Cobi Historische Sammlung Sd.Kfz. 222

The Sd.Kfz. 222 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 222) is a German light armored vehicle that was used by the Wehrmacht during World War II. It was a development of the earlier Sd.Kfz. 221 and was one of the basic reconnaissance vehicles of the Bundeswehr.

Features of the Sd.Kfz. 222:

• Body and structure: A light, four-wheeled vehicle based on the Horch 801/V chassis. Armored turret with a protective net (the so-called "basket" to protect against grenades).
• Crew: 3 persons – driver, commander, and gunner.
• Armament: 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 or KwK 38 cannon – effective against infantry and lightly armored vehicles. 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun – mounted coaxially or separately on the turret.
• Drive and performance: Horch V8 3.5L engine (displacement 3517 cm³, power 75 hp). Four-wheel drive (4x4), which ensured good off-road mobility. Top speed: approximately 80 km/h on the road. Range: about 300 km on a paved road.
• Armor: Ranging from 5 to 14.5 mm – resistant to small arms and shrapnel, but vulnerable to fire from heavier weapons.
• Combat deployment: Role: reconnaissance, infantry protection. Used on all fronts: Poland (1939), France (1940), North Africa, Eastern Front. It was well-suited for reconnaissance tasks but was vulnerable to mines and anti-tank weapons.

The Sd.Kfz. 222 is an iconic German armored vehicle from World War II, fast, mobile, but lightly armored. Its lightweight construction allowed for dynamic reconnaissance, but it was not suitable for combat against heavy enemy vehicles.