Difference between revisions of "Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_sdkfz_221_s_pz_b_41}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=germ_sdkfz_221_s_pz_b_41
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--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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<!-- ''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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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The le.Pz.Sp.Wg. Sd.Kfz. 221 (''Leichter Panzerspähwagen, Sonderkraftfahrzeug 221''), first produced in 1935, was a German armoured car used as a reconnaissance vehicle for the German Panzer Divisions during World War II. With 339 vehicles manufactured between 1935 to 1940, the Sd.Kfz. 221 saw use in Nazi Germany's early campaigns in Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern Front. Some of these vehicles were armed with the 2.8 cm s.Pz.B. 41, a squeeze-bore anti-tank weapon that was capable of producing high-velocity projectiles to penetrate armour. The Sd.Kfz. 221 in German service was eventually succeeded by the larger [[Sd.Kfz.222]] design and the more off-road capable Sd.Kfz. 250 half-tracks.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].
 
  
−
The le.Pz.Sp.Wg. (s.Pz.B.41) Sd.Kfz.221 is a unique vehicle in its own right. This vehicle is a lightly armoured, highly mobile car, with a 20 mm squeeze bore cannon. What that means is that a 28 mm wide shell is inserted into a 28 mm wide breech, and subsequently fired down a barrel that narrows down to 20 mm at the end. This gives you a projectile that was 28 mm, now squeezed down to 20 mm. In effect, this gives you a heavier, longer 20 mm shell. This allows old and outdated anti-tank weapon calibres to be re-designed and revitalized so that they could be effective again.  
+
Introduced into War Thunder in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a unique armoured car with its squeeze-bore armament attached to the car's high mobility and relatively thin armour on the body. The squeeze-bore armament, named the [[S.Pz.B.41_(28/20_mm)|28/20 mm S.Pz.B.41]], functions by firing a 28 mm caliber shell down a barrel that narrows it to 20 mm at the muzzle end. This method creates a very high pressure within the barrel that causes the projectile to exit with a high velocity to penetrate more armour relative to the caliber diameter. While providing a bigger punch for the caliber size, the weapon only fires APCR shots as a consequence. Due to this, players using the gun would find some issues such as relatively poor armour-piercing performance against highly sloped armour plating and poor post-penetration damage.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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?
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
The Sd.Kfz.221 has almost no armour at all: it gets penetrated on every side even by rifle-calibre rounds. The main problem of the Sd.Kfz. 221 is that the gunner is exposed: a single coaxial bullet can knock him out and due to the vehicle only having two crew members, will either take out the vehicle entirely from the game in RB/SB or leave it a sitting duck in AB due to crew replenishment.
  
−
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
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'''Armour type:'''
  
−
The Sd.Kfz.221 has very weak armour. It gets penetrated on every side, so you should think of it as if you have no armour at all.
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Wheel (tires)
  
−
The problem of the Sd.Kfz. 221 isn't really the armour. It's that the gunner is exposed. A single coaxial bullet can knock him out and due to the vehicle only having two crew members, will either take out the vehicle entirely from the game in RB/SB, or leave it a sitting duck in AB due to Crew Replenishment.
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 8 mm (18-36°) ''Driver viewport'' <br> 6 mm (71°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 8 mm (36°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 8 mm (36°) ''Bottom glacis'' || 8 mm (35°) || 8 mm (66°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 4-8 mm (32°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 4-8 mm (67°) ''Bottom glacis'' || 10 mm (79°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 8 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 8 mm (24°) ''Rear glacis'' <br> 3 mm ''Engine vents''
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 8 mm (33°) ''Turret front'' <br> 4 + 4 mm (23°) ''Gun shield'' || 8 mm (35°) || 8 mm (35°)
 +
!
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Wheels are 10 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 6 mm thick.
 +
* Mudguards and storage boxes are 4 mm thick.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!--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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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
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The mobility, on the other hand, is great for a wheeled vehicle. The double steering axles allow it to make tight turns even though it is a wheeled vehicle. There is, however, one main flaw with the double steering axles design, it is difficult to drive straight forward after making the slightest turn. The vehicle has a tendency to oversteer by itself and requires adjustments to keep it driving straight. This is extremely problematic if driving at full speed. To counter this problem, it is best to simply slow down before making turns. An alternative is to enable "Driver Assist" in the controls, so slight adjustments of the mouse steer it properly instead.
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=116|rbMinHp=66}}
 +
 
 +
The mobility is great for a wheeled vehicle. The double steering axles allow it to make tight turns even though it is a wheeled vehicle. There is, however, one main flaw with the double steering axles design, it is difficult to drive straight forward after making the slightest turn. The vehicle has a tendency to oversteer by itself and requires adjustments to keep it driving straight. This is extremely problematic if driving at full speed. To counter this problem, it is best to simply slow down before making turns. An alternative is to enable "Driver Assist" in the controls, so slight adjustments of the mouse steer it properly instead.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
Due to this vehicle's extremely limited survivability, the Parts and FPE modifications are not as important as they are on most other tanks. Instead, the most important modifications are the mobility-based modules.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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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.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|S.Pz.B.41 (28/20 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.'' -->
 +
{{main|s.Pz.B.41 (28/20 mm)}}
  
−
The [[S.Pz.B.41 (28/20 mm)|28/20mm s.Pz.B.41]] squeeze bore cannon fires only one ammo type, the 2.8/2cm PzGr.41. The round has an extremely high muzzle velocity of 1400 m/s and penetrates 95 mm at 10 m distance against flat armour. Against 30-degree armour, it penetrates an acceptable 73 mm, but at steep angles, it penetrates just 22mm. Rate of fire is excellent like most low-rank guns, but currently, like all APCR, the post-penetration damage is poor.
+
The 28/20 mm s.Pz.B.41 squeeze-bore cannon fires only one ammo type, the 2.8/2 cm PzGr.41. The round has an extremely high muzzle velocity of 1,400 m/s and penetrates 95 mm at 10 m distance against flat armour. Against 30-degree armour, it penetrates an acceptable 73 mm, but at steep angles, it penetrates just 22 mm. Rate of fire is excellent like most low-rank guns, but currently, like all APCR, the post-penetration damage is poor.
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | [[S.Pz.B.41 (28/20 mm)|28/20 mm S.Pz.B.41]]
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 
−
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 
−
|-
 
−
| colspan="3" | 60 || -10°/+20° || ±20° || Vertical
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! style="width:4em" |Mode
+
! colspan="5" | [[s.Pz.B.41 (28/20 mm)|28/20 mm s.Pz.B.41]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
−
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Arcade'' || 33.32 || 46.12 || 56.0 || 61.92 || 65.88
+
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Realistic'' || 20.83 || 24.5 || 29.75 || 32.9 || 35
+
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 60 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | -20°/+2° || rowspan="2" | Vertical || 33.32 || 46.12 || 56.0 || 61.92 || 65.88 || rowspan="2" | 3.90 || rowspan="2" | 3.45 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.00
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! ''Realistic''
−
|-
+
| 20.83 || 24.50 || 29.75 || 32.90 || 35.00
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 
−
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 
−
|-
 
−
| 3.90 || 3.45 || 3.18 || 3.00
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Ammunition =====
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:s.Pz.B.41 (28/20 mm)/Ammunition|2.8/2cm Pzgr.41}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.35.0.31''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
! Full<br>ammo
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
+
! 1st<br>rack empty
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
+
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 10m
+
| '''60''' || 55&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 31&nbsp;''(+29)''
−
! 100m
 
−
! 500m
 
−
! 1000m
 
−
! 1500m
 
−
! 2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 2.8/2cm Pzgr.41 || APCR || 95 || 94 || 66 || 38 || 15 || 8
+
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
|}
+
| 25&nbsp;''(+35)'' || 19&nbsp;''(+41)'' || 13&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+59)'' || No
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 
−
''in m:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 
−
''in mm:''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 
−
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 
−
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0%
 
−
! 50%
 
−
! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| 2.8/2cm Pzgr.41 || APCR || 1,400 || 0.14 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +1.5° || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Note''':
 +
 +
* Racks only disappear after all shells in the rack have been fired.
 +
* Rearmost ammo racks empty: 37&nbsp;''(+23)'' shells.
 +
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
This vehicle has a powerful cannon and very weak survivability and therefore is effectively played as a sniper at medium to far ranges. However, the positioning will be very important if the player decides to pursue this play-style, as opportunities to engage at long range are rare at this battle rating. Most fights occur at short to medium ranges.
  
−
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
+
Unfortunately, it is in these close combat scenarios that this vehicle suffers. Gun traverse is limited, so the vehicle is easily flanked, and when up close, enemies will be able to dispatch the crew with a short machine-gun burst. So, brawling is often an ineffective strategy. More useful is an ambush-based play-style, where the vehicle can use its incredible speed (on paved surfaces, at least) to reach a favourable position early in the game, and destroy enemies passing by.
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |7th rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |8th rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |9th rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |10th rack empty
 
−
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
|| '''60''' || 55&nbsp;''(5+)'' || 49 ''(11+)''
 
−
|43 ''(17+)''
 
−
|37 ''(23+)''
 
−
|31 ''(29+)''
 
−
|25 ''(35+)''
 
−
|19 ''(41+)''
 
−
|13 ''(47+)''
 
−
|7 ''(53+)''
 
−
|1 ''(59+)''|| style="text-align:left" | No
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks {{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}, located behind the driver and at the feet of the commander/gunner.]]
 
−
'''Notes:'''
 
  
−
* Recommended ammo load is 37 to remove rear ammo racks.
+
Again, this vehicle has virtually no armour protection, and what it does have will not protect it against anything but the lightest shrapnel blasts. Again, one of the two crew members is completely exposed, and if they are knocked unconscious, then the vehicle is destroyed. This means that the player should avoid taking damage at all costs. If an enemy plane is in the air, it is advisable to find cover immediately. If there is an artillery strike inbound, it is similarly advised to leave the area as soon as possible.
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
If sniping and ambushing are both not working, it is also possible to use this vehicle as a highly-mobile strike attacker. By constantly moving around, this vehicle can quickly find the best firing positions throughout the map, and its high penetration allow it to destroy enemies from almost any angle. Combined with this vehicle's high speed, a small profile means that enemies will have a difficult time aiming and achieving a hit. Still, the most important thing is to stay out of sight, using speed as an advantage to destroy vehicles without the enemy knowing.
−
<!--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 Le.Pz.Sp.Wg. (s.Pz.B.41) Sd.Kfz.221 can be played as a sniper, at medium to far ranges. Do not get in to close combat, as your gun only traverses to a very limited degree, and your minimal armour barely stops even rifle-calibre machine guns. Artillery and aircraft are dangerous to you, as you only have two crew members, and one is almost entirely exposed.
 
  
 
=== 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".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Very fast in a straight line (80 kph)
+
* Very fast in a straight line, comparable to the infamous [[BT-5]] on road
−
* Excellent Power/Weight Ratio (35.75 hp/ton AB, 18.75 hp/ton RB/SB) makes its top speed practically achievable
+
* Excellent power/weight ratio allows for great acceleration
−
* Good rate of fire from the main gun (3.9s stock, 3.0s aced)
 
−
* Good penetration from the 28/20 mm ammunition of 95mm at point-blank
 
 
* Small profile
 
* Small profile
−
* Low shell drop due to 1,400 m/s muzzle velocity
+
* Good rate of fire, follow-up shots are easy
 +
* Good penetration and muzzle velocity
 +
* -10° gun depression is great for mountainous terrain
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Limited gun arc
+
* Limited and unsymmetrical gun traverse
−
* Thin armour, easily penetrable by most all vehicles and aircraft  
+
* Limited post-penetration damage
−
* Wheeled vehicle, cannot neutral steer like tanks and must be moving forward/backwards to steer
+
* Low survivability: only 2 crew members who can be easily taken out by all vehicles and aircraft
−
* Wheeled vehicle, not much traction (and therefore speed or acceleration) on snow or sand unless you stick to roads
+
* Poor mobility on soft surfaces
−
* Can easily tip over in a sharp turn
+
* Can easily tip over in a sharp turn at high speed
−
* Only two crew members; one crew member lost = instant loss (especially if you don't have ''Crew Replenishment'' researched)
+
* Can't ram over tiny obstacles like wooden fences and parked cars, limiting mobility
−
* APCR is the only ammo choice, post-pen damage is almost completely inadequate for all but the smallest enemy tanks.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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).'' -->
  
−
The Sd.Kfz. 221, also known as the PSW 221, along with its sister Sd.Kfz. 222 was the standard German light armoured car in 1939. A total of 339 Sd.Kfz. 221s and 989 Sd.Kfz. 222's were built. The Sd.Kfz. 221 carried a machine gun in an open-top turret, while the Sd.Kfz. 222 carried a 20 mm cannon. The 221 was taken out of service by the end of 1942.
+
The Sd.Kfz. 221, also known as the PSW 221, along with its sister Sd.Kfz. 222 was the standard German light armoured car in 1939. A total of 339 Sd.Kfz. 221 and 989 Sd.Kfz. 222 vehicles were built. The Sd.Kfz. 221 carried a machine gun in an open-top turret, while the Sd.Kfz. 222 carried a 20 mm cannon, sometimes with or without a shield.
  
−
The 2.8 cm sPzB 41 taper-bore heavy anti-tank rifle had a 28mm breech calibre, but due to malleable skirts around the projectile, the projectile emerged from the barrel with a 20 mm calibre. This greatly increased the possible muzzle velocity (4,600 ft/sec at the muzzle) but required rounds with tungsten carbide cores to prevent shattering on impact, and rapidly wore out the gun bore. In 1942 the other requirements and scarcity of tungsten forced its discontinuation in anti-tank round production, and the weapons were no longer usable after existing ammo supplies ran out.
+
The 2.8 cm sPzB 41 taper-bore heavy anti-tank rifle had a 28 mm breech calibre, but due to malleable skirts around the projectile, the projectile emerged from the barrel with a 20 mm calibre. This greatly increased the possible muzzle velocity (4,600 ft/sec at the muzzle) but required rounds with tungsten carbide cores to prevent shattering on impact, and rapidly wore out the gun bore. In 1942 the other requirements for and scarcity of tungsten forced its discontinuation in anti-tank round production, and the weapons that could only use tungsten ammunition were no longer usable after existing ammo supplies ran out. During its short service life, it was sometimes mounted on light armoured cars like the 221 and armoured half-tracks in place of their usual machine gun.
 +
 
 +
The Sd.Kfz.221 served mainly in the Aufklärungsabteilung (reconnaissance battalion) attached to the Panzer divisions. It was deployed in various fronts, but was ineffective in battlefields in the Eastern and the North African fronts due to its poor offroad mobility. Hence, the Sd.Kfz.221/222 was taken out of service by the end of 1942, and replaced with the famous Sd.Kfz. 250 half-track.
  
 
== 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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{{Youtube-gallery|_L5i_oupaCU|'''Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)''' - ''TheEuropeanCanadian''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
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;Vehicles of a similar configuration or role
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[AB 41]]
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.''
  
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{{TankManufacturer Eisenwerk Weserhutte}}
 
{{Germany light tanks}}
 
{{Germany light tanks}}
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[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 20:29, 11 July 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
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Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)
germ_sdkfz_221_s_pz_b_41.png
GarageImage Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41).jpg
ArtImage Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41).png
Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The le.Pz.Sp.Wg. Sd.Kfz. 221 (Leichter Panzerspähwagen, Sonderkraftfahrzeug 221), first produced in 1935, was a German armoured car used as a reconnaissance vehicle for the German Panzer Divisions during World War II. With 339 vehicles manufactured between 1935 to 1940, the Sd.Kfz. 221 saw use in Nazi Germany's early campaigns in Europe, North Africa, and the Eastern Front. Some of these vehicles were armed with the 2.8 cm s.Pz.B. 41, a squeeze-bore anti-tank weapon that was capable of producing high-velocity projectiles to penetrate armour. The Sd.Kfz. 221 in German service was eventually succeeded by the larger Sd.Kfz.222 design and the more off-road capable Sd.Kfz. 250 half-tracks.

Introduced into War Thunder in Update 1.79 "Project X", the le.Pz.Sp.Wg. (s.Pz.B.41) Sd.Kfz.221 is a unique armoured car with its squeeze-bore armament attached to the car's high mobility and relatively thin armour on the body. The squeeze-bore armament, named the 28/20 mm S.Pz.B.41, functions by firing a 28 mm caliber shell down a barrel that narrows it to 20 mm at the muzzle end. This method creates a very high pressure within the barrel that causes the projectile to exit with a high velocity to penetrate more armour relative to the caliber diameter. While providing a bigger punch for the caliber size, the weapon only fires APCR shots as a consequence. Due to this, players using the gun would find some issues such as relatively poor armour-piercing performance against highly sloped armour plating and poor post-penetration damage.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull6 / 8 / 8
Turret4 / 8 / 15
Crew2 people
Visibility107 %

The Sd.Kfz.221 has almost no armour at all: it gets penetrated on every side even by rifle-calibre rounds. The main problem of the Sd.Kfz. 221 is that the gunner is exposed: a single coaxial bullet can knock him out and due to the vehicle only having two crew members, will either take out the vehicle entirely from the game in RB/SB or leave it a sitting duck in AB due to crew replenishment.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 8 mm (18-36°) Driver viewport
6 mm (71°) Upper glacis
8 mm (36°) Lower glacis
8 mm (36°) Bottom glacis 		8 mm (35°) 8 mm (66°) Upper glacis
4-8 mm (32°) Lower glacis
4-8 mm (67°) Bottom glacis 		10 mm (79°) Front glacis
8 mm Crew compartment
8 mm (24°) Rear glacis
3 mm Engine vents
Turret 8 mm (33°) Turret front
4 + 4 mm (23°) Gun shield 		8 mm (35°) 8 mm (35°)

Notes:

  • Wheels are 10 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 6 mm thick.
  • Mudguards and storage boxes are 4 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB89 / 17 km/h
RB and SB80 / 16 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight4.0 t
Engine power
AB143 hp
RB and SB75 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.8 hp/t
RB and SB18.8 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 89 17 4 116 143 29 35.75
Realistic 80 16 66 75 16.5 18.75

The mobility is great for a wheeled vehicle. The double steering axles allow it to make tight turns even though it is a wheeled vehicle. There is, however, one main flaw with the double steering axles design, it is difficult to drive straight forward after making the slightest turn. The vehicle has a tendency to oversteer by itself and requires adjustments to keep it driving straight. This is extremely problematic if driving at full speed. To counter this problem, it is best to simply slow down before making turns. An alternative is to enable "Driver Assist" in the controls, so slight adjustments of the mouse steer it properly instead.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB170 → 220 Sl icon.png
RB194 → 251 Sl icon.png
SB223 → 289 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 450 Rp icon.png
2 670 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
10 / 20 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png

Due to this vehicle's extremely limited survivability, the Parts and FPE modifications are not as important as they are on most other tanks. Instead, the most important modifications are the mobility-based modules.

Armaments

Main armament

28/20 mm s.Pz.B.41 cannon
Shoulder stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in one plane while moving
Ammunition60 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Horizontal guidance-20° / 2°
Main article: s.Pz.B.41 (28/20 mm)

The 28/20 mm s.Pz.B.41 squeeze-bore cannon fires only one ammo type, the 2.8/2 cm PzGr.41. The round has an extremely high muzzle velocity of 1,400 m/s and penetrates 95 mm at 10 m distance against flat armour. Against 30-degree armour, it penetrates an acceptable 73 mm, but at steep angles, it penetrates just 22 mm. Rate of fire is excellent like most low-rank guns, but currently, like all APCR, the post-penetration damage is poor.

28/20 mm s.Pz.B.41 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 60 -10°/+20° -20°/+2° Vertical 33.32 46.12 56.0 61.92 65.88 3.90 3.45 3.18 3.00
Realistic 20.83 24.50 29.75 32.90 35.00

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
2.8/2cm Pzgr.41 APCR 90 84 63 44 31 21
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
2.8/2cm Pzgr.41 APCR 1,400 0.12 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty
60 55 (+5) 49 (+11) 43 (+17) 37 (+23) 31 (+29)
6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
25 (+35) 19 (+41) 13 (+47) 7 (+53) 1 (+59) No

Note:

  • Racks only disappear after all shells in the rack have been fired.
  • Rearmost ammo racks empty: 37 (+23) shells.

Usage in battles

This vehicle has a powerful cannon and very weak survivability and therefore is effectively played as a sniper at medium to far ranges. However, the positioning will be very important if the player decides to pursue this play-style, as opportunities to engage at long range are rare at this battle rating. Most fights occur at short to medium ranges.

Unfortunately, it is in these close combat scenarios that this vehicle suffers. Gun traverse is limited, so the vehicle is easily flanked, and when up close, enemies will be able to dispatch the crew with a short machine-gun burst. So, brawling is often an ineffective strategy. More useful is an ambush-based play-style, where the vehicle can use its incredible speed (on paved surfaces, at least) to reach a favourable position early in the game, and destroy enemies passing by.

Again, this vehicle has virtually no armour protection, and what it does have will not protect it against anything but the lightest shrapnel blasts. Again, one of the two crew members is completely exposed, and if they are knocked unconscious, then the vehicle is destroyed. This means that the player should avoid taking damage at all costs. If an enemy plane is in the air, it is advisable to find cover immediately. If there is an artillery strike inbound, it is similarly advised to leave the area as soon as possible.

If sniping and ambushing are both not working, it is also possible to use this vehicle as a highly-mobile strike attacker. By constantly moving around, this vehicle can quickly find the best firing positions throughout the map, and its high penetration allow it to destroy enemies from almost any angle. Combined with this vehicle's high speed, a small profile means that enemies will have a difficult time aiming and achieving a hit. Still, the most important thing is to stay out of sight, using speed as an advantage to destroy vehicles without the enemy knowing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast in a straight line, comparable to the infamous BT-5 on road
  • Excellent power/weight ratio allows for great acceleration
  • Small profile
  • Good rate of fire, follow-up shots are easy
  • Good penetration and muzzle velocity
  • -10° gun depression is great for mountainous terrain

Cons:

  • Limited and unsymmetrical gun traverse
  • Limited post-penetration damage
  • Low survivability: only 2 crew members who can be easily taken out by all vehicles and aircraft
  • Poor mobility on soft surfaces
  • Can easily tip over in a sharp turn at high speed
  • Can't ram over tiny obstacles like wooden fences and parked cars, limiting mobility

History

The Sd.Kfz. 221, also known as the PSW 221, along with its sister Sd.Kfz. 222 was the standard German light armoured car in 1939. A total of 339 Sd.Kfz. 221 and 989 Sd.Kfz. 222 vehicles were built. The Sd.Kfz. 221 carried a machine gun in an open-top turret, while the Sd.Kfz. 222 carried a 20 mm cannon, sometimes with or without a shield.

The 2.8 cm sPzB 41 taper-bore heavy anti-tank rifle had a 28 mm breech calibre, but due to malleable skirts around the projectile, the projectile emerged from the barrel with a 20 mm calibre. This greatly increased the possible muzzle velocity (4,600 ft/sec at the muzzle) but required rounds with tungsten carbide cores to prevent shattering on impact, and rapidly wore out the gun bore. In 1942 the other requirements for and scarcity of tungsten forced its discontinuation in anti-tank round production, and the weapons that could only use tungsten ammunition were no longer usable after existing ammo supplies ran out. During its short service life, it was sometimes mounted on light armoured cars like the 221 and armoured half-tracks in place of their usual machine gun.

The Sd.Kfz.221 served mainly in the Aufklärungsabteilung (reconnaissance battalion) attached to the Panzer divisions. It was deployed in various fronts, but was ineffective in battlefields in the Eastern and the North African fronts due to its poor offroad mobility. Hence, the Sd.Kfz.221/222 was taken out of service by the end of 1942, and replaced with the famous Sd.Kfz. 250 half-track.

Media

Skins
Videos
Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41) - TheEuropeanCanadian

See also

Vehicles of a similar configuration or role

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


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

Germany light tanks
Pz.II  Pz.II C · Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.II C TD · Pz.II F · Pz.Sfl.Ic
Sd.Kfz.234  Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 · Sd.Kfz.234/2 TD
Marder  Marder A1- · Marder 1A3 · Begleitpanzer 57 · DF105
SPz PUMA  PUMA · PUMA VJTF
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.221 (s.Pz.B.41) · Class 3 (P) · Radkampfwagen 90 · Boxer MGS
Other  Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS
Argentina  TAM · TAM 2C · TAM 2IP · JaPz.K A2
Czechoslovakia  Pz.35(t) · Pz.38(t) A · Pz.38(t) F · Pz.38(t) n.A. · Sd.Kfz. 140/1
France  Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK
Lithuania  Vilkas
USA  leKPz M41
USSR  SPz BMP-1

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