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leichter Panzerspähwagen (2 cm) (Sd. Kfz. 222) Ausf. A & B
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The leichter Panzerspähwagen (2 cm) (Sd. Kfz. 222) - a light armoured car armed with a 2 cm Kw.K. 30 and one MG 34 - had the same armament like a Panzer II. The vehicles of the first series are identifiable by the vision ports of the older type and the turn signals without protection frames.
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Contrary to the Sd. Kfz. 221, the Sd. Kfz. 222 - and the other variants, too – had two vision ports for the driver. The armoured superstructure had a different shape. The additional stand-off bow armour called Zusatzfrontplatte für l. Pz.Sp. Wg. on this vehicle of the second series was a troop trial. It was never officially introduced and the fitting of such additional armour was officially prohibited, later. The second series is identifiable by the additional protective frames around the turn signals.
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Cast Einheitssehklappen - standard visors - were intruduced with the third series of the Sd. Kfz. 222. At first, they replaced the vision ports on the hull, later also on the turret. For better protection, the radiator at the rear got an armoured cover.
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At the start of serial production of the fourth series of the Sd. Kfz. 222, the Sockellafette - pedestal mount - for the 2 cm Kw.K. 30 was replaced by the Sockellafette 38 for the 2 cm Kw.K. 38. Due to the improved steering of elevation and traverse, the aiming on air targets was more effective. Because of the new and higher gun sight, higher screens had to be introduced. During the production run of the fourth series, newly designed, lower screens were introduced. Another new feature were the smaller and round armoured wheel hub covers.
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The first vehicles of the fifth series of the Sd. Kfz. 222 were delivered in May 1942. This series was based on the improved Horch type 801/v chassis. It was also designated Ausführung B. Vehicles of the fifth series had a standard armoured body divided into three main sections which was now used for all variants. The illustrated Sd. Kfz. 222 Ausf. B belonged to Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 14 of the 14. Panzer Division. The photo was made in the area of Kischinjew in spring 1944.
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The turn signals were now fitted on the front mudguards. An additional stowing box was arranged on the left side between the old box and the rear mudguard. This Sd. Kfz. 222 Ausf. B belonged to Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 92 of the 20. Panzer Division.
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