- Yes
- No
I would like to suggest the VK 13.03 V29 Prototype that is a test hull with new Angled Front as well as new Tatra Engine for a future improvement of the Pz II Ausf.L Luchs, the last of the Pz II Spähpanzer which went into full production.
In game it would offer an improved mobile small tank with 2 cm KwK 38 L/65 and high speed of 60 Km/h.
And offer a liked light tank with spotting ability with good armor.
History:
On 15th September 1939 AHA/AgK (In6) requested the Waffenamt to design a fully tracked Panzerspähwagen für motor Aufklärung. Initially known as Pz.Kpfw.II n.A. (Vk 13.01).
With the advantage of a fully tracked vehicle being stated in the experience report from the 2. leichte Division after Poland: In addition, it is proposed that a Einheits Aufklärungsfahrzeug be developed for Panzer and leichte Division. With main priority instead of speed being cross country mobility as well as steering while driving in reverse. Be it fully tracked or half tracked. The available reconnaissance vehicles used in Poland were confined to roads and trails and were unusable for reconnaissance.
The Company MAN was awarded a contract by Wa Prüfamt 6 with details for the hull as well as DB for the superstructure and turret. Which was already tasked with the VK 9.01 before, however the main difference was the addition of a 4th crew member.
In the designing, advantage was taking it using already existing knowledge and proofed design of the VK 9.01 series (which also is shown in the optical similarity). Even many components were taken over unmodified, which also helped with it being directly more reliable (as the parts were already proven).
After multiple trails and further improvements it resulted in the VK 13.03 which was then taken into production as the Pz II Ausf. L Luchs. With 100 produced between 1942 and 1943.
However that’s not the end of it!
When production goal wasn’t reached for the completion of the first Vk 13.03 in August 1942, the building of 4 vehicles was the excuse. While the MAN Report didn’t list any, the Wa Prüf Stab report showed 1, however additional tests proofed that there were at least 4 more, the V26, V29, V30 and V31.
On March 1944 the Wa Prüf 6 ordered the Kraftfahrversuchsstelle Kummersdorf to test the V29 prototype, with an air-cooled Tatra Diesel Engine (Same as found on the Sd.Kfz.234). It was tasked to drive 3000 km off road in Berka, however on 8th May 1944, this vehicle was set off from Prague to Eisenach to measure fuel consumption, where on the way it broke down duo to suspension damage and was transported to Kummersdorf where the trails continued duo to lack of spare parts.
Along with the Tetra Engine, it also has received a redesigned frontal angled armor, which also appears to be simply welded over the base armor of the Superstructure. And a Turret of the G/H Series
Pictures:(Click to show)
The Gun:
2 cm KwK 38 L/65 and coax Mg 34
320 - 400 Rounds, -10° to +20° Elevation, 360° Traverse at 25°/sec and higher
AP:
Pzgr. L`Spur. o.Zerl. (Ph.) (ApI-T) 0,148kg 830m/s 40mm/10m
Note: Used against ground targets. Soft and armored. 3g White Phosphor Core.
Were fully replaced by the empty ones and later .Zerl in the Desert and other hot places, as the phosphor had a nasty tendency to self ignite in hot weather.
The Ph. marked ones were standard with the filler, however they also existed with an O. which indicated they didn’t have a filler and were only 143g (and 835-840m/s).
Pzgr. L'Spur zerl. (Aphe-T Sd) 0,148 kg 830m/s 2,4g Pent 37mm/10m
NOTE: Against ground and air targets. Soft and armored.
It does NOT have a fuze, the filler is for self destruction, in game it would also explode upon impact when shattering, like the Japanese 30mm Aphe.
Pzgr. 40 L`Spur. o.Zerl. (HVAP-T) 0,100kg 1050m/s 62g core 12x45mm 50mm/10m
Note: Only used against heavy armored targets, where the standard AP ammo does not penetrate.
He:
Sprgr. L`Spur. m.Zerl. (Hefi-T Sd.) 0,120kg 900m/s 6,2g Pent (10,54g) 5mm/10m
Sprgr. Erd. o.L'Spur. o.Zerl. (He) 0,120kg 900m/s 11g Pent (18,7g)
Note: Only against ground targets.
(Couldnt find the correct drawing, the Br.Sprgr. o.L’Spur is basically the same, just different filler with Zink.
The Vehicle:
VK 13.03 V29
Top speed: 60 km/h
Weight: 11,8 ton
Dimensions: 4,63 m / 2,48 m / 2,21m
Armor: Front 30mm + 30mm, Side and back 20mm top 10mm belly 5,5 mm
Engine: Tetra 220 Ps 14,8L
Source:
Panzer Tracts No. 2-2
Panzer Tracts No. 20-2
Munition der 2 cm Waffen
Private gallery
