Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz.222"

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{{About
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|about= German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|usage= the Chinese version
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|link= Sd.Kfz.222 (China)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_sdkfz_222
 
|code=germ_sdkfz_222
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]].
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The '''Sonderkraftfahrzeug (Sd.Kfz.) 222''' was a German light armoured car, designed in 1935 by order of the Ministry of Armaments as an improved version of its predecessor, [[Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)|Sd.Kfz.221]]. Unlike its predecessor, the Sd.Kfz.222 received a 20 mm automatic gun, in addition to an upgraded hull. Both the Sd.Kfz.221 and Sd.Kfz.222 were actively used in all military campaigns of the Third Reich as reconnaissance and staff vehicles, proving themselves most successfully in the first years of World War II, when combat operations were conducted predominantly on terrain densely criss-crossed by roads. Later, the Sd.Kfz.222 lost its relevance due to its increasingly inadequate armour protection and poor off-road mobility. Nonetheless, the vehicle remained in service with Wehrmacht units until Germany's surrender, being used both for its intended purpose of reconnaissance and for supporting advancing infantry, providing anti-aircraft fire, and conducting police operations. A total of 994 Sd.Kfz.222s were manufactured.
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Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the Sd.Kfz.222 can fulfil the role of an SPAA, as the armoured car is equipped with a good KwK38 20 mm automatic gun capable of destroying even a bomber with several rounds. However, the long reload time and low shot dispersion prevent the vehicle from effectively combating fast and small aircraft. However, thanks to its excellent mobility on hard ground and the availability of armour-piercing belts for the gun, the Sd.Kfz.222 is also well-suited as a light tank that can quickly reach a key point, outmanoeuvre opponents on the flanks and launch a surprise attack, then swiftly retreat without exposing itself to return fire. However, one should not forget about the vehicle's weak armour protection.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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Armor protection is, mediocre, to say the least. Almost the entire car is comprised of 8mm sloped steel plates, which is barely enough to stop normal 7.62mm AP bullets. HMGs and autocannons will be your biggest bain as they will easily shred your car up from any angle. In fact, if aimed at precisely from certain angles the 8mm of armor can be pierced by the larger coaxial MGs, such as British BESAs, swedish 8mm MGs and even your own 7.92 MG34s (this can be a rare occurance, but don't discount it). Only the front of the car, with a 30mm radiator housing and 14.5mm front plate, can offer protection against rifle caliber fire, but anything bigger than that will basically fling you back to the garage. The open turret also means that chemical shells (i.e. HE, HEAT and the HESH round from the Lancia 3ro) are an instant death even if they miss; avoid them at all times.
+
Armour protection is, mediocre, to say the least. Almost the entire car is comprised of 8 mm sloped steel plates, which is barely enough to stop normal 7.62 mm AP bullets. HMGs and autocannons will be your biggest pain as they will easily shred your car up from any angle. In fact, if aimed at precisely from certain angles the 8 mm of armour can be pierced by the larger coaxial MGs, such as British BESAs, Swedish 8 mm MGs and even your own 7.92 MG34s (this can be a rare occurrence, but don't discount it). Only the front of the car, with a 30 mm radiator housing and 14.5 mm front plate, can offer protection against rifle-calibre fire, but anything bigger than that will basically fling you back to the garage. The open turret also means that chemical shells (i.e. HE, HEAT and the HESH round from the Lancia 3ro) are an instant death even if they miss; avoid them at all times.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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'''Armour type:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
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* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
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* Rolled homogeneous armour
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear  
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 30 mm RHA at 35° (lower front),
+
| Hull || 30 mm (35°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 14.5 mm (33°) ''Upper glacis'' || 8 mm (35°) ''Top'' <br> 8 mm (34°) ''Bottom'' || 8 mm (39°)
−
14.5mm RHA at 33°(upper front)  
 
−
| 8 mm RHA at 35° (upper side), <br> 8 mm RHA at 34° (lower side, sloped inwards) || 8mm RHA, sloped at 39°  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || 8 mm RHA at 33° (Turret front )<br> 8 mm Gun mantlet || 8mm RHA at 35° || 8mm RHA at 35°  
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| Turret || 8 mm (33°) ''Turret front'' <br> 8 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 8 mm (35°) || 8 mm (35°)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
  
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* Mudguards and stowage boxes are 4mm structural steel
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* Mudguards and stowage boxes are 4 mm thick.
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* Wheels (including the cosmetic one on the right side) are 10mm<!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
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* Wheels (including the spare tire on the right side) are 10 mm thick.
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<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
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The Closest vehicle to the Sd.kfz 222 is its smaller brother, the Sd.kfz 221. The 221 is considerably faster than the 222 and has a better h.p per ton ratio, making it accelerate better, leading it to have better cruising capabilities. On the other hand, the 222 is easier to control at speed and can be brought to engage enemies much faster thanks to its slower speeds. Overall, like most armoured cars, the 222 will move rapidly on roads, less so on regular ground and will get bogged down in soft terrain.  
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The Sd.Kfz.222 moves rapidly on roads, less so on regular ground and will get bogged down in soft terrain. It is easy to control at speed and can engage enemies quickly since it needs little time to come to a full stop.
  
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{{tankMobility}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=128|rbMinHp=80}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
{{main|KwK38 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|KwK38 (20 mm)}}
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−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
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| rowspan="2" | 180 (10) || rowspan="2" | 450 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
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| rowspan="2" | 180 (10) || rowspan="2" | 450 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 35.2 || 48.8 || 59.2 || 65.5 || 69.6 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
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| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
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| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
−
 
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
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| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
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| Coaxial || 2,700 (150) || 900 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The Sdkfz.222, (known as Leichter Panzerspähwagen, which means a 'light armored recon. vehicle) is a fast vehicle, which is easily able to reach 50 km/h in no time. The vehicle can sneak behind enemy lines and mark targets for other heavier vehicles to attack. Utilizing its speed, it can set up ambushes at enemy vehicles, when the enemy is not actively observing the area. the 20 mm fast-firing autocannon with AP belts paired with speed can easily disrupt enemy vehicles, slowing them down. This can also be used as a distraction while friendly units are capturing points, at the same time using its mobility to escape enemy rounds. Because of the high elevation angles, it can knock out air targets with either Sprger. or the default ammunition (API-T, HEFI-T) (note that Sprger rounds only contain HEFI-T rounds).
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 +
The vehicle can flank enemy units quickly. The main downside of this vehicle is that it has very less armor, which can be penetrated even by the American 50 cal. When loaded with Pzgr. 40, the autocannon is easily more effective than most large caliber cannons, spraying enemy's before giving a chance to react. With its thin armor, a plus is that some APHE rounds will overpenetrate, meaning it will go through the vehicle without activating the fuse. Note this is more common on the side and rear armor.
 +
 
 +
One downside is that the belt carries only 10 rounds, which quickly are depleted. This has a longer reload rate than most high-caliber weapons, so pre-loading the gun before firing is necessary. When facing heavier enemies (M4 Sherman 105, M4, T-34, SU-122) directly in front of the vehicle, the frontal armor most likely will not take any damage from the 20 mm, even with armor-piercing belts. The vehicle is equipped with smoke grenades which creates a smoke screen in front of the vehicle. When this is done, the enemy cant see you and will probably wait until the smoke clears out. At that time, the vehicle can swiftly go around the enemy and flank them, where the side armor is weak, or a weak spot can be penetrated by the 20 mm AP rounds. This can prove very useful in situations when facing heavy tanks/tank destroyers (note that the armor penetration indicator can be used to see where you can penetrate the enemy vehicle and cause damage is useful when encountering a heavy vehicle). The vehicle is open-topped, meaning it can be strafed frequently by enemy aircraft, and cause critical damage or knocking out crew members. Placing camouflage and bushes on the tank can result in enemy aircraft not spotting you, which is not necessary but will result in better performance. Most vehicles you will face are lightly armored, which can be pened by the default rounds, but using Pzgr.40 rounds will quickly take care of the job without using up a lot of rounds. The tank can quickly capture the points/defend the points against enemy vehicles.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
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''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Fast and nimble
 +
* 20 mm autocannon has a fast rate of fire
 +
* 20 mm HVAP rounds have a high penetration
 +
* The thin armour on the sides and rear mean that most APHE rounds will go right through without activating the fuse
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* The 20 mm cannon belt consists of only 10 rounds and it gets exhausted very quickly, so reloads are very frequent
 +
* Weak armour from the sides and rear can be penetrated by lighter weapons like autocannons and heavy machine guns (e.g. [[M13 MGMC]], [[GAZ-AAA (DShK)]])
 +
* Can be destroyed with overpressure by chemical rounds and artillery strikes
 +
* Poor post-penetration damage of 20 mm shells means that it can be difficult to destroy spacious tanks like the [[LVT(A)(1)]]
 +
* Tall wire mesh fencing on the turret sides can give it away if attempting to hide or play stealthily while providing no armour benefits
 +
* Prone to strafing from aircraft
 +
* Has trouble turning in tight and narrow streets
 +
* The 20 mm autocannon is lacking against heavily armoured enemies
 +
* Both the AP and HVAP rounds' penetration drop below 30 mm past 500 m, making it struggle to penetrate common opponents past that distance
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
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From 1935 to 1944, Nazi Germany produced a series of light armoured reconnaissance four-wheel drive armoured cars known as the Leichter Panzerspähwagen. Sd.Kfz. 222 (also known as Leichter Panzerspähwagen 2 cm) is the second variant in the Leichter Panzerspähwagen series, equipped with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 autocannon and a single MG 13 machine gun.
 +
 
 +
=== Development ===
 +
The Leichter Panzerspähwagen series was created with reliability, fuel flexibility, simple construction, and off-road capabilities in mind. The Sd.Kfz. 222 utilises one of two conventional four-wheeled armoured car chassis - rear-mounted engine. Eisenwerk Weserhütte of Bad Oeynhausen designed the vehicles, while Horch (Auto Union) of Zwickau built the chassis and F. Schichau of Elbing and Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen of Hanover-Linden assembled them. The engine, which was originally a 3.5 Litre Horch V8, was also upgraded to a 3.8 Litre with 90 PS in 1942. Because of its light weight, the vehicle has a respectable road speed of 80 km/h and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h. Its maximum range was 300 km.
 +
 
 +
The second variant of the Leichter Panzerspähwagen - Sd.Kfz. 222 has the addition of a gunner increased the crew size to three over the previous variant Sd.Kfz. 221, greatly reducing the commander's stress and responsibility. Several upgrades were made to the Sd.Kfz. 222 between 1937 and late 1943, primarily in terms of firepower; the MG 13 was replaced by an MG 34 in 1938, and the KwK 30 was replaced by the faster-firing KwK 38. (1942). There are at least 990 vehicles produced in all variants.
 +
 
 +
The vehicle is primarily used by Panzer divisions' reconnaissance battalions (Aufklärungs-Abteilung). While it performed reasonably well in countries with good road networks in Western Europe, it was severely limited by its poor off-road performance on the Eastern Front and in the deserts of the North African campaign.
 +
 
 +
=== Replacement ===
 +
Due to limitations in firepower and mobility during the Soviet Union invasion in 1941, the Leichter Panzerspähwagen Sd.Kfz. 222 was gradually replaced in the reconnaissance role by the Sd.Kfz. 250 half-track. Soviet designers studied captured Sd.Kfz 222s, which led to the development of the BA-64 light armoured car.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_sdkfz_222 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|izFpnktG5w4|'''The Shooting Range #351''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:23 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Sd.Kfz.222 (China)]]
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 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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 +
* [[Sd.Kfz.234/1]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [[wt:en/news/8085-development-sd-kfz-222-a-little-tank-en|[Devblog] Sd.Kfz.222: A Little Tank]]
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Eisenwerk Weserhutte}}
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 17:53, 17 August 2024

This page is about the German SPAA Sd.Kfz.222. For the Chinese version, see Sd.Kfz.222 (China).
Sd.Kfz.222
germ_sdkfz_222.png
GarageImage Sd.Kfz.222.jpg
ArtImage Sd.Kfz.222.png
Sd.Kfz.222
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 2.0 2.0
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Sonderkraftfahrzeug (Sd.Kfz.) 222 was a German light armoured car, designed in 1935 by order of the Ministry of Armaments as an improved version of its predecessor, Sd.Kfz.221. Unlike its predecessor, the Sd.Kfz.222 received a 20 mm automatic gun, in addition to an upgraded hull. Both the Sd.Kfz.221 and Sd.Kfz.222 were actively used in all military campaigns of the Third Reich as reconnaissance and staff vehicles, proving themselves most successfully in the first years of World War II, when combat operations were conducted predominantly on terrain densely criss-crossed by roads. Later, the Sd.Kfz.222 lost its relevance due to its increasingly inadequate armour protection and poor off-road mobility. Nonetheless, the vehicle remained in service with Wehrmacht units until Germany's surrender, being used both for its intended purpose of reconnaissance and for supporting advancing infantry, providing anti-aircraft fire, and conducting police operations. A total of 994 Sd.Kfz.222s were manufactured.

Introduced in Update "Sky Guardians", the Sd.Kfz.222 can fulfil the role of an SPAA, as the armoured car is equipped with a good KwK38 20 mm automatic gun capable of destroying even a bomber with several rounds. However, the long reload time and low shot dispersion prevent the vehicle from effectively combating fast and small aircraft. However, thanks to its excellent mobility on hard ground and the availability of armour-piercing belts for the gun, the Sd.Kfz.222 is also well-suited as a light tank that can quickly reach a key point, outmanoeuvre opponents on the flanks and launch a surprise attack, then swiftly retreat without exposing itself to return fire. However, one should not forget about the vehicle's weak armour protection.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 8 / 8
Turret14 / 8 / 8
Crew3 people
Visibility68 %

Armour protection is, mediocre, to say the least. Almost the entire car is comprised of 8 mm sloped steel plates, which is barely enough to stop normal 7.62 mm AP bullets. HMGs and autocannons will be your biggest pain as they will easily shred your car up from any angle. In fact, if aimed at precisely from certain angles the 8 mm of armour can be pierced by the larger coaxial MGs, such as British BESAs, Swedish 8 mm MGs and even your own 7.92 MG34s (this can be a rare occurrence, but don't discount it). Only the front of the car, with a 30 mm radiator housing and 14.5 mm front plate, can offer protection against rifle-calibre fire, but anything bigger than that will basically fling you back to the garage. The open turret also means that chemical shells (i.e. HE, HEAT and the HESH round from the Lancia 3ro) are an instant death even if they miss; avoid them at all times.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear
Hull 30 mm (35°) Lower glacis
14.5 mm (33°) Upper glacis 		8 mm (35°) Top
8 mm (34°) Bottom 		8 mm (39°)
Turret 8 mm (33°) Turret front
8 mm Gun mantlet 		8 mm (35°) 8 mm (35°)

Notes:

  • Mudguards and stowage boxes are 4 mm thick.
  • Wheels (including the spare tire on the right side) are 10 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB98 / 17 km/h
RB and SB91 / 16 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight5.0 t
Engine power
AB172 hp
RB and SB90 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB34.4 hp/t
RB and SB18.0 hp/t

The Sd.Kfz.222 moves rapidly on roads, less so on regular ground and will get bogged down in soft terrain. It is easy to control at speed and can engage enemies quickly since it needs little time to come to a full stop.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 98 17 5 128 172 25.6 34.4
Realistic 91 16 80 90 16 18

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB198 → 270 Sl icon.png
RB190 → 259 Sl icon.png
SB263 → 358 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 440 Rp icon.png
2 700 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 20 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm KwK38 cannon
Ammunition180 rounds
Belt capacity10 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Fire rate450 shots/min
Vertical guidance-7° / 85°
Main article: KwK38 (20 mm)
20 mm KwK38 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 180 (10) 450 -7°/+85° ±180° - 35.2 48.8 59.2 65.5 69.6 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T*
  • Sprgr.: HEFI-T*
  • PzGr.: API-T
  • PzGr.40: HVAP-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T* 5 4 3 2 2 2
API-T 37 34 23 14 9 6
HVAP-T 48 45 31 20 13 8
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T* 900 0.12 0.1 0.1 10.2 79° 80° 81°
API-T 800 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HVAP-T 1,050 0.1 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
18 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG34 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 700 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: MG34 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm MG34
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,700 (150) 900 - -

Usage in battles

The Sdkfz.222, (known as Leichter Panzerspähwagen, which means a 'light armored recon. vehicle) is a fast vehicle, which is easily able to reach 50 km/h in no time. The vehicle can sneak behind enemy lines and mark targets for other heavier vehicles to attack. Utilizing its speed, it can set up ambushes at enemy vehicles, when the enemy is not actively observing the area. the 20 mm fast-firing autocannon with AP belts paired with speed can easily disrupt enemy vehicles, slowing them down. This can also be used as a distraction while friendly units are capturing points, at the same time using its mobility to escape enemy rounds. Because of the high elevation angles, it can knock out air targets with either Sprger. or the default ammunition (API-T, HEFI-T) (note that Sprger rounds only contain HEFI-T rounds).

The vehicle can flank enemy units quickly. The main downside of this vehicle is that it has very less armor, which can be penetrated even by the American 50 cal. When loaded with Pzgr. 40, the autocannon is easily more effective than most large caliber cannons, spraying enemy's before giving a chance to react. With its thin armor, a plus is that some APHE rounds will overpenetrate, meaning it will go through the vehicle without activating the fuse. Note this is more common on the side and rear armor.

One downside is that the belt carries only 10 rounds, which quickly are depleted. This has a longer reload rate than most high-caliber weapons, so pre-loading the gun before firing is necessary. When facing heavier enemies (M4 Sherman 105, M4, T-34, SU-122) directly in front of the vehicle, the frontal armor most likely will not take any damage from the 20 mm, even with armor-piercing belts. The vehicle is equipped with smoke grenades which creates a smoke screen in front of the vehicle. When this is done, the enemy cant see you and will probably wait until the smoke clears out. At that time, the vehicle can swiftly go around the enemy and flank them, where the side armor is weak, or a weak spot can be penetrated by the 20 mm AP rounds. This can prove very useful in situations when facing heavy tanks/tank destroyers (note that the armor penetration indicator can be used to see where you can penetrate the enemy vehicle and cause damage is useful when encountering a heavy vehicle). The vehicle is open-topped, meaning it can be strafed frequently by enemy aircraft, and cause critical damage or knocking out crew members. Placing camouflage and bushes on the tank can result in enemy aircraft not spotting you, which is not necessary but will result in better performance. Most vehicles you will face are lightly armored, which can be pened by the default rounds, but using Pzgr.40 rounds will quickly take care of the job without using up a lot of rounds. The tank can quickly capture the points/defend the points against enemy vehicles.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast and nimble
  • 20 mm autocannon has a fast rate of fire
  • 20 mm HVAP rounds have a high penetration
  • The thin armour on the sides and rear mean that most APHE rounds will go right through without activating the fuse

Cons:

  • The 20 mm cannon belt consists of only 10 rounds and it gets exhausted very quickly, so reloads are very frequent
  • Weak armour from the sides and rear can be penetrated by lighter weapons like autocannons and heavy machine guns (e.g. M13 MGMC, GAZ-AAA (DShK))
  • Can be destroyed with overpressure by chemical rounds and artillery strikes
  • Poor post-penetration damage of 20 mm shells means that it can be difficult to destroy spacious tanks like the LVT(A)(1)
  • Tall wire mesh fencing on the turret sides can give it away if attempting to hide or play stealthily while providing no armour benefits
  • Prone to strafing from aircraft
  • Has trouble turning in tight and narrow streets
  • The 20 mm autocannon is lacking against heavily armoured enemies
  • Both the AP and HVAP rounds' penetration drop below 30 mm past 500 m, making it struggle to penetrate common opponents past that distance

History

From 1935 to 1944, Nazi Germany produced a series of light armoured reconnaissance four-wheel drive armoured cars known as the Leichter Panzerspähwagen. Sd.Kfz. 222 (also known as Leichter Panzerspähwagen 2 cm) is the second variant in the Leichter Panzerspähwagen series, equipped with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 autocannon and a single MG 13 machine gun.

Development

The Leichter Panzerspähwagen series was created with reliability, fuel flexibility, simple construction, and off-road capabilities in mind. The Sd.Kfz. 222 utilises one of two conventional four-wheeled armoured car chassis - rear-mounted engine. Eisenwerk Weserhütte of Bad Oeynhausen designed the vehicles, while Horch (Auto Union) of Zwickau built the chassis and F. Schichau of Elbing and Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen of Hanover-Linden assembled them. The engine, which was originally a 3.5 Litre Horch V8, was also upgraded to a 3.8 Litre with 90 PS in 1942. Because of its light weight, the vehicle has a respectable road speed of 80 km/h and a cross-country speed of 40 km/h. Its maximum range was 300 km.

The second variant of the Leichter Panzerspähwagen - Sd.Kfz. 222 has the addition of a gunner increased the crew size to three over the previous variant Sd.Kfz. 221, greatly reducing the commander's stress and responsibility. Several upgrades were made to the Sd.Kfz. 222 between 1937 and late 1943, primarily in terms of firepower; the MG 13 was replaced by an MG 34 in 1938, and the KwK 30 was replaced by the faster-firing KwK 38. (1942). There are at least 990 vehicles produced in all variants.

The vehicle is primarily used by Panzer divisions' reconnaissance battalions (Aufklärungs-Abteilung). While it performed reasonably well in countries with good road networks in Western Europe, it was severely limited by its poor off-road performance on the Eastern Front and in the deserts of the North African campaign.

Replacement

Due to limitations in firepower and mobility during the Soviet Union invasion in 1941, the Leichter Panzerspähwagen Sd.Kfz. 222 was gradually replaced in the reconnaissance role by the Sd.Kfz. 250 half-track. Soviet designers studied captured Sd.Kfz 222s, which led to the development of the BA-64 light armoured car.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #351 - Metal Beasts section at 00:23 discusses the Sd.Kfz.222.

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


Eisenwerk Weserhütte
Sd.Kfz.221  Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)
Sd.Kfz.222  Sd.Kfz.222 · ␗Sd.Kfz.222

Germany anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.222
Half-track  Sd.Kfz.251/21 · Sd.Kfz. 6/2
Flakpanzer IV  Wirbelwind · Ostwind · Ostwind II · Kugelblitz · Zerstörer 45
Other Flakpanzers  Flakpanzer I · Flakpanzer 38 · Flakpanzer 341
Wiesel AWC  Wiesel 1A4 · Ozelot
Radar SPAAG  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Missile SPAA  FlaRakPz 1 · FlaRakRad

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