Vehicles of the Wehrmacht

Vehicles of the Wehrmacht 1939-1945

Leichte Panzerspähwagen (MG)
Sd.Kfz.221

Sd.Kfz.221 was developed in 1934 as a light armored car for reconnaissance duties and as a replacement for Kfz.13/14. The vehicle was based on standard heavy four-wheeled passenger car chassis (sPkw I Horch 801) with an armored body and turret. The turret was an open top one. Later models had the turret with mesh wire covers for protection against hand grenades and shrapnel. The only armament consisted of a single 7.92mm MG 34 machine gun. Small number was additionaly equipped with 7.92mm PzB 39 anti-tank rifles. 339 were produced in two series by Eisenwerk Weserhuette AG in Bad Oeynhausen from 1935 to May of 1940. Vehicles were issued to Panzerspaehwagen squadrons of the Aufklaerungs detachments. Sd.Kfz.221 was eventually replaced by Sd.Kfz.222. From 1942, vehicles were refitted with modified turrets armed with 28mm sPzB 41 anti-tank rifles to extend the service, which in some cases lasted to the end of the war. In 1938, some 18 were sold to China along with 12 Sd.Kfz.222.

Specifications

Weight:	4000kg
Crew:	2 men
Engine:	Horch 3.5l / 8-cylinder / 75hp
Speed:	Road: 90km/h Cross-Country: --km/h
Range:	Road: 320km Cross-Country: ---km
Fuel Capacity:	--- litres
Lenght:	4.80m
Width:	1.95m
Height:	1.70m
Armament:	7.92mm MG34 (early) 28mm sPZB41 (late)
Ammo:	7.92mm - 1050 rounds
Armor:	5-8mm

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