What are the two variants of the Kettenkrad?

There were two sub-variants of the Kettenkrad, SdKfz. 2/1 “kleines Kettenkraftrad fur Feldfernkabel” and SdKfz. 2/2 “kleines Kettenkraftrad fur schwere Feldfernkabel.” Both vehicles were used in conjunction with a trailer and had field communication wire spools mounted behind the driver.

Where was the sd.kfz.2 Kettenkrad made?

The Sd.Kfz. 2 was designed and built by the NSU Werke AG at Neckarsulm, Germany. Patented in June 1939, it was first used in the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. Later in the war Stoewer from Stettin also produced Kettenkrads under license, accounting for about 10% of the total production.

What was the kettenkrader used for in World War 2?

Most Kettenkräder saw service on the Eastern Front, where they were used to lay communication cables, pull heavy loads and carry soldiers through the deep Russian mud. Later in the war, Kettenkräder were used as runway tugs for aircraft, especially for the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter, and sometimes the Arado Ar 234 jet reconnaissance-bomber.

How does a Kettenkrad work on a car?

Steering the Kettenkrad was accomplished by turning the handlebars: Up to a certain point, only the front wheel would steer the vehicle. A motion of the handlebars beyond that point would engage the track brakes to help make turns sharper.

How many Kettenkrads were made after World War 2?

Approximately 550 post war Kettenkrads are reported to have been assembled using existing parts as well as portions of wartime units that were in Neckarsulm for major service. Some vehicles are said to have been imported into the U.S. to see use with the Forest Service but I have not been able to find any records to verify this.

When did the NSU Werkes stop making Kettenkrads?

Assembly of the Kettenkrad at the NSU Werkes is said to have continued until 1948. Approximately 550 post war Kettenkrads are reported to have been assembled using existing parts as well as portions of wartime units that were in Neckarsulm for major service.

What kind of trailers did the Kettenkrads use?

The other trailers used by the Kettenkrads could be used for other lightweight vehicles such as the Kubelwagon and the Schwimmwagon. One of these was designed specially for use with Gebirgsjager units and was a modification of the standard infantry cart (Infanteriekarren). The infantry cart had exchangeable tow bars.