Tank PZ 2 and its modifications. Experimental T2 tank. But not the T2, which is just T2, but the cavalry T2. This is the thing

History of the creation of the PzKpfw II

When it became obvious that the long-awaited medium platoon commander and battalion commander tanks - Zugfubrerswagen and Batailonfubrerswagen - would take much longer to arrive than originally anticipated, the decision was made to immediately begin production of a new light training tank that would be inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Already in 1934, the Ground Forces Weapons Directorate developed tactical and technical specifications for a tank weighing 10 tons. armed with a 20 mm cannon. The future tank was supposed to have a number of fundamental differences from its predecessor, the PzKpfw I. The new vehicle required stronger armor and more powerful weapons, which meant that the future tank would be fundamentally heavier. Initially, the tank, like the PzKpfw I, was intended for training personnel and putting together combat units, but later it turned out to be a much more complete vehicle.

In June 1934, three companies at once - Krupp, Henschel and Son AG and MAN - received the task of developing a new 10-ton light tank. The Krupp project as a whole was an improved modification of the experimental model LKA-I (prototype of the PzKpfw I tank) and was called LKA-II accordingly. The difference was primarily in weapons. The new brainchild of Krupp* was equipped with an enlarged turret with a coaxial 20-mm cannon and a machine gun. The Henschel and Son AG* and MAN projects differed from the LKA-II only in their suspension.

After a thorough examination of the presented samples, a MAN chassis and an armored hull with a Daimler-Benz AG* turret were selected for mass production. Until restrictions were lifted Treaty of Versailles, the project was designated as *Landwirtscbaftlicber Scblepper 100 (La S100)” (agricultural tractor). The general contractor for the serial production of the chassis was MAN, and the armored hulls and turrets were Daimler-Benz AG*. Soon several other enterprises joined in their production: in 1935 - Wegmann in Kassel, in 1936 in Brauischweig MIAG and FAMO from Breslau.

The first batch of new tanks consisted of only 25 units, which rolled off the production line in 1935 and were called 1/La S 100. At the end of 1935, they were renamed light tanks 2 cm MG Panzerwagen (Vs. Kfz, 622) - light tank with a 20 mm cannon. And since 1938, these vehicles have been in service tank divisions already labeled PzKpfw II Ausf Al. Weighed new tank so far only 7.2 tons, accommodated three crew members: the commander, who simultaneously served as a gunner, the loader, who also served as a radio operator, and the driver, and its armament consisted of a 20-mm KwK30 automatic cannon (Kampfwagenkannone - tank gun) and a twin with a 7.92 mm MG-34 machine gun, which from now on becomes the standard tank machine gun. The tank was equipped with a six-cylinder Maybach engine of the HL 57 TR type with a power of 130 Horse power, disc clutch and six-speed gearbox. The suspension along one side consisted of a front drive wheel, three pairs of small road wheels on leaf springs connected to each other by a longitudinal outer beam, three support rollers at the top and a rear idler wheel (sloth).

The next 25 tanks, known as the PzKpfw II Ausf A2, featured a more advanced engine cooling system and improved ventilation in the fighting compartment. The 50 tanks of the third batch were called, respectively, PzKpfw II Ausf A3 and were equipped with improved suspension and tracks. In this model, power and fighting compartment separated by a removable fire partition. The tanks of all three batches had a rounded nose, made of a single sheet, and 13 mm frontal armor (with 15 mm gun mantlet armor).

In 1936, the next modification of the new German tank was born - 2 La S 100 (PzKpfw II Ausf B). This model was equipped with a more powerful carburetor engine (Maybach* type HL 62 TR), which led to an increase in combat weight to 7.9 tons. This, in turn, required wider tracks. A total of 100 tanks of the PzKpfw I Ausf B type were built. In 1937, Henschel and Son AG made significant changes and amendments to the design of the tank, the result of these changes was the tank with project number 3/La S 100 (PzKpfw II Ausf C) . Compared to previous modifications of the tank, in addition to the transmission, the suspension has undergone the most significant changes.

The three pairs of small rollers connected by an external beam were replaced by five medium-diameter rollers, each suspended on a quarter-elliptic spring, and the number of support rollers was increased from three to four, significantly improving ride quality over terrain and highway speeds. It was this suspension that became the base for all subsequently produced PzKpfw II Aust tanks: A, B and C. The Henschel project was immediately put into mass production. Thus, in 1937, the German tank PzKpfw II Ausf A was born, created at the MAN factories. In 1938, PzKpfw I appeared! Ausf B and PzKpfw II Ausf C, which differed only slightly from the first modification. More than 1,100 of these tanks were produced between 1937 and mid-1940, so that by the start of the war the PzKpfw II had become the most common fighting vehicle in tank divisions. However, during the war in Poland and France, the PzKpfw II tank, like its predecessor PzKpfw I, demonstrated the weakness of its armor and weapons.

MODIFICATIONS OF THE PzKpfW II TANK:

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. A1– a total of 10 tanks of this modification were produced. This was the first preliminary production modification of this machine. The tank had 13 mm vertical armor and a 130 hp engine. (model HL 57 TR). The chassis consisted of a pair-locked suspension on leaf springs.

German easy tank Panzerkampfwagen(PzKpfW) II Ausf. A1

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. A2– 15 units of tanks of this modification were produced. In this vehicle, German designers improved the ventilation of the fighting compartment (degassing after firing a gun). The engine compartment was also increased in volume.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. A2

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. A3– this was the third pre-production modification of the tank; 50 units were produced. It included minor changes to the chassis and engine. The modification was also distinguished by the presence of an installed partition between the combat and engine compartments.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. A3

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. b– 25 tanks of this modification were produced. This modification had an improved layout of the engine and fighting compartments. A more powerful 62TR engine with 140 hp was installed. In addition, a new planetary rotation mechanism was introduced into the chassis.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. b

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. WITH– this modification of the tank was the last pre-production modification of the Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II series tanks. It was distinguished primarily by its individual suspension on leaf supports, which gave the tank a softer ride. The thickness of the tank's vertical armor increased to 14.5 mm.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. WITH

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf.A– this was the first modification that went into mass production and, according to various sources, from 1113 to 1147 units of Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II tanks of this modification were assembled. Tanks of this modification had almost similar tactical and technical characteristics to previous models, but had minor changes in the viewing devices, gearbox and engine.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. A

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. B- this modification of the tank was not much different from the Ausf.A, except for the devices for their rapid production at manufacturing plants and increased productivity. In general, all tactical and technical characteristics were identical.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. B

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. C– tank of the third serial modification It was distinguished by a commander's cupola mounted on the turret, frontal armor increased to 29-35 mm and a number of other minor changes in the design.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. C

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. D- this modification of the “two” was usually called “high-speed”, since it had a more powerful engine that allowed it to reach a higher speed compared to previous modifications. The tank's hull shape has also undergone a change. The tank received a new chassis with an individual torsion bar suspension, and the suspension rollers were enlarged. Together with the Ausf.F, 250 of these tanks were produced.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. D

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. E– this modification is also designated in many sources as “high-speed”, but is not much different from the previous modification.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. E

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. F– 531 units of tanks of this modification were produced. Tanks of this serial modification were the last series. Compared to the previous one, it differed in increased armor. A KwK 38 (20 mm) gun was installed on the tank. Improved crew viewing instruments were also installed.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. F

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. G- no data.

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. J– on the basis of the tank (PzKpfW) II, it was decided to create a reconnaissance tank with increased armor. This model of the tank received the designation VK 1601. The tank received serious frontal armor - up to 80 mm, roof and bottom - 25 mm, sides - 50 mm. Due to the increased armor, the tank became heavier up to 18 tons. A relatively “weak” Maybach HL 45P engine was installed on the tank, so the tank’s speed did not exceed 30 km/h. The tank was armed with a KwK 38 L/55 cannon. A total of 22 tanks of the modification (PzKpfW) II Ausf.J were produced between December 1941 and April 1942. 7 tanks as part of the 12th Panzer Division were sent to Russia.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. J

Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. L "Luchs"- another concept of a German reconnaissance tank. In Russian and foreign literature the expression “Luks tank” is sometimes found, which corresponds to Luchs. The tank was created on the basis of the Pz II and received the designation Sd.Kfz. 123. This machine was manufactured by two German enterprises: Henschel and MAN. Between September 1943 and January 1944, 104 PzKpfW II Ausf tanks were produced. L. As part of reconnaissance armored units, this tank fought on the Eastern (for example, 4th Panzer Division) and Western fronts. Not rarely, the Luchs tank was found in parts of the SS troops. As additional armor protection on the Eastern Front, additional armor plates were installed on the frontal part of the tanks. Part of the PzKpfW II Ausf tanks. The Germans used reconnaissance and communications tanks, installing antennas and radio stations on them. For the final batch of 31 PzKpfW II Ausf. L installed 50-mm KwK 39 L/60 guns. Today, the only surviving tank is the PzKpfW II Ausf. L can be seen at the British Bovington Tank Museum.

German light tank Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfW) II Ausf. L

COMBAT USE OF PzKpfw II TANK

In the initial period of its history, Pz. Kpfw. II were quite reliable vehicles, comparable in their combat qualities to light armored vehicles of other states. However, the security of these light tanks, like the PzKpfw I type, was extremely low. "Twos" turned out to be vulnerable to anti-tank artillery and more guns heavy tanks.

Already in the spring of 1936, PzKpfw II entered service with Wehrmacht tank units, and subsequently took part in the attack on Poland and France. According to official sources, in May 1940, the Wehrmacht had 2,009 PzKpfw I vehicles in service (of which 17 Ausf tanks F), and a year later - in May 1941 - there were 1024 (85 PzKpfw II Ausf F) in January 1942 - 1250 (89 PzKpfw II Ausf F). "Twos" took part in all operations initial period World War II and formed the main impact force ground forces Wehrmacht until the more advanced PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV appeared.

In 1939-1940 PzKpfwIIs were the heaviest vehicles of light tank companies, with each division numbering from 140 to 160 units. During the reorganization of tank divisions in 1940-1941. "twos" lost their role as combat vehicles and moved into the category of light ones reconnaissance tanks. In addition, five PzKpfw II tanks were supplied to the headquarters of each company, battalion and regiment in tank units. In practice, this meant a sharp decrease in the number of PzKpfw IIs in divisions - out of 201 tanks in a tank division there were now only 65 units. In 1942 there were even fewer of them left. During this period, due to the disbandment of reconnaissance platoons of tank companies, it was possible to increase the number of combat reconnaissance vehicles to intelligence units tank battalions and regiments from 5 to 7 vehicles. In a tank division, there were now only 28 * twos for 164 tanks.” In 1943, the PzKpfw II finally left the scene (Thus, only 70 light tanks PzKpfw II took part in Operation Citadel on the Oryol-Kursk Bulge in July 1943. See Baryatinsky M-, German armored vehicles 1939-1945. M .. 1996, p. 4.-L/).).

Retired Colonel Hermann Rott recalls the time when he commanded a PzKpfw II tank as part of the 5th Tank Regiment: “Almost immediately after the invasion of Poland, in September 1939, I took command of a section of a tank platoon armed with vehicles of the PzKpfw I and PzKpfw II. I got the PzKpfw II tank. Before I started, I had a very experienced driver and a young corporal radio operator. As a tank commander, I had to fire a 20mm KwK cannon and a machine gun. If my memory serves me correctly, the cannon was loaded with shells from magazines with a capacity of 10 or 20 shells each ("Charge tank gun carried out from a flat magazine with a capacity of 10 shots. since the standard 20-round magazine of a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun Flak guns The ZO was too bulky for use in a tank.).

IN normal conditions the cannon was an unsurpassed weapon, but working with it turned into a real torture if the environment was too dusty. I still remember with what terrible curses I charged it! The machine gun was our main weapon; with its help it was possible to repel massive attacks by infantry, cavalry and light armored vehicles.
..To this day, a chill runs through my skin at the mere memory of the unexpected attack of the Polish cavalry! I can see in front of me an endless chain of horsemen galloping at us with drawn sabers... This was probably the last major use of cavalry in modern warfare. The regiment commander gave the order to open machine-gun fire on the legs of the horses... You should have seen with what amazement the captured cavalrymen looked at and felt our tanks. Poor fellows! They were sure that the Germans had all their equipment made of plywood and could easily handle it with their sabers!
...On my PzKpfw II I covered more than 2000 km in three weeks without rest. However, I owe this record primarily to my first-class driver, who skillfully looked after our tank.
...It’s hard for me to remember any combat episode in which only “twos” would take part... The Battle of France in 1940 comes to mind. During the months of the French campaign, the 35th Tank Regiment of the 4th Tank Division participated in many battles... I'll tell you about the capture of bridges over the Seine in the Romilly area.

We broke through to the Marne in the Monte-Saint-Pierre area. Moved slowly, hindered by fierce resistance French artillery And pouring rain. The opposite bank of the river was lost in the fog, and with every minute the situation became more and more difficult. Our tanks had to tow armored vehicles stuck in the mud.

At dawn on June 13, our regiment finally completed the crossing and continued moving south. Having passed Montmirel, we proceeded to Macluney, where we linked up with other regiments of our brigade. At 12.00, with the support of artillery, our regiment prepared for the attack. Our target was Sezani. At the beginning we moved forward very quickly, but soon enemy artillery and anti-tank guns intervened. Fortunately, our artillerymen quickly found the target. Soon the first prisoners walked past us with their arms raised high above their heads. Meanwhile, the 2nd Tank Battalion finished with five anti-tank guns. Two of them were destroyed, the rest hastily retreated. The French infantry was cut down by fire, the survivors fled. We were given an order via radio to stop to regroup. At 18.00, when an artillery battalion and a battery of anti-aircraft gunners joined us, we continued the offensive. There were no signs of the enemy's presence... The 2nd battalion burst into the town, followed by the headquarters vehicles and ganks of the 1st battalion. In the south, near the railway station, three heavy enemy tanks were discovered. We had no choice but to open fire, but how could our 20 mm guns cope with such powerful armor! The funny thing is that as soon as we started shooting, these giants turned and retreated. Taking advantage of this, the soldiers of the 2nd battalion opened fire on the retreating enemy and captured many prisoners. At a nearby airfield we received six intact aircraft. We took railway station and stopped all the trains, shooting the locomotives. After this, the 36th Regiment left us, and we continued moving south.

Along the route, we encountered columns of retreating French everywhere. We fired on them again and captured hundreds of prisoners. The soldiers of the light division captured 500 French. However, pockets of resistance still remained, so we had to pour fire into every village. They took Bardonne. At 18.30 we receive the order: “Immediately move to the Seine, seize the bridge near Marquille and form a bridgehead in Romilly.”
From that moment on, we stopped paying attention to enemy columns. Catching up with them, we invariably came under fire, but did not even stop. The Seine was waiting for us! They walked for a long time and reached the shore late in the evening. Near Marquille we came across enemy artillery, but as soon as we launched an attack, the French threw down their weapons and fled. At 22.00 they occupied Markil. But as soon as we entered the streets, they began to fire at us from the windows of every house, from every roof, from every attic. Sitting in the tanks, we only heard the slow “knock-knock” of the French machine guns. Our 75 mm guns won some silence, but soon the enemy shelling resumed. Only after a difficult struggle did the 2nd Battalion finally manage to break through to the bridge. And then the JS met us with massive machine-gun and artillery fire. The situation was critical, especially considering that in the darkness we could not see the opposite bank of the river. Our battalion adjutant, Oberleutnant Malgut, suggested dismounting and breaking through to the bridge under the fire cover of his tanks. Regimental adjutant Guderian (Heinz Günther Guderian was the eldest son of Colonel General Heinz Guderian. Note per.) warmly supported this idea. Our sappers and scouts cleared the houses overlooking the river from the enemy and occupied convenient

combat positions from which the entire river was covered. Suddenly, three sappers, led by Lieutenant Stoff, rushed onto the bridge in a suicidal attempt to break through the enemy defenses. The bridge was filled with explosives, and it was only by a miracle that the French did not have time to detonate it! Chief Lieutenant Malgut and Guderian burst onto the bridge after the sappers, Guderian jumped straight from the bridge into a trench full of French infantrymen. The matter could have ended badly, but a grenade thrown into the trench in time saved our chief lieutenant. The fierce resistance of the French was short-lived, and they were soon forced to surrender. Then Lieutenant Malgut was the first to lead his tank across the bridge, the rest followed him.
Meeting no resistance, we continued towards Romilly. They captured a new bridge-laying 28-cm mortar. As it turned out, the calm was deceptive. On a paved road we suddenly encountered an enemy column.

We managed to push back the French with fierce fire. Safe and sound, our unit finally reached the city and immediately occupied two bridges. They fell out of the blue, taking the French by surprise. It would be foolish not to take advantage of the surprise! The number of prisoners we collected in the market square of the town grew steadily. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Malgut made his way from the city to the neighboring village, shooting another enemy column along the way.

Long after midnight, all parts of our regiment reached Romilly. The order was carried out. We have created a springboard for crossing the Seine! Despite the fact that the regiment moved without rest for almost 36 hours, it was necessary to be on guard all the time, expecting a surprise attack by the enemy. At the nearest airfield, 33 aircraft were captured, including 7 heavy bombers. Train traffic on the railway was blocked. The number of prisoners continued to grow, however, when Sunday trains arrived in the city, we freely released the passengers to their homes.
The next morning we were replaced by newly arrived division units, and we were finally able to rest! On the morning of June 14, the 2nd turnip is early! ie Savas occupied another bridge over the Seine. The second battalion was thrown in the direction of Chatreuse, where a fierce battle broke out. Light motorized units were ordered to support the 8th Tank Company. New hundreds of prisoners... By noon we had completed our task. The French resistance choked and dried up. In the afternoon we enjoyed a respite, settling in comfortably in the village surroundings of Romilly. Everyone dreamed of good night,

On June 15 at 14.00 we continued moving south. Near Le Belle Etoile from the fire anti-tank gun We lost one soldier killed and two wounded.

Endless columns of French soldiers crawled past. Most of them simply threw down their weapons and asked for directions to the temporary prisoner of war camp. Some looked depressed, but there were also some who greeted us in a friendly manner. Lots of drunks. The civilian population seemed calm, some greeted us with smiles.
...We walked and walked as long as we had enough fuel. We reached the outskirts of Chablis. We decided that somewhere at the intersection of roads there should be a gas station. We were just about to look when we came under fire. Lieutenant von Herdtel, together with sergeants Janek and Drew, drove up to the grove from where they were pouring fire on us, and convinced the French to surrender. 40 people came out with their hands up, but then machine-gun fire from the grove resumed, and our prisoners ran away. Both sergeants were seriously wounded, but fortunately Lieutenant Gerdtel managed to climb into his tank and save them. It was already at 22.00.

Chief Lieutenant Malgut arrived to help in his PzKpfw II, accompanied by a PzKpfw I tank. We tried to dissuade our chief lieutenant from going to meet the French himself, but he just laughed and moved towards the grove. Having destroyed the machine gun point, Malgut invited the French to surrender in order to avoid senseless bloodshed. The next second he was wounded in the head... Without regaining consciousness, our chief lieutenant died in the arms of Lieutenant Konigstein. This sad news spread around the regiment with the speed of lightning. Malgut was one of the most experienced and brave tank officers, everyone loved him very much. He didn't deserve such a ridiculous death! The next day we buried our chief lieutenant with honors.
...Meanwhile, the offensive continued all night until they reached Nevers. The number of prisoners was replenished by the crews of the tanks we had destroyed and the crew of the machine-gun pillbox on the approaches to the city. We entered the city at 03.00 and spent the rest of the night in our cars, shaking from the morning cold.”

Good day everyone and welcome to the site! Friends, today we are focusing on another guest from the sandbox, German lightweight premium tank of the second level, in front of you is Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D guide.

This unit is a gift and was given to everyone in 2014 on New Year's Eve, so you cannot buy it. I want to say right away that our guest does not have any pronounced strengths. However, find out Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D characteristics will not hurt those who left it in the hangar or like to have fun with war games in the sandbox.

TTX Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D

The first thing you need to understand is that by the standards of our classmates we have a really good margin of safety, as well as a very decent basic viewing range of 320 meters.

If we talk about Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D performance characteristics of the reservation, then there is nothing particularly proud of here. The strongest part of the tank is the forehead, which often saves us from enemy machine gunners, but is unlikely to withstand shots from conventional cannons that come our way. The consolation will be the preferential level of battles; we are fighting only against the second and third levels.

As for mobility, the Pz.Kpfw has it. II Ausf. D WoT is more like a medium tank. No, of course, our maximum speed is very good, we also spin in place vigorously, but the problem is that the engine power is small. Because of this, there is a lack of dynamics, the car seems a little stiff, and we only accelerate to the limit from a hill.

gun

As for weapons, we have a machine gun on board with a loading magazine for 10 shells, each of which deals 11 damage. Of course, this figure does not seem serious; after discharging the entire drum, we can inflict only 110 units of damage, but a full recharge is only four seconds, thanks to which the Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D gun is capable of inflicting about 1125 damage per minute.

Of course, all this is only in theory, because our armor penetration with a basic projectile leaves much to be desired. In order for the German tank Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D World of Tanks gave you pleasure from the game, it is better to carry more gold ammunition with you.

Accuracy is relatively good. The spread of this unit is large, stabilization is weak, but both of these nuances are compensated for very good time intelligence. In addition to everything else, the Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D gun goes down 10 degrees and goes up 20 degrees, which allows you to play comfortably.

Advantages and disadvantages

Since everything is most important characteristics we have examined the tank and its guns, it’s time to sum it up, highlighting the strong and weak sides machine to make it easier for you to navigate this issue.
Pros:
Good top speed and maneuverability;
A large margin of safety by the standards of classmates;
Decent review;
High damage per minute;
Fast reloading of the drum;
Excellent mixing;
Comfortable UVN;
Preferential level of battles;
Minuses:
Poor booking;
Weak dynamics;
Very low performance penetration;
Minor damage to the drum;
Poor accuracy and stabilization.

Equipment for Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D

It's time to strengthen our combat vehicle and due to the fact that the choice additional modules Due to the small level, it is not rich, there is one most correct equipment option. Thus, on Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D equipment we install the following:
1. – the best module in our case, which will give a boost to several important parameters at once.
2. – we have no other way to increase the accuracy, so we simply make the convergence even faster.
3. – although our tank is not very mobile, you will rarely stand still, so this a good option to increase visibility.

Crew training

As for the choice of skills, we are again somewhat limited, mainly because we only have three crew members at our disposal. For this reason, we adhere to the already familiar tactics of extracting the maximum benefit from everything and on the Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D we learn the following perks:
Commander (Gunner) – , , , .
Driver mechanic -, , , .
Loader (radio operator) – , , , .

Equipment for Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D

We have a gold-dependent machine in our hands in the sense that you will have to buy gold shells, and in order not to go into the minus even further, you can get by with , and . However, if you don’t have problems with silver or gold, and you want to get even more fun from the game, bet on Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D equipment in the form , , , where the last option can be replaced with , to further improve the performance.

Tactics of playing Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D

Frankly speaking, it is difficult to suggest any universal style of behavior in battles for this unit, because it does not have serious armor, excellent mobility or an accurate weapon, and in the sandbox there is constant chaos and all battles are fleeting.

But still, the style of play on this tank should be somewhat measured for the Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D battle tactics are to play carefully. You won’t be able to distance yourself too much from the enemy, because machine gunners have a limited firing range, but you shouldn’t rush forward either.

You will have to be cunning, take advantage of various shelters, holes in buildings, terrain, and even defeated equipment on the battlefield. German light tank Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D World of Tanks must protect its safety margin, so you need to shoot from cover or when the opponent is reloading.

Leave when you are not expected, enter from unexpected directions, quickly unload the drum and roll back to cover while reloading. By the way, the most important thing is never try to resist a superior number of enemies, your Pz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D WoT tank it will simply fall apart from a trick of two or more weapons.

An old German tank was recently restored in the open area of ​​the Lenino-Snegirevsky Military History Museum

People from the “Leibstandarte Workshop” (as it was written on the minibus) worked at the tank - they pulled up the tracks. I myself can’t stand it when someone watches my work, that’s why I didn’t start very annoyingly flickering in front of their noses.

Light tank T-2 / Pz.II / Pz.Kpfw.II

In 1934, the German military command decided to quickly develop an intermediate model of a light tank in order to temporarily fill the troops with armored vehicles until the planned T-3 / Pz.III and T-4 / Pz.IV tanks entered service. This is how the light tank T-2 / Pz.II / Pz.Kpfw.II appeared, which was initially called Tractor 100 or LaS 100 in the chains of secrecy. The development contract was awarded to Henschel, Krupp and MAN. After comparative tests of the presented samples, the model from MAN, which was tasked with improving the chassis, seemed the most promising. The rest of the work was entrusted to Daimler-Benz, as well as MIAG, Wegmann and Famo.

Light tanks T-2 / Pz.II / Pz.Kpfw.II were the main striking force of the German tank divisions during the invasion of France. More than 1,000 of these tanks took part in the operation, most of them in frontline units. In 1941, T-2/Pz.II tanks took part in the attack on the USSR, although on the Eastern Front it quickly became clear that their firepower and armor protection were insufficient. The T-2 / Pz.II tank was created primarily as a combat training vehicle. The first production T-2A / Pz.II Ausf A tanks were produced in 1935. Military tests showed insufficient engine power of 130 hp. ((97 kW)). The next modification of the T-2B / Pz.II Ausf B tanks had thicker frontal armor and a more powerful engine of 140 hp. (104 kW), and its weight reached 8 tons.

In 1937, a new light tank model was introduced - the T-2Ts / Pz.II Ausf C. It had reinforced armor and a new chassis with five road wheels, which became standard for all subsequent modifications. In 1938, modifications of the T-2D / Pz.II Ausf D and T-2E / Pz.II Ausf E light tanks using torsion bar suspension were created. This made it possible to increase the maximum speed on paved roads, but slightly worsen the cross-country performance.

The latest modification in the lung series T-II tanks became the T-2F / Pz.II Ausf F model, produced in 1941-1942. The thickness of the frontal armor of these vehicles was 35 mm, and the side armor - 20 mm. The weight of the tank increased to 10 tons. Experts believed that this vehicle achieved a good balance between speed and armor protection.

Housing and lung tower tank T-2F / Pz.II Ausf F welded. The driver's seat was located in the front part of the hull, the seats of the other two crew members were in a circular rotation turret, armed with a 20-mm cannon with 180 rounds of ammunition and to the right of it - a 7.92-mm machine gun with 1,425 rounds of ammunition.

A reconnaissance vehicle was developed on the basis of the T-2 / Pz.II light tank, but its production was carried out in very small batches.

In the early 1940s, a model of an amphibious light tank was created in Germany. The engine, through a special drive, rotated a propeller fixed to the shaft, which ensured that the vehicle moved afloat at speeds of up to 10 km/h. Later, a model with two screws appeared. About 100 of these vehicles entered service by 1942 under the designation T-2 / Pz.II amphibious tank.

These vehicles were later withdrawn from combat service and converted into tank destroyers, with effective 76.2mm anti-tank guns captured from Soviet forces in battle. Such vehicles were designated Marder, and were soon replaced by Marder II with 75 mm German anti-tank guns. In total, approximately 1,200 tanks were converted. Until 1944, the factories of occupied Poland produced self-propelled artillery units, which were 150-mm howitzers mounted on the chassis of a T-2 / Pz.II light tank.

The tank was developed by MAN in collaboration with Daimler-Benz. Mass production The tank was started in 1937 and completed in 1942. The tank was produced in five modifications (A-F), differing from each other in chassis, armament and armor, but the general layout remained unchanged: power point located at the rear, the fighting compartment and control compartment are in the middle, and the power transmission and drive wheels are in the front. The armament of most modifications consisted of a 20-mm automatic cannon and a coaxial 7.62-mm machine gun, installed in a single turret.

A telescopic sight was used to control fire from this weapon. The tank's hull was welded from rolled armor plates, which were placed without rational inclination. The experience of using the tank in the battles of the initial period of the Second World War showed that its armament and armor were insufficient. Production of the tank was discontinued after more than 1,800 tanks of all modifications had been produced. Some of the tanks were converted into flamethrowers with the installation of two flamethrowers on each tank with a flamethrowing range of 50 meters. Self-propelled artillery mounts, artillery tractors and ammunition transporters were also created on the basis of the tank.

From the history of the creation and modernization of Pz.Kpfw II tanks

Work on new types of medium and heavy tanks in mid-1934 "Panzerkampfwagen" III and IV progressed relatively slowly and the 6th Department of the Ministry of Armaments of the Ground Forces issued technical specifications for the development of a tank weighing 10,000 kg, armed with a 20-mm cannon.
The new vehicle received the designation LaS 100 (LaS - "Landwirtschaftlicher Schlepper" - agricultural tractor). From the very beginning, it was planned to use the LaS 100 tank only for training personnel tank units. In the future, these tanks were supposed to give way to the new PzKpfw III and IV. Prototypes of the LaS 100 were ordered from the following companies: Friedrich Krupp AG, Henschel and Son AG and MAN (Machinenfabrik Augsburg-Nuremberg). In the spring of 1935, prototypes were shown to the military commission.
Further development tank LKA - PzKpfw I - tank LKA 2 - developed by Krupp. The enlarged turret of the LKA 2 made it possible to accommodate a 20 mm cannon. Henschel and MAN developed only the chassis. The chassis of the tank, made by Henschel, consisted (for one side) of six road wheels, grouped into three bogies. The MAN design was based on a chassis created by Carden-Loyd. The road wheels, grouped into three bogies, were cushioned by elliptic springs, which were attached to a common supporting frame. The upper section of the track was supported by three small rollers.

Prototype of the Krupp LaS 100 tank - LKA 2

The MAN chassis was accepted for serial production, and the body was developed by Daimler-Benz AG (Berlin-Marienfelde). The LaS 100 tanks were to be produced by the MAN, Daimler-Benz, Farzeug und Motorenwerke (FAMO) plants in Breslau (Wroclaw), Wegmann & Co. in Kassel and Mühlenbau und Industry AG Amme-Werk ( MIAG) in Braunschweig.

At the end of 1935, the MAN company in Nuremberg produced the first ten LaS 100 tanks, which by this time received the new designation 2 cm MG-3 (In Germany, guns with a caliber of up to 20 mm were considered machine guns (Maschinengewehr - MG), and not cannons (Maschinenkanone - MK) Panzerwagen (VsKfz 622 - VsKfz - Versuchkraftfahrzeuge - prototype). The tanks were driven by a Maybach HL57TR liquid-cooled carburetor engine with a power of 95 kW/130 hp. and a working volume of 5698 cm3. The tanks used a ZF Aphon SSG45 gearbox (six forward gears and one reverse), maximum speed - 40 km/h, range - 210 km (on the highway) and 160 km (over rough terrain). Armor thickness from 8 mm to 14.5 mm. The tank was armed with a 20-mm KwK30 cannon (180 rounds of ammunition - 10 magazines) and a 7.92-mm Rheinmetall-Borzing MG-34 machine gun (1,425 rounds of ammunition).

Factory drawings of the Pz.Kpfw II Ausf.a tank chassis

In 1936 it was introduced new system designations military equipment- "Kraftfahrzeuge Nummern System der Wehrmacht". Each vehicle received a number and a name (" - special military vehicle).

• So the LaS 100 tank became the Sd.Kfz.121.
  Modifications (Ausfuehrung - Ausf.) were designated by a letter. The first LaS 100 tanks received the designation. Serial numbers 20001-20010. The crew was three people: a commander, who was also a gunner, a loader, who also served as a radio operator, and a driver. Length of the PzKpfw II Ausf tank. a1 - 4382 mm, width - 2140 mm, and height - 1945 mm.
• On the following tanks (serial numbers 20011-20025), the cooling system of the Bosch RKC 130 12-825LS44 generator was changed and the ventilation of the fighting compartment was improved. Cars of this series received the designation.
• Further improvements were made to the design of the tanks. The power and fighting compartments were separated by a removable partition. A wide hatch appeared at the bottom of the hull, making access to the fuel pump and oil filter easier. 25 tanks of this series were manufactured (serial numbers 20026-20050).

At the tanks PzKpfw Ausf. and I and a2 there was no rubber band on the road wheels. The next 50 PzKpfw II Ausf. aZ (serial numbers 20050-20100) the radiator was moved 158 mm to the stern. Fuel tanks(front with a capacity of 102 l, rear - 68 l) were equipped with pin-type fuel level meters.

In 1936-1937, a series of 25 tanks 2 LaS 100 - PzKpfw II Ausf. b, the design of which has been further modified. These changes affected primarily the chassis - the diameter of the support rollers was reduced and the drive wheels were modified - they became wider. The length of the tank is 4760 mm, the range is 190 km on the highway and 125 km on rough terrain. Tanks of this series were equipped with Maybach HL62TR engines.

Pz.Kpfw II Ausf.b (Sd.Kfz.121)

Testing of PzKpfw II Ausf tanks. a and b showed that the chassis of the vehicle is subject to frequent breakdowns and the depreciation of the tank is insufficient. In 1937, a fundamentally new type of suspension was developed. For the first time, the new suspension was used on tanks 3 LaS 100 - PzKpfw II Ausf. s (serial numbers 21101 - 22000 and 22001 - 23000). It consisted of five large diameter road wheels. Each roller was independently suspended on a semi-elliptical spring. The number of support rollers was increased from three to four. On tanks PzKpfw II Ausf. drive and guide wheels of larger diameter were used.

The new suspension has significantly improved the tank's performance both on the highway and on rough terrain. Length of the PzKpfw II Ausf tank. c was 4810 mm, width - 2223 mm, height - 1990 mm. In some places, the thickness of the armor was increased (although the maximum thickness remained the same - 14.5 mm). The brake system has also undergone changes. All these design innovations entailed an increase in the tank's weight from 7900 to 8900 kg. On tanks PzKpfw II Ausf. with numbers 22020-22044 the armor was made of molybdenum steel.

Pz.Kpfw II Ausf.c (Sd.Kfz.121)

In mid-1937, the Ministry of Armaments of the Ground Forces (Heereswaffenamt) decided to complete the development of the PzKpfw II and begin large-scale serial production tanks of this type. In 1937 (most likely in March 1937), the Henschel company in Kassel was involved in the production of the Panzerkampfwagen II. The monthly production amounted to 20 tanks. In March 1938, Henschel stopped producing tanks, but production of the PzKpfw II was launched at the Almerkischen Kettenfabrik GmbH (Alkett) - Berlin-Spandau. The Alquette company was supposed to produce up to 30 tanks per month, but in 1939 it switched to producing PzKpfw III tanks. The design of the PzKpfw II Ausf. And (serial numbers 23001-24000) several further changes were made: a new ZF Aphon SSG46 gearbox was used, a modified Maybach HL62TRM engine with a power of 103 kW / 140 hp. at 2600 min and a working volume of 6234 cm3 (the Maybach HL62TR engine was used on tanks of previous production), the driver’s position was equipped with new viewing slots, and instead of a short-wave radio station, an ultra-short wave was installed.

Tanks PzKpfw II Ausf. B (serial numbers 24001-26000) differed little from the machines of the previous modification. The changes were mainly technological in nature, simplifying and speeding up serial production. PzKpiw II Ausf. B is the most numerous of the early modifications of the tank.