LEICHTE GEPANZERTE BEOBACHTUNGSKRAFTWAGEN Sd.Kfz 253

LEICHTE GEPANZERTE BEOBACHTUNGSKRAFTWAGEN Sd.Kfz 253
Image: Sd.Kfz 253
YearMarch 1940
Vehicle TypeLight Armoured Command & Observation Vehicle
Origin & DesignerGermany/Demag & Wegmann
Numbers Produced285
Crew4 (Vehicle Commander, Battery Commander, Radio Operator & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 7.92mm MG34 (Loose)
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation[@elevation]
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun Sight[@gun_sight]
Secondary Armament[@secondary_armament]
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried2.200 x 7.92mm
Height1.80m
Width1.95m
Length4.70m
Combat Weight5.700 kg
Ground Clearance0.28m
Fording Depth0.70m
Trench Crossing1.49m
Obstacle Clearance0.69m
Climbing Ability24°
RadioFuG-15 & FuG-16
ArmourLower Hull Front: 18mm
Lower Hull Sides: 8mm
Lower Hull Rear: 8mm
Lower Hull Top: 8mm
Lower Hull Bottom: 8mm
Upper Hull Front: 18mm
Upper Hull Sides: 8mm
Upper Hull Rear: 8mm
Upper Hull Top: 8mm
EngineMaybach HL42TRKM (Petrol)
Transmission7 Forward & 3 Reverse
Maximum Road Range320 km
Maximum Cross Country Range200 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed60 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed15 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Sd.Kfz 253 was based on the chassis of the Sd.Kfz 250 half-track and was developed to provide a fully armoured observation vehicle to equip Sturmartillerie batteries, these were used to carry the battery commander and allow him to command and control his StuG IIIs. Some models had a machine gun mount similar to the Sd.Kfz 250 half-track but mainly they carried a MG34 and personnel weapons on board the vehicle. The Sd.Kfz 253 first saw action in France 1940 and went on to serve on nearly every front until finally being replaced by the Sd.Kfz 250/6.