Rubicon Models SdKfz 222/223 Light Armoured Car

Description

The SdKfz 222 (Leichter Panzerspähwagens) is the modernized version of the SdKfz 221, created for when the needs of the army evolved and required a better design. The hull shape and internal structure were rearranged. There was a step down behind the turret – which was larger and 10 sided – and the rear was now pyramid-like. It was longer and since heavier weapons were to be installed, the chassis had to be strengthened. It was rebuilt from scratch and had no relationship with the former commercial chassis. Production started in 1936 until 1943 and was quite numerous with no less than 1,800 vehicles in seven series produced.Besides the standard MG34 machine-gun, the main improvement was the lightweight Rheinmetall 20mm autocannon, the weapon of choice for German armoured scout vehicles. The 20mm and the MG34 were coaxial and were protected by a two-piece anti-grenade mesh. The 20mm KwK 30 gun was fully automatic and was later replaced by the KwK 38, which had a better rate of fire.Since the chassis was more robust, the protection increased and a more efficient engine was used. The effectiveness of the vehicle also improved despite some limitations in off-road capabilities. The 222 was introduced in 1938 and quickly became the main German armoured scout car largely distributed to Aufklärung Abteilungs (recce squadrons) of SS units, Panzer Divisions and Motorized Infantry Divisions. There were a few in Poland, but more largely represented during the Western campaign and in France. On a good road network, they excelled and were seen many times by Allied soldiers and officers, to their astonishment well beyond the supposed frontline. This created panic and havoc thanks to their speed and devastating main gun. The crews soon grew to like this vehicle although it was somewhat cramped.These machines excelled in the Balkans in 1941, but in North Africa, although the Afrika Korps received lots of them, there were complaints about their