Sd.Kfz. 8 | |
|---|---|
| Country | Nazi Germany |
| Role | Heavy half-track |
| Produced | 1937–45 |
| Built | 4000 |
The Sonderkraftfahrzeug 8 (“special motorized vehicle 8”) was a German half-track that saw widespread use in World War II. Its main roles were as a prime mover for heavy towed guns such as the 21 cm Mörser 18, the 15 cm Kanone 18 and the 10.5 cm FlaK 38, however it was also capable of serving as an infantry transport. Approximately 4,000 were produced between 1938 and 1945. It was used in every campaign fought by the Germans in World War II, notably the Invasion of Poland, the Battle of France, the Balkans Campaign, the Eastern Front, the North African Campaign, the Battle of Normandy and the Italian Campaign.
Source: Sd.Kfz. 8 on Wikipedia
| Sd.Kfz.8 12-Ton Half-Track Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Michael Benolkin |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 28 |
See also:
General Characteristics and Role
The Sd.Kfz. 8 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 8), officially known as the Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 12t (Heavy Towed Motor Vehicle 12-ton), was a German heavy half-track vehicle developed by Daimler-Benz. It served as the primary prime mover (artillery tractor) for heavy artillery pieces in the Wehrmacht throughout World War II. Its heavy-duty design and powerful engine allowed it to tow large ordnance like the 15 cm Kanone 18 gun, the 21 cm Mörser 18 heavy mortar, and the 10.5 cm FlaK 38 anti-aircraft gun, which were essential for long-range fire support. Approximately 4,000 units were produced.
| Property | Typical Value (DB 10 – Final Model) |
|---|---|
| Role | Heavy Artillery Prime Mover (Tractor) / Recovery Vehicle |
| National Origin | Nazi Germany |
| Manufacturer | Daimler-Benz, Krauss-Maffei, Škoda, etc. |
| Service Entry | 1938 (various models) |
| Crew | 2 (Driver, Commander) + up to 10 Passengers/Gun Crew |
| Length Overall | 7.35 m (24 ft 1 in) |
| Width | 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 2.77 m (9 ft 1 in) |
| Weight (Mass) | Approx. 14,700 kg (14.7 tonnes / 32,408 lb) |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 14 tonnes |
Powerplant and Mobility
- Engine: Maybach HL 85 TUKRM V-12, liquid-cooled petrol engine.
- Power Output: 136 kW (185 PS, 182 hp) at 3,000 rpm.
- Transmission: ZF 4-speed forward (with high/low range) and 1 reverse semi-automatic.
- Maximum Speed: 51 km/h (32 mph) on road / 21 km/h (13 mph) off-road.
- Operational Range: 250 km (155 mi) on road / 125 km (78 mi) off-road.
- Suspension: Front wheels had leaf springs (DB 9) or torsion bars (DB 10); the rear tracks featured an interleaved road wheel system (Schachtellaufwerk system).
- Winch: Equipped with a hydraulic cable winch with a 5.5-tonne capacity.
Armament and Key Variants
- Primary Armament: None (Unarmed Prime Mover). Crew carried personal weapons for defense.
- Armor: Minimal (6–8 mm on select parts), intended only for protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
- Towed Artillery Examples:
- 21 cm Mörser 18 Heavy Mortar.
- 15 cm Kanone 18 Long-Range Gun.
- 10.5 cm FlaK 38 Anti-Aircraft Gun.
- Specialized Variants:
- 8.8 cm Flak 18 (Sfl.) auf Zugkraftwagen 12t (Bunkerflak): A self-propelled anti-tank/anti-aircraft gun variant that mounted the potent 8.8 cm Flak 18 on the chassis. About 25 were built.
- Sd.Kfz. 8 Gepanzerter Zugkraftwagen 12t: A fully armored artillery tractor version with 14.5 mm steel plating on the cab and engine for crew protection in forward areas.
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