Main Menu

Germany's Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 221

Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 221 armored car: Aberdeen Tank Museum

Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 221 mit 2.8 cm armored car: Bundesarchiv, Koblenz

Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 261 armored car:

A replacement for the Kfz 13 and Kfz 14 was developed by Eisenwerk Weserhütte of Bad Oeynhausen. The chassis were built by Auto-Union in Zwickau and they were assembled by F. Schichau of Elbing and Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen in Hannover-Linden.

In 1934 the SdKfz 221 was developed for reconnaissance and exploitation. Was the standard sPkw I Horch 801 (heavy car) chassis with an armored body and turret. The engine was placed in the rear. The armor was rolled and welded at an angle. The early models had visions ports cut from the rolled plates, and these were simplified by making cast vision ports.

Had a seven sided turret, sometimes with a grenade netting over the top.³

Production

• SdKfz 221: 339², 340
  • Production: 1935 - ?, 1935 - May 1940², 1937³
  • Manufacturer: Horch³, Weserhütte²
• SdKfz 260, SdKfz 261: 493²
  • Production: November 1940 - April 1943²
  • Manufacturer: Weserhütte², Ritscher²

Variants

• SdKfz 221:
• SdKfz 221 mit 2.8cm: In 1942 a 28 mm sPzB41 was put in a modified turret. Was issued to Panzerspähwagen squadrons of the Aufklärungs detachments of light, Panzer, and motorized infantry divisions.
• Kleine Panzerfunkwagen SdKfz 260: These were designed to provide mobility and armor protection for signals units. These were later replaced by the half-track series of radio vehicles. Had medium range radio with a rod aerial.
• Kleine Panzerfunkwagen SdKfz 261: Had longer range radio with a frame aerial.

Usage

Were issued to the signals troops at headquarters level of the regiments, brigades, and divisions of the panzer troops. First came into service in the spring of 1941.

Sources:

1. The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
2. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Peter Chamberlain and Hilary Doyle, 1999
3. Tank Data 2, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, E. J. Hoffschmidt and W. H. Tantum IV, 1969