Schwere Panzerspähwagen (7.5cm)

The Schwere Panzerspähwagen Sd.Kfz. 233 had an open superstructure in which was mounted a 75mm StuK (SturmKanone) L/24. The 233’s assault gun was intended to provide supporting fire for the more lightly-armed 8-Rad 231 and 232 armoured cars.During the initial stages of WWII heavy eight-wheeled armoured cars of the Sd Kfz 231 (8-Rad), SdKfz 232 (8-Rad) and SdKfz 263 (8-Rad) types were widely used on all fronts with considerable success. Reconnaissance was their primary mission, but on occasions while fulfilling their mission (often on the Russian Front) reconnaissance units would meet with strong opposition.

To combat this problem specialist special support vehicles with a larger calibre guns were introduced to support the reconnaissance units equipped with the standard Sd Kfz 231 (8-Rad), Sd Kfz 232 (8-Rad) and Sd Kfz 263 (8-Rad).Though the dimensions of this gun were small, it still proved too big for the armoured turret of the Sd Kfz 231 (8-Rad), forcing them to modify the design. The turret was completely removed and most of the equipment unrelated to artillery support went as well. In spite of all these space saving measures, the crew still decreased from four to three due to the lack space.

Though the vehicle turned out to be very successful, it was never put into regular production. The small numbers of these vehicles needed for artillery support could be easily converted from Sd Kfz 231 (8-Rad), Sd Kfz 232 (8-Rad) and Sd Kfz 263 (8-Rad) returned to plants in Germany for repair after combat. As a result, the heavy armoured artillery support vehicle Sd Kfz 233 was built at the Bussing-NAG plant from the parts from its fellow 8-Rads. However the Sd Kfz 233 did not have “8-Rad” in its type name, since a similar six-wheeled vehicle did not exist. Despite the small quantity of Sd Kfz 233 built, they were actively used in every theatre of conflict, from 1942 until the final days of the war.

In Flames Of War

The Sd Kfz 233 is found in the Heavy Armoured Car Platoon give your Armoured Car Patrols support against road blocks and other hindrances. But remember they are not Reconnaissance Platoons.

They have adequate armour (F2, S0, T0), with an excellent gun for delivering high explosive rounds (Range 24”/60cm, ROF 2, AT 9 and FP 3+).

They have excellent mobility owing to their 8-wheel arrangement (Halftrack/Jeep mobility).