Sd.Kfz. 234/2 "Puma"

The Sd.Kfz. 234/2, commonly known as the "Puma," was a German armored car used during World War II. It was part of the Sd.Kfz. 234 series, which included several variants designed for reconnaissance and other specialized roles.

Development and Design

• Origins: The Sd.Kfz. 234 series was developed to replace the earlier Sd.Kfz. 231 (8-Rad) series. Work on the 234 series began in 1940, with the goal of creating a more versatile and capable armored car for reconnaissance purposes.
• Manufacturers: The primary manufacturers involved in the production were Büssing-NAG, responsible for the chassis, and Daimler-Benz, which provided the engines. The turret and armament were produced by the company Rheinmetall-Borsig.

Technical Specifications

• Chassis and Suspension:
  
  
  
  • The Sd.Kfz. 234/2 featured an all-wheel-drive (8x8) configuration, providing excellent off-road capability.
  
  
  • It had a central tire inflation system, allowing the crew to adjust tire pressure according to the terrain.
  
  
• Engine:
  
  
  
  • Powered by a Tatra 103 air-cooled V12 diesel engine, producing around 210 horsepower.
  
  
  • The vehicle could reach speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph) on roads and had a range of approximately 800 kilometers (497 miles).
  
  
• Dimensions:
  
  
  
  • Length: 6.02 meters (19.75 feet)
  
  
  • Width: 2.36 meters (7.74 feet)
  
  
  • Height: 2.10 meters (6.89 feet)
  
  
  • Weight: Approximately 11.74 tons (25,870 lbs)
  
  
• Armor:
  
  
  
  • The armor thickness ranged from 8 mm to 30 mm, offering protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
  
  
• Armament:
  
  
  
  • The main armament was a 5 cm KwK 39/1 L/60 cannon, capable of engaging both armored and soft targets.
  
  
  • Secondary armament included a coaxial 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun.
  
  

Crew and Operations

• Crew Composition:
  
  
  
  • The vehicle was operated by a crew of four: a commander, gunner, driver, and radio operator.
  
  
• Role:
  
  
  
  • The primary role of the Sd.Kfz. 234/2 was reconnaissance, providing valuable intelligence on enemy movements and positions.
  
  
  • Its speed and mobility allowed it to perform hit-and-run tactics and evade larger enemy formations.
  
  

The actual battle scene

• Deployment:
  
  
  
  • The Sd.Kfz. 234/2 "Puma" saw service from late 1943 until the end of the war in 1945.
  
  
  • It was used primarily by reconnaissance battalions of the Panzer divisions.
  
  
• Combat Performance:
  
  
  
  • The "Puma" was well-regarded for its excellent off-road capabilities (For this you need to change the wheels) and effective armament.
  
  
  • Its design allowed it to perform effectively in various terrains, from the deserts of North Africa to the forests of Eastern Europe.
  
  
• Legacy:
  
  
  
  • Despite its effectiveness, production numbers were limited due to the complexity and cost of the vehicle.
  
  
  • The "Puma" remains one of the most iconic armored cars of World War II, admired for its advanced design and versatility.
  
  

Controls

AG 1-4 : Toolbox
AG 5 : Driver's windows
AG 6 : Headlights
AG 7 : Ballistic aiming
AG 8 : Engine air intake on/off