AFVs (SPG, Half-Track, Tank Destroyer, etc.)

The Sd.Kfz. 250/1 was a versatile and crucial vehicle for the Wehrmacht during World War II. It served as an armored personnel carrier, typically carrying a small reconnaissance team of four to six soldiers. The vehicle's open-topped design and relatively light armor provided protection against small arms fire and shell splinters, while its half-track configuration offered excellent cross-country mobility.

The Jagdpanther (German: "hunting Panther"), Sd.Kfz. 173, was a tank destroyer built by Germany during World War II. The Jagdpanther combined the 8.8 cm Pak 43 anti-tank gun, similar to the main gun of the Tiger II, with the armor and suspension of the Panther chassis.

The Jagdpanzer IV / Sd.Kfz. 162, was a German tank destroyer based on the Panzer IV chassis and built in three main variants. As one of the casemate-style turretless Jagdpanzer (tank destroyer, literally "hunting tank") designs, it was developed against the wishes of Heinz Guderian, the inspector general of the Panzertruppen, as a replacement for the Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III). Guderian objected against the (in his eyes) needless diversion of resources from Panzer IV tank production, as the StuG III was still more than adequate for its role.

The German capture version of the SU-85 (Samokhodnaya Ustanovka 85) Soviet Tank Destroyer

The JSU-122, also known as the ISU-122, was a significant military vehicle in the Soviet Union's arsenal during World War II.

The German Waffentrager (weapon carrier), was formulated by the artillery and technical supply department at the end of 1942. It was assumed that two main types of carriers would be developed in parallel. The first one could be considered light and was supposed to mount a 75 mm PaK 40L/70 anti-tank gun, a 105 mm FH 18/40 howitzer, or a 37 mm FlaK anti-aircraft gun. The second type of carrier was intended for the more powerful 88 mm PaK 43 L/71 gun, the 150 mm FH 43 howitzer, and the 128 mm K43 gun.

"Kubus" was built by the Polish Home Army during the Warsaw uprising of 1944. Only one vehicle was built and it took only about 13 days to complete. It was designed as an armored personnel carrier to be used during assaults.

The Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A als Flakwagen was a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) used by the German military during World War II. It was built by converting a standard Mercedes-Benz L4500A heavy-duty truck into an anti-aircraft vehicle by mounting either a 2 cm, 3.7 cm, or even a 5 cm anti-aircraft gun on the truck’s bed.

The Schwere Geländegängiger Lastkraftwagen 4.5t Mercedes-Benz L4500A als Flakwagen was a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) used by the German military during World War II. It was built by converting a standard Mercedes-Benz L4500A heavy-duty truck into an anti-aircraft vehicle by mounting either a 2 cm, 3.7 cm, or even a 5 cm anti-aircraft gun on the truck’s bed.

The Daimler Dingo, a variant of the Pz.Kmpf. Mk.I 202(e), was used by the Germans during the war, where it was transformed into the Pz.Kpfw.Mk.I 202. The Dingo's success in combat led to its continued use by various nations, including Cyprus, Portugal, and Sri Lanka, until the mid-1950s.

The ADGZ had 12 wheels, 4 axles, four headlights (two on each end), 6mm thick armor on the front, rear, and sides, and a dual transmission which allowed for the car to be driven from either end. The circular central turret housed a 20mm KwK 35 L/45 autocannon. Both sides were fitted with two half-doors where the top and bottom portions could be opened independently, as well as a ball mount on each side for an MG 34 machine gun.

The M3A1 Scout Car, also known as the White Scout Car, was an American armored car produced during World War II. It was used in various roles, including patrol, scouting, command vehicle, ambulance, and gun tractor.

The Marder III, specifically, was equipped with the German 7.5 cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun, which was highly effective in penetrating the armor of most Allied tanks at standard engagement ranges. The Marder III served on all fronts until the end of the war, providing significant firepower to counter the thick-armored T-34s.

The Marmon–Herrington armoured car was a series of armoured vehicles that were produced in South Africa and adopted by the British Army during World War II.

Karl-Gerät (040/041), also known as Mörser Karl, was a World War II German self-propelled siege mortar designed and built by Rheinmetall.

This vehicle was a familiar sight, widely associated with the German infantry during all of World War Two. It began simply as an armored version of the Sd.Kfz.11 half-tracked artillery tractor. The half-track was one of the several solutions given to the problem of low off-road capabilities of trucks and associated “special purpose vehicles” (Sonderkraftfahrzeug). The Sd.Kfz.11 was designed in 1938 by Hanomag and was the prime mover for the 105 mm (4.13 in) LeFH howitzer and 37 mm (1.46 in) Flak 43, and 9000 units were built until 1945. This company was the natural choice to fulfill the next Waffenamt specification, which requested an armored vehicle capable of carrying a section of Panzergrenadiers and their equipment in order to keep up with the Panzer Divisions. Each German mechanized infantry corps was to be equipped with a hundred of these. The protection given had to be sufficient against small arms fire and artillery shrapnel, and armament should comprise two MG 34 machine-guns for defense and direct support. In German nomenclature it was classed as a Mittlere Schützenpanzerwagen (“Medium Assault Armored Vehicle”).

The GM Otter Light Reconnaissance Car was a significant vehicle in the military history of Canada during World War II.

The Panzerjäger I was the very first tank hunter in German service. In 1939, as new medium tanks were entering mass production, older Panzer Is were already considered obsolescent. Many such chassis were available, which were perfect for being converted into self-propelled guns. One such idea came from the experience of the Polish campaign, were many Panzers were destroyed by the tiny, but efficient Polish TKS, using light antitank guns, like the Reinmetall Solothurn 20 mm (0.79 in). The capture of the Czech war industry also provided many suitable antitank guns, like the excellent 47 mm (1.85 in), far better suited than the average 37 mm (1.46 in) KwK 36, provided in large numbers to the German infantry at the time . The idea of mounting the Škoda 4.7 cm (1.85 in) cm PaK(t) on a Panzer I Ausf.B chassis was meant to quickly provide a potent way to deal with French tanks, especially SOMUA and B1, for the upcoming Western campaign.

German capture version of the Marmon–Herrington armoured car; a series of armoured vehicles that were produced in South Africa and adopted by the British Army during World War II.

The Panzerspähwagen (Funk) P204(f) was a German command radio-equipped armored car based on the captured French Panhard 178. Command variants of the P204(f) used FuG 10 or FuG 11 radios, and the large Hochantenne (elevated) frame antenna, with some vehicles also fitted with a right-side telescopic mast. The Germans converted the P204(f) into a Funk vehicle by removing the APX3 turret and installing a fixed or open-topped armored box.

With the German invasion of France in May-June 1940, the French saw many of their vehicles abandoned by the side of roads because of lack of fuel or spare parts, or even of time to repair or refuel their vehicles before they would be overrun. These intact vehicles would be ripe for the taking for German forces, and there are indeed occasional reports of captured Panhard 178s, as well as other vehicles, such as the Renault UE, being fielded by German forces during the Campaign of France itself. The Panhard 178 was the only vehicle Vichy France was allowed to keep in service in mainland France by the terms of the armistice. A total of 64 vehicles, with the 25 mm gun replaced by another 7.5 mm machine gun, were approved under these conditions. In addition, there were at least 45 uncompleted hulls which were hidden away from the Germans and were later used for the Panhard 178 CDM conversions.

The full designation of this self-propelled artillery gun was Panzerfeldhaubitze 18M auf Geschützwagen III/IV (Sf) Hummel, Sd.Kfz.165.The German word ‘Hummel’ means bumblebee. This armored fighting vehicle had a nasty sting. There were two main types of self-propelled guns in the German Army during WW2. One was fitted with an anti-tank gun and the other with an artillery howitzer, like the Hummel. A vehicle fitted with an artillery field howitzer was called a ‘Geschützwagen’, which is literally translated as a ‘gun vehicle’. The letters ‘Sf’ stand for ‘Selbstfahrlafette’ – self-propelled carriage. ‘Panzerfeldhaubitze’ means armoured field howitzer.

8.8 cm Flak 18 anti-aircraft guns were mounted on fifteen Sd.Kfz. 9s in 1940 as the 8.8 cm Flak 18 (Sfl.) auf Zugkraftwagen 18t (Sd.Kfz. 9) for anti-tank duties. The crew and engine compartments were lightly (14.5 mm (0.57 in)), but completely, armored, which limited the gun's ability to fire directly ahead. A platform with drop-down sides was fitted for the gun. Outriggers were necessary to brace the platform sides to support the weight of the gun crew.

The Sd.Kfz. 223 was Command and Communications vehicle, distinguished by its large collapsible aerial antenna frame above the gun emplacement. It featured a crew of three, including a driver, commander, and machine gunner. The Sd.Kfz. 223 was produced in 567 units from 1936 to January 1944, benefiting from its dedicated armored chassis and Horch V8 gasoline engine for cross-country travel. The vehicle's design was closely related to the Sd.Kfz. 221, with a stepped rear upper hull section and a tapered hatch covering the engine compartment. The Sd.Kfz. 223 was used for reconnaissance and communications missions, with its light armor protection and 4x4 wheeled design providing it with the necessary strength for military service.

The Sd.Kfz. 222's development and deployment were marked by its success in early campaigns against unprepared opponents, but it faced significant vulnerabilities when confronting well-equipped Allied forces. The vehicle's armor-piercing vulnerability was discovered during tests, leading to its eventual replacement by the Sd.Kfz. 234 Puma. The Sd.Kfz. 222's history is a testament to the complexities of armored vehicle development and the impact of engineering compromises on battlefield performance.

The SdKfz 234 Puma was a German eight-wheeled heavy armored car developed during World War II. After it was clear that a stronger armament was necessary to fight the Soviet tank units, the SdKfz 234/3 with a short 7.5 cm gun and then the SdKfz 234/4 with a long 7.5 cm Pak 40, which were rigidly mounted to the front in an open top stand, appeared. The Puma was primarily designed for reconnaissance missions, but its firepower (especially in the 234/2 variant) made it capable of engaging enemy light armor. Its excellent mobility and range allowed it to operate effectively behind enemy lines. The SdKfz 234 series represented the pinnacle of German armored car design during WWII, combining mobility, firepower, and reasonable protection. The diesel engine provided superior range compared to most contemporary vehicles.

The SdKfz 234 Puma was a German eight-wheeled heavy armored car developed during World War II. After it was clear that a stronger armament was necessary to fight the Soviet tank units, the SdKfz 234/3 with a short 7.5 cm gun and then the SdKfz 234/4 with a long 7.5 cm Pak 40, which were rigidly mounted to the front in an open top stand, appeared. The Puma was primarily designed for reconnaissance missions, but its firepower (especially in the 234/2 variant) made it capable of engaging enemy light armor. Its excellent mobility and range allowed it to operate effectively behind enemy lines. The SdKfz 234 series represented the pinnacle of German armored car design during WWII, combining mobility, firepower, and reasonable protection. The diesel engine provided superior range compared to most contemporary vehicles.

The Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf.B was an armored command car used by the German armed forces during World War II. It was a four-wheeled model that entered production during the war, providing a mobile platform for senior German officers to travel safely across rough terrain. The Ausf.B was largely deployed on the Russian front and possibly in Normandy in 1944.

The SdKfz 234 Puma was a German eight-wheeled heavy armored car developed during World War II. The basic model was the command armored car SdKfz 234/1 with an open top, fully rotatable hexagonal turret with 2 cm quick-fire cannon. The Puma was primarily designed for reconnaissance missions, but its firepower (especially in the 234/2 variant) made it capable of engaging enemy light armor. Its excellent mobility and range allowed it to operate effectively behind enemy lines. The SdKfz 234 series represented the pinnacle of German armored car design during WWII, combining mobility, firepower, and reasonable protection. The diesel engine provided superior range compared to most contemporary vehicles.

The SdKfz 234 Puma was a German eight-wheeled heavy armored car developed during World War II. The Puma was the SdKfz 234/2 with a turret shaped like a horse’s hoof from above with 5-cm-cannon was originally developed for the never put into service light main battle tank Leopard. The Puma was primarily designed for reconnaissance missions, but its firepower (especially in the 234/2 variant) made it capable of engaging enemy light armor. Its excellent mobility and range allowed it to operate effectively behind enemy lines. The SdKfz 234 series represented the pinnacle of German armored car design during WWII, combining mobility, firepower, and reasonable protection. The diesel engine provided superior range compared to most contemporary vehicles.

The SdKfz 234 Puma was a German eight-wheeled heavy armored car developed during World War II. The Puma was the SdKfz 234/2 with a turret shaped like a horse’s hoof from above with 5-cm-cannon was originally developed for the never put into service light main battle tank Leopard. The Puma was primarily designed for reconnaissance missions, but its firepower (especially in the 234/2 variant) made it capable of engaging enemy light armor. Its excellent mobility and range allowed it to operate effectively behind enemy lines. The SdKfz 234 series represented the pinnacle of German armored car design during WWII, combining mobility, firepower, and reasonable protection. The diesel engine provided superior range compared to most contemporary vehicles.

The SdKfz 234 Puma was a German eight-wheeled heavy armored car developed during World War II. The basic model was the command armored car SdKfz 234/1 with an open top, fully rotatable hexagonal turret with 2 cm quick-fire cannon. The Puma was primarily designed for reconnaissance missions, but its firepower (especially in the 234/2 variant) made it capable of engaging enemy light armor. Its excellent mobility and range allowed it to operate effectively behind enemy lines. The SdKfz 234 series represented the pinnacle of German armored car design during WWII, combining mobility, firepower, and reasonable protection. The diesel engine provided superior range compared to most contemporary vehicles.

The SdKfz 234 Puma was a German eight-wheeled heavy armored car developed during World War II. The Puma was the SdKfz 234/2 with a turret shaped like a horse’s hoof from above with 5-cm-cannon was originally developed for the never put into service light main battle tank Leopard. The Puma was primarily designed for reconnaissance missions, but its firepower (especially in the 234/2 variant) made it capable of engaging enemy light armor. Its excellent mobility and range allowed it to operate effectively behind enemy lines. The SdKfz 234 series represented the pinnacle of German armored car design during WWII, combining mobility, firepower, and reasonable protection. The diesel engine provided superior range compared to most contemporary vehicles.