German Armored Cars of World War Two [Arms Armour]

129 Pages·1974·64.1 MB·English

by  John Milsom and Peter Chamberlain

German
,I } .. •. - " . . .. ...
. ~ .. j -
- . ". Armoured
;"".
." Cars 01
.. ......" ......World War
,'. Two
John Milsom &

. . Peter Chamberlain

[~~
Arms &Armour Press
Published in 1974 by
Arms and Armour Press
Lionel Leventhal Limited
2-6 Hampstead High Street
London NW3 1PR
© Lionel Leventhal Limited, 1974
© John Milson and Peter
Chamberlain, 1974
SBN B536B 239 9
All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form by any
means electrical, mechanical or
otherwise, without first seeking the
written permission of the copyright
owner and of the publisher.
Pr';:ted by T. & A. Constable Limited, Edinburgh
Contents
Introduction, 7

- ::arly Developmental Types, 8

- e Daimler-Benz 8-wheeled ARW/MTW 1 Gepanzerter Mannschaftstransportwagen, 9

-fie BUssing-NAG 10-wheeled ZRW Mannschaftstransportwagen, 10

- e Magirus ARW/MTW 2 8-wheeled Gepanzerter Mannschaftstransportwagen, 10

-,'als and Conclusions, 10

2. The Evolution of the Panzerspahwagen (armoured reconnaissance car), 10

- e Mechanised Reconnaissance Unit, 11

.; location of Armoured Cars, 11

Four-Wheeled Vehicles, 19

-. Mittlerer Gepanzerter Personenkraftwagen (medium armoured passenger car) (Kfz.13 series), 20

2. Leichter Panzerspahwagen (light armoured reconnaissance car) (Sd.Kfz.221 series), 21

.standard Chassis I for Heavy Passenger Car, 21

::levelopment history of light armoured cars (Ieichter Panzerspahwagen) based on Standard Chassis I for

Heavy Passenger Car, 22

a. le.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.221, 23 d. kI.Pz.FuWg. Sd.Kfz.260, 25

b. le.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.222, 24 e. kI.Pz.FuWg. Sd.Kfz.261, 26

c. le.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.223, 25

3. Schwerer Gelandegangiger Gepanzerter Personenkraftwagen (heavy cross-country armoured passenger car)

Sd.Kfz.247, 26

4. Experimental Four-wheeled Armoured Cars, 27

a. Mittlerer Panzerspahwagen (medium armoured reconnaissance vehicle) Vs.Kfz.231, 27

b. Amphibious Schildkr6te (turtle) armoured car series, 27

Six-Wheeled Vehicies, 63

1. Schwerer Panzerspahwagen (heavy armoured reconnaissance car (Sd. Kfz.231 series), 64

The Basic Six-wheeled Chassis, 65

a. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.231 (6 Rad), 65 c. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.263 (6 Rad), 65

b. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.232 (6 Rad), 65

2. Schwerer Gepanzerter Personenkraftwagen Sd.Kfz.247. 66

3. Export Vehicles, 66

Eight-Wheeled Vehicles, 83

1. Schwerer Panzerspahwagen (heavy armoured reconnaissance car (Sd.Ktz.231 series), 84

The Basic Eight-wheeled GS Vehicle, 84

Armoured car models based on the Eight-wheeled GS Chassis, 85

a. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Ktz.231 (8 Rad), 85 c. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.233 (8 Rad), 86

b. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.232 (8 Rad), 86 d. s.Pz.FuWg. Sd.Kfz.263 (8 Rad) , 87

2. Schwerer Panzerspahwagen (Sd. Kfz.234 series), 87

Armoured car models based on the Eight-wheeled ARK Chassis, 88

a. sPz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.234/1, 88 c. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Ktz.234/3, 89

b. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Kfz.234/2, 88 d. s.Pz.SPWg. Sd.Ktz.234/4, 89

2. On good, level roads a maximum speed of 6Skph
1. Early Developmental Types (40mph) should be achieved, the minimum allowable
speed being Skph (3mph). A day's motoring of 200kms
During the late 1920s, the Germans began secret experi· (12Smiles) at an average speed of 32kph (20mph)
ments with new models of armoured fighting vehicles. must be sustained for three successive days.
The terms of the Versailles Treaty forbade them 3. The vehicle must be capable of negotiating the worst
tactical vehicles of any description, which was why terrain. The ground pressure, at a slope angle of up to
new vehicles had to be kept highly secret. With the 80 ' , must not exceed 0.7kg/sq.cm (10psi).
signing of the Rapallo Agreement between the Soviet 4. On arable land, the vehicle must be able to negotiate
Union and Germany, however, an experimental grades of up to 1 in 3.
armoured-vehicle testing station was established at S. The vehicle must be able to cross trenches up to
Kazan, on the Volga, where German and Soviet per­ 1.Sm (4.92ft) wide without the aid of special devices
sonnel collaborated in the development of technology and without stalling.
and tactics. German participation at Kazan was directly 6. The vehicle must be able to wade to a depth of uf:
controlled by General Hans von Seeckt, Chef der to 1 m (3.3ft).
Heeresleitung, and the actual testing section was under 7. The vehicle should possess the same driving charac·
the command of Hauptmann Pirner. This new facility teristics for forward and reverse. For each driving direc·
opened up great possibilities for the development of tion, special steering facilities are required. The change·
German armoured vehicles. But because all German over from one direction to the other must be achieved
developmental vehicles had to be constructed in German by the driver within ten seconds.
factories, they had to be of ambiguous design if they 8. The turning circle radius must not exceed four times
were not to attract the attention of Allied observers. the track.
Consequently, tracked armoured fighting vehicles were 9. With sustained motoring, the vehicle should make
referred to as 'Traktoren' (tractors) and armoured cars very little sound.
were called 'Gepanzerter Mannschaftstransportwagenen' 10. The chassis weight must not exceed 4 tons, and the
(armoured personnel carriers). Contrary to popular overall weight of the ready-to-drive vehicle must nc:
belief, the German prototype armoured cars tested at be greater than 7.S tons.
Kazan were wheeled tanks-not armoured reconnais­ 11. The ground clearance must be at least 0.3m (1 tt).
sance cars. The designation 'Panzerspahwagen' 12. The vehicle must be capable of driving along stan·
(armoured reconnaissance vehicle) did not evolve until dard-guage railway tracks. Special provisions to cate:
the formulation of the Panzer Division concept several for this must not be used, but the track width should
years later. Indeed, the Germans have never adopted be such that the inner wheel rims will fit the rails.
a designation that clearly distinguishes between wheeled 13. [This section, concerning amphibious characteristics.
and tracked armoured vehicles. was subsequently amended. It stipulated that the vehicle
During 1926-7, the Reichswehrministerium/Heeres­ should be capable of floating without special preparatio
waffenamt Wa. Pruf.6 (Prufwesen 6) prepared the basic and be able to move through the water at a speed of
specifications for the new Mannschaftstransportwagen Skph (3mph).]
after various road and cross-country trials with com­ 14. The crew is to consist of five men, as follows:
mercial vehicles. These specifications were as follows: commander; driver; first gunner; second gunner; radic·
1. The vehicle must have wheels (six or more, with operator (also acting as rear driver).
multiple wheel drive). All of the other points enumerated in this specif::a·
8
: : n were in connection with technical components such drag in water and to enhance ballistic qualities; and
: .3 the engine, gearbox, steering system, brakes, sus­ had the turret been fitted it would have been almost
: snsion and wheels. Careful attention was also paid to hemispherical in shape.
: , e effective application of armour and armament­ To cater for both forward and reverse driving, dup­
:~e Germans being very impressed not only by Czech licated steering positions and controls were provided.
:-mour application but also by the weapon mountings The design of the rear steering system was such that
2nd optics utilised in Swedish armoured fighting the steering column and all hand and foot brakes were
. ehicles. removable from the rear driver's seat. This was con­
The specifically individual requirements demanded of sidered necessary in order to deceive the Inter-Allied
-ew armoured-car models made the use of commer­ Control Commission. Water propulsion was by means
cially available chassis impossible. It was therefore of a propeller, which could be engaged by a hand lever.
ecessary for tenders to be issued to leading German At the end of 1930, after extensive test drives, the
:::utomobile manufacturers for vehicles corresponding vehicle was delivered to the Reichswehr.
:0 these demands-the selection of the participating
'irms being made with great caution. Only those based Characteristics
solely in Germany were approached. This was to avoid Overall laden weight: 7S00/ 6200kg .
'
:'le sort of security leaks that could occur between Crew: Five men (as in original specification).

, ome-based companies and their overseas subsidiaries Length, overall: 5450mm.

-as might have been the case with, for example, Ford. Width, overall: 22S0mm.

Eventually, development contracts were given to three Height, overall: 2135/1350mm'.

of 65kph firms-Daimler-Benz A.G., Stuttgart-UntertOrkheim; C. D. Ground clearance: 300mm.

allowable Magirus, Ulm/Donau; and Bussing-NAG, Braunschweig Track, front and rear wheels: 1S00mm2.

f 200kms (Brunswick)-all of whom, during 1929, delivered pro­ Wheelbase: 1550+1160+1550mm (total 4260mm) .

(20mph) totypes that were variously tested at Kazan, Kummers­ Engine
--,~-.
dorf and Wunsdorf. Magirus and Daimler-Benz were Make: Daimler-Benz (petrol) .
'he worst involved in S-wheeled designs, and Bussing-NAG con­ Model: M-36 (in two units).
~~ =.-;'s of up to cerned itself with a 10-wheeled model. No. of cylinders: 6 (in-line).
Output: 105hp at 2350rpm.
-= =-= ~ ::) negotiate The Daimler-Benz a-wheeled ARW/MTW 1 Gespanzerter Swept volume: 7793cc.
Mannschaflstransportwagen Cooling: Water.
- - :: --,es up to The Daimler-Benz model was known as the ARW/ MTM 1 Transmission, land
_ ~=: 21 devices (Achtradwagen/Mannschaftstransportwagen, or Eight­ Five forward and five reverse gears3; gear-shifting was
Wheeled Vehicle/Personnel Carrier)-a designation cal­ carried out by one lever each from both drivers' seats.
_ : cep'h of up culated to disguise the fact that it was really an When reversing, another lever (one near each driver's
armoured car or wheeled tank. Design work was carried seat) had to be engaged. The eight wheels were driven
9 charac­ out at the factory at Stuttgart-UntertOrkheim under the by a worm gear from the central drive-shaft. The diffe­
ling direc­ direction of Professor Ferdinand Porsche. Two proto­ rential gear was situated in every axle between right
-, s change­ type vehicles were completed, both possessing remark­ and left.
:e achieved able features and giving excellent performance for that Transmission, water
time. SpeCial selector gear for bringing into operation a
~ :.==: tour times The automotive components were produced at the two-bladed propeller (SOOmm diameter) . Two ratios­
Stuttgart plant, and the die-formed and welded hulls were one forward and one reverse.
constructed by Martini und Hunecke in Salzkotten. The Clutch: Multi-disc, dry plate.
~-::-uld make
turret installation, the turret traversing gear and the Steering: Two screw-and-nut systems, the four outer
:; -S, and the armament mountings were produced by Rheinmetall in wheels being ste·ered. The front and rear wheels were
Dusseldorf, but they were never fitted to the vehicles. coupled to each other by one crown wheel and bevel
: ~ must not
Assembly was carried out by Daimler-Benz at their pinion and one rotary selector each.
_ : 3. (1ft). Berlin-Marienfelde plant. Brakes: Hydraulic four-wheel internal shoe-brake that
-; :::j3ng stan· The vehicles had eight-wheel drive and fully indepen­ acted on the inner four wheels; two separate hydraulic
dent suspension on all wheels, which were suspended brake systems, actuated by one brake pedal each from
- ~ : -s to cater
direct from the armoured body and thus eliminated the both drivers' seats. The hand-brake acted on a brake
J :' should
=... ' -9 rc.:is. need for a chassis frame. Steering was on the front on the transmission shaft attached to the change unit.
and rear pair of wheels only, the centre ones being Chassis: The vehicle had no frame; the armoured body
: -"-,,cleristics,
--,,; .-,s vehicle slewed round. For this reason, the centre wheels were carried the drive-chain and wheels.
grouped in a similar fashion to those of the Austrian Suspension: Semi-elliptic longitudinal leaf-springs; all
;==;. " : -sparation
ADGZ armoured car. wheels were independently suspended (floating axles
__ " speed of
One of the prototypes was tltted with a parallelepidal with guide shoes) . Wheels were sheet discs and tyres
cork body, primarily to hide the true nature of the were 40cm x Scm4.
"0 follows:
; _--9 ; radio­ vehicle but also to assist buoyancy, but in all other Armour: Die-formed and welded armour steel , proof
respects the two were identical. The body was almost against small-calibre bullets beyond 25 metres. Front,
- :: c: sDecifica­ symmetrical and of smooth, rounded-off design to reduce 13.5mm-15mm; roof, 5mm; other surfaces, 13.5mm.
9
Armament: One 37mm Rheinmetall semi-automatic gun,
ested in the Daimler-Benz vehicle and was quite satis­
and one 7.92mm machine-gun, coaxially mounted in a
fied with the results of its trials. But because of the bad
turret with all-round traverse.
industrial situation that existed during 1929/30, neither
Ammunition: 66 rounds 37mm, 1000 rounds 7.62 mm.
the manufacture of special all-wheel-drive vehicles for
Performance
the conversion of commercial models to suit the techni­
Maximum speed, land: 65kph (forward and reverse).
cal requirements seemed possible.
Maximum speed, water: 5kph (forward and reverse).
A conference held on 18th March 1930 under Reimann
Cruising speed (land): 32kph.
of Wa.Pruf.6 concluded that 'the further pursuance of
Fuel capacity: 170 litres.
this type of vehicle is considered to be out of the
Range, road: 200-250km.
question, since the present financial status of the Reich
Range, cross-country: 150km.
makes vehicles of this size and type far too expensive.'
Range, water: 6 hours duration.

Turning circle diameter: 14Am.

Trench crossing ability: 1.5m.
2. The Evolution of the Panzerspahwagen (armoured
Grade ability: 18°.
reconnaissance car)
Wading depth (before flotation): 1000mm.

During the late twenties and early thirties, experimental
Notes: 1. With/without turret. 2. 1812mm fully laden. exercises were carried out in Germany to study the
3. Later Aphon, four forward and four reverse. 4. Ori­ requirements of a modern mechanised army. Because
ginally 1060 x 200. of the non-availability of armoured fighting vehiCles,
a series of Panzernachbildung (simulated armoured
The Bussing·NAG 10·wheeled ZRW Mannschaftstrans· fighting vehicles) was produced-representing both
portwagen tanks and armoured cars-on commercial-vehicle
The Bussing-NAG vehiole had ten independently sus­ chassis. These helped to determine the requirements
pended wheels, all of which were driven. They were of the Wehrmacht. Several such dummy armoured cars
grouped in two units of four-one unit at each end­ were built on Hanomag and Dixi chassis. In simulatior
with the remaining two wheels mounted on a centrally­ of the Czech PA-2 (referred to by the Germans as the
located axle. The amoured hull-like that of the Daimler­ Schildkrote, or turtle-not to be confused with the
Benz model, to which it was very similar-was produced Schildkrote amphibious armoured car projects deve­
by Martini und Hunecke in Salzkotten. A light steel loped by Hans Trippel), a commercial lorry chassis was
girdle was riveted around the hull to disguise its pro­ used. This vehicle took part in exercises near Hannover
minent military shape. Each of the four-wheel ·units in 1928.
was steered; but in the one prototype built, only one In 1930 the Reichswehr received a simulated
steering position was incorporated at the centre of the armoured car of aluminium plate-later of thin mild­
hull. The steering wheel was attached to a vertical steel-based on the chassis of the Adler Standard 6
column with two locating points so that the wheel could car. This vehicle had a rotating turret with a simulated
be attached for driving in either direction. Due to its stroboscope, and the vehicle-commander and gunner
location, however, the steering pOSition did not provide stood on a rotating footstool. Next to the driver, in the
a very good view of the road. On trials, the driver passenger seat, sat the radio-operator. The vehicle was
often had to stand upright in order to see. The water­ prominent in the Elsgrund-district exercises of 1930.
cooled Bussing engine was mounted at one end of the During 1935 a further dummy armoured car was buili
vehicle, and the transmission system and drive shafts on the chassis of the Opel P4-(and as late as 1941
for the water propulsion screws were located at the a dummy training car based on the Volkswagen Type
other end. The hull above the experimental superstruc­ 82 chassis was in service).
ture was completed, but nothing is known concerning a Many valuable conclusions concerning armoured
proposed turret installation-although it is most likely reconnaissance were drawn from the experimental exer­
that the Rheinmetall installation intended for the Daimler­ cises, and it was stated that one of the first duties
Benz model would eventually have been used. The per­ of the 'fast troops'-to be carried out before opposing
formance and steering characteristics of the vehicle left forces had actually joined battle-was reconnaissance.
much to be desired, however, and during its maiden Reconnaissance provided the High Command with the
amphibious trial in Russia it sank. information needed for further operations and air recon­
naissance was not always sufficient for the purpose­
The Mlgirus ARW/MTW 2 a-wheeled Gepanzerter particularly as it often could not determine whether
Mannschafistransportwagen ground was occupied by the enemy and, if so, in whai
This vehicle was of very similar design to the Daimler­ strength. Here ground reconnaissance began; and it was
Benz model; but since neither photographs nor techni­ broken down into operational reconnaissance, tactical
cal data have come to light, it is not known whether reconnaissance and battle reconnaissance.
it was actually completed. Operational reconnaissance was the duty of the high
units, from corps upwards; tactical reconnaissance was
Trials and Conclusions carried out by divisions and smaller units, and battle
The Heereswaffenamt appeared to be particularly inter­ reconnaissance was the smallest units responsibility.
10
s ~ ite satis­ According to General Guderian, reconnaissance called containing an armoured car squadron, three armoured
~--_;= 'thebad ':n especially fast, flexible and easily commanded units reconnaissance companies, and support weapons
~ -= .:. ~ .3 , neither "iith a wide field of action and good communications. grouped in a heavy company. This formation was
icles for T' ey had to see and report a good deal without being really the spearhead of the division, moving forward
~bserved; and for this reason, the smaller and the along all possible tracks ahead of the division to weed
ore easily concealed they were the better they could out resistance, brush aside weak opposition, and seize
--: e- Reimann perform their task. Their strength had to be so gauged bridgeheads, road junctions, towns and villages. Its
-~ : _"S Jance of ch at it could prevail against an enemy of similar forma­ task was to obtain information about the enemy and
: = J i of the lion; and if their duties called for additional fighting his dispositions, thus enabling the divisional commander
- -" ~' : e Reich power, it would have to be given to them as required. to formulate his plan of attack. An armoured reconnais­
-~ : ?xpensive.' Th e instrument of modern ground reconnaissance sance unit was composed of a headquarters, a head­
'las the scout car and several scout cars made up quarters company, an armoured-car squadron and three
an armoured reconnaissance detachment. The establish­ armoured reconnaissance companies.
(arm oured ent of armoured reconnaissance detachments would
vary in respect of duties and the number and types of The Mechanised Reconnaissance Unit
vehicles; but they would as a rule, include two or three The armoured division would send out a mechanised
.:= ; <j erimental companies of light and heavy armoured cars. reconnaissance unit in directions where air reconnais­
:~ s udy the In addition to air observation, operational reconnais­ sance needed rapid supplementation and where a
'::' -'..-:_ Because sance was carried out by special ground units-the clear picture of the enemy's positions could be gained
::;--- -; vehicles, reconnaissance detachments, whose special function only by fighting. The unit, specially equipped for this
-_ ~~:: armoured was to discover enemy concentrations and march routes, with armoured cars and a large number of automatic
:-_-=-3c~ -:ing both railway transports and fortified points. They were the weapons, could move fast and had a wide radius of
- =':: al-vehicle modern equivalent of cavalry, with the advantage of action. It was capable of being employed up to 100km
-:0 '=: irements a larger radius of action and greater fighting strength (60 miles) ahead of the division. The frontage on which
=--: red cars since they consisted almost entirely of motorised forces. a reconnaissance was carried out would generally be
- simulation All of their vehicles were wireless-equipped (initially, laid down by corps and could extend to as much as
:.='-2.nS as the only special communications vehicles had long-range 60 miles. On open flanks it would frequently be even
_:;.=:' with the radio equipment) and could therefore report directly wider.
: -:,a:;'s deve­ io the command if occasion demanded. These recon­ As there were so many possible reconnaissance
-.-_ :;"'assis was naissance detachments were at the exclusive disposal tasks, it was imperative for commanders to concentrate
annover of the larger units. on essentials. Apart from tasks for which any recon­
The needs of divisional intelligence were mainly naissance unit could be utilised, the mechanised recon­
simulated served by detachments with similar technical equipment naissance unit in particular had to give warning of
t" in mild­ but whose function was tactical reconnaissance, cover­ enemy anti-tank defences and prepare the way for the
-- ~. S:andard 6 ing a more restricted area than operational units and movements and operations of the division.
• - a simulated only fully motorised in the case of motorised divisions . As soon as battle was joined, the mechanised recon­
- =. ;.-d gunner Armoured reconnaissance forces were often the first naissance unit would be told whether it was to continue
:= :'. sr, in the to establish contact with the enemy; but a reconnais­ reconnoitring, temporarily hold commanding features,
--= . a/iicle was sance troop was not, by its nature, suited for offensive withdraw to or through the division, move off the front,
'" . =,;~ oi 1930. operations. At most, it was capable of sustained (not or reconnoitre to the flanks. It was not made up
"':: : =: 'tas built permanent) defence. to a strength that could carry out defensive tasks. An
~ =:e as 1941 Battle reconnaissance was intended to furnish infor­ open flank, for example, could be covered by long­
_ -:; =gen Type mation on the situation of a battle while it was actually range reconnaissance but had to be protected by other
being fought. It was neither operational nor tactical. troops.
armoured As far as vehicles were concerned, the following
_-= -; cal exer­ military specifications were laid down as additional to Allocation of Armoured Cars
--= ~ 51 duties or amending the original ones issued during 1926-7:
~=-: '; ~posing 1. High road and, wherever possible, cross-country Heavy Light
-=::: --aissance. speeds. Armoured Division
- a: ~ with the 2. Reasonable cross-country mobility. Reconnaissance unit 12 42
- :.::: c:r recon­ 3. Relatively large radii of action. Lorried infantry brigade 4 8
pose­ 4. long-range radio communication. Infantry Division
, hether 5. Protection from small-arms fire. Reconnaissance unit 3
in what 6. Armament suitable for delaying actions only. Motorised Division
it was During 1938, special armoured reconnaissance units Reconnaissance unit 6 18
:actical were formed within the framework of the Panzer and
Panzergrenadier divisions-the Panzerdivision Aufklar­
- - ~':; e high ungsabteilung (armoured division reconnaissance unit)
-=-~- e was and the Infanteriedivision Aufklarungsabteilung (infantry
- a.-ct battle division reconnaissance unit) .
-=:: -,,' ility. The armoured division had a reconnaissance unit
11