Sd Kfz 251 Uhu Half-Tracks (GBX194)

Sd Kfz 251 Uhu Half-Tracks (GBX194) Includes 2 Sd Kfz 251 Half-Tracks, 2 Sets of Uhu upgrade components, and 4 Sd Kfz 251 Infra-red upgrade sets. The ability to conduct effective offensive operations at night has long been recognized as a tactical advantage. However, until the 20th Century, there had been no effective way to permit people to retain anything approaching their daylight levels of visual acuity during night-time operations. New technological developments including cathode ray tubes and oscillators meant that by the 1930s night vision devices had entered the realm of feasibility. Check out the Sd Kfz 251 Uhu Half-Tracks in the online store here...

In February 1943 Heinz Guderian was promoted to Inspector General of the Armoured Forces and took a more active interest in the night vision program. By the end of 1943 the FG 1250 sight, which utilized a 30cm (12”) infrared searchlight, was ready for use on armoured fighting vehicles. It was to be coupled with a more powerful 60cm (24”) infrared searchlight fitted on the Sd Kfz 251 half-track. As with any new technology the costs were high, the units were temperamental, and mass production was very difficult. As a result of these issues, production of the smaller sights did not begin in earnest until mid-1944. Starting in late 1944, between 50 and 63 Panther tanks were equipped with the new night vision sights in preparation for deployment to active combat. The sight was attached to the commander’s cupola, which was modified to accept the new equipment. Some modern references show multiple night vision devices attached to Panther tanks including sights for the gunner and driver, but additional research has demonstrated this configuration was never considered for a variety of reasons including the cost of the individual units. A driver’s scope was under development, but was inferior in quality to the standard FG 1250 scope and was not used in combat.

Training of units to utilize the new technology was also fraught with issues. A deteriorating war situation in Hungary resulted in the first trainee units being deployed without the infra-red equipment. Guderian was also concerned that the Western Allies had infrared detection equipment of their own and would be able to counter any attack using the active night vision equipment. He, therefore, preferred to use the equipment on Eastern Front instead.

Known operational use of the infrared equipment was very limited. The third company of 6th Panzer Division’s panzer regiment utilized the gear in Hungary while three other companies (1. Kompanie/29. Panzerregiment of Panzerdivision Müncheberg, 1. Kompanie/130. Panzerregiment of Panzer Lehr Division, and 4. Kompanie/11. Panzerregiment of 6. Panzerdivision) used the scopes during the battles at the Seelow Heights and the Battle of Berlin.

German and British, US and Soviet accounts also mention their use in other places and times, but sparse and often unreliable records make it difficult to verify many of these actions.

The panzers were not the only troops to be issued infra-red equipment. An infra-red scope had also been developed for use with the StG 44 assault rifle. Small numbers of StG 44 assault rifles were fitted with the ZG 1229 Vampir (Vampire) infrared night-vision device.

Some MG 42 machine-guns were also fitted with the ZG 1229 Vampir. The grenadiers carrying this were known as Nachtjäger (night-hunters). As well as the sight and infrared spotlight, the grenadier also had to carry a wooden-cased battery for the light, and a second battery fitted inside a gas mask container for the image converter. The battery case was strapped to a pack frame.

Assembling the Sd Kfz 251/20 D (Uhu) Join Andrew as he demonstrates how to get your Uhu Platoon assembled and on the table. Assembling the SdKfz 251/20 (Uhu)...