The “8 Rad Panzerspahwagen” is the standard heavy armored car now in use by the Germans. It is a highly mobile, cross-country vehicle used by reconnaissance units. The car is armed with one 20 mm automatic cannon and one 7.92 mm machine gun, coaxially mounted in the turret. A 9 mm M.P. 38 or 40 is also carried. It is also equipped with periscope attachments for the camera used on scouting missions.
This vehicle is unusual in that all eight wheels are powered, and a steering control system at each end enables the crew to operate it from either end quite efficiently. The rear end control can be engaged or disengaged, whereas the front end control is permanently engaged.
The wheel suspension is very flexible. It consists of four longitudinal semi-elliptic springs, two on each side of the frame. Each spring is secured to the vehicle frame at its center on a fiber bearing to permit easy maneuvering over rough terrain.
The engine is a water-cooled, V-8, gasoline type of approximately 155 horsepower. The transmission has six speeds that can be used in either direction.
There are several variations of this car: one with radio and antenna and another without; one with a rotating turret; one with a fixed turret; and a turretless type mounting the 75 mm short tank gun, Kw.K.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight | 8 1/2 tons | |
| Length | 19 ft., 2 ins. | |
| Width | 7 ft., 3 ins. | |
| Height | 7 ft., 10 ins. | |
| Ground clearance (belly) | 13.7 ins. | |
| Suspension | 8 single wheels; knee action; semi-elliptic springs | |
| Wheel base (overall) | 13 ft., 5 1/2 ins. | |
| Size tires | 8.27 x 18 | |
| Fording depth | 2 ft. | |
| Theoretical radius of action | ||
| Roads | 165 miles | |
| Cross-country | 110 miles | |
| Speed | ||
| Roads | 50 m.p.h. | |
| Cross-country | 20 m.p.h. | |
| Armor | ||
| Front plate | 15 mm | |
| Sides | 8 mm | |
| Armament | 2 cm Kw.K. 30 | |
| 7.92 mm M.G. 34 | ||
| 9 mm M.P. 38 or 40 | ||
| Ammunition | 2.0 cm gun — 180 rds. | |
| 7.92 mm M.G. — 2,100 rds. | ||
| 9 mm M.P. — 192 rds. | ||
| Engine | Bussing-NAG, V-8, 155 B.H.P. | |
| Transmission | Constant mesh, helical ear—6 speeds forward, 6 reverse | |
| Steering | Worm and nut | |
| Crew | 4 |
German: p. 43