The Sd.Kfz.234 had little in common with the previous series of Sd.Kfz.232 (8-Rad) armored cars. It was similar in concept but overall a completely new car. The powerful high-rotation Tatra 103 engine allowed the Sd.Kfz.234 to make 85 km/h, and the huge 360 liter fuel tank increased its range to 1000 km. The Puma was the heaviest armored car of WWII, weighing almost 12 tons. In comparison with the older Sd.Kfz.232 (8-Rad) cars the Puma had been slimmed down, particularly in respect of ground clearance, according to requirements. The Puma was armed with a 50-mm KwK39/1 gun with full 360 degree rotation, installed so as to allow a good vertical arc of fire.
The armored body was several times thicker in comparison with the Sd.Kfz.232 (8-Rad), especially in front. The initial plan was to produce at least 80 cars per month by mid 1943, however this was never realized. Production started in 1943 but was stopped in the second half of 1944. Due to the difficulties in production only 101 were produced. There were issued to the panzer divisions in Normandy.
The German heavy armored recon company (Schwerer Panzerspähkompanie) had an on paper strength of 25 Pumas (8 patrols of 3 Sd.Kfz.234/2’s + 1 HQ vehicle). This was referred to as the “Type A” organization.
Distribution:
Panzer Lehr & 2. Panzerdivision, received full complements of 25 Sd.Kfz.234/2’s
20. Panzerdivision, received 16 Sd.Kfz.234/2’s.
7. Panzerdivision, received 7 Sd.Kfz.234/2’s.
1. SS-Panzer Division (LSSAH), received 16 Sd.Kfz.234/2’s.
9. SS-Panzer Division (Hohenstaufen), probably received 6 Sd.Kfz.234/2’s.
This accounts for 95 vehicles. The “missing” 6 may represent lost in transit; replaced; or some other unit receiving them.
|
