Sd.Kfz. 7 Halftrack

Development of the SdKfz 7 can be traced back to a 1934 Wehrmacht requirement for an eight-tonne half-track.  The production vehicle first appeared in 1938 and was intended to be used mainly as the tractor for the 8.8cm FlaK gun and the 15cm sFH18 150mm howitzer. The vehicle could carry gun crews of up to 12 men in theatre-type seats with under-seat storage for various tools. The whole vehicle was spacious enough to carry their kit.  The rear of the vehicle housed an enclosed compartment for storage of ammunition, though a second ammunition carrier was desirable.  The tractor could tow loads up to 8,000kg (17,600lb) in weight.  Most were fitted with a winch that could pull up to 3,450kg.  It had a payload of 1,800kg.  The windscreen was able to fold down and a canvas roof could be erected.