Panzerkampfwagen II Flamm Ausf A und B

The Flammpanzer II was an unsuccessful attempt to mount flame-throwers on an armoured vehicle, for use against enemy bunkers. Development of the Flammpanzer II began before the start of the Second World War. On 21 January 1939 a contract was issued for the production of 90 flame throwers based on the Panzer II. The model chosen was the Ausf D, originally designed for use by the light divisions, but by 1939 those divisions were being converted into standard Panzer divisions, and the Ausf D was no longer needed.  

The Flammpanzer II used the same fuselage as the Panzer II Ausf D. The original turret was replaced by a smaller model, armed with one machine gun. The two flame throwers were located on the front corners of the tank, above the tracks, with four tanks of compressed nitrogen stored in armoured compartments on the sides of the superstructure.

Two series of Flammpanzer II were ordered. The O-series, or Ausf A, was built before May 1940 and February 1941. It was followed by an order for 150, the Ausf B, with only minor changes. Only 65 of these were completed before production was cancelled in March 1942. Of this total of 155, 43 were produced by converting existing Panzer II Ausf D fuselages.

The Flammpanzer II entered service on the Russian front in June 1941. Two flame-thrower battalions were formed, but the type was not a success. The combination of highly flammable and thin armour was not ideal, and the units suffered heavy casualties. They were withdrawn early in 1942, and the surviving fuselages were converted to 7.62cm PaK (r) (Sd Kfz 132)

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]

Help - F.A.Q. - Contact Us - Search - Recent - About Us - Privacy