Germany's Schwimmfahiger Gelandeng Typ 166, Schwimmwagen

Photos

Schwimmfahiger Gelandeng Typ 166, Schwimmwagen:

Schwimmfahiger Gelandeng Typ 166, Schwimmwagen:

Schwimmfahiger Gelandeng Typ 166, Schwimmwagen, in June 1944: Bundesarchiv Bild 1011-721-0372-13A

Design

The Schwimmwagen was designed in 1940 to be used by airborne troops.¹ The design incorporated as many parts of the Kübelwagen as possible.¹

Water Propulsion

Before entering the water the propeller was swung down and locked into position.¹ Steering was managed by the front wheels.¹

Prototype

Production

By 1944 production was slowed because of shortages of raw materials and Allied bombing.¹

• Schwimmfahiger Gelandeng Typ 166, Schwimmwagen: 14,625¹
  • Manufacturer: Volkswagen at Wolfsburg¹

Variants

Usage

The Schwimmwagens were used mostly by reconnaissance units and commanders.¹

Eastern Front

The Schwimmwagen was mostly found on the Eastern Front.¹

North Africa

The Deutsches Afrika Korps used some Schwimmwagens and requested more but most were sent to the Eastern Front.¹

Specifications

	Schwimmfahiger Gelandeng Typ 166, Schwimmwagen
Crew	11
Passengers	31
Radio
Physical Characteristics
Weight - Unloaded	1,992 lb1 903.5 kg1
Length	12' 6.6"1 3.825 m1
Height	5' 3.6"1 1.615 m1
Width	4' 10.3"1 1.48 m1
Ground clearance
Ground pressure
Armament
MG
Side arms
Quantity
MG
Side arms
Armor Thickness (mm)
Engine (Make / Model)	VW1
Bore / stroke
Cooling
Cylinders
Capacity	1.3 liter1
Net HP	251
Power to weight ratio
Compression ratio
Transmission (Type)
Steering
Steering ratio
Starter
Electrical system
Ignition
Fuel (Type)
Octane
Quantity
Road consumption
Cross country consumption
Performance
Traverse
Speed - Road	50 mph1 80 kph1
Speed - Water	7 mph1 11 kph1
Range - Road	250 - 290 miles1 400 - 450 km1
Range - Water
Turning radius
Fording depth
Trench crossing
Vertical obstacle
Climbing ability
Suspension (Type)
Wheels each side
Wheelbase