Pz.Kpfw. II Luchs
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{{panel title|icon=[[image:Germany-PzII Luchs.png|link=|left]]|rMargin=248px | {{panel title|icon=[[image:Germany-PzII Luchs.png|link=|left]]|rMargin=248px | |||
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? | The first of two dedicated scouting tanks in the German tech tree, the | + | The first of two dedicated scouting tanks in the German tech tree, the Tier 3 Luchs is a fast, nimble, and relatively well-armoured scouting tank. As a stock tank, the Luchs has maneuverality similar to a [[Leichttraktor]] and guns that are usually inadequate against the tanks it sees (e.g., The [[T57|T57 American artillery]] is capable of bouncing the stock Luch's shots). Once upgraded, the Luchs gains incredibly high acceleration and the ability to turn on a dime. However, it acquires a turret that has a traverse unsuitable for high speed combat. In the hands of an experienced player, it is able to roar into enemy positions at high speed, spotting, focusing artillery fire, and, with a 5cm gun that can hurt most tanks it comes across, directing attention away from allies. | |
? | As a stock tank, the Luchs has maneuverality similar to a [[Leichttraktor]] and guns that are usually inadequate against the tanks it sees ( | + | ||
? | Once upgraded, the Luchs gains incredibly high acceleration and the ability to turn on a dime. However, it acquires a turret that has a traverse unsuitable for high speed combat. | + | ||
? | In the hands of an experienced player, it is able to roar into enemy positions at high speed | + | ||
? | + | Despite the potential fun-factor of this tank, many players use this to zerg an enemy base for high spotting-scores and, once killed, switch to an alternate tank in hopes of gaining quick and easy credits and exp. Research along the PzKpfw II Luchs tree leads to the premier scouting tank in the game, the [[VK 1602 Leopard]]. | ||
? | Despite the potential fun-factor of this tank, many players use this to zerg an enemy base for high spotting-scores and, once killed, switch to an alternate tank in hopes of gaining quick and easy credits and exp. | + | ||
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? | Research along the PzKpfw II Luchs tree leads to the | + | ||
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{{Modules | {{Modules | |||
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{{History|info= | {{History|info= | |||
? | The final development of Panzerkampfwagen II was the Panzerspaehwagen II Ausf L Luchs (Lynx) - Sd.Kfz.123 (VK 1303). This light reconnaissance tank was produced by MAN and Henschel ( | + | The final development of Panzerkampfwagen II was the Panzerspaehwagen II Ausf L Luchs (Lynx) - Sd.Kfz.123 (VK 1303). This light reconnaissance tank was produced by MAN and Henschel (in small numbers) from September 1943 to January 1944. An order for 800 was made, but only 104 (some sources state 134) were manufactured (chassis number 200101-200200). MAN developed the chassis and Daimler-Benz the superstructure and turret. The Luchs was a development of the VK 901 (Ausf G) and used its modified suspension and hull. It was powered by the 180hp 6-cylinder Maybach HL66P engine with ZF Aphon SSG48 gearbox. The Luchs weighed 13 tons and had a road range of 290km. The four-man crew consisted of a commander, gunner, driver, and radio-operator. Communication equipment consisted of the FuG12 MW receiver and 80-watt transmitter. The communication between the crew was by the use of intercom. | |
? | This light reconnaissance tank saw service until the end of the war on both the Eastern and Western Front with Panzer-Aufklarungs-Abteilungen (armored reconnaissance detachments) of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS. Reported users include the 116th Panzer Division on the Western Front, | + | This light reconnaissance tank saw service until the end of the war on both the Eastern and Western Front with Panzer-Aufklarungs-Abteilungen (armored reconnaissance detachments) of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS. Reported users include the 116th Panzer Division on the Western Front, and the 3rd, 4th, and 6th Panzer Division on the Eastern Front. It is reported that both the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf and 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking on the Eastern Front also used the Luchs. | |
? | Vehicles sent to the Eastern Front were mounted with additional frontal armor plates for increased protection. Small numbers was fitted with additional radio equipment and antennas, serving as reconnaissance communication vehicles. The Luchs was to be eventually armed with the (Luchs 5 cm) 50mm KwK 39 L/60 gun (VK 1602 Leopard), but only variants with 20mm KwK 38 L/55 cannon | + | Vehicles sent to the Eastern Front were mounted with additional frontal armor plates for increased protection. Small numbers was fitted with additional radio equipment and antennas, serving as reconnaissance communication vehicles. The Luchs was to be eventually armed with the (Luchs 5 cm) 50mm KwK 39 L/60 gun (VK 1602 Leopard), but only variants with 20mm KwK 38 L/55 cannon were produced. The 20mm cannon was fitted with a TZF6 optical sight, and had a rate of fire of 420 to 480 rounds per minute. It is also reported, but not confirmed, that 31 Luchs were mounted with an open-top turret armed with the 50mm KwK 39 L/60 gun and began equipping troops in late 1943. Also, plans were made to produce a recovery version, the Bergepanzer Luchs, but they never materialized. Along with Bergepanzer Luchs, a scale model of the Flakpanzer Luchs anti-aircraft tank based on a lengthened chassis (VK 1305) and armed with either the 20mm Flakvierling or 37mm Flak 36 gun was made, but this project was never realized. | |
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{{Panel Gallery|Historical Gallery| | {{Panel Gallery|Historical Gallery| |
Revision as of 12:58, 26 July 2011
PzKpfw II Luchs
Germany | Light Tank | Tier III |
The first of two dedicated scouting tanks in the German tech tree, the Tier 3 Luchs is a fast, nimble, and relatively well-armoured scouting tank. As a stock tank, the Luchs has maneuverality similar to a Leichttraktor and guns that are usually inadequate against the tanks it sees (e.g., The T57 American artillery is capable of bouncing the stock Luch's shots). Once upgraded, the Luchs gains incredibly high acceleration and the ability to turn on a dime. However, it acquires a turret that has a traverse unsuitable for high speed combat. In the hands of an experienced player, it is able to roar into enemy positions at high speed, spotting, focusing artillery fire, and, with a 5cm gun that can hurt most tanks it comes across, directing attention away from allies. Despite the potential fun-factor of this tank, many players use this to zerg an enemy base for high spotting-scores and, once killed, switch to an alternate tank in hopes of gaining quick and easy credits and exp. Research along the PzKpfw II Luchs tree leads to the premier scouting tank in the game, the VK 1602 Leopard.
Modules
Historical Info
This light reconnaissance tank saw service until the end of the war on both the Eastern and Western Front with Panzer-Aufklarungs-Abteilungen (armored reconnaissance detachments) of Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS. Reported users include the 116th Panzer Division on the Western Front, and the 3rd, 4th, and 6th Panzer Division on the Eastern Front. It is reported that both the 3rd SS Panzer Division Totenkopf and 5th SS Panzer Division Wiking on the Eastern Front also used the Luchs.
Vehicles sent to the Eastern Front were mounted with additional frontal armor plates for increased protection. Small numbers was fitted with additional radio equipment and antennas, serving as reconnaissance communication vehicles. The Luchs was to be eventually armed with the (Luchs 5 cm) 50mm KwK 39 L/60 gun (VK 1602 Leopard), but only variants with 20mm KwK 38 L/55 cannon were produced. The 20mm cannon was fitted with a TZF6 optical sight, and had a rate of fire of 420 to 480 rounds per minute. It is also reported, but not confirmed, that 31 Luchs were mounted with an open-top turret armed with the 50mm KwK 39 L/60 gun and began equipping troops in late 1943. Also, plans were made to produce a recovery version, the Bergepanzer Luchs, but they never materialized. Along with Bergepanzer Luchs, a scale model of the Flakpanzer Luchs anti-aircraft tank based on a lengthened chassis (VK 1305) and armed with either the 20mm Flakvierling or 37mm Flak 36 gun was made, but this project was never realized.