Germany Panzer Kpfw. 38(t) Ausf. E/F

The Sd.Kfz.140, also known as the Aufklarungspanzer 38 (2cm), was a reconnaissance tank that was produced in small numbers by converting existing Panzer 38 (t) gun tanks. It was developed after the failure of the Panzer II Luchs and was a much simpler vehicle. The Aufklarungspanzer 38 (2cm) was produced by removing the existing turret and much of the superstructure of the Panzer 38 (t). A new superstructure was installed, which was almost square when seen from above and extended out across the top of the tracks, with sloped side and front armor. The new superstructure was slightly taller than the old design, while the rear deck was a little lower. The superstructure had to be heightened to make room for the commander and gunner, whose seats were suspended from the smaller armored car turret used on most of them. Fifty of the vehicles were completed with the 2cm Hangelafette 38 turret as used on the SdKfz 234/1 armored car. This had an open top with anti-grenade screens. Two were completed with a turret that carried the 7.5cm KwK 38 L/24 gun and the remained 18 weren't given turrets (these were probably meant to have been given the 7.5cm gun). All seventy were converted between February and March 1944 and saw service on both the Western and Eastern fronts.