The SdKfz 223 was part of a larger family of German light armored cars that began with the SdKfz 221 (detailed elsewhere on this site). Each vehicle playing a specific role on the battlefield for the German Army and was adopted in the hundreds. The SdKfz 223 served as a Command and Communications (CC2) vehicle, distinguished from the other primary models (SdKfz 221, SdKfz 222) by the large collapsible aerial antenna frame affixed above the vehicle's gun emplacement. As with the 221- and 222-series vehicles before it, the SdKfz 223 line benefitted form its dedicated armored car chassis which provided it the necessary strength for military service. Additionally, the same Horch V8 gasoline engine gave the system cross-country travel capabilities required of modern mechanized warfare. Production of SdKfz 223 vehicles totaled 567 vehicles and these were produced from 1936 into January of 1944. Unlike the original SdKfz 221, the SdKfz 223 featured a crew of three (instead of two) made up of the driver, commander, and dedicated machine gunner.
The SdKfz 223's design was closely associated with that of the original SdKfz 221 and not so much the SdKfz 222 series. It could be differentiated by its antenna frame as well as a stepped rear upper hull section - features not found on the SdKfz 221 variant. A tapered hatch also covered the engine compartment unlike the rectangular hatch found on the 221 line.
At its core, the SdKfz 223 series was a 4x4 wheeled armored vehicle with light armor protection intended for the reconnaissance and communications role. It was armed simply with a 7.92mm MG34 standard Army machine gun for local defense though early production saw the MG13 series guns fitted prior to 1938. 1,050 x 7.92mm rounds of ammunition were carried aboard. Specialized communication and radio equipment were fitted aboard the vehicle. Early forms featured a 30-watt Fu 10 radio set while later models replaced this with an 80-watt Fu 12 set. A spare tire was carried along the hull right side for replacement in the event of damage. The left side of the outer hull contained an external stowage box. From 1942 onwards, the SdKfz 223 line was given a more powerful engine for improved performance as well as a more robust chassis (producing the Ausf. B variant). Its armor was improved along the frontal facings to 30mm thickness.
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ARMOR CAR / SECURITY
Design, of typically lightweight nature, providing onroad/offroad capabilities for the scouting or general security roles.
RECONNAISSANCE
Can conduct reconnaissance / scout missions to assess threat levels, enemy strength, et al - typically through lightweight design.
12.4 ft (3.78 meters) Length
5.1 ft (1.54 meters) Width
4.7 ft (1.42 meters) Height
9,599 lb (4,354 kg) Weight
4.8 tons (Light-class) Tonnage
1 x Horch V8 water-cooled, gasoline engine developing 75 horsepower at 3,600rpm. Drive System
50 mph (80 kph) Road Speed
175 miles (282 km) Road Range
STANDARD:
1 x 7.92mm MG13 machine gun (early)
1 x 7.92mm MG34 machine gun (later)
AMMUNITION
1,050 x 7.92mm ammunition
Sd.Kfz 223 - Base series designation
Sd.Kfz 223 Ausf A - Original production model of 1936.
Sd.Kfz 223 Ausf B - Improved model introducing uprated engine, 30mm frontal armor protection, and new chassis design.
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