Aufklarungspanzerwagen 38 (2cm) (SdKfz 140/1)

Armored Fast Reconnaissance Tank / Light Tank Destroyer [ 1943 ]

The Czech-originated 38t light tank chassis formed the basis for the Aufklarungspanzerwagen 38 fast reconnaissance tank of the German Army during World War 2.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 04/10/2017 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

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Using captured enemy tracked vehicles for other battlefield purposes proved the norm for the pressed German Army during World War 2 (1939-1945). Early on, the pre-war Czech LT vz. 38 Light Tank was captured in some number and over 1,400 were eventually produced by Czech-firm CKD for the German Army as the Panzer 38(t). In time, the design was evolved to become the Aufklarungspanzerwagen 38 (2cm), SdKfz 140/1.

Due to its lightweight nature and compact profile, Panzer 38(t) tanks held evermore limited battlefield value as the war went on. As such, it was decided to covert the line to fulfill an armored "fast reconnaissance" tank requirement. An existing, open-air turret fitting the 2cm (20mm) KwK 38 L/55 anti-tank gun was added and this featured a coaxial 7.92mm MG42 machine gun. The turret was given mesh screens to protect the turret crew from grenade attacks. The engine make was Praga and this installation was a 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled system outputting 180 horsepower (uprated from the 150 horsepower units originally featured in the Panzer 38(t) tanks). Road speeds could reach 28 mph and ranges were out to 130 miles. The crew numbered four in cramped fighting conditions. The radio fit was the Fu.Spr.Ger.f series kit.

The first vehicles were delivered by CKD in October of 1943 and a total of 70 units were built to the standard. These arrived into March of the following year and were assigned to Panzer divisions into late 1944. The series saw action on both the East and West fronts until the end of the war in May 1945 - their 20mm guns proving a disadvantage against more advanced modern armor but suitable against light-armored vehicles and infantry.©MilitaryFactory.com

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Specifications

Service Year

1943

Origin

Nazi Germany

Crew

4
CREWMEN

Production

70
UNITS

CKD - Czechoslovakia

(View other Vehicle-Related Manufacturers)

Nazi Germany

(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)

✓ Infantry Support
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.

✓ Tank-vs-Tank
Engage armored vehicles of similar form and function.

✓ Reconaissance
Can conduct reconnaissance / scout missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, et al - typically through lightweight design.

Length

14.8 ft
4.51 m

Width

7.1 ft
2.15 m

Height

7.1 ft
2.15 m

Weight

19,500 lb
8,845 kg

Tonnage

9.7 tons
LIGHT

(Showcased structural values pertain to the Aufklarungspanzerwagen 38 (2cm) production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)

Powerplant: 1 x Praga 6-cylinder, liquid-cooled gasoline engine developing 180 horsepower at 2,800rpm.

Speed

28.0 mph
(45.0 kph)

Range

130.5 mi
(210.0 km)

(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the Aufklarungspanzerwagen 38 (2cm) production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)

1 x 2cm KwK 38 L/55 main gun
1 x 7.92mm MG42 machine gun

Supported Types

Graphical image of a tank cannon armament

Graphical image of a tank medium machine gun

(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)

Not Available.

Aufklarungspanzerwagen 38 (2cm) (SdKfz 140/1) - Base Series Designation.

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Image of the Aufklarungspanzerwagen 38 (2cm) (SdKfz 140/1)

Image from the Public Domain.

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