SdKfz (SonderKraftfahrzeug) 263 8-Rad
History, technical sheet and photo
SdKfz 263 armoured car
Beginning in 1935, Germany revived its arms industry and equipped itself with all the necessary equipment for the realization of Blitzkrieg, the lightning war. This is also the case for linking and reconnaissance vehicles, of which many models are imagined.
The range of Schwerer Panzerspähwagen (heavy armored reconnaissance vehicles) is composed of 6×6 and 8×8 vehicles. One of these models, the SdKfz 263 (which exists both in 6×6 and 8×8, we are interested here in the 8×8 model), is an eight-wheel drive version which uses the SdKfz 232/3 chassis as a structure.
Deployed on the various theaters of operations, both on the east front and in the deserts of North Africa, this all-terrain vehicle is subjected to harsh climatic conditions which reveal mechanical fragilities. Nevertheless, it is able to carry out missions of reconnaissance at very long distance thanks in particular to its radius of action.
The SdKfz 263 are present during the Battle of Normandy and take part in missions of reconnaissance, liaison and escort of convoys.
SdKfz 263 armoured car specification
Creator/User: Germany
Denomination: SdKfz 263 8-Rad
Length: 5,90 m
Width: 2,20 m
Height: 2,90 m
Weight: 8,300 kg
Maximum speed: 85 km/h
Operational range: 300 km
Main armament: one 2 cm KwK 30 L/55
Secondary armament: one 7,92 mm MG 34 machine gun
Engine: 8-cyl petrol 155 hp (115.58 kW)
Crew: 4 (commander, gunner, driver, secondary driver)
Armor: from 8 to 15 mm
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