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SdKfz 222 (Leichter Panzerspahwagen)

1938 WORLD WAR 2

History of SdKfz 222 (Light Armored Vehicle)

The introduction of the SdKfz 221 series of armoured vehicles by the German Army in 1935 eventually led to an expanded line of similar vehicles, all based on the same power pack, design and running gear SdKfz as the original vehicles in the SdKfz 222 and SdKfz 223 The 222 was a highly armoured form with a combination of a 20mm cannon and 7.92mm machine gun mounted on its emplacements, while the SdKfz 223 became a command and communications (CC2) vehicle featuring a fuselage structure mounted a foldable antenna frame. The 222 and 223 models also increased the crew size by one to three to allow a dedicated gunner to manage the weapons. All vehicles in the family share the same 4-ton lightweight design, although the 22 models have proven to be slightly heavier in practice due to additional weapons and the need for a corresponding ammunition magazine.

The Type 222 retains its original open-air emplacements, as well as its folding grille, designed to prevent enemy shells from entering the fighting compartment.

Production of the SdKfz 222 variant spanned from 1937 to 1943, with approximately 990 final deliveries. Early forms had no radios until early 1942, and the original MG13 machine gun was upgraded to the MG34 machine gun in 1938.

Finally, in 1942, the original KwK30 guns were upgraded to the KwK 38 series and used a different chassis, earning the designation Ausf. B ("Type B").

The SdKfz 221, 222 and 223 were earlier German Army armored vehicles, as they were built on special armored vehicle chassis designed for harsh military service. This also improves overland travel, an important attribute of modern mechanized troops.

All three variants feature inherent 4x4 wheel drive and all-wheel steering, and use the same Horch V8 petrol engine, simplifying field repairs and general logistics. The engines were mounted at all markings in the aft compartment, leaving the central and forward hull sections for the crew and weapons.

In an emergency, a spare tire is mounted on the outside of the right fuselage.

Adding heavier weapons adds some extra weight to the SdKfz 222 design, which is already forced to deal with the armor layout. Sloping armour, visible on all panels of the fuselage superstructure, protects against pistols up to 7.92mm caliber. Armed with more than the Type 221's single machine gun, the Type 222 can engage other lightly armored vehicles with armor-piercing (AP) projectiles, and mass enemy infantry with 20mm high-explosive (HE) shells.

The 180 x 20mm projectile was carried on the plane along with the 1,050 x 7.92mm machine gun ammunition. Still, it was primarily a reconnaissance and reconnaissance vehicle rather than a direct combat vehicleits armament was designed for local defense.

Their compact size makes them difficult targets for long-range training, but they often lack the crew protection of larger-caliber weapons.

Nevertheless, the SdKfz 222 series enjoyed a long and healthy existence with the German armoured car brothers during the war, until the end of the fighting in 1945.