SdKfz 8 12 Ton | |
|---|---|
| Country | Germany |
| Type | Half-track |
| Description | Photo album of 28 photos walk-around about a «SdKfz 8 12 Ton» |
Photo gallery of a SdKfz 8 12 Ton, 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. 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: SdKfz 8 12 Ton on Wikipedia
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The Sd.Kfz. 8 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 8 – “Special Motorized Vehicle 8”) was a German heavy half-track designed by Daimler-Benz. It was formally known as the Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 12t (Heavy Towing Vehicle 12-ton), a designation that referred to its intended towing capacity, though later versions could pull up to 14 tonnes. It was one of the largest half-tracks used by the Wehrmacht.
Primary Role and Design
- Main Function: The vehicle’s chief role was as a heavy artillery tractor, essential for moving the largest field guns and howitzers across various terrains.
- Towed Guns: It was commonly used to tow heavy weapons such as the 21 cm Mörser 18 and the 17 cm Kanone 18, as well as the 10.5 cm FlaK 38 anti-aircraft gun.
- Crew Capacity: The open-topped body provided seating for a driver, co-driver, and up to ten gun crew members or infantry soldiers.
- Other Duties: It frequently served as a powerful recovery vehicle for pulling disabled lighter tanks and trucks.
Half-track System
Like all German half-tracks, the Sd.Kfz. 8 utilized a combination of front wheels for steering and a rear track assembly for propulsion and traction.
- Engine: Powered by a liquid-cooled, 12-cylinder Maybach gasoline engine (later versions like the DB 10 used the HL85 TUKRM).
- Suspension: The rear tracks featured the complex, interlocking Schachtellaufwerk roadwheel system, which distributed weight efficiently and provided excellent off-road mobility, but was notoriously complicated and time-consuming to maintain.
- Steering: It employed a dual steering system where the front wheels handled gentle turns, and differential braking was applied to the tracks for sharper turns.
Technical Summary (DB 10 Model)
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Output | 185 PS (approx. 182 hp) |
| Towing Capacity | 12 to 14 tonnes |
| Weight (Gross) | Approx. 14,700 kg |
| Max Road Speed | Approx. 51 km/h (32 mph) |
| Total Production | Approx. 4,000 units (1938–1945) |
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