History, technical details and pictures

History of the SdKfz 250

In the 1930s, the French Army dominates the world of military half-tracks, and it is far to be the case for the German Army at the same time, so the German military engineers received the order to design a new half-track in order to modernize the German Army vehicles.

A first prototype was validated before 1939. It was called SdKfz 250 and had to provide direct support to the infantry, while doing reconnaissance missions. The production of this vehicle started from the year 1940.

The SdKfz 250 was not only used as infantry carrier but also as a mobile command post or as an ambulance.

In addition, different versions of the half-track were also produced during the Second World War and until 1944, more or less adapted to the use of the vehicle by the German soldiers who modified themselves sometimes its structure.

Despite its title of "all tasks vehicle" of the German Army, the SdKfz vehicle remained very sensitive to the enemy fire. Its armor resisted to pistol bullets, but not to bullets from heavy machine guns.

SdKfz 250 sheet

Country creator/user: Germany
Name: SdKfz 250

Lenght: 4,56 m
Width: 1,95 m
Height: 1,98 m
Weigth: 5,610 kg
Maximum speed: 65 km/h
Range: 350 km

Armament: two 7,92 mm MG 34 machine guns

Engine: Maybach HL42 TRKM gazoline, 6-cylinder, 100 hp, 3,000 rpm

Crew: 2
Transport : 4

Front shield: 15 mm
Back shield: 6 mm