Sd.Kfz 231 - (8rad)
Achtradwagen
War Years Used
|
1939 - 1943+
|
Crew
|
4
|
Speed
|
90 - 100 km/h
|
Fuel
|
118 + 32
150 litres
|
Consumption
|
50 litres / 100km
|
Range
|
300 km - on
170 km - off
|
Wading
|
1000 mm
|
Armament
|
2 cm L/55 KwK30
MG 34
|
Rounds
|
180 - 20mm
2100 - 7.92mm
|
 |
• |
Sd.Kfz. 231 (8-rad) |
|
• |
Production began in 1935, with units being supplied in 1937'- 1938'. |
|
• |
These models were to replace the six-wheeled versions. |
|
• |
They provided good service in the early Blitzkrieg campaigns. |
|
• |
It was issued to heavy squadrons and usually traveled with one or two radio types. |
|
• |
In 1940 it was fitted with a large metal shatter plate at it's front to help protect it from antitank guns. |
|
• |
It's service in Africa and Russia reveled even more weaknesses and production was halted in 1942. |
|
• |
Sd.Kfz. 232 Fu (8-rad) |
|
• |
The 232 (8-rad) was fitted with a long range radio and overhead aerial to stay in contact with medium-level command posts while on long-range patrols. |
|
• |
In 1942 the antenna was upgraded to the newer umbrella type. |
|
• |
Sd.Kfz. 263 |
|
• |
These vehicles were typically attached to command staffs and frequently scene with intelligence units of a division. They were used as long range radio stations, linking the forward elements with that of the rest of the division. They were sometimes also used as command vehicles, (the earliest pictures being that of Rommel as commander of the 7th Pz. Div.). |
|
• |
They were not meant for fighting and had a stationary turret and carried only a machine gun. |
|
• |
Production of this vehicle ceased in early 1942, but it has been observed as being used until 1944. |
|
• |
Sd.Kfz. 233 |
|
• |
In 1942, when production stopped on the other "GS" models, the remaining vehicles were somewhat redesigned. The turret was taken off and a 75 mm gun was installed. This would give the 233 some fire power as a reconnaissance support vehicle. |
|
• |
These were not produced by the manufacture, merely exchanged as a refitted vehicle. |
|
• |
Opinion on deployment : One for the "Rats" - The 231 (8-rad) is a must. Although I have conflicting numbers on my production tables, it's fair to say that the rates were well above 500 vehicles. They were in the war far to long to leave them out. I would also include the 233 (75 mm) as a recon. support vehicle. Their numbers were more then double that of the comparable 234 ARK type.
|
Click the Toten to go back.
|
