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The Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf b was the second major development version of the Panzer II light tank. The main change made in this version was the use of a heavier but more powerful engine. This required the use of stronger mountings for the motor, transmission and drive wheels. The track was also made wider, requiring the use of wider road wheels, return rollers, drive wheels and idlers.
Although they were officially development vehicles, some if not all of the 25 Panzer II Ausf bs must have seen combat. Only 1,089 later models had been built by the start of the war, but on 1 September 1939 the German army had 1,127 Panzer IIs on its strength, leaving a gap of 38.
Number produced |
25 |
Produced |
February-March 1937 |
Hull Length |
4.76m/ 15.6ft |
Hull Width |
2.14m/ 7.0ft |
Height |
1.96m/ 6.4ft |
Crew |
3 |
Weight |
7.9 tons |
Engine |
Maybach HL62TR |
Horsepower |
140hp |
Max Speed |
40 km/hr/ 25 mph |
Max Range |
200km/ 124 miles |
Armament |
One 2cm KwK30 L/55 |
Armour |
Front |
Side |
Rear |
Top/ Bottom |
Turret |
13mm/ 0.5in |
13mm/ 0.5in |
13mm/ 0.5in |
10mm/ 0.4in |
Superstructure |
13mm/ 0.5in |
13mm/ 0.5in |
13mm/ 0.5in |
12mm/ 0.4in |
Hull |
13mm/ 0.5in |
13mm/ 0.5in |
13mm/ 0.5in |
5mm/ 0.2in |
Gun mantlet |
15mm/ 0.6in |
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German Light Panzers, 1932-1942, Bryan Perrett. This is a well balanced book that combines a technical discussion of the various types of light tanks, a look at the Panzer divisions and their equipment and the battlefield tactics and experience of the German light tank forces. [see more]
