SPz 11-2 Kurz: “The HS 30’s little cousin, the Wiesel’s buff uncle…”
(Polls are at the Bottom)
Overview
Hello Fellows!
I want today to suggest a interesting german vehicle, as we have the Spz. 12-3 in game, but we don’t have its little brother, the predecessor to the Wiesel, the 11-2! A simple machine with a 20mm Autocannon, It would be a fun historical addition to the game!
Basic Information
Designation: Schützenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz
Role: Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Reconnaissance Vehicle
Crew: 4
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Driver
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Gunner
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Commander
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Radio Operator
Designer: Hotchkiss et Cie
Manufacturer: Hotchkiss et Cie & Klöckner-Humboldt-Deutz
Number Built: 2,374
Designed: 1950 – 1956
Produced: 1959 – 1967
Years of Service: 1959 – 1987
Specifications
Dimensions:
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Length: 4.51 m (14 ft 5 in)
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Width: 2.28 m (7 ft 6 in)
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Height: 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in)
Driving Performance:
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Engine: 1x Hotchkiss et Cie 6-cylinder petrol engine
- 164 hp (122kW)
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Maximum Speed: 58 km/h (36mph)
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Maximum Range: 390 km (244 mi)
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Gross Weight: 8,200 kg (18,100 lbs)
Armament:
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Main Armament: 1x 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS.820/L85 Autocannon
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500 Total Rounds
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180 Standard Rounds (Per Belt)
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18 Armor-Peircing Rounds (3x 6-Round Magazines)
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Additional Equippment:
- Smoke Grenades: 6x Smoke Grenade Launchers (on turret)
Usage In Battles
The Spz 11-2 would be a half-decent platform to play in-game, playing mainly as a slightly larger Wiesel, most effective against light-skinned vehicles and aircraft. Its speed would be a definite advantage, but its abysmal reverse requires careful planning and skill for a successful flank.
Pros:
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Great Top Speed
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Rapid Autocannon
Cons:
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Light Armor
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Poor Reverse Speed
History
In August 1950, the French General Staff Commision ordereded Hotchkiss to develop a light armored tracked platform, of which two variants to be made: one to be a supply carrier, the other an APC. Hotchkiss would deliver the two prototypes by June 1953, later seeing the delivery of 3 more, where they would be tested in various environments, including the Alps and North Africa. Seeing successful testing, an order for 50 preproduction vehicles would be made, and following their delivery would see further testing through winter of 1955 and early 1956. Satisfied with the vehicle, the French army would prepare an order of production vehicles, however it would never be officially requested with the outbreak of the Algerian War.
On November 7, a delegation from the German Ministry of Defense would examine the pre-production vehicles. Pleased with their preformance, they would place an order for 5 mockup vehicles and 2 new prototypes built to German specifications, seeing a lengthened hull. Meeting satisfactory requirements, the German MoD would place an order for 1,975 vehicles on August 30, 1956, initially designated the “Schützenpanzer Spz 42-1”.
Initially unarmed, some platforms of the Schützenpanzer Spz 42-1 would be fitted with a 20mm autocannon turret, redesignated the Spz 11-2, and be given to the cannon platoons of the Panzergrenadiers as an IFV, serving until 1974, where it be shifted to a vehicle for scouting and reconnaissance missions.
The Spz 11-2 would be noted as struggling in its role as a scouting vehicle and as a platform as a whole, struggling with a poor reverse speed of only 6 km/h; having a loud engine; its roadwheel arms were prone to breaking; its 20mm turret was cramped and made it difficult to reload; and its electrical system was poorly designed and underpowered. From this, troops would give the 11-2 the nickname: the “Combat Wheelchair”.
Despite issues, it would continue to serve until 1982, when it would be replaced by the Spähpanzer Luchs. Following its replacement, most would be scrapped, and a handful survive today in public and private collections, some in running condition.
Sources
Schützenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz - Wikipedia
Schützenpanzer kurz – Wikipedia
Schutzenpanzer Kurz 11-2 (1958)
Schutzenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz Tracked Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV)
Schutzenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz: Photos, History, Specification
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