Sdkfz 2 Kettenkrad

[Konigstiger88]

I found a basic icon for the small transport Sdkfz 2 Kettenkrad (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sd.Kfz._2). It works well as a light transport for airborne troops. Additionally it could be used as a form of high-mobility infantry like the Kradshutzen (motorcycle infantry). It would have similar stats to the Kradshutzen but with a speed of 6 and the half-track movement type. Alternatively it could also be used as a recon unit. Aside from the basic icon, does anyone have any others or any related thoughts?

[PeteMitchell]

This thing was a bit funky... besides other things, they also used it to pull planes on airfields and to lay field telephone cables... maybe it's more a small tractor than a motorbike...

more pics: http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/n ... sdkfz2.php
more info: http://www.kettenkrad.de/index_e.htm

[guille1434]

Indeed, I think the "correct" use for this unit is as a small tractor for light weapons. For example I would put it in service with the airborne troops (Fallschirmjager) as a means to tow light weapons: 2 cm Flak, 7,5 cm Infantry Guns and 3.7 cm Pak. This vehicle had the power to tow said weapons and it was light enough (weighted 1,5 ton) to be airlifted by a Ju-52 transport aircraft or an assault glider

[Konigstiger88]

The Tank Encyclopedia states:
"The first units equipped with the SdKfz 2 were not paratroopers but regular Wehrmacht infantry units, often scout detachments. Largely available by the beginning of 1941, They were put in action during the summer of 1941 (operation barbarossa). Most of them served on the eastern front since they were well suited for bad roads, thick mud, snow, sand and heavy dust as well. They proved reliable and highly versatile, being used as small artillery tractors, fast infantry transports, sanitary transport, scouts, cable-layers, eventually ending the war as runway aircraft tugs. From 1944, a part of the production was diverted to Stoewer from Stettin. The Kettenkrad was not armed, although they were sometimes used to carry an infantryman equipped with an MG 34 or MG 42 machine-gun, acting as a harassing vehicle. The Kettenkrad was used by the Africa Korps, in Italy, France, in any weather and on all kind of terrains. It was used often by Gebirgsj�ger units (Alpine troops), or engaged against partisans throughout Europe, in the balkans, and in general all rugged or woody locations and mountaineous ridges.
So, yes it would work best as a transport for airborne forces but could also be employed as a light combat unit.

[guille1434]

So, we also have a good candidate unit to give mobility to mountain infantry unis, also scout and special infantry units... More icons in the coming...

[Konigstiger88]

So, we also have a good candidate unit to give mobility to mountain infantry unis, also scout and special infantry units... More icons in the coming...

Excellent, I look forward to it.

[Konigstiger88]

I present my first completed icon, the Kettendradshutzen. Its based on the already existing Sdkfz 2 icon, mixed with bits from the Kradshutzen. I gave it identical stats to the Kradshutzen (and all variants) but with the halftrack movement type and speed of seven. I use the normal Sdkfz 2 icon for the transport version.

Kettenkradshutzen.png (30.84 KiB) Viewed 2700 times