Jump to content

Sd.Kfz. 250: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
→Variants: Added fact. Rommel radio half-track is the 250/3 variant
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(28 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Italic title}}
{{Italic title}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name=Sd.Kfz. 250
| name = Sd.Kfz. 250
| image= Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-236-1036-31, Russland, Schützenpanzer auf Feld.jpg
| image = Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-236-1036-31, Russland, Schützenpanzer auf Feld.jpg
| image_size = 300
| image_size = 300
|caption=Sd.Kfz. 250/2
| caption = Sd.Kfz. 250/2
|origin= [[Nazi Germany]]
| origin = [[Nazi Germany]]
|type=[[Half-track]] [[armored personnel carrier]]
| type = [[Half-track]] [[armoured personnel carrier]]
|is_vehicle=yes
| is_vehicle = yes
<!-- Service history -->
<!-- Service history -->| service = 1941–1945
⚫
| used_by = Nazi Germany <br /> [[Kingdom of Romania]]
|service= 1941–45
⚫
| wars = [[World War II]]
⚫
|used_by= Nazi Germany <br> [[Kingdom of Romania]]
⚫
<!-- Production history -->| designer = [[Demag]]
⚫
|wars= [[World War II]]
⚫
| design_date = 1939–1940
⚫
<!-- Production history -->
|designer= [[Demag]]
| manufacturer = [[Demag]], Adlerwerke, Büssing-NAG, MWC
⚫
| production_date = 1941–1945
⚫
|design_date=1939–40?
| unit_cost = {{Reichsmark|20,420|link=yes}}
|manufacturer=[[Demag]], Adlerwerke, Büssing-NAG, MWC
⚫
| number = Approx. 6,628
⚫
|production_date=1941–45
⚫
| variants = see list below
|unit_cost= 20420 [[Reichmark]]
⚫
<!-- General specifications -->| spec_label = Sd.Kfz. 250/1 Ausf. A
⚫
|number=Approx. 6,628
⚫
| weight = Load: {{convert|5800|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
⚫
|variants= see list below
⚫
| length = {{convert|4.56|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}
<!-- General specifications -->
⚫
| part_length =
⚫
|spec_label= Sd.Kfz. 250/1 Ausf. A
|weight=Load: {{convert|5800|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|1.945|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}
|length={{convert|4.56|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}
| height = {{convert|1.66|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
⚫
| crew = 2 + 4
⚫
|part_length=
|width={{convert|1.945|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}
<!-- Vehicle specifications -->| armour = {{convert|5.5|-|14.5|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|height={{convert|1.66|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| primary_armament = 1 or 2 x {{convert|7.92|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[MG 34]] [[machine gun]]s
⚫
| secondary_armament =
⚫
|crew=2 + 4
⚫
| engine = [[List of WWII Maybach engines|Maybach HL42 TRKM]] 6-cylinder, water-cooled petrol
<!-- Vehicle specifications -->
⚫
| engine_power = 100 PS (99 hp, 74 kW)
⚫
|armour={{convert|5.5|-|14.5|mm|in|abbr=on}}
⚫
| transmission = 7 + 3 speed Maybach VG 102128 H
|primary_armament= 1 or 2 x {{convert|7.92|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[MG 34]] [[machine gun]]s
⚫
| payload_capacity =
⚫
|secondary_armament=
| fuel_capacity = {{convert|140|L|USgal|abbr=on}}
⚫
|engine=[[List of WWII Maybach engines|Maybach HL42 TRKM]] 6-cylinder, water-cooled petrol
⚫
| pw_ratio = 17.2 hp/ton
⚫
|engine_power=100 PS (99 hp, 74 kW)
⚫
| suspension = Overlapping [[torsion bar]] (track) Leaf spring (wheels)
⚫
|transmission= 7 + 3 speed Maybach VG 102128 H
⚫
| clearance = {{convert|28.5|cm|in|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}
⚫
|payload_capacity=
|fuel_capacity={{convert|140|l|USgal|abbr=on}}
| vehicle_range = Road: {{convert|300|-|320|km|mi|abbr=on}}<br />Cross Country: {{convert|180|-|200|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| speed = Road: {{convert|76|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
⚫
|pw_ratio=17.2 hp/ton
| is_UK = yes
⚫
|suspension=Overlapping [[torsion bar]] (track) Leaf spring (wheels)
⚫
|clearance={{convert|28.5|cm|in|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}
|vehicle_range=Road: {{convert|300|-|320|km|mi|abbr=on}}<br />Cross Country: {{convert|180|-|200|km|mi|abbr=on}}
⚫
|speed=Road: {{convert|76|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
}}
}}


The '''Sd.Kfz. 250''' ([[German language|German]]: ''Sonderkraftfahrzeug'' 250; 'special motor vehicle') was a light armoured [[halftrack]], very similar in appearance to the larger [[Hanomag]]-designed [[Sd.Kfz. 251]], and built by the [[DEMAG]] firm, for use by [[Nazi Germany]] in [[World War II]]. Most variants were open-topped and had a single access door in the rear.
The '''Sd.Kfz. 250''' ([[German language|German]]: ''Sonderkraftfahrzeug'' 250; 'special motor vehicle') was a light armoured [[half-track]], very similar in appearance to the larger [[Hanomag]]-designed [[Sd.Kfz. 251]], and built by the [[DEMAG]] firm, for use by [[Nazi Germany]] in [[World War II]]. Most variants were open-topped and had a single access door in the rear.


The Sd. Kfz 250 was adopted in 1939 to supplement the standard halftrack. Production delays meant that the first vehicle did not appear until mid-1941.<ref name="hogg">{{cite book|last=Hogg|first=Ian V.|author2=Weeks, John |title=Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles|publisher=Hamlyn|location=London|year=1980|page=251}}</ref>
The Sd. Kfz 250 was adopted in 1939 to supplement the standard half-track. Production delays meant that the first vehicle did not appear until mid-1941.<ref name="hogg">{{cite book|last=Hogg|first=Ian V.|author2=Weeks, John |title=Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles|publisher=Hamlyn|location=London|year=1980|page=251}}</ref>


==Development==
==Development==
In 1939, the Inspectorate for Motorized Troops (AHA/In 6) decided that it would be useful for small armored half-tracks to accompany tanks in the attack. They could satisfy requirements for which a larger vehicle wouldn't be needed, such as headquarters, artillery [[forward observer]], radio, and scout vehicles.
In 1939, the Inspectorate for Motorised Troops (AHA/In 6) decided that it would be useful for armoured half-tracks to accompany tanks in the attack. These could meet the requirements for smaller vehicles to be used in the headquarters, [[artillery observer]], radio, and [[reconnaissance]] roles.


[[Demag]], the designer of the smallest half-track in service, the [[Sd.Kfz. 10]], was selected to develop the "light armored troop carrier" (''leichter gepanzerter Mannschafts-Transportwagen'') or Sd.Kfz. 250.
[[Demag]], the designer of the smallest half-track in service, the [[Sd.Kfz. 10]], was selected to develop the "light armoured troop carrier" (''leichter gepanzerter Mannschafts-Transportwagen'') or Sd.Kfz. 250.


To this end, the Sd.Kfz. 10 hull was shortened by one road wheel station, and an armored hull (''Panzerwanne'') constructed around the truncated running gear.
To this end, the Sd.Kfz. 10 hull was shortened by one road wheel station, and an armoured hull (''Panzerwanne'') constructed around the truncated running gear.


While intended as a derivative of a standard inventory item, eventually virtually every component was redesigned and specific to the Sd.Kfz. 250.<ref>Jentz, p. 2</ref>
While intended as a derivative of a standard inventory item, eventually virtually every component was redesigned and specific to the Sd.Kfz. 250.<ref>Jentz, p. 2</ref>
Line 70: Line 68:
The ''Sd.Kfz. 250'' (and its parent, the [[Sd.Kfz. 10]]) were unique among German half-track designs as they used a hull rather than a [[Chassis|frame or chassis]].
The ''Sd.Kfz. 250'' (and its parent, the [[Sd.Kfz. 10]]) were unique among German half-track designs as they used a hull rather than a [[Chassis|frame or chassis]].


===Armor===
===Armour===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 94: Line 92:
==Service history==
==Service history==
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-217-0493-22, Russland, Schützenpanzer.jpg|thumb|left|A Sd.Kfz. 250/3 radio vehicle]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-217-0493-22, Russland, Schützenpanzer.jpg|thumb|left|A Sd.Kfz. 250/3 radio vehicle]]
The vehicle was used in a wide variety of roles throughout [[World War II]]. The basic troop carrier version was used as an [[armored personnel carrier]] for reconnaissance units, carrying scout sections. This basic variant usually mounted one or two [[MG34]] machineguns. Later variants carried 20&nbsp;mm, 37&nbsp;mm, and even 75&nbsp;mm guns to support the more lightly armed versions (see table below).
The vehicle was used in a wide variety of roles throughout [[World War II]]. The basic troop carrier version was used as an [[armoured personnel carrier]] for reconnaissance units, carrying scout sections. This basic variant usually mounted one or two [[MG34]] machineguns. Later variants carried 20&nbsp;mm, 37&nbsp;mm, and even 75&nbsp;mm guns to support the more lightly armed versions (see table below).


Several special-purpose variants were seen early in the war. The 250/3 and 250/5 were command variants, with fewer seats but equipped with long-range radio equipment. These were used by battalion and higher commanders as personal command vehicles, most famously the 250/3 used by [[Erwin Rommel]] in the [[North African campaign]]. Early versions had large 'bedframe' antennas, which were easy to spot at long range, making them more vulnerable to [[artillery]] fire. Later variants dispensed with this and instead used the far less conspicuous [[whip antenna]].
Several special-purpose variants were seen early in the war. The 250/3 and 250/5 were command variants, with fewer seats but equipped with long-range radio equipment. These were used by battalion and higher commanders as personal command vehicles, most famously the 250/3 used by [[Erwin Rommel]] in the [[North African campaign]]. Early versions had large 'bedframe' antennas, which were easy to spot at long range, making them more vulnerable to [[artillery]] fire. Later variants dispensed with this and instead used the far less conspicuous [[whip antenna]].


The ''Sd.Kfz''. 253 variant was fully enclosed, and was used by artillery forward observers to accompany tank and mechanized infantry units.
The ''Sd.Kfz''. 253 variant was fully enclosed, and was used by artillery observers to accompany tank and mechanized infantry units.


The initial design had a multi-facetted armoured body constructed from multiple plates, which gave good protection against small arms fire but was both slow and costly to manufacture, and resulted in a cramped interior.
The initial design had a multi-faceted armoured body constructed from multiple plates, which gave good protection against small arms fire but was both slow and costly to manufacture, and resulted in a cramped interior.


Production of this early version stopped in October 1943 with some 4,200 built<ref name="hogg" /> and the complex body-shape dropped in favour of a ''neue art'' (new version) with flattened crew compartment sides made from a single piece of armour. This greatly simplified manufacture but in both variants the level of protection was minimal above rifle-calibre small-arms fire and small artillery fragments: heavy machine guns, anti-tank rifles and virtually any form of artillery could perforate the Sd.Kfz. 250, even at long range.
Production of this early version stopped in October 1943 with some 4,200 built<ref name="hogg" /> and the complex body-shape dropped in favour of a ''neue art'' (new version) with flattened crew compartment sides made from a single piece of armour. This greatly simplified manufacture but in both variants the level of protection was minimal - rifle-calibre small-arms fire and shell fragments would likely be stopped, but heavy machine guns, [[anti-tank rifle]]s and virtually any form of artillery could perforate the Sd.Kfz. 250 even at long range.


In August 1943, Romania acquired a total of 27 armored half-tracks, of both the ''[[Sd.Kfz. 251|251]]'' and ''250'' types.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=XoEvAQAAMAAJ&q=ex-Italian+AB.41+armored+cars,+27+armored+halftracks+and+many+other+soft-skinned+vehicles&dq=ex-Italian+AB.41+armored+cars,+27+armored+halftracks+and+many+other+soft-skinned+vehicles&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjN9rKZ9qLcAhXEEVAKHUv2AMAQ6AEIKDAA Ronald L. Tarnstrom, ''Balkan Battles'', Trogen Books, 1998, p. 407]</ref>
In August 1943, Romania acquired a total of 27 armoured half-tracks, of both the ''[[Sd.Kfz. 251|251]]'' and ''250'' types.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XoEvAQAAMAAJ|first= Ronald L.|last= Tarnstrom|title=Balkan Battles|publisher=Trogen Books|year= 1998|page=407|isbn= 9780922037148}}</ref> Sd.Kfz. 251s were known as ''SPW mijlociu'' ("medium SPW") in Romanian service, while Sd.Kfz. 250s were referred to as ''SPW ușor'' ("light SPW").{{sfn|Ștefănescu|2020|pp=470–471}}


==Variants==
==Variants==
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-785-0296-25, Nordafrika, Rommel im Befehlsfahrzeug "Greif".jpg|thumb|right|Rommel amidst advancing units in his Sd.Kfz. 250 command vehicle "GREIF" (Engl. 'Griffin').]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-785-0296-25, Nordafrika, Rommel im Befehlsfahrzeug "Greif".jpg|thumb|right|[[Erwin Rommel|Rommel]] amidst advancing units in his Sd.Kfz. 250/3 command vehicle "GREIF" (English: 'Griffin').]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-732-0111-15A, Russland, Schützenpanzer »Div. Großdeutschland«.jpg|thumb|German soldiers fire the [[2.8 cm sPzB 41]] heavy anti-tank rifle on the Sd.Kfz. 250/11. The vehicle was assigned to the elite [[Großdeutschland Division]] engaged on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]].]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-732-0111-15A, Russland, Schützenpanzer »Div. Großdeutschland«.jpg|thumb|German soldiers fire the [[2.8 cm sPzB 41]] heavy anti-tank rifle on the Sd.Kfz. 250/11. The vehicle was assigned to the elite [[Großdeutschland Division]] engaged on the [[Eastern Front (World War II)|Eastern Front]].]]
[[File:Romanian soldiers in Transilvania 1944.jpg|thumb|Romanian soldiers on a Sd.Kfz. 250/9 Neu in [[Transylvania]], September–October 1944]]


;Sd.Kfz. 250/1 ''leichter Schützenpanzerwagen''
;Sd.Kfz. 250/1 ''leichter Schützenpanzerwagen''
Line 128: Line 127:
: Antiaircraft variant armed with a dual [[MG 34]] machine gun; never reached production.
: Antiaircraft variant armed with a dual [[MG 34]] machine gun; never reached production.
* Sd.Kfz. 250/4 ''leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen''
* Sd.Kfz. 250/4 ''leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen''
: Observation vehicle for [[Sturmgeschütz]] detachments.
: Observation vehicle for {{Lang|de|[[Sturmgeschütz]]|italic=no}} detachments.


;Sd.Kfz. 250/5 ''leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen''
;Sd.Kfz. 250/5 ''leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen''
Line 136: Line 135:
: Ammunition carrier for assault guns.
: Ammunition carrier for assault guns.
* Sd.Kfz. 250/6 ''Ausf A''
* Sd.Kfz. 250/6 ''Ausf A''
: carried 70 rounds for 75 mm StuK 37 L/24 gun.
: carried 70 rounds for 7,5 cm StuK 37 L/24 gun.
* Sd.Kfz. 250/6 ''Ausf B''
* Sd.Kfz. 250/6 ''Ausf B''
: carried 60 rounds for 75 mm StuK 40 L/48 gun.
: carried 60 rounds for 7,5 cm StuK 40 L/48 gun.


;Sd.Kfz. 250/7:
;Sd.Kfz. 250/7:
* Sd.Kfz. 250/7 ''leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (schwerer Granatwerfer)''
* Sd.Kfz. 250/7 ''leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (schwerer Granatwerfer)''
: mounted an 81 mm [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]].
: mounted an 81 mm [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]].
* Sd.Kfz. 250/7 ''leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (Munitionsfahrzeug)'''
* Sd.Kfz. 250/7 ''leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (Munitionsfahrzeug)''
: Ammunition transporter - carried 66 rounds for 81&nbsp;mm mortar.
: Ammunition transporter - carried 66 rounds for 81&nbsp;mm mortar.


Line 165: Line 164:


;[[Sd.Kfz. 253|Sd.Kfz. 253 ''leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen'']]
;[[Sd.Kfz. 253|Sd.Kfz. 253 ''leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen'']]
: Artillery forward observer vehicle, with fully enclosed armoured body and artillery radios.
: Artillery observer vehicle, with fully enclosed armoured body and artillery radios.


'''Plus numerous field modifications'''
'''Plus numerous field modifications'''


Such as adding light artillery pieces such as the [[Pak35/36]] to the basic version<ref>{{cite book |title=Armoured Fighting Vehicles of World Wars I and II |last=Livesey |first=Jack |publisher=Anness Publishing Ltd |year=2007 |isbn=1-84476-370-6 |location= |pages=104}}</ref>
Such as adding light artillery pieces such as the [[Pak35/36]] to the basic version.<ref>{{cite book |title=Armoured Fighting Vehicles of World Wars I and II |last=Livesey |first=Jack |publisher=Anness Publishing Ltd |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-84476-370-2 |pages=104}}</ref>


=== See also ===
== See also ==
* [[Kégresse track]]
* [[Kégresse track]]
* [[M2 Half Track Car]]
* [[M2 Half Track Car]]
Line 180: Line 179:
==References==
==References==
===Notes===
===Notes===
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
{{Refbegin}}
* Chamberlain, Peter, and Hilary L. Doyle. Thomas L. Jentz (Technical Editor). ''Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two: A Complete Illustrated Directory of German Battle Tanks, Armoured Cars, Self-propelled Guns, and Semi-tracked Vehicles, 1933–1945''. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1978 (revised edition 1993). {{ISBN|1-85409-214-6}}
* Chamberlain, Peter, and Hilary L. Doyle. Thomas L. Jentz (Technical Editor). ''Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two: A Complete Illustrated Directory of German Battle Tanks, Armoured Cars, Self-propelled Guns, and Semi-tracked Vehicles, 1933–1945''. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1978 (revised edition 1993). {{ISBN|1-85409-214-6}}
* Hogg, Ian V. ''Greenhill Armoured Fighting Vehicles Data Book'', p.&nbsp;274, "Sd.Kfz. 250 (''alte'') APC". London: Greenhill Books, 2000. {{ISBN|1-85367-391-9}}.
* Hogg, Ian V. ''Greenhill Armoured Fighting Vehicles Data Book'', p.&nbsp;274, "Sd.Kfz. 250 (''alte'') APC". London: Greenhill Books, 2000. {{ISBN|1-85367-391-9}}.
Line 190: Line 189:
* Niehorster, Leo W. G. ''German World War II Organizational Series, Vol. 4/II: Mechanized GHQ units and Waffen-SS Formations (28 June 1942)'' Milton Keyes, Buckinghamshire: Military Press, 2004
* Niehorster, Leo W. G. ''German World War II Organizational Series, Vol. 4/II: Mechanized GHQ units and Waffen-SS Formations (28 June 1942)'' Milton Keyes, Buckinghamshire: Military Press, 2004
* Spielberger, Walter J. ''Halftracked Vehicles of the German Army 1909–1945''. Atlgen, PA: Schiffer, 2008 {{ISBN|978-0-7643-2942-5}}
* Spielberger, Walter J. ''Halftracked Vehicles of the German Army 1909–1945''. Atlgen, PA: Schiffer, 2008 {{ISBN|978-0-7643-2942-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Ștefănescu |first=Alexandru V. |date=2020 |title=În umbra marelui Reich: Tehnica de luptă a armatei române pe Frontul de Est (1941–1944) |trans-title=In the Shadow of the Great Reich: Battle Technique of the Romanian Army on the Eastern Front (1941–1944) |url=https://carturesti.ro/carte/in-umbra-marelui-reich-851811444?2pau=6667b3e19&2pdlst=Cj0KCQjwu7OIBhCsARIsALxCUaM0aUf0q9tRg4vR9BnSXZhcOAeoMmlTxZE1JUeDIVv--KM1JqUGuXgaAhk-EALw_wcB&2ptt=quicklink&2ptu=07b5f0fed&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu7OIBhCsARIsALxCUaM0aUf0q9tRg4vR9BnSXZhcOAeoMmlTxZE1JUeDIVv--KM1JqUGuXgaAhk-EALw_wcB |language=ro |location=Târgoviște, Romania |publisher=Cetatea de Scaun |isbn=9786065375055}}
{{refend}}
{{Refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 200: Line 200:
{{WWIIGermanAFVs}}
{{WWIIGermanAFVs}}
{{WWIIRomanianAFVs}}
{{WWIIRomanianAFVs}}
{{Authority control}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}


[[Category:World War II armoured fighting vehicles of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II armoured fighting vehicles of Germany]]
[[Category:World War II half-tracks]]
[[Category:World War II half-tracks]]
[[Category:Half-tracks of Germany]]
[[Category:Half-tracks of Germany]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced from 1940 to 1944]]
[[Category:SPGs. SPAs. Armored cars and trucks of 1939]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of WWII]]

Latest revision as of 19:11, 13 June 2024

Sd.Kfz. 250
Sd.Kfz. 250/2
TypeHalf-track armoured personnel carrier
Place of originNazi Germany
Service history
In service1941–1945
Used byNazi Germany
Kingdom of Romania
WarsWorld War II
Production history
DesignerDemag
Designed1939–1940
ManufacturerDemag, Adlerwerke, Büssing-NAG, MWC
Unit cost20,420 ℛ︁ℳ︁
Produced1941–1945
No. builtApprox. 6,628
Variantssee list below
Specifications (Sd.Kfz. 250/1 Ausf. A)
MassLoad: 5,800 kg (12,800 lb)
Length4.56 m (15 ft 0 in)
Width1.945 m (6 ft 5 in)
Height1.66 m (5 ft 5 in)
Crew2 + 4
Armour5.5–14.5 mm (0.22–0.57 in)
Main
armament
1 or 2 x 7.92 mm (0.312 in) MG 34 machine guns
EngineMaybach HL42 TRKM 6-cylinder, water-cooled petrol
100 PS (99 hp, 74 kW)
Power/weight17.2 hp/ton
Transmission7 + 3 speed Maybach VG 102128 H
SuspensionOverlapping torsion bar (track) Leaf spring (wheels)
Ground clearance28.5 cm (10 in)
Fuel capacity140 L (37 US gal)
Operational
range
Road: 300–320 km (190–200 mi)
Cross Country: 180–200 km (110–120 mi)
Maximum speed Road: 76 km/h (47 mph)

The Sd.Kfz. 250 (German: Sonderkraftfahrzeug 250; 'special motor vehicle') was a light armoured half-track, very similar in appearance to the larger Hanomag-designed Sd.Kfz. 251, and built by the DEMAG firm, for use by Nazi Germany in World War II. Most variants were open-topped and had a single access door in the rear.

The Sd. Kfz 250 was adopted in 1939 to supplement the standard half-track. Production delays meant that the first vehicle did not appear until mid-1941.[1]

Development

[edit]

In 1939, the Inspectorate for Motorised Troops (AHA/In 6) decided that it would be useful for armoured half-tracks to accompany tanks in the attack. These could meet the requirements for smaller vehicles to be used in the headquarters, artillery observer, radio, and reconnaissance roles.

Demag, the designer of the smallest half-track in service, the Sd.Kfz. 10, was selected to develop the "light armoured troop carrier" (leichter gepanzerter Mannschafts-Transportwagen) or Sd.Kfz. 250.

To this end, the Sd.Kfz. 10 hull was shortened by one road wheel station, and an armoured hull (Panzerwanne) constructed around the truncated running gear.

While intended as a derivative of a standard inventory item, eventually virtually every component was redesigned and specific to the Sd.Kfz. 250.[2]

Description

[edit]

Power for the Sd.Kfz. 250 was provided by a Maybach 6-cylinder, water-cooled, 4.17-litre (254 cu in) HL 42 TRKM gasoline engine of 100 horsepower (100 PS). It had a semi-automatic pre-selector transmission with seven forward and three reverse gears: Maybach SRG, type VG 102 128 H, (SRG=Schaltreglergetriebe, VG=Variorex-Getriebe, H=Hohlachse).

Gears were first selected and then the change pedal depressed to change the ratio, the next gear could then be selected in advance. It could attain 76 km/h (47 mph), but the driver was cautioned not to exceed 65 km/h (40 mph).[3]

Both tracks and wheels were used for steering. The steering system was set up so that gentle turns used just the steerable front wheels, but brakes would be applied to the tracks the farther the steering wheel was turned. The Sd.Kfz. 250 also inherited the track-sparing but more complicated rollers in place of the more commonplace toothed sprockets.

The track ran on four double roadwheels overlapping and interleaved in the so-called Schachtellaufwerk design used by nearly all German half-tracked vehicles, mounted on swing arms sprung by torsion bars, track tension being maintained by an idler wheel, mounted at the rear.

The front wheels had transversely mounted leaf springs and shock absorbers (the only ones fitted) to dampen impacts.[3]

The Sd.Kfz. 250 (and its parent, the Sd.Kfz. 10) were unique among German half-track designs as they used a hull rather than a frame or chassis.

Armour

[edit]
Thickness/slope from the vertical Front Side Rear Top/Bottom
Superstructure 14.5 mm (0.57 in)/30° 8 mm (0.31 in)/35-30° 10 mm (0.39 in)/10° 5.5 mm (0.22 in)/?°
Hull 14.5 mm (0.57 in)/12° 10 mm (0.39 in) to 14.5 mm (0.57 in)/0° 8 mm (0.31 in)/45° 5.5 mm (0.22 in)

Service history

[edit]
A Sd.Kfz. 250/3 radio vehicle

The vehicle was used in a wide variety of roles throughout World War II. The basic troop carrier version was used as an armoured personnel carrier for reconnaissance units, carrying scout sections. This basic variant usually mounted one or two MG34 machineguns. Later variants carried 20 mm, 37 mm, and even 75 mm guns to support the more lightly armed versions (see table below).

Several special-purpose variants were seen early in the war. The 250/3 and 250/5 were command variants, with fewer seats but equipped with long-range radio equipment. These were used by battalion and higher commanders as personal command vehicles, most famously the 250/3 used by Erwin Rommel in the North African campaign. Early versions had large 'bedframe' antennas, which were easy to spot at long range, making them more vulnerable to artillery fire. Later variants dispensed with this and instead used the far less conspicuous whip antenna.

The Sd.Kfz. 253 variant was fully enclosed, and was used by artillery observers to accompany tank and mechanized infantry units.

The initial design had a multi-faceted armoured body constructed from multiple plates, which gave good protection against small arms fire but was both slow and costly to manufacture, and resulted in a cramped interior.

Production of this early version stopped in October 1943 with some 4,200 built[1] and the complex body-shape dropped in favour of a neue art (new version) with flattened crew compartment sides made from a single piece of armour. This greatly simplified manufacture but in both variants the level of protection was minimal - rifle-calibre small-arms fire and shell fragments would likely be stopped, but heavy machine guns, anti-tank rifles and virtually any form of artillery could perforate the Sd.Kfz. 250 even at long range.

In August 1943, Romania acquired a total of 27 armoured half-tracks, of both the 251 and 250 types.[4] Sd.Kfz. 251s were known as SPW mijlociu ("medium SPW") in Romanian service, while Sd.Kfz. 250s were referred to as SPW ușor ("light SPW").[5]

Variants

[edit]
Rommel amidst advancing units in his Sd.Kfz. 250/3 command vehicle "GREIF" (English: 'Griffin').
German soldiers fire the 2.8 cm sPzB 41 heavy anti-tank rifle on the Sd.Kfz. 250/11. The vehicle was assigned to the elite Großdeutschland Division engaged on the Eastern Front.
Romanian soldiers on a Sd.Kfz. 250/9 Neu in Transylvania, September–October 1944
Sd.Kfz. 250/1 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen
The standard troop carrier.
Sd.Kfz. 250/2 leichter Fernsprechpanzerwagen
Equipped with cable-laying gear.
Sd.Kfz. 250/3 leichter Funkpanzerwagen
Command variant, equipped with radio equipment and a "bedstead" aerial frame.
Sd.Kfz. 250/3-I (Fu 7, Fu 8, Fu.Spr. f) (Luftwaffe)
Sd.Kfz. 250/3-II (Fu 5, Fu.Spr. f)
Sd.Kfz. 250/3-III (Fu 8, Fu 4, Fu.Spr. f)
Sd.Kfz. 250/3-IV (Fu 8, Fu.Spr. f)
Sd.Kfz. 250/3-V (Fu 12, Fu.Spr. f)
Sd.Kfz. 250/4
  • Sd.Kfz. 250/4 leichter Truppenluftschutzpanzerwagen
Antiaircraft variant armed with a dual MG 34 machine gun; never reached production.
  • Sd.Kfz. 250/4 leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen
Observation vehicle for Sturmgeschütz detachments.
Sd.Kfz. 250/5 leichter Beobachtungspanzerwagen
Command variant with additional radio equipment.
Sd.Kfz. 250/6 leichter Munitionspanzerwagen
Ammunition carrier for assault guns.
  • Sd.Kfz. 250/6 Ausf A
carried 70 rounds for 7,5 cm StuK 37 L/24 gun.
  • Sd.Kfz. 250/6 Ausf B
carried 60 rounds for 7,5 cm StuK 40 L/48 gun.
Sd.Kfz. 250/7
  • Sd.Kfz. 250/7 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (schwerer Granatwerfer)
mounted an 81 mm mortar.
  • Sd.Kfz. 250/7 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (Munitionsfahrzeug)
Ammunition transporter - carried 66 rounds for 81 mm mortar.
Sd.Kfz. 250/8 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (7.5 cm)
Support variant armed with a 7.5cm KwK 37 L/24 gun and an MG 34.
Sd.Kfz. 250/9 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (2 cm)
Reconnaissance variant with a 2 cm KwK 38 autocannon and a coaxial MG (MG 34 or MG 42) in a low, open-topped turret identical to that of the Sd.Kfz.. 222 armoured car.
Sd.Kfz. 250/10 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (3.7 cm PaK)
Reconnaissance platoon leader's variant with 3.7 cm PaK 35/36. This was the same as the antitank gun used in a towed mode early in the war. Occasionally, the gun was fitted with a small shield to protect the gunners.
Sd.Kfz. 250/11 leichter Schützenpanzerwagen (schwere Panzerbüchse 41)
With a 2.8 cm sPzB 41 heavy anti-tank rifle and an MG 34.
Sd.Kfz. 250/12 leichter Messtruppanzerwagen
Survey and artillery range spotting vehicle.
Sd.Kfz. 252 leichter gepanzerter Munitionskraftwagen
Ammunition carrier for Sturmgeschütz.
Sd.Kfz. 253 leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen
Artillery observer vehicle, with fully enclosed armoured body and artillery radios.

Plus numerous field modifications

Such as adding light artillery pieces such as the Pak35/36 to the basic version.[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Hogg, Ian V.; Weeks, John (1980). Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles. London: Hamlyn. p. 251.
  2. ^ Jentz, p. 2
  3. ^ a b Jentz, p. 3
  4. ^ Tarnstrom, Ronald L. (1998). Balkan Battles. Trogen Books. p. 407. ISBN 9780922037148.
  5. ^ Ștefănescu 2020, pp. 470–471.
  6. ^ Livesey, Jack (2007). Armoured Fighting Vehicles of World Wars I and II. Anness Publishing Ltd. p. 104. ISBN 978-1-84476-370-2.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Chamberlain, Peter, and Hilary L. Doyle. Thomas L. Jentz (Technical Editor). Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two: A Complete Illustrated Directory of German Battle Tanks, Armoured Cars, Self-propelled Guns, and Semi-tracked Vehicles, 1933–1945. London: Arms and Armour Press, 1978 (revised edition 1993). ISBN 1-85409-214-6
  • Hogg, Ian V. Greenhill Armoured Fighting Vehicles Data Book, p. 274, "Sd.Kfz. 250 (alte) APC". London: Greenhill Books, 2000. ISBN 1-85367-391-9.
  • Hogg, Ian V. and Weeks, John. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Vehicles, p. 251, "Sd.Kfz. 10 Light (One-ton) Military Tractor)". London: Hamlyn, 1980. ISBN 0-600-33195-4.
  • Jentz, Thomas L. Leichter Schutzenpanzerwagen: (Sd.Kfz. 250) Ausf.A and B: History of Production, Variants, Organization and Employment from 1941 to 1945 (Panzer Tracts No. 15-1) Boyds, MD: Panzer Tracts, 2008. ISBN 0-9815382-0-7
  • Niehorster, Leo W. G. German World War II Organizational Series, Vol. 4/II: Mechanized GHQ units and Waffen-SS Formations (28 June 1942) Milton Keyes, Buckinghamshire: Military Press, 2004
  • Spielberger, Walter J. Halftracked Vehicles of the German Army 1909–1945. Atlgen, PA: Schiffer, 2008 ISBN 978-0-7643-2942-5
  • Ștefănescu, Alexandru V. (2020). În umbra marelui Reich: Tehnica de luptă a armatei române pe Frontul de Est (1941–1944) [In the Shadow of the Great Reich: Battle Technique of the Romanian Army on the Eastern Front (1941–1944)] (in Romanian). Târgoviște, Romania: Cetatea de Scaun. ISBN 9786065375055.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sonderkraftfahrzeug 250.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Sd.Kfz._250&oldid=1228885235"