SdKfz 254

SdKfz 254
Production Information
Manufacturer	Saurer
Type	Armored scout car/half-track
Technical Specifications
Length	4.56 meters
Width	2.02 meters 2.20 meters (on wheels)
Height	1.88 meters
Weight	6.4 tons
Engine	1 x 70 PS Saurer CRDv engine
Speed	60 kph
Range	500 km (on wheels)
Armor	6 mm to 15 mm
Armament	1 x 7.92 mm MG 34
Crew	7
Usage
Role(s)	Light armored reconnaissance vehicle
Year introduced	1936 (Austria army) 1938 (Wehrmacht)
Affiliation	Austria Germany

The SdKfz 254, fully designated the SdKfz 254 Lechter Gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen, and originally known as the RR-7 and later the RK-7, or Räder-Kettenfahrgestell 7, was a light armored car/half-track combination used by Austria prior to, and by Germany during World War II.

Description

The 254 was powered by a single 70 PS, 4-cylinder Saurer CRDv diesel engine, and had a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The 254 featured two track sets on either side, overlapped by two wheels. The 254 could use it's tracks to negotiate difficult terrain, and use it's wheels on roadways for a better speed and range. The 254 measured 4.56 meters long, 2.02 meters wide with the wheels raised and 2.20 meters wide with the wheels lowered for use and 1.88 meters high, and weighed 6,400 kilograms. The 254 had crew of seven, and armor protection varied from 6 mm to 15 mm, and a single 7.92 mm MG 34 machine gun was carried in a forward facing dorsal position for defense against infantry. The maximum range of the 254 was 500 kilometers when travelling on it's wheels.

Variants

A single variant of the SdKfz 254 existed, that being a mobile artillery observation vehicle and spotter platform. The artillery observation vehicle was the same as the standard 254, but featured special range finding and radio transmitter equipment.

History

The 254 was originally designated the RR-7, and was developed in 1936 by the Saurer company for the Austrian army, to be used as a light artillery tractor. Military testing was completed in 1937, and production began in 1938, only some twelve being produced prior to the Anschluss later that same year. Production was continued after the Anschluss by Saurer for the Wehrmacht, who had now employed the RR-7, now newly designated the RK-7, or Räder-Kettenfahrgestell 7, which remained the company designation despite the Wehrmacht designating it the SdKfz 254. Some 140 254s were produced after 1938, most of which saw service the Afrika Korps as mobile artillery observation posts after being fitted with radio and rail antenna.