SdKfz 222

Light four-wheeled armored car

 

FAST FACTS:

SdKfz 222 was a light 4x4 armored car. It existed in two versions labeled Ausf. A and Ausf. B (Ausf. = Ausführung = version). The first version was based on Einheitsfahrgestell I chassis developed by Horch company. The armored body was designed by Eisenwerk Weserhütte company.

There was a small rotating turret on the roof, hosting a 20 mm automatic gun KwK 30 with a coaxial machine gun. The gun could have been used against both, ground and aerial targets. The crew consisted of three men – driver, commander/gunner and loader. Vehicle was powered by Horch V8 engine with maximum output of 75 HP. With the mass of 4,4 tons it could reach a top speed about 75 km/h. Serial production started probably in 1938.

SdKfz 222 Ausf. B was introduced in 1940. It had a new chassis, new engine with 81 HP and thicker front armor. The original gun KwK 30 was replaced by more advanced KwK 38 of the same caliber but with higher rate of fire. It weighted 4,8 tons and had a respectable maximum speed of 80 km/h. Production continued until 1943. Almost a thousand of SdKfz 222 of both versions were produced.