Sd.Kfz.233 "stummel"
Germany (1942) - 119 built
An organic heavy 8x8 support armored car
The schwerer Panzerspähwagen (7,5 cm) Sd. Kfz. 233, or simply know as the "Sd.Kfz.233" was part of the family of heavy reconnaissance 8x8 armored cars developed from 1937, starting with the Sd.Kfz. 231; It was developed in 1942 when the need arise in reconnaissance batallions to field a dedicated artillery support vehicle. The Sd.Kfz 233 armed with the ubiquitous 7,5 cm K37 L24 also shared by the early Panzer IV and either 119, 135 or even 199 vehicles were manufactured from July 1942 to October 1943 according to various sources.Design Development
The regular Sd.Kfz 231 (8-rad) on which the 233 was based on (Bundesarchiv)
Lineage of the Schwerer Panzerspähwagen
The Sd.Kfz.231 heavy reconnaissance 8x8 armored car was a part of the Schwerer Panzerspähwagen family of wheeled armoured vehicle designed entirely for ground reconnaissance in force, the "probe" of the Wehrmacht on an extended battlefield. The 6x4 early 1930s vehicles were replaced by 8x8 with the same designations, themselves replaced in WW2 nby a thord generation based on the much powerful Sd.Kfz 234.-The 6x4 Sd.Kfz. 231 produced in 1930-36 was derived from Daimler-Benz, Büssing or Magirus chassis, but considered slow and underpowered, also lacking mobility. So a larger 8x8 vehicle was designed, produced from 1937 with a more powerful engine. These vehicles were caracterized by a small turrets ousing a single 20 mm autocannon to deal with most sof-skin and lightly armored vehicle, al well as a coaxial 7.92 mm MG 34. They started to equip all Aufklärungs units in 1939, alongside the older 6x4 model, and replaced them completely in 1942-43.
The Sd.Kfz. 232 was a 6x4 variant used for long range communication, carriying a Fu.Ger.11 SE 100 medium-range radio unit and a Fu.Spr.Ger.A short-range radio unit. Caracterized by its prominent "bedspring" antenna, it began to organically join already deployed reconnaissance units and soldiered well until 1942. it was built alongside the other specialized 6x4 Sd.Kfz. 263 radio vehicle (Funkspähwagen). They were all replaced by variants of the 8x8 family vehicles.
The basic Sd Kfz 231 (8-rad) in 1939
-The Sd.Kfz.232 8x8 or "Schwerer Panzerspähwagen (Fu) Sd. Kfz. 232 (8-rad)" was produced from 1938 to 1943, with an additional medium range and large "bedframe aerial" over it. From 1942, it was given a more discreete Sternantenne ('star aerial'), retrofitted to older models.
-The Panzerfunkwagen Sd. Kfz. 263 (8-rad) was a specially-design radio/command vehicle granted with a higher, specific superstructure, no turret, but armed with a ball-mounted single 7.92 mm MG 34.
-Last but not least, the Sd. Kfz. 233 was the first organic vehicle based on the same chassis, envisioned as a support vehicle with a more powerful armament, a short barrelled (L/24) 7.5 cm KwK 37 gun.
Genesis of the Schwerer Panzerspähwagen (7,5 cm) Sd. Kfz. 233
Sd.Kfz. 233 Schwerer Panzerspähwagen (7,5 cm) SRC
This move towards an organic, specialized support vehicle was a wartime product, started not before the war, but born in late 1941. Early reports from the offensive on the eastern front indeed indicated at the time that armoured reconnaissance units often encounter obstacles such as fortifications, notably equipped with antitank artillery, against which the puny 20 mm autonannon of the regular Sd.Kfz 231 could do little. These blocking points obliged to sent the already well-spread Luftwaffe just to allow the reconnaissance unit to go forward, and air support was not always very accurate, whereas a first hand view was a god's hand for artillery to deal with any strongpoint along the way. There were also other applications on hand.
Losses of lighty-armored SdKfz 231/232 also force this request for an upgraded heavy-class scout variant as the powerful 7.5cm (75mm) StuK L/24 tank-killing gun, with the right AP ammunition was also a potent anti-tank gun. The only issue with the design as projected, was in the poor ammunitin storage, eventually setup to just 32 projectile.
The idea of putting the heavy, but short and compact 7.5 cm KwK 37 gun, with stocks largely available on a modified version of the SdKfz 231 chassis was tempting, rather than to design a brand new vehicle. It had the advantage of a quick conversion, being rapidly deployed after minor modifications, and of a standardized vehicle for the already existing repair, maintenance and supply chain in the Wehrmacht. The latter solution was adopted as the new vehicle could be converted quickly on the readily avilable Sd.Kfz 263. Despite of this, the prototype was only approved in early 1942, and conversion performed in October.
Design of the Sd.Kfz 233
For the conversion by Bussing-Nag, which was charged of the initial conversion, the open-topped superstructure of the Sd. Kfz. 263 (8-Rad) radio vehicle was the perfect basis (already produced by that same company). The roof was just removed, leaving a large oppen space exploitable to house the gun, and leaving the crew operating it in relatively good protection. Otherwise, the 233 was copy of the 263 with little change, the drivetrain, transmission, powerplant, armor protection and oher details were exactly the same as the regular 233; mostly with internal modifications. The radio compartments were transformed notably into ammunition holders. However the cramped space inside did not favored many ammunitions, but this was consistent with the vehicle's role.The Sd.Kfz 233 was Weighting empty 16,648 lb (7,550 kg), and loaded 18,919 lb (8,580 kg), for an overall length of 230 in (5,850 mm), a width of 92.5 in (2,350 mm), height of 86.5 in (2,200 mm), a ground clearance of 10.5 in (270 mm) and a wheel base of 161.5 in (4,102 mm), wheel tread of circa 76.5 in (1,943 mm).
Powerplant, Drivetrain & Performances
The Sd.Kfz.233 was powered by a rear-mounted Büssing-NAG L8V-G V8 engine, liquid-cooled, and running on gasoline, with an output of 180 hp (133 kW). it was coupled with a Manual Büssing-NAG GS Gearbox with 6 speed Forward and Reverse.The eight wheels fo standard military reinforced rubber 8.25x18 tyres, suspended by leaf springs, with an all-wheel independent steering. Not being a small vehicles, turning radius was nonetheless short, at 34.5 ft (10.5 m).
For autonomy, the vehicle had a total fuel capacity of 150 l (Gasoline 39.6 gals), and based on a consumption of 0.50 l/km, and a mileage cross-country of 1.00 l/km, the cruising range was 300 km, and cross-country range was 150 km. The vehicles as tested was able to gap a trench 1.80 m wide. On Haugh websites, figures are a bit different, 49.5 mph (80 km/h) in top speed, 186 miles (300 km) range also, but the fording depth is allegeded to be 39 in (1000 mm), and the vehicle was susceptible to climb a Max grade 45 %, and a trench 49 in (1240 mm) wide, manage a step 19 in (480 mm).
Electrical systems ran on a 24V battery, which also fed the Radio Fu. Spr.
Armament
This was equipped with a short barrelled (L/24) 7.5 cm KwK 37 gun also shared by the early Panzer VB and STUG-III. Both were in 1942 converted with dedicated antitank guns, providing a new stock of 75 mm guns. This gun was selected due its growing availability and proven capability. It was also demonstrated on the long-barreled StuK L/43 series.The gun fired HE rounds, which made the bulk of te 32 onboard, but also smoke rounds, and four anti-tank rounds. The high explosive rounds reached 4,923 yds (4500 m). At 1,094 yds (1000 m) it still could defeat 1.4 in (35 mm), up to to 3.9 in (100 mm) of armor plate, at 30 degrees slope.
The gun mount allowed -10 to +12 degrees in elevation, and a modest traverse of 12 degrees left and right of center, which still provided some leeway in actual range. The gunner used a fire control Optical sight Rblf 32, telescopic and foldable. It could be erected well above the gun for better view, while the gunner sat inside, safer.
In addition of the 7,5 cm Stu K (L/24), for which 32 rounds were embarked, there was onboard a secondary weapon, the MG 42 could be freely installed alongside the superstructure "bathtub" for AA or ground defense fire. 1500 rounds were provided in belts for it. The third weapon was the crew's own MP 38 pistols, with 192 rounds.
Armour protection
The lower part was the same as the regular 231 and 263 vehicles, with a max thickness ranginf from 0.2 to 0.57 in (5-14.5 mm). The armored front was 8 (lower slope) and 30 mm (nose), with the sides and rear also 8 mm (0.3 in) thick. The gun was protected with a squarish mantlet, and there was an armored shutter alongside it for the driver. The gun crew was protected by a shield behind the gun's mantlet, opened for the sight.Production
It started with a small-scale experiment, with just vehicles based on 231/232 chassis, all 8x8. Little os known of them, but they were ready by October 1942 and classed as the Sd.Kfz 233. After the project received the go-ahead, some updated 232s of the lat production received the short 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 gun in an open casemate. In total 109 vehicles were assembled in the Büssing-NAG factory (December 1942-October 1943).109 vehicles built at the Büssing plant (December 1942-October 1943) plus 10 were converted from 263 chassis in October 1942 so 119 total made the bulk of these conversions. This variant of the Sd.Kfz. series entered service during 1942 and remained in use throughout the war. They were issued as a platoon of six vehicles in support of reconnaissance battalions.
The SdKfz 233 would carry a crew complement of four. Schichau was charged with its dedicated production also, leading to 129 dedicated vehicles delivered from July 1942 to October 1943. So in short, some were formed in emergency from the alternative SdKfz 263 communications carrier design, or new-build, which complicated the final count, varying between 119+129 and 199. These vehicles also carried radio kits as standard.
Operation
German Shepherd takes a ride on a Sd.Kfz. 233 schwerer Panzerspähwagen (7,5 cm KwK 37 L/24) ”Stummel” (reddit)
The Sd.Kfz 233 was used from the end of 1942, and remained active until the end of the war, grouped into platoons of 6 units, in support of the reconnaissance battalions. The typical on paper unit was for example K.St.N.1138 in November 1943: It featured six vehicles, a small staff of 5 Panzerführer officers, 6 Panzerschützen officers, and six Kraftwagenfahrer für gp.Kw. under orders from a Zugführer also tasked for radio contact with the HQ. The si vehicles were supported by three Lkw. 3t vehicles (most often Opel Blitz) and four men, two drivers and two armed co-drivers.
specifications | |
| Dimensions | 5.85 x 2.20 m x 2.25 m |
| Total weight, battle ready | 8.58 tons |
| Crew | 3 (front driver, commander/gunner, loader) |
| Propulsion | Austro-Daimler M612, 6-cyl, 12 liter, 150 hp |
| Top Speed | 85 km/h |
| Max Range (on/off road) | 300 km (200 mi) |
| Armament | 7,5 cm Stu K (L/24), Optional MG 42 |
| Armor | Armored front 8-30 mm, Sides and rear 8 mm |
| Production | 119 |
Links
Specs on warwheels.netOn wwiidaybyday.com
On militaryfactory.com/
On panzerphotos.com
On warwheels.net
On kfzderwehrmacht.de
Books
PAWLAS, Karl R. Waffen-Revue W 127 - Datenblätter für Heeres-Waffen, -Fahrzeuge und Gerät. Nurnberg : Publizistisches Archiv für Militär- und Waffenwessen, 1976. 248 p. ISBN 3-88088-213-4.A Photo History of Armoured Cars In Two World Wars George Forty
Büssing's schwere Pz.Spähwagen Part 2: Sd.Kfz. 233 (7,5 cm), Panzerfunkwagen Sd.Kfz. 263 and Panzermesskraftwagen" (Nuts & Bolts Volume 36) by Martin Block and Holger Erdmann
Die Gepanzerten Radfahrzeuge: Des Deutschen Heeres 1905-1945 by Walter Spielberger
Encyclopedia of Armoured Cars Duncan Crow & Robert J. Icks
Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two (Revised)by Peter Chamberlain and Hilary Doyle
German Armored Cars In Action - Squadron/Signal Publications by David Doyle
German Armored Cars 1905-1945, Mariusz Skotnicki
German Armored Cars and Reconnaissance Halftracks (Osprey New Vanguard #29) by Bryan Perrett
German Armored Cars of World War Two by John Milsom & Peter Chamberlain
German Armoured Cars - AFV Weapons Profile #33 by Major General N.W. Duncan
German Armoured Cars 1921-1945 Part 2 (Pegaz Publishing # 6)
Model kits
Gallery
Basic converted vehicle of the early preserie, Russia November 1942
233 in Tunisia: Panzer Auflklagrungs Abteilung 21 (21th Panzer Division). Note the add-on superstructure and absence of ammunition hatch.
233 in the ardennes, in winter wash paint, winter 1944-45
A vehicle presumably in Russia, early 1943 (flickr). Note the extra jerrycan holder a the front
In Tunisia
Same, front view
Crewmen posiing in front of his vehicle, possibly in the summer 1943, Russian front, or in Tunisia.
Catpured by British troops in Tuisia (IWM)
Stummel and catpured Panzer II in the background, Tunisia
Captured vehicle in the ardennes. It seems to have been camouflaged but not "winterized"
US Soldiers riding one captured vehicle in Tunisia (src WWII photos)
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