German Bundeswehr SpPz 2 ’Lynx’ Amphibious Reconnaissance AFV

German Bundeswehr SpPz 2 ’Lynx’ Amphibious Reconnaissance Armoured Fighting Vehicle

In 1975, the German Bundeswehr received new Mercedes Benz 8-wheeled armoured amphibious reconnaissance vehicles which were deployed in light armoured reconnaissance patrols of two vehicles each. Spähpanzer Luchs is a sophisticated vehicle with all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, forward and reverse driving positions, puncture resistant tires. The vehicle is armed with a turreted 20 mm Autocannon which fires a selection of armour piercing solid shot, hollow-charge, tracer, and high-explosive rounds up to an effective range of 2000 meters. The vehicle’s petrol/diesel powerplant is practically inaudible, even at very close range. This editor has been approached by two Luchs during night operations, and the only sound was that of dry branches breaking under their tires when the vehicles were approximately 10 m away. On maneuvers, when SpPz Luchs are in the vicinity, sleeping on the ground is permitted in designated and clearly marked areas only.

The Luchs is a descendant of the Sd.Kfz. 234 series of heavy armoured cars which served in World War Two. Like its predecessors, the Luchs may back out of a dangerous situation at top speed. The radio operator’s compartment in the rear hull section is a fully equipped reverse driving position, facing backward, and he may override the forward driver’s controls when the situation warrants it.

Available Scale Model Kits

Spähpanzer 2 (early), 1:87 ROCO 266
Spähpanzer 2 (early), 1:285 GHQ N71
Spähpanzer 2 (early), 1:300 Heroics & Ros GM06

Spähpanzer 2, 1:35 Revell 03036
Spähpanzer 2, 1:72 Revell
Spähpanzer 2, 1:87 ROCO 453

Technical Specifications

Spähpanzer Luchs - Armoured Amphibious Reconnaissance Vehicle
Motor: 10-cylinder diesel/petrol engine, 287 kW
Steering: all-wheel drive and steering, propeller-driven in water
Speed: 90 km/h on roads (100 km/h, early SpPz 2), 11 km/h in water
Range: 730 km (800 km, early SpPz 2)
Length: 7340 mm
Width: 2980 mm
Height: 2500 mm
Weight: 19500 kg (19000 kg, early SpPz 2)
Armament: 20 mm Cannon (800-1000 rounds/min, effective range 2000 m), MG 3
Crew: Commander, Gunner, Driver, Radio Operator (Reverse Driver)
Production: 1975-

Bibliography

Deutsche Militärfahrzeuge. Bundeswehr und NVA. L.-R. Gau, J. Plate, J. Siegert
Rad- und Kettenfahrzeuge der Bundeswehr. K. Anweiler, J. Plate, M. Pahlkötter

Historical Employment

Leichter Panzerspähtrupp - 2 Spähpanzer Luchs

Spähpanzer Luchs is a superb armoured reconnaissance vehicle with exceptional driving and fighting characteristics. Luchs is deployed in light armoured recon patrols of two vehicles each, which serve alongside heavy patrols consisting of three Leopard 2 main battle tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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