Sd.Kfz.234/2 2nd Panzer Division, Normandy, 1944 "Puma" (1:72)

During WWII the German Army used Schwerer Panzersp�hwagen or Heavy armored reconnaissance vehicles to scout ahead and determine the enemy strength and report back to the main units. In spite of its size and weight the Puma was very fast and only equipped with 5cm gun to fight Allied reconnaissance units. One unique feature of the Sd. Kfz. 234/2 was the ability of the radio operator who was located in the rear of the vehicle to actually drive the vehicle in reverse in emergency cases.

The 2nd Panzer Division was formed in 1935 and took part in the action in Poland and France notably at Dunkirk. In 1940 the Division was sent back to Poland to perform occupation duties until in 1941 when they took part in the Balkan Campaign and then the Russian Front in September 1941. The 2nd took part in the battles of Moscow and Kursk where the German Army suffered heavy losses. In 1944 the 2nd Panzer Division was sent to France for R&R and ended up fighting in Normandy. The Division was almost entirely destroyed in the Falaise Pocket but was rebuilt and fought at the Battle of the Bulge and defense of the Rhine. When they were finally defeated in 1945 the 2nd Panzer Division surrendered to the American Army.

Specifications Sd. Kfz. 234/2 Puma

Built by - B�ssing-NAG

Crew X 4

Performance
Engine - air-cooled Tatra 103/12 cylinder/220hp
Fuel Capacity - 360 litres
Range
Road - 900 km
Cross Country - 600 km
Maximum Speed - 90 km/h

Weight - 11,740 kg

Dimensions
Height - 2.28 m
Length - 6.80 m (with gun)
Width - 2.40 m
Armor - 5/30 mm

Armament
1 X 50 mm KwK 39/1 L/60 (55 rounds)
1 X 7.92 mm MG42 (1050 rounds)
smoke dischargers

Armor
9 � 30 mm