Spähpanzer Luchs
Overview
Spähpanzer Luchs
Spähpanzer Luchs in the field. Note the size of the vehicle compared to its crew.
Source: Unknown author -
© Copyright lies with original owner
Description
The Luchs is a reconnaissance vehicle of German origin. It was developed to replace the earlier SPz 11 tracked scout vehicle in West German service. The Luchs was acquired only by West Germany. In German service the Luchs was replaced by the smaller Fennek reconnaissance vehicle.
The Luchs is a very large wheeled vehicle with good mobility. A unique feature is that the Luchs can drive as fast in reverse as it can forwards. In reverse the rear facing radio operator acts as the driver. The two man turret is armed with a 20mm Rh-202 autocannon.
Details
Media
Spähpanzer Luchs
Rear view of a Luchs reconnaissance vehicle making a turn in the forest. Noe the rearwards facing radio operater who serves as a driver when moving in reverse.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Sp?hpanzer Luchs
Close-up of the turret on a Luchs wheeled reconnaissance vehicle.
Source: US Air Force
Copyright: Public domain
Sp?hpanzer Luchs
Luchs wheeled reconnaissance vehicle involved in an accident. Note the suspension and all wheel drive.
Source: Hedwig Klawuttke
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Related articles
Sd.Kfz. 234/1
The Spähpanzer Luchs shares many design principles with the World War 2 era Sd.Kfz. 234/1. These include the low noise 8x8 chassis, rear facing radio operator doubling as reverse driver and 20mm autocannon armament.
20mm Rheinmetall Rh-202
The 20mm MK 20 autocannon is the main armament of the Luchs.