The Sd Kfz 234 was designed as a replacement to the earlier Sd Kfz 231 and 232 eight-wheeled armored cars. The Sd Kfz 234/2 Puma was the first variant produced, and was armed with a 5cm KwK 39/1 L/60 and co-axial machine-gun mounted in a fully enclosed turret.
Though a dramatic increase in firepower, the 5cm gun could sometimes get the crew into trouble; tempting them to engage the enemy upon contact rather than simply breaking off.
All eight wheels were both driven and steered, and the Sd Kfz 234s had more armor and armament than any other German armored car that had come before.
They were capable of speeds up to 85km/h (53mph) and could cross most rough terrain.
Weighing 11.74 tonnes, production of the Puma began in September 1943 and was halted in September 1944 when it was replaced by other variants, including the Sd Kfz 234/1 (2cm), Sd Kfz 234/3 (7.5cm) and Sd Kfz 234/4 (PaK40). In total, 101 examples of the Puma were made.
Designed by Tim Adcock
Painted by Blake Coster
