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German

leichtes Schützenpanzerwagen (2 cm) (Sd. Kfz. 250/9): German Halftracked Armored Car

Leichtes Schutzenpanzerwagen Sdkfz 250/9

This vehicle, adapted from the light armored personnel carrier, mounts the 2 cm tank gun, Kw. K. 38, and is effective for reconnaissance, action against lightly armored ground targets, protection of troop and supply trains, and as a personnel and supply carrier.

It differs from the basic vehicle principally in the addition of an armored turret which has been found in three forms: 10, 8, and 6-sided. The turret is of truncated cone shape and is similar to that used in the German 4-wheeled armored cars. The turret has no roof, but instead is provided with a wire mesh grill as anti-grenade protection.

The gun is mounted in the center with a 7.92 mm M. G. 34 on the left, and a telescopic sight on the right. The armament is controlled by one man who sits in a seat suspended from the right rear of the turret. A single handwheel controls traverse and elevation, or, by use of a small lever, the gun may be locked in a horizontal position. Counterbalance is maintained by two spring equilibrators, one mounted on each side. The turret is mounted on a ring permitting traverse through 360 degrees. Access to the turret is through a large entrance door in the left rear of the superstructure. The vehicle is provided with a transmitter-receiver, Fu. Spr. f, with intercommunicating facilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight (approx.)       6 tons
Trailer load capacity
Length 15 ft.
Width 6 ft., 5 ins.
Height 6 ft., 10 3/4 ins.
Ground clearance 11 ins.
Tread centers 5 ft., 5 ins.
Ground contact 3 ft., 11 ins.
Track width 10 1/4 ins.
Track links 38
Fuel tank 20-25 gals.
Fuel consumption
Fording depth 27 ins.
Speed 35 m.p.h.
Engine 6 cylinder Maybach: Watercooled, 100 hp.
Bore and stroke 90 x 110 mm
Ignition Bosch magneto
Battery 12 volt
Transmission Semi-automatic, preselective type. 7 speeds forward, 3 reverse.
Steering Front wheel-track epicyclic
Crew 3
Armament 1 20 mm tank gun (Kw. K. 38)
  1 7.92 mm machine gun (M. G. 34)
Armor
     Front plate (approx.) 15 mm
     Side plate (approx.) 6 mm
     Rear plate (approx.) 8 mm

German: p. 44.1 (April 1, 1945)