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Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.a
Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.b
Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.c/A/B/C
Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.D/E 		Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.F
Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.J
Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.L Luchs


Panzerkampfwagen II Ausfuehrung a1-5
Ausf.a: General
Date of first production May 1936 Total acceptances 75
Manufacturers
  • Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nuernburg AG
  • Daimler-Benz AG
Crew
3 men:
  • Commander/gunner in turret right
  • Driver in hull front left
  • Loader/radio operator in turret left
Ausf.a: Dimensions
Combat weight 16,800lbs
7600kg		 Height 76.8"
195cm
Length 172"
438cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width 84.3"
214cm		 Ground clearance 12"
30cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 8.8psi
.62kg/cm²
Ausf.a: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
2cm Kw.K.30 L/55 Turret left 180 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
7.92mm M.G.34 Coaxial to 2cm gun 1425 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
Ausf.a: Armor
Assembly
Welding and bolting
Hull
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front .51"
1.3cm		 9°
Lower front .51"
1.3cm		 Round
Upper sides .51"
1.3cm		 0°
Lower sides .51"
1.3cm		 0°
Upper rear .51"
1.3cm		 9°
Lower rear .51"
1.3cm		 0°
Top .2"
.5cm		 70° to 90°
Floor .2"
.5cm		 90°
Turret
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun mantlet .60"
1.5cm		 Round
Front .51"
1.3cm		 Round
Sides .51"
1.3cm		 22°
Rear .51"
1.3cm		 22°
Top .3"
.8cm		 86° to 90°
Ausf.a: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL57TR; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 130@2600rpm Fuel capacity 45gal
170L
Transmission 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Ausf.a: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Leaf spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie		 3/track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
Front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
Ausf.a: Track
Outside guide, single pin steel
Width 12"
30cm		 Pitch 3.5"
9cm
Ausf.a: Performance
Max level road speed 25mph
40kph		 Max fording depth 36"
92cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads


Pz.Kpfw.II (Sd.Kfz.121) was intended as another light training tank for the rebuilding German armed forces. Its suspension was derived from that of Pz.Kpfw.I, and shared the strengthening girder running along the side. Its automatic 2cm gun was capable of firing high-explosive and armor-piercing projectiles. Ten Ausf.a/1 were produced, after which the cast, rubber-tired idler wheel was replaced by a welded steel version. Appearing in May 1936, Ausf.a/2 featured improvements in engine access, and Ausf.a/3 ran on improved springs and its engine was cooled by a larger radiator. Ausf.a/3 also entered production in May 1936.

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Panzerkampfwagen II Ausfuehrung b1-5
Ausf.b: General
Date of first production February 1937 Total acceptances 25
Manufacturers
  • Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nuernburg AG
  • Daimler-Benz AG
Crew
3 men:
  • Commander/gunner in turret right
  • Driver in hull front left
  • Loader/radio operator in turret left
Ausf.b: Dimensions
Combat weight 17,400lbs
7900kg		 Height 77.2"
196cm
Length 187"
476cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width 84.3"
214cm		 Ground clearance 12"
31cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 9.3psi
.65kg/cm²
Ausf.b: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
2cm Kw.K.30 L/55 Turret left 180 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
7.92mm M.G.34 Coaxial to 2cm gun 1425 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
Ausf.b: Armor
Assembly
Welding and bolting
Hull
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front .57"
1.45cm		 10°
Lower front .57"
1.45cm		 Round
Upper sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Lower sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Upper rear .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Lower rear .57"
1.45cm		 7°
Top .40" to .47"
1.0cm to 1.2cm		 82° to 90°
Floor .2"
.5cm		 90°
Turret
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun mantlet .60"
1.5cm		 Round
Front .60"
1.5cm		 Round
Sides .57"
1.45cm		 21°
Rear .57"
1.45cm		 21°
Top .40"
1.0cm		 84° to 90°
Ausf.b: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL57TR; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 130@2600rpm Fuel capacity 45gal
170L
Transmission 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Ausf.b: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Leaf spring 3 bogies/track;
2 wheels/bogie		 3/track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
Front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
Ausf.b: Track
Outside guide, single pin steel
Width 12"
30cm		 Pitch 3.5"
9cm
Ausf.b: Performance
Max level road speed 24.5mph
39.5kph		 Max fording depth 36"
92cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads


Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.b (Sd.Kfz.121) featured improvements in the final drives. The return rollers were wider and smaller, and the drive sprockets were new as well. Ausf.b retained the suspension girder, and the exhaust system was modified with a new muffler.

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Panzerkampfwagen II Ausfuehrung c/A/B/C1-7
Ausf.c/A/B/C: General
Date of first production March 1937 Total acceptances 1113 (Ausf.c, A, B, C)
Manufacturers
  • Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nuernburg AG
  • Daimler-Benz AG
  • Henschel & Sohn AG
  • Waggonfabrik Wegmann AG
  • Altmaerkische Kettenwerk, GmbH
  • Muhlenbau-Industrie AG
  • Fahrzeug und Motorenbau, GmbH
Crew
3 men:
  • Commander/gunner in turret right
  • Driver in hull front left
  • Loader/radio operator in turret left
Ausf.c/A/B/C: Dimensions
Combat weight 19,600lbs
8900kg		 Height 78.3"
199cm
Length 189"
481cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width 87.4"
222cm		 Ground clearance 14"
35cm
Ground pressure, zero penetration 10psi
.73kg/cm²
Ausf.c/A/B/C: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
2cm Kw.K.30 L/55 Turret left 180 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
7.92mm M.G.34 Coaxial to 2cm gun 1425 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
Ausf.c/A/B/C: Armor
Assembly
Welding and bolting
Hull
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front .57"
1.45cm		 9°
Lower front .57"
1.45cm		 Round
Upper sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Lower sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Upper rear .57"
1.45cm		 9°
Lower rear .57"
1.45cm		 6°
Top .40" to .47"
1.0cm to 1.2cm		 81° to 90°
Floor .2"
.5cm		 90°
Turret
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun mantlet .63"
1.6cm		 Round
Front .60"
15cm		 Round
Sides .57"
1.45cm		 22°
Rear .57"
1.45cm		 22°
Top .40"
1.0cm		 86° to 90°
Ausf.c/A/B/C: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL62TR; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 140@2600rpm Fuel capacity 45gal
170L
Transmission ZF crash-type, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Ausf.c/A/B/C: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Leaf spring 5 independently sprung/track 4/track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
Front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
Ausf.c/A/B/C: Track
Outside guide, single pin steel
Width 12"
30cm		 Pitch 3.5"
9cm
Ausf.c/A/B/C: Performance
Max level road speed 25mph
40kph		 Max vertical obstacle 17"
42cm
Max fording depth 33"
85cm		 Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads


Ausf.c, A, B, and C were the first production models, and differed from each other in minor ways to accomodate production. The suspension was totally new on these vehicles, and the tank now ran on five large independently sprung road wheels sprung by leaf springs. A new track was used, which necessitated another modification to the drive sprockets, and the idler wheels were widened. The commander's original split hatch was replaced by a vision cupola during the production run, and 20mm applique armor plates were bolted to the hull and turret front due to experience in Poland.

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Panzerkampfwagen II Ausfuehrung D/E1-5
Ausf.D/E: General
Date of first production May 1938 Total acceptances 43
(43 converted to Pz.Kpfw.II (F))
Manufacturer Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nuernburg AG Crew
3 men:
  • Commander/gunner in turret right
  • Driver in hull front left
  • Loader/radio operator in turret left
Ausf.D/E: Dimensions
Combat weight 24,300lbs
11,000kg		 Height 79.5"
202cm
Length 187"
475cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width 84.3"
214cm		 Tread 75.6"
192cm
Ground clearance 13"
34cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 11psi
.80kg/cm²
Ausf.D/E: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
2cm Kw.K.30 L/55 Turret left 180 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
7.92mm M.G.34 Coaxial to 2cm gun 1425 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
Ausf.D/E: Armor
Assembly
Welding and bolting
Hull
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.2"
3.0cm		 9°
Lower front 1.2"
3.0cm		 9°
Upper sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Lower sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Upper rear .57"
1.45cm		 20°
Lower rear .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Top .40" to .47"
1.0cm to 1.2cm		 79° to 90°
Floor .2"
.5cm		 90°
Turret
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun mantlet .63"
1.6cm		 Round
Front .60"
1.5cm		 Round
Sides .57"
1.45cm		 22°
Rear .57"
1.45cm		 22°
Top .40"
1.0cm		 76° to 90°
Ausf.D/E: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL62TRM; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 140@2600rpm Fuel capacity 53gal
200L
Transmission SSG 46 synchromesh, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Ausf.D/E: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 4 independently sprung dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers
Front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track
Ausf.D/E: Track
Center guide, single pin steel
Width 12"
30cm		 Pitch 3.9"
10cm		 Ground contact length 86.6"
220cm
Ausf.D/E: Performance
Max level road speed 34mph
55kph		 Max vertical obstacle 17"
42cm
Max fording depth 35"
90cm		 Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~200km, roads


Pz.Kpfw.II Ausf.D and E were constructed to give cavalry units a fast reconnaissance vehicle. The suspension was changed to torsion bars, and the hull and powertrain were new. Ausf.D and E retained the turret and armament from the earlier tanks. Ausf.D ran on unlubricated track, but this was replaced by self-greasing track on Ausf.E. This new track required new drive sprockets.

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Panzerkampfwagen II Ausfuehrung F1-5,8
Ausf.F: General
Date of first production March 1941 Total acceptances 524
Manufacturer Fahrzeug und Motorenbau, GmbH Crew
3 men:
  • Commander/gunner in turret right
  • Driver in hull front left
  • Loader/radio operator in turret left
Ausf.F: Dimensions
Combat weight 21,000lbs
9500kg		 Height 84.6"
215cm
Length 189"
481cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width 89.8"
228cm		 Tread 75.6"
192cm
Ground clearance 13"
34cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 11psi
.78kg/cm²
Ausf.F: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
2cm Kw.K.30 L/55 Turret left 180 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
7.92mm M.G.34 Coaxial to 2cm gun 1425 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +20° to -9.5°
(manual)
Ausf.F: Armor
Assembly
Welding and bolting
Hull
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.2" to 1.4"
3.0cm to 3.5cm		 10°
Lower front 1.2"
3.0cm		 13°
Upper sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Lower sides .57"
1.45cm		 0°
Upper rear .57"
1.45cm		 9°
Lower rear .57"
1.45cm		 7°
Top .40" to .47"
1.0cm to 1.2cm		 82° to 90°
Floor .2"
.5cm		 90°
Turret
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun mantlet 1.2"
3.0cm		 Round
Front 1.2"
3.0cm		 Round
Sides .57"
1.45cm		 21°
Rear .57"
1.45cm		 21°
Top .40"
1.0cm		 77° to 90°
Ausf.F: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL62TR; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 140@2600rpm Fuel capacity 45gal
170L
Transmission SSG 46 synchromesh, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Ausf.F: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Leaf spring 5 independently sprung/track 4/track
Drive sprockets Idlers Shock absorbers
Front drive Adjustable at rear of track None
Ausf.F: Track
Outside guide, single pin steel
Width 12"
30cm		 Pitch 3.5"
9cm		 Shoes/track 106 Ground contact length 94.5"
240cm
Ausf.F: Performance
Max level road speed 24.5mph
39.5kph		 Max trench 66.9"
170cm
Max grade 58% Max vertical obstacle 17"
42cm
Min turning diameter 16'
4.8m		 Max fording depth 36"
92cm
Cruising range ~120mi, roads
~190km, roads


Ausfuehrung F (Sd.Kfz.121) returned to the normal Pz.Kpfw.II layout reminiscent of Ausf.C, but the lower hull was now squared-off instead of the rounded lower hull of earlier tanks. The superstructure front now ran straight across the width of the hull, instead of the earlier superstructures which angled off to the rear to the right of the driver. The idler wheel was changed once again to one featuring a conical hub.

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Panzerkampfwagen II Ausfuehrung J1-4
Ausf.J: General
Date of first production April 1942 Total acceptances 22
Manufacturer Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nuernburg AG Crew
3 men:
  • Commander/gunner in turret right
  • Driver in hull front left
  • Loader/radio operator in turret left
Ausf.J: Dimensions
Combat weight 40,000lbs
18,000kg
Ausf.J: Armament
Type Mount Traverse
2cm Kw.K.38 L/55 Turret left 360°
(manual)
7.92mm M.G.42 Coaxial to 2cm gun 360°
(manual)
Ausf.J: Armor
Assembly
Welding
Hull
Location Thickness
Upper front 3.1"
8.0cm
Lower front 3.1"
8.0cm
Upper sides 2.0"
5.0cm
Lower sides 2.0"
5.0cm
Upper rear 2.0"
5.0cm
Lower rear 2.0"
5.0cm
Top .98"
2.5cm
Floor .98"
2.5cm
Turret
Location Thickness
Gun mantlet 3.1"
8.0cm
Front 3.1"
8.0cm
Sides 2.0"
5.0cm
Rear 2.0"
5.0cm
Top .98"
2.5cm
Ausf.J: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL45P; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 150@3800rpm
Transmission 5 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Ausf.J: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 independently sprung interleaved dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers
Front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track
Ausf.J: Track
Center guide, single pin steel
Ausf.J: Performance
Max level road speed 19mph
31kph


Ausfuehrung J was intended as a thickly-armored reconnaissance vehicle, and ran on the interleaved torsion-bar-sprung schachtellaufwerk running gear. Its hull was constructed as a single piece, in contrast to most German tanks where the superstructure was bolted to the hull. The driver and radio operator had entry hatches in the hull sides, and the commander had access through his vision cupola.

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Panzerkampfwagen II Ausfuehrung L Luchs1-4,9
Ausf.L: General
Date of first production September 1943 Total acceptances 100 + 4 rebuilt or converted
Manufacturer Maschinenfabrik Augsburg Nuernburg AG Crew 4 men
Ausf.L: Dimensions
Combat weight 28,600lbs
13,000kg		 Height 87.0"
221cm
Length 182"
463cm		 Gun overhang forward 0"
Width 97.6"
248cm		 Tread 81.4"
207cm
Ground clearance 13"
34cm		 Ground pressure, zero penetration 10.7psi
.751kg/cm²
Ausf.L: Armament
Type Mount Ammunition Traverse Elevation
2cm Kw.K.38 L/55 Turret left 330 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +18° to -9°
(manual)
7.92mm M.G.34 Coaxial to 2cm gun 2250 rounds 360°
(manual)		 +18° to -9°
(manual)
Ausf.L: Armor
Assembly
Welding and bolting
Hull
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Upper front 1.2"
3.0cm		 10°
Lower front 1.2"
3.0cm		 22°
Upper sides .79"
2.0cm		 0°
Lower sides .79"
2.0cm		 0°
Upper rear .79"
2.0cm		 28°
Lower rear .79"
2.0cm		 28°
Top .40"
1.0cm		 86° to 90°
Floor .40"
1.0cm		 90°
Turret
Location Thickness Angle from vertical
Gun mantlet 1.2"
3.0cm		 Round
Front 1.2"
3.0cm		 0°
Sides .79"
2.0cm		 21°
Rear .79"
2.0cm		 21°
Top .47"
1.2cm		 79° to 90°
Ausf.L: Automotive
Engine Maybach HL66P; 6 cylinder, inline gasoline
Horsepower 180@2800rpm Fuel capacity 77gal
290L
Transmission SSG 46 synchromesh, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering Controlled differential, steering levers
Ausf.L: Suspension
Type Road wheels Track return rollers
Torsion bar 5 independently sprung interleaved dual/track Flat track
Drive sprockets Idlers
Front drive Dual adjustable at rear of track
Ausf.L: Track
Center guide, single pin steel
Width 14"
36cm		 Shoes/track 96 Ground contact length 86.6"
220cm
Ausf.L: Performance
Max level road speed 37mph
60kph		 Max grade 58%
Max fording depth 52.0"
132cm		 Cruising range 180mi
290km


Ausfuehrung L (Sd.Kfz.123), intended as a reconnaissance vehicle, also ran on interleaved running gear, and the commander's vision cupola was replaced with two roof-mounted periscopes. Luchs had its hull extended over the fenders, which allowed the installation of a larger turret.

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References

  1. Chamberlain, Peter, and Hilary Doyle. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two. Technical ed. Thomas L. Jentz. London: Cassell & Co., 2000.

  2. Hogg, Ian V. The Greenhill Armoured Fighting Vehicles Data Book. London: Greenhill Books, 2000.

  3. Parada, George. "Achtung Panzer! - PzKpfw II." Achtung Panzer! 20 Jan 2002 <http://www.achtungpanzer.com/pz1.htm#panzer2>. Achtung Panzer!

  4. Siemers, Cary. "Germany's Panzerkampfwagen II." World War II Tanks & Vehicles and Advanced Squad Leader. 23 Jan 2002 <http://www.wwiivehicles.com/html/germany/pzkpfw_ii.html>.

  5. Jentz, Thomas L. Panzer Truppen, volume 1. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 1996.

  6. Miller, David. The Illustrated Directory of Tanks of the World. Osceola, WI: MBI Publishing Co., 2000.

  7. Zuljan, Ralph. "PzKpfw II Ausf. c." Second World War Armor. 16 Mar 2000. 22 Jan 2002 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/germany/fpz2c.htm>. Second World War Armor

  8. ---. "PzKpfw II Ausf. F." Second World War Armor. 16 Mar 2000. 22 Jan 2002 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/germany/fpz2f.htm>. Second World War Armor

  9. ---. "PzKpfw II Ausf. L." Second World War Armor. 16 Mar 2000. 22 Jan 2002 <http://www.onwar.com/tanks/germany/fpz2l.htm>. Second World War Armor



Last updated 22 May 2002.

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© Copyright 2002 Chris Conners