Sd.Kfz.222 Leichter Panzerspahwagen 1st Company, 3rd Recon. Battalion, 5th Light Division, North Africa, March, 1941 (1:48) by Hobby Master Diecast Military Armor
Item Number: HG1402
The Leichter Panzersp'hwagen (loosely translated - "Light Armoured Scout Car") four-wheel drive armoured cars based on the standard sPkw Horch 801 chassis. There are three main types of German four-wheeled armored cars, Sd.Kfz. 221, 222 and 223 with the 222 being most common. Germany produced approximately 989 Sd.Kfz 222 from 1935'1944. The main differences between the types are weight, armament and turret0 construction. Early models had an anti-grenade screen on top of the turret but later models had re-designed turrets which allowed for better elevation of the guns.
On February 14, 1941 lead elements of the 5th Light Division arrived in Tripoli, Libya. The 5th Light Division was a makeshift unit comprised of two machine gun battalions, half an artillery regiment and the 3rd Panzer Division provided the 5th Panzer Regiment, the 33rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment as well as the 3rd Recon Battalion. After defeating the Italian 10th Army in February 1941 the British underestimated the German capabilities. On March 31st the small British occupation force was routed and driven eastward.
Specifications for the Sd.Kfz. 222
Crew ' 3
Performance
Engine ' Horch 3.5L or 3.8L V-8 producing 85 - 90 BHP
Range
On Road ' 175 miles
Off Road ' 125 miles
Speed
On Road ' 30 mph
Off Road ' 25 mph
Weight ' 4.7 tons
Dimensions
Length ' 15 ft 9 ins
Width ' 6 ft 5 ins
Height ' 6 ft 7 ins
Ground Clearance ' 10 ins
Armament
Main - 2 cm Kw.K. 30 or 38 (100 rounds. A.P. / 120 rounds. H.E.
Secondary - 7.92 mm MG 34 (coaxial) (2,000 rounds)