Panzerfunkwagen'' Sd. Kfz. 260/261
Unarmed ] car versions with long-range radio equipment and a large "bed-frame" antenna over the vehicle. Generally for signals use, three were used as armoured cars in ].<ref>''Panzers in Finland'', Kari Kuusela, 2000</ref> The Sd.&nbsp;Kfz&nbsp;260 was equipped with radio sets to communicate with aircraft, and the Sd.Kfz. 261 with radio sets to communicate with other ground units. By 1 September 1940, the manufacturers had orders for 36 Sd.Kfz. 260 and 289 Sd.Kfz. 261. Production ran from April 1941 to April 1943, with 483 vehicles of both types produced.
A ] car version, armed like the 221 with a 7.92&nbsp;mm MG34 machine gun. Included additional radio equipment, and had a large "bed-frame" antenna over the vehicle. Over 500 of the SdKfz 223 were produced.


⚫ ==Users==
;''Kleiner Panzerfunkwage''n SdKfz 260
⚫ *{{Flag|Nazi Germany|name=Germany}}

*{{flagcountry|Republic of China (1912-1949)}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Chinese Civil War Armies 1911–49|series=Men-at-Arms 306|first= Philip|last= Jowett|date= 15 Jul 1997|isbn=9781855326651 |publisher=]|page=41}}</ref> (15 in total, mostly SdKfz 222, two SdKfz 221, at least one SdKfz 260)
;''Kleiner Panzerfunkwagen'' SdKfz 261
*{{Flag|Kingdom of Bulgaria|name=Bulgaria}}<ref name="B&B40">{{cite magazine|language=fr|title=''Le Blindorama : La genèse de la force blindée bulgare 1935 – 1943''|magazine=Batailles & Blindés|issue=40|date=December 2010|publisher=Caraktère|issn=1765-0828|first=Mathieu|last=Boisdron|pages=4–7}}</ref>
An unarmed ] car version. Included additional radio equipment, and had a large "bed-frame" antenna over the vehicle. Generally used for signals use, three were used as armoured cars in Finland.<ref>''Panzers in Finland'', Kari Kuusela, 2000</ref>
*{{Flag|Kingdom of Romania|name=Romania}} (see ])

⚫ ==User==
⚫ *{{Flag|Nazi Germany}}
*{{ROC}}
*{{Flag|Romania}}


==Notes and references== ==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}

⚫ *{{cite web |url=http://www.wwiivehicles.com/germany/armored-cars/sdKfz-221.asp |work=World War II Vehicles, Tanks and airplanes |title=Germany's Panzersp&auml;hwagen SdKfz 221 Armored Cars}}
* {{Cite book|last=Perrett|first=Bryan|title=German Armoured Cars and Reconnaissance Half-Tracks 1939–45|publisher=Osprey Publishing|year=1999|isbn=9781855328495|series=New Vanguard 29}}
⚫ *{{cite web |url=http://www.wwiivehicles.com/germany/armored-cars/sdKfz-222.asp |work=World War II Vehicles, Tanks and airplanes |title=Germany's Panzersp&auml;hwagen SdKfz 222, Panzerfunkwagen SdKfz 223 Armored Cars}}

⚫ *{{cite web |url=http://www.wwiivehicles.com/germany/armored-cars/sdKfz-221.asp |work=World War II Vehicles, Tanks and airplanes |title=Germany's Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 221 Armored Cars}}
⚫ *{{cite web |url=http://www.wwiivehicles.com/germany/armored-cars/sdKfz-222.asp |work=World War II Vehicles, Tanks and airplanes |title=Germany's Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 222, Panzerfunkwagen SdKfz 223 Armored Cars}}


==External links== ==External links==
Line 108: Line 107:
{{WWIIRomanianAFVs}} {{WWIIRomanianAFVs}}


{{italictitle}} {{italic title}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Leichter Panzerspahwagen}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Leichter Panzerspahwagen}}
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 10:27, 19 November 2024

Armored car / Scout car
Leichter Panzerspähwagen
British soldiers inspect a captured Sd.Kfz. 222, North Africa, 1941
TypeArmored car / Scout car
Place of originNazi Germany
Service history
Used by
Wars
Production history
DesignerEisenwerk Weserhütte
Manufacturer
Unit cost23,420 ℛ︁ℳ︁
Produced1935–1944
No. built2,394
Specifications
Mass4,000 kg (8,800 lb)
Length4.8 m (15 ft 9 in)
Width1.95 m (6 ft 5 in)
Height1.7 m (5 ft 7 in)
Crew3
Armour5–14.5 mm (0.20–0.57 in)
Main
armament
Secondary
armament		1 × Maschinengewehr 34 (for Sd.Kfz 222)
EngineHorch 3.8 V8 petrol
90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp)
Suspension4x4
Operational
range		350 km (220 mi)
Maximum speed
  • Road: 80 km/h (50 mph)
  • Cross-country: 40 km/h (25 mph)
Sd.Kfz. 222 in private collection.

The Leichter Panzerspähwagen (German: "light armoured reconnaissance vehicle") was a series of light four-wheel drive armoured cars produced by Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1944.

Development history

The Sd.Kfz. 221 was the first in a series of light reconnaissance vehicles designed to meet operational requirements including reliability, an ability to run on a variety of grades of fuel, simple construction and good off-road performance. However, this type proved too small and too lightly armed, so in 1936-37 a heavier version was planned, using one of two standard chassis for four-wheeled armoured cars - one with a front-mounted engine, the other rear-mounted. The latter was used in the Sd.Kfz. 222, which then became the standard light armoured car in German army service until the defeat of Nazi Germany.

The vehicles were developed by Eisenwerk Weserhütte of Bad Oeynhausen by using the chassis of the type Horch 108 (one of the Einheits-PKW der Wehrmacht standardised designs of heavy off-road car for the armed forces) with an angled armoured body and turret.

Chassis were built by Horch (Auto Union) in Zwickau and assembled by F. Schichau of Elbing and Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen in Hanover-Linden.

The rear-mounted petrol engine was originally a 3.5 Litre Horch V8 with 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) (Ausf. A chassis); from 1942, this was replaced by a 3.8 Litre with 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) (Ausf. B chassis), giving it a road speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). It had a maximum range of 300 km (186 mi).

Used by the reconnaissance battalions (Aufklärungs-Abteilung) of the Panzer divisions, the type performed well enough in countries with good road networks, like those in Western Europe. However, on the Eastern Front and in the deserts of the North African campaign, this class of vehicle was hampered by its relatively poor off-road performance.

The Sd.Kfz. 222 was fitted with heavier armament and a larger turret than the Sd.Kfz. 221 but it was still comparatively cramped and lacked top protection other than a wire screen designed to allow grenades to roll off, but this made using the main armament problematic. The machine gun was mounted co-axially with the autocannon, and both weapons were pintle-mounted, and fitted with an elevation and traverse mechanism and floor-mounted firing mechanisms. The turret was rotated by the traversing weapons rather than the weapons being fixed to a traversing turret. There was thus no bearing-ring and no turret basket, only a fighting compartment largely obstructed by the breeches of the weapons.

When the limitations of the vehicle were highlighted during the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 the Sd.Kfz. 222 was gradually replaced in the reconnaissance role by the Sd.Kfz. 250 half-track, but the turret and armament of the Sd Kfz 222 was sometimes retained, despite its shortcomings (the Sd.Kfz. 250/9 variant was a Sd.Kfz. 250 fitted with a top plate surmounted by the same turret and gun combination of the Sd.Kfz 222 fitted to the half-track) Captured Sd.Kfz 222s were examined by Soviet designers before they created the similar BA-64 light armoured car.

Front and sides were made of 8 mm (0.3 in) RHA; thinner 5 mm (0.2 in) plates protected the top, rear, and bottom. Cast vision ports later replaced ports cut into the armour. The open-topped turret was fitted with wire mesh anti-grenade screens. Beginning in 1939, the front armour was increased to 14.5 mm (0.6 in). In 1942, the Ausf. B chassis was introduced; this had 30 mm of frontal armour, as well as a more powerful engine.

Variants

Sd. Kfz. 221

Base model and first production series of light armoured car built on a standardised chassis for military use; full designation was Leichter Panzerspähwagen (M.G.) The Sd.Kfz. 221 was armed with a single 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr (MG) 13 machine gun, replaced from 1938 onwards with a Maschinengewehr (MG) 34. It had a two-man crew (driver and commander/gunner), and was equipped with four-wheel drive. Production ran from 1935 to 1940 with at least 339 vehicles produced. It was only produced with Ausf. A chassis and a maximum frontal armour of 14.5 mm. Some Sd. Kfz 221 were rearmed with a 2.8 cm sPzB 41 heavy anti-tank rifle in a modified turret.

Sd. Kfz. 222

This version of the vehicle was armed with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 autocannon and one MG 13 machine gun; full designation was Leichter Panzerspähwagen (2 cm). The crew was increased to three by the addition of a gunner, relieving the commander of that task. In 1938, the MG 13 was replaced by an MG 34, and in 1942 the KwK 30 was replaced by the faster-firing KwK 38 of the same calibre. Production ran from 1937 to late 1943, with at least 990 vehicles produced.

Sd. Kfz. 223

An armoured car with similar features to the Sd. Kfz. 221, but with the addition of a frame antenna and a 30-watt FuG 10 medium-range radio set; full designation was Leichter Panzerspähwagen (Fu). Later versions of the vehicle were equipped with an improved 80-watt FuG 12 radio set. It was originally armed with an MG 13 machine gun, but in 1938 this was changed to an MG 34. The three-man crew consisted of a driver, commander and radio operator. Production ran from 1936 to January 1944, with at least 567 vehicles produced.

Kleiner Panzerfunkwagen Sd. Kfz. 260/261

Unarmed radio car versions with long-range radio equipment and a large "bed-frame" antenna over the vehicle. Generally for signals use, three were used as armoured cars in Finland. The Sd. Kfz 260 was equipped with radio sets to communicate with aircraft, and the Sd.Kfz. 261 with radio sets to communicate with other ground units. By 1 September 1940, the manufacturers had orders for 36 Sd.Kfz. 260 and 289 Sd.Kfz. 261. Production ran from April 1941 to April 1943, with 483 vehicles of both types produced.

Users

Notes and references

  1. German Light Reconnaissance Vehicles Kfz.13 14, Sd.Kfz. 221, 222, 223, 260, 261, 247, 2509 Panhard 178 by Horst Scheibert page 48.
  2. ^ Livesey, Jack (2007). Armoured Fighting Vehicles of World Wars I and II. Anness Publishing Ltd. p. 104. ISBN 978-1-84476-370-2.
  3. Panzers in Finland, Kari Kuusela, 2000
  4. Jowett, Philip (15 July 1997). Chinese Civil War Armies 1911–49. Men-at-Arms 306. Osprey Publishing. p. 41. ISBN 9781855326651.
  5. Boisdron, Mathieu (December 2010). "Le Blindorama : La genèse de la force blindée bulgare 1935 – 1943". Batailles & Blindés (in French). No. 40. Caraktère. pp. 4–7. ISSN 1765-0828.
  • Perrett, Bryan (1999). German Armoured Cars and Reconnaissance Half-Tracks 1939–45. New Vanguard 29. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 9781855328495.

External links

German armoured fighting vehicles of World War II
Tanks
Self-propelled artillery
Assault guns
Tank destroyers
(Panzerjäger, Jagdpanzer)
Half-tracks
Armored cars
Self-propelled
anti-aircraft guns
Demolition vehicles
Experimental/prototype vehicles
Proposed designs
Designations
German armored fighting vehicle production during World War II
Kingdom of Romania Romanian armored fighting vehicles of World War II
Tanks
Tank destroyers
Assault guns
Half-tracks
Armored cars
Armored carriers
Prototypes
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