PzKpfw II Ausf.D

Historical information

The Panzer II is the common name used for a family of German tanks used in World War II. The official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen II (abbreviated PzKpfw II).

Although the vehicle had originally been designed as a stopgap while larger, more advanced tanks were developed, it nonetheless went on to play an important role in the early years of World War II, during the Polish and French campaigns. The Panzer II was the most numerous tank in the German Panzer divisions beginning with the invasion of France. It was used in both North Africa against the British and on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union.

With a completely new torsion bar suspension with four road wheels, the Ausf.D was developed as a cavalry tank for use in the pursuit and reconnaissance roles. Only the turret was the same as the Ausf.C model, with a new hull and superstructure design and the use of a Maybach HL62TRM engine driving a seven-gear transmission (plus reverse). Speed was increased to 55 km/h.