| Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen (klPzBefWg) Given
the designation SdKfz 265, the klPzBefWg was designed from the Ausf A to provide
a command vehicle for panzer units. This required lengthening the chassis (by
adding a fifth road wheel) and upgrading the engine. Ultimately, this chassis
would be the basis for the improved Ausf B version. The klPzBefWg also differed
in replacing the turret with a built up superstructure, affording more interior
room for command equipment and a FuG6 radio in addition to the FuG2. A single
MG13 or MG34 in a ball mount on the front of the superstructure was provided,
although often removed. Slightly heavier (5.9 tons) and taller (1.99 m) than the
Ausf B, the klPzBefWg served with all panzer units into the early war years. It
did receive an additional 15 mm of armor later, but eventually was moved to auxiliary
duties by 1942. 184 were build by Daimler-Benz at the same time as Ausf B production,
as well as six examples built from Ausf A tanks. |