- For the Steel Division: Normandy 44 unit see SD:SPW AB 41
SPW AB 41 is a German Recon unit in Steel Division II.
Background[ | ]
The primary variant of Fiat-Ansaldo's Autoblinda armored car, the AB 41 was an evolution of the AB 40. Featuring an all-riveted construction and four-wheel drive, it was a well thought-out and well-designed armored car, capable of reaching speeds of over 70 km/h (45 mph), with reasonable armor on the front, and a powerful 20mm autocannon as its primary design. Despite some minor flaws, like a poorly located engine and unarmored fuel tank, it was considered an excellent design for its time and 550 were produced before the Armistice. Surviving units were captured by Germans and pressed into service as Beutewaffen.
Fallschirm.Aufklärungs-Abteilung 12 was created in the beginning of January 1944 to serve as the reconnaissance element of II. Fallschirmkorps. The Abteilung was equipped with three Panzer L6(i) along with 6 SPW AB 41 in the headquarters elemnt. These vehicles served as the armored element of the Abteilung since the armored vehicle issued to the Line units never came forcing the Abteilung to use civilian vehicles and trucks.