The light German reconnaissance vehicle Sd. Kfz. 140/1 was developed in early 1944. The vehicle based on the proven Pz. Kpfw. 38(t) tank chassis. A new superstructure was fitted to 50 old 38(t) chassis that had been returned for repair. On that mounted a 2cm Haengelafette 38 turret (also used on the Sd. Kfz. 250/9 and 251/23 half-tracks and 234/1 "Puma" armoured car). As the top of the turret was open there was also a foldable metal netting cover to protect the crew against hand grenades. The 2cm KwK 38 was dual-purpose-designed for both ground and air targets. The reconnaissance tanks were provided with a Fu 5 radio set (2 meters long rod aerial) and a Fu 8 or Fu 12 radio set (1.3 (1.3 meters long star aerial "D" type).
Performances
Combat weight : 9.75 t
Armor :
Front - 50 mm
Sides - 15 mm
Turret - 30 mm
Armament :
2 cm KwK 38 L/55 gun with 180 shells
7.92 mm MG-42 machine gun with 1,100 cartridges
Radius of action, road : 210 km
Max. speed, road : 42 km/h
Engine : Praga EPA/2
Crew : 4 persons
