Germany's Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 231) 8 rad, Achtrad armored cars

Photos

Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 231) 8 rad:


Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 232) 8 rad:


Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 232) 8 rad:

Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 232) 8 rad:


Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 232) 8 rad in the Balkans:

Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 233) 8 rad⁴:


Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 233) 8 rad:

SdKfz 233 armored car captured by the allies in North Africa:

United States Army in World War II, Pictorial Record, The War Against Germany and Italy: Mediterranean and Adjacent Areas, 1951, pg 50

Schwere Panzerspähwagen (SdKfz 263) 8 rad

Design

There was a need for improved cross-country performance to replace the SdKfz 231 (6 Rad) and development was ordered in 1934 and started in 1935.^2,3 Designated Versuchskraftfahrzeug (experimental vehicle) 623 and 624. In mid-1937 was designated SdKfz 233 & 234 and then in October 1939 was called SdKfz 231 & 232 (8 rad).

Chassis

The SdKfz 231 (8-Rad) was built upon a Büssing-NAG 8x8 truck chassis.² The chassis was rather complex and expensive to produce.² It provided all wheel drive and steering with independent suspension.^2,5

Engine

The engine was placed in the rear of the chassis.⁵

Driving

Steering wheels and controls are provided for each direction in the SdKfz 231 (8 Rad).^3,5 Steering was done by all wheels.³ Each wheel had its own suspension.^3,5

Turret

The seats for the commander and gunner were attached to a hand traversed turret.

Armor

Early in 1940 an 8mm plate was to the front of many of the models.

Production

Deutsche Werke of Kiel developed the vehicle, while assembly was done by Schichau.

• schwerer Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 231 (8-Rad): 1,235²
  • Production: 1937 - 1942²
• Schwere Panzerspähwagen (7.5cm) (SdKfz 231): 600, 607¹
  • Production: 1936 - ? , 1936 - September 1943¹
  • Manufacturer: Deutsche Werke, Schichau¹
• Schwere Panzerspähwagen (Fu) (SdKfz 232) 8 rad:
  • Production: 1936 - September 1943¹
  • Manufacturer: Deutsche Werke, Schichau¹
• Schwere Panzerspähwagen (7.5cm) (SdKfz 233): 109¹
  • Production: 1942 - 1945, December 1942 - October 1943¹
  • Manufacturer: Deutsche Werke in Kiel, Schichau¹
• Panzerfunkwagen (SdKfz 263) 8 rad: 240¹
  • Production: April 1938 - April 1943¹
  • Manufacturer: Deutsche Werke, Schichau¹

Variants

• schwerer Panzerspähwagen SdKfz 231 (8-Rad): Had 2 cm KwK 30 or KwK 38 with a coaxial 7.92 mm MG 34.^2,5
• Schwere Panzerspähwagen (7.5cm) (SdKfz 231):
• Schwere Panzerspähwagen (Fu) (SdKfz 232) 8 rad: Had a large bedstead frame aerial above the turret and body with pivots on the turret so that the turret could still rotate.^2,3,5 During 1942 models had aerial replaced with a simple pole aerial.³ Production ceased in September 1942.
• Schwere Panzerspähwagen (7.5cm); Panzerspähwagen mit 7.5cm StuK L/24; Panzerspähwagen (sPzSpWg) (7.5cm L/24); SdKfz 233: Gave reconnaissance squadrons ability to engage enemy armor. First issued in late 1942.² 6 were issued to the Panzerspähwagen squadrons of the Aufklärungs battalions detachments. Used on all fronts during the war. Had 7.5 cm gun mounted in the open as the turret was removed.^2,5
• Panzerfunkwagen (SdKfz 263) 8 rad: It was based on the SdKfz 231/232 with the turret removed and the side extended higher to make a larger crew compartment.^2,3,5 A large frame antenna and a telescoping mast were provided for long-range communications.^2,5 Issued to Nachrichten detachments of motorized and Panzer divisions. Sometimes were issued to Corps and Army headquarters.

Usage

Issued to heavy Panzerspähwagen squadrons of each motorized Aufklärungs detachments.

In 1935 the SdKfz 231 (8 rad) started to replace the SdKfz 231 (6 rad) in the armored car companies of the Panzer Divisions.⁵

North Africa

SdKfz 231 (8 Rad)s were used widely in North Africa.²

Specifications