First To Fight Kits 1/72 Sd.Kfz.247 Ausf.B German Command Car With Radio # # 110
The Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf.B (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 247, Special Purpose Vehicle 247) was a German armored command car used during World War II.
Designed primarily for reconnaissance and command duties, it provided mobility, protection, and communication for command units.
Key Features:
Design and Structure:
Armored Hull: The Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf.B featured an open-top, fully armored hull with angled plates for improved protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
Chassis: Based on the Horch 901 4x4 heavy car chassis, it combined mobility with durability.
Performance:
Engine: Equipped with an 8-cylinder, 3.5-liter Horch 3.5 V8 gasoline engine, delivering about 81 horsepower.
Speed and Range: It had a maximum road speed of around 80 km/h (50 mph) and a range of approximately 400 km (250 miles).
Command and Communication:
Radio Equipment: The Ausf.B variant was fitted with advanced radio equipment for the era, enabling effective communication and coordination on the battlefield.
Crew: Typically operated by a crew of up to six, including drivers and radio operators, ensuring efficient command and control.
Production and Use:
Numbers Produced: Approximately 58 units were built between 1941 and 1942.
Operational Role: Used extensively for command and control in various theaters of war, it played a crucial role in coordinating movements and relaying orders in fast-moving engagements.
Legacy:
The Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf.B is remembered for its unique combination of speed, communication capability, and moderate protection, making it a valuable asset for the German forces during the conflict.
The Sd.Kfz. 247 Ausf.B stands out as an innovative solution to the demands of mobile command and control, reflecting the German military’s emphasis on integrated communication and mobility during World War II.