AUFKLAERUNGSPANZER 38(t)
mit 2cm Kw.K.38
OU SD.KFZ 140/1
The Aufklarungspanzer 38(t) (SdKfz 140/1) was a reconnaissance tank that was produced in small numbers by converting existing Panzer 38(t) gun tanks. It was developed after the failure of the Panzer II Luchs (Lynx) and was a much simpler vehicle.
The Aufklarungspanzer 38(t) was produced by removing the existing turret and much of the superstructure of the Panzer 38(t). A new superstructure was installed - this was almost square when seen from above and extended out across the top of the tracks, with sloped side and front armour. The new superstructure was slightly taller than the old design, while the rear deck was a little lower. The superstructure had to be heightened to make room for the commander and gunner, whose seats were suspended from the smaller armoured car turret used on most of them.
Fifty of the vehicles were completed with the 2cm Hangelafette 38 turret as used on the SdKfz 234/1 armoured car. This had an open top with anti-grenade screens. Two were completed with a turret that carried the 7.5cm KwK 38 L/24 gun and the remained 18 weren't given turrets (these were probably meant to have been given the 7.5cm gun). All seventy were converted between February and March 1944.
The vehicles were issued to armoured reconnaissance companies beginning in April 1944 and saw service on both the Western and Eastern fronts.
Stats
Production: 50 with 2cm guns, 70 in total
Hull Length: 4.51m/ 14.8ft
Hull Width: 2.14m/ 7.0ft
Height: 2.17m/ 7.1ft
Crew: 4
Weight: 9.75 tons
Engine: Praga EPA/2
Max Speed: 42km/hr/ 26 miles
Max Range: 210km/ 130 miles
Armament: One 2cm KwK38 L/55 and one 7.92mm MG42
Armour
Armour
Front
Side
Rear
Top/ Bottom
Turret
30mm
8mm
8mm
open
Superstructure
50mm
15mm
15mm
8mm
Hull
50mm
15mm
15mm
8mm
Gun mantlet
30mm
some pics from real tank
some pics from kit the part above just a dry fit
The suspension is movable.
