Mercedes-Benz » Sd.Kfz.8

In 1932, the Daimler-Benz has developed a powerful 12-ton half-track tractor for the Soviet order, which should be supplied to the Red Army artillery units. But soon the order was canceled, but the achievements of the company roused German army interest, who were actively pursuing a policy of motorized German army. From 1934 to 1945, mass production of 12-ton trucks provided by the "Daimler-Benz", "Krupp" and "Kraus-Maffei" companies. Totally about 3,450 half-tracks Sd.Kfz 8 were made in that period. The truck came in four variants, which differ from each other mainly by brand and engine capacity. Tractor Sd.Kfz.8 was used in Wehrmacht for towing heavy artillery equipment. The base modification Sd.Kfz.8 has chassis with front engine and half-track mover. Behind the driver's cab, which was divided from the rear part by a low partition, were two benches, located across the body, where artillery crew of 9 people took place. There was an awning to protect from rain and snow. A cargo compartment with double-leaf doors in the sides and rear was behind the crew's place. The last modification of tractor - the DB s10 - was equipped with 12-cylinder carbureted in-line liquid-cooled engine Maybach HL 85 TUKRM with overhead valves and a working volume of 8,520 cm3, which has a power of 136.1 kW (185 hp) at 2600 rpm. This engine allowed the 12.15 tones tractor reached a maximum speed of 51 km/h. Truck could travel over 250 km with a fuel tank capacity of 250 gallons. DB s7 was produced in 1934-35, DB s8 - 1936-37, DB s9 - 1938-39, DB s10 - 1939-44.