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Gepanzerter Mannschaftstransportwagen 'Kätzchen'

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Drawing of a Kätzchen APC

The Gepanzerter Mannschaftstransportwagen Kätzchen (Gep. MTW Kätzchen) (German for kitten) was a German armoured personnel carrier of late World War II. Auto-Union delivered two prototypes during 1944-45. The hull's shape was similar to the hull of the Panzerkampfwagen Tiger II, but much smaller. The vehicle had front wheel drive with five or six overlapping steel road wheels, possibly resembling the never-built E-25 "replacement tank"'s suspension system in appearance. Power was provided by a Maybach HL50 engine.

Auto-Union was ordered to stop work on their design and instead, BMW was given the task of adapting the Hetzer tank destroyer chassis for the role. This was referred to as the Vollkettenaufklarer 38(t) Kätzchen.

References

  • Chamberlain, Peter; Hilary L. Doyle (1978). Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two. p. 156.