SdKfz 7

Infobox Weapon
name=SdKfz 7 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 7)


caption=
is_vehicle=yes
type=half-track artillery tractor
crew=1 - 12
length= 6.85 m
width= 2.35 m
height= 2.62 m
weight= 11.53 tonnes
armour= 8 mm
primary_armament=
secondary_armament=
engine= Maybach HL 62 6-cylinder petrol
engine_power= 140 hp ( kW)
suspension= Torsion bar
speed= 50 km/h
pw_ratio= hp/tonne
vehicle_range= 250 km "(road)" 120 km "(off-road)"

The SdKfz 7 "(Sonderkraftfahrzeug 7)" was a half-track military vehicle used by the German Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS during the Second World War.

Development of the SdKfz 7 can be traced back to a 1934 requirement for an eight-tonne (7.87 tons) half-track. The vehicle first appeared in 1938 and was destined to be used mainly as the tractor for the 8.8 cm FlaK gun and the 15 cm sFH 18 150mm howitzer. The vehicle could carry gun crews of up to 12 men in theatre-type seats. The rear of the vehicle was an enclosed compartment for storage of ammunition. The tractor could tow loads up to 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) in weight. Most were fitted with a winch.

The use of half-tracked prime movers for artillery was common in the German forces but not elsewhere. Compared to wheeled vehicles, half-tracks are more difficult to maintain and slower on roads. However, they may have superior off-road mobility.

Some Sdkfz-7 were pressed into service by the Allies during and after the Second World War. An Italian-manufactured variant was also built, and is easily recognized by its longer hood and right-hand-drive steering.

Variants

;SdKfz 7Basic SdKfz 7 prime mover, with open bodywork and theatre-type seating for gun crews.

;SdKfz 7/1SdkFz 7 armed with a 2 cm Flakvierling 38 L/112.5 multiple gun mounting, appearing with both open and armored cab.

;SdKfz 7/2SdkFz 7 armed with a 3.7 cm FlaK 37 L/98 gun. Again, both open and armored cab variants existed.

;"Feurleitpanzer auf Zugkraftwagen 8t"Observation and Command post for V-2 (Vergeltungswaffe 2) rocket launches.

References

* [http://www.wwiivehicles.com]