This Sd.Kfz. 7 was an 8 ton halftrack built by Krauss-Maffei and it was a medium German artillery tractor. The standard version was unarmed and came in two variants. One was an open bed truck, the other had space for a 12 men gun crew. It had a storage room under the seats and an enclosed storage compartment at the back. The Germans called it an Sd.Kfz. 7 mittlerer Zugkraftwagen 8t. A medium towing vehicle 8 ton. It was intended to pull guns like the 8.8 cm Flak gun and the 15 cm sFH 18, and 150 mm howitzer.
The photos show a gun crew version in dark grey camouflage.
Sd.Kfz. 7, Krauss-Maffei 8 ton Halftrack
The Sd.Kfz. 7 was a German half-track vehicle produced by Krauss-Maffei during World War II. It was designed primarily for towing heavy artillery, such as the 88mm Flak gun, and served in various support roles within the Wehrmacht. With a total weight of 8 tons, the Sd.Kfz. 7 was powered by a Maybach HL 42 TUKRM V8 engine, which provided 140 horsepower. This allowed the vehicle to reach a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) on roads and a range of approximately 200 km (124 miles), making it suitable for both transport and operational duties.
The half-track design of the Sd.Kfz. 7 gave it superior mobility, especially in off-road conditions, and it was capable of carrying up to 12 passengers in addition to its towing capability. Its armored cab provided protection for the crew, who typically consisted of six members. The vehicle had a 6×6 drivetrain with a manual transmission, providing excellent all-terrain performance.
In addition to artillery towing, the Sd.Kfz. 7 was adapted for multiple roles, including as a command vehicle, recovery vehicle, and ammunition carrier. Its versatility and rugged construction made it an essential part of German logistical operations and combat support throughout the war
