Maschinengewehrkraftwagen Sd.Kfz.13/Funkkraftwagen Sd.Kfz.14

Because of the limitations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles and the military budget, Germany was obliged to show realism by privileging simple armoured vehicles (the ambitious projects of vehicles with 6 wheels and more are left on side because too expensive) to involve Reichwehr to the war of the armoured tanks (the tanks are prohibit by the Allies of 14-18). Initially (1928), Reichwehr will use trucks disguised in tanks, Panzernachbildungen (factitious armoured fighting vehicles). Out of wood or paperboard, these false armoured tanks simulated simply the silhouette of tanks.

Maschinengewehrkraftwagen Sd.Kfz.13

src: Connaissance de l'Histoire (Hachette), n°5 - Août-Septembre 1978, Véhicules blindés allemands 39-45

In 1930, a standard model, imitating an armoured vehicle, will be brought into service. This vehicle on Adler Standard 6 chassis was covered with an aluminium body (replaced thereafter by thin steel sheets). This vehicle was equipped with a factitious turret and was useful thereafter until the end of the war like instruction vehicle. One used in continuation the 4x2 chassis to work out a genuine armoured vehicle, baptized "Mittlerer Gepanzerter Personenkraftwagen" (medium armoured vehicle for the transport of personnel) or Sd.Kfz.13. This vehicle will be available since 1934 and will remain in service until 1943. A version of command and radio, Sd.Kfz.14 will be also manufactured.

Maschinengewehrkraftwagen Sd.Kfz.13 during the campaign of Poland in 1939.

src: Panzer Colors 2

Kfz.13 was Waffenwagen (armoured car) intended for the units of reconnaissance. Its engine is one 6 cylinders of 3 L, with a gear box to 4 speeds. It is covered with a fine welded superstructure from 5 to 8 mm thickness. Its suspension was that of a current car. A MG34 of 7.92 mm on mounting protected by a frontal shield ensured its defense. This machine-gun was not present on Kfz.14 which was equipped with a radio station. These two vehicles perfect in a role of instruction did not meet the minimal standards required for the combat. Their weak shielding is the principal cause. Moreover the performances in any ground left something to be desired because of their instability caused by a too high centre of gravity. These vehicles will however be useful until 1943 on the Russian front to fil up the holes and will have their hours of glory in 1939-40 in Poland and France.

Funkkraftwagen Sd.Kfz.14 and its antenna-frame.

src: site "Panzerwaffe"

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Leichte Panzerspähwagen Sd.Kfz.221 Serien

From 1936, standard chassis will be adopted to be used as a basis for new models. Among them, Einheitsfahrgestell I für Schwerer Personenkraftwagen (standard chassis model 1 for heavy vehicle of transport of personnel) with engine laid out to the back and Einheitsfahrgestell II whose engine was on the contrary in the front. Other more robust chassis, as from this time will be also tested. The first vehicle to use one of these chassis will be "Leichter Panzerspähwagen mit eintheitsfahrgestell I für Schwerer Personenkraftwagen" (light armoured vehicle of reconnaissance on standard chassis model 1 for personnel carrier) or Sd.KFz.221.

The standard model is Leichte Panzerspähwagen (MG) Sd.Kfz.221 who is a light armoured vehicle of reconaissance armed with a simple machine-gun MG34.

Leichte Panzerspähwagen (MG) Sd.Kfz.221.

src: site "Panzerwaffe"

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The following model, Sd.Kfz.221 Leichter Panzerspähwagen mit 28 mm sPzB 41, is light armoured vehicle of reconnaissance with anti-tank gun of 28 mm.

Sd.Kfz.221 Leichter Panzerspähwagen mit 28 mm sPzB 41.

src: Connaissance de l'Histoire (Hachette), n°5 - Août-Septembre 1978, Véhicules blindés allemands 39-45

[Profiles]