Sd.Kfz 222/223

The Sd.Kfz 222 and 223 were improved versions of the Sd.Kfz 221. They also went by Leichter Panzerspähwagen(German for light armored recon vehicle). Regardless, Leichters were reliable vehicles that performed well in areas with lots of road networks. Needless to say, they are also a unit available in Flames of War

IRL

The Leichter series of vehicles first saw their origins during secret manuevers and tests conducted in Soviet Russia. During these Manuevers, it was determined that an armored recon vehicle would be needed to replace the definitely not good enough Kfz.13. The resulting design was the prewar 221, a armored vehicle with an MG34, and later the 222 and 223, both of which were slightly redesigned versions of the 221.

The 222 was a formidable vehicle and well liked by the Germans equipped with it. It carried a 20mm autocannon and a coaxial MG34, and earned a reputation for reliability and speed. Allied commanders in the early war loathed them for their ability to randomly show up where you least expect them and start ripping defenseless infantryman to shreds. Despite being open topped, the 222 was equipped with a wire mesh so any lucky grenade that was thrown through the hole in the turret wouldn't just fall into the rest of the vehicle and kill the crew. The 223 was just a 222 that had its turret and autocannon removed. Instead, it was installed with radio equipment to serve as a communications and command vehicle, though the MG34 was retained as emergency dakka.

The 222 was a solid vehicle, but it had a host of problems that eventually forced it from frontline combat. In contrast to the Hanomag, the Leichters used a lot more fuel, and they had to carry extra jerrycans to give them the range that was afforded to the Panzer formations. In North Africa, this also meant special carrying armor being welded onto the outside of the vehicle to give it extra cargo. It was also a cramped vehicle and performed poorly offroad, the latter of which was a hard lesson the Funny Spider people learned in Russia and Africa. Additionally, by 1942 the allies had tons of hard counters to it, like .50 cal BMGS, AT rifles, and eventually rocket propelled projectiles. Thus Leichters largely were replaced with Hanomags, and were relgated to police and garrison duties for the remainder of the war.