Sd.Kfz. 252
| Sd.Kfz. 252 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Ammunition Carrier |
| Place of origin |
.svg.png){kind=small} Nazi Germany |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1940 |
| Wars | World War II |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Demag AG |
| Manufacturer | Demag, Wegmann and Deutsche Werke |
| Produced | June thru December 1940 (Demag and Wegman), January thru September 1941 (Deutsche Werke) |
| Number built | 413 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 5.73 tons |
| Length | 4.7 meters |
| Width | 1.95 meters |
| Height | 1.8 meters |
| Crew | 2 |
|
| |
| Armor | 18 millimeters (see chart) |
Main armament | MG 34 |
| Engine | Maybach HL 42 TRKM |
Operational range | 320 kilometers (road), 175 km (off-road) |
| Speed | 65 kilometers per hour |
The Sd.Kfz. 252 leichte Gepanzerte Munitionskraftwagen was a light armoured ammunition carrier used by Nazi Germany during World War II as early as the Battle of France in June 1940.
History
The Sd. Kfz. 252 was based on the Sd.Kfz. 250 half-track and used the same chassis. Initially built by the Demag and Wegmann firms from June through to December 1940, production shifted to Deutsche Werke from January to September 1941.[1] 413 vehicles were manufactured, all of which were issued as ammunition resupply vehicles to Sturmartillerie batteries and saw operation on both European fronts.
As additional load capacity was required, the Sonder-Anhänger (Sd. Ah.) für Munition (7,5 cm) (Sd. Ah. 32/1) was developed as an ammunition transport trailer for towing behind the Sd. Kfz. 252. This trailer carried an additional 36 rounds of 75mm ammunition.[2]
During the Battle of France, SdKfz 252s were used by Sturmartillerie Batteries 640 and 659. Due to production delays with the new Sd. Kfz. 252, Sturmartillerie Batteries 660 and 665 went into battle using “turretless” Panzerkampfwagen I munitions carriers.[3]
On the Eastern front, units using the Sd. Kfz. 252 included the Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 184, 190, 191, and 210.
The Sd.Kfz.252 was eventually replaced by the Sd.Kfz.250/6.[4]
Armour breakdown
| Upper Front Hull | Lower Front Hull | Upper Hull Sides | Lower Hull Sides | Rear Hull | Top Hull | Bottom Hull |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 mm at 30 degrees | 18 mm at 12 degrees | 8 mm at 30 degrees | 8 mm at 30 degrees | 8 mm at 45 degrees and 8 mm at 55 degrees | 8 mm at 90 degrees | 8 mm at 90 degrees |
Miscellaneous facts
- Used the FuG15 or the FuG16 radio system
- Transmission had 7 forward and 3 in reverse
- Was armed with a 7.92 MG34
- Six-cylinder, water-cooled, 3000 RPM, engine
Gallery
Rear view, Russia, January 1942.
Side view, rear, Russia, August 1943.
On the ground, in Russia, August 1943.
German soldiers loading ammunition from a Sd.Kfz 252, Crimea, June 1942.
References
- ↑ "Leichte Gepanzerte Munitionskraftwagen Sd.Kfz.252". Achtung Panzer. Retrieved 2012-11-15.
- ↑ "Anhänger (1 achs.) für Munition (7,5cm) (Sd. Ah. 32/1)". Kfz. der Wehrmacht. Retrieved 2012-11-15.
- ↑ "Sturmgeschütze vor!". Retrieved 2012-11-15.
- ↑ "leichter gepanzerter Munitionstransportwagen (Sd. Kfz. 252)". Kfz. der Wehrmacht. Retrieved 2012-11-15.