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The Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf E was the second command tank to be based on the Panzer III. It was based on the standard Panzer III Ausf E but with the same modifications as on the earlier Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf D1. These saw the main gun replaced by a dummy gun, the hull machine gun removed, the turret bolted in place and the addition on an extra long range radio set. Like the Ausf D1, the Ausf E could be recognised by the distinctive frame antenna on the rear deck.
The different Sd Kfz numbers refer to the radio equipment installed –
Sd Kfz 266: FuG6 (ultra short wave) and FuG2
Sd Kfz 267: FuG6 (ultra short wave) and FuG8 (medium wave)
Sd Kfz 268: FuG6 (ultra short wave) and FuG7 (ultra short wave)
The Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf E entered service at the start of 1940, and took part in the invasion of France and the Low Countries. It remained in service throughout the war, although in ever decreasing numbers.
Names
Panzerbefehlswagen III Ausf E
Sd Kfz 266-268
2 Serie Zugführerwagen/ 2 Serie ZW
Stats
Number produced: 45
Produced: July 1939-February 1940
Hull Length: 5.38m/ 17ft 8in
Hull Width: 2.91m/ 9ft 7in
Height: 2.44m/ 8ft
Crew: 5
Weight: 19.5 tons
Engine: Maybach HL120TR
Max Speed: 40km/hr/ 24mph
Max Range: 165km/ 102 miles
Armament: One 7.92mm MG 34
Armour
Armour |
Front |
Side |
Rear |
Top/ Bottom |
Turret |
30mm/ 1.2in |
30mm/ 1.2in |
30mm/ 1.2in |
12mm/ 0.5in |
Superstructure |
30mm/ 1.2in |
30mm/ 1.2in |
21mm/ 0.8in |
17mm/ 0.66in |
Hull |
30mm/ 1.2in |
30mm/ 1.2in |
21mm/ 0.8in |
16mm/ 0.62in |
Gun mantlet |
30mm/ 1.2in |
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