SdKfz 254

Infobox Weapon
name= SdKfz 254


caption=
origin=Austria
type= Tracked/wheeled armoured scout car
is_ranged=
is_bladed=
is_explosive=
is_artillery=
is_vehicle=yes
is_missile=
is_UK=
service=
used_by=Austria, Nazi Germany
wars=
designer=
design_date=
manufacturer=
unit_cost=
production_date=
number= 140
variants= artillery observation vehicle
weight= 6.4 tonnes
length= 4.56 m
part_length=
width=2.02 m, 2.20 m on wheels
height=1.88 m
diameter=
crew=
armour= 6 - 15 mm
primary_armament=1 x MG34 7.92 mm machine gun
secondary_armament=
engine=Saurer CRDv 4cyl, diesel
engine_power=70hp
transmission=
payload_capacity=
fuel_capacity=
pw_ratio=
suspension=
clearance=
vehicle_range=500 km on wheels
speed= 60 km/h
guidance=

The Sdkfz 254 was a fully tracked armoured scout car employed by Nazi Germany during World War II.

From 1936, the vehicle was developed under the designation RK-7 by the Saurer company as an artillery tractor for the Austrian army. Testing was completed and in 1937, an order was placed for the tractors and they were manufactured in 1938. About 12 vehicles were made prior to "Anschluss" (the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938). Manufacture of the vehicle continued after the Anschluss. Records indicate that a total of 140 units were built. The new German designation was Sdkfz 254. The vehicle featured a wheel-cum-track layout and a diesel motor. The wheels were lowered when it was used on roads and retracted for tracked movement cross-country. A number saw service with the Afrika Korps, serving as artillery observation vehicles after being fitted with a radio and rail antenna.

External links

* [http://www.panzernet.net/panzernet/stranky/galerie/polopasy/galeriesdkfz254.htm www.panzernet.net]
* [http://www.wwiivehicles.com/germany/half-tracks/sdkfz-254.asp SdKfz 254] wwiivehicles.com