Germany's SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad (small half-track)
Photos
SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad: |
Design
Was initially developed for the German army and Luftwaffe airborne and paratrooper units.1,2 The Kettenrad was intended as a towing vehicle for the 37 mm Pak 35/36 antitank gun.1
After the heavy losses in Crete the paratrooper units fought as ground troops and it's original purpose was not longer needed. From then on it was primarily used as supply vehicles, that could cross mud and sand very easily.
Crew
There was seats for two crewman at the rear and they faced to the rear.1 Often the seats were removed to make room to carry more supplies.1
Towing
There was a pindle for attaching a weapon or a trailer that would be towed at the rear.1 Towing capacity was 992 lbs.
Engine
The engine was located behind the driver.1
Prototype
Production
- SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad: 8,345
- Production: 1941 - 1944
Variants
- NSU-101, HK 101: Prototype.1,2
- SdKfz 2/1 kleines Kettenrad: Used to lay telephone cable.1
- SdKfz 2/2 kleines Kettenrad: Used to lay heavy-duty cable for switchboards.1
- HK 102: Prototype.2 Carried spools to lay telephone wire.2 Had a larger engine than the Kettenrad.1
Usage
Crete
The Kettenrad was first used in the Battle of Crete in 1941.1,2 Ju 52s could transport the Kettenrad.2
After the heavy losses in Crete the Kettenrad wasn't needed for airborne operations so it was relegated to ground troops.1
Specifications
| SdKfz 2 kleines Kettenrad | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 31,2 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 2,646 lb1 1,200 kg1 |
| Weight - empty | 1,235 kg2 |
| Weight - loaded | 1,560 kg2 |
| Length w/gun | 8' 11.9"1 2.74 m1, 3 m2 |
| Length w/o gun | |
| Height | 3' 3.8"1 1.01 m1, 1.2 m2 |
| Width | 3' 3.4"1 1 m1,2 |
| Ground clearance | |
| Ground contact length | |
| Ground pressure | |
| Turret ring diameter | |
| Armament | |
| Main | |
| Secondary | |
| MG | |
| Side arms | |
| Quantity | |
| Main | |
| Secondary | |
| MG | |
| Side arms | |
| Armor Thickness (mm) | |
| Hull Front, Upper | |
| Hull Front, Lower | |
| Hull Sides, Upper | |
| Hull Sides, Lower | |
| Hull Rear | |
| Hull Top | |
| Hull Bottom | |
| Turret Front | |
| Turret Sides | |
| Turret Rear | |
| Turret Top | |
| Engine (Make / Model) | Opel2, Opel Olympia 381 |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Net HP | 361,2 |
| Transmission | |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline1 |
| Octane | |
| Capacity | |
| Performance | |
| Traverse | |
| Speed - Road | 49.7 mph1 61.5 kph2, 80 kph1 |
| Speed - Cross Country | |
| Range - Road | |
| Range - Cross Country | |
| Turning Radius | |
| Elevation Limits | |
| Fording depth | |
| Trench crossing | |
| Vertical Obstacle | |
| Suspension (Type) | |
| Wheels each side | |
| Return rollers each side | |
| Track length | |
| Tires | |
| Track width | |
| Track centers/tread |
Sources:
- The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
- Halbkettenfahrzeuge, German Half-Track Vehicles 1939-1945, J. Williamson, 1972
