The Krupp Protze (official designations: L2H43 or L2H143) was a German light truck from the Second World War. The first prototypes of the vehicle were created in the early 1930s, and serial production continued in the years 1934-1941, ending with the production of about 7,000 vehicles of this type. The L2H143 version was powered by an engine Krupp M 304 with a power of 60 HP. Cars of this type did not have permanent weapons.
The Krupp Protze car was created in connection with the intensive motorization and mechanization of the German armed forces after the Nazis took power in 1933. Two main versions of the vehicle were created in the course of serial production. The first was designated L2H43 and was powered by a 55hp engine and entered production in 1934. However, very quickly, as early as 1936, it was replaced by the L2H143 version, which was powered by a 60 HP engine and an increased rear wheelbase. Regardless of the version, the Krupp Protze was characterized by high mechanical reliability, good off-road properties and good traction. The drawbacks were the high fuel consumption, higher than in the Opel Blitz, and the need for careful maintenance. They were often used as artillery tractors for the PaK 36 guns (Kfz.69 version) or as 20mm anti-aircraft guns (Kfz.81 version). Krupp Protze cars served throughout World War II, especially during the September campaign (1939), the campaign in France (1940), North Africa (1941-1943) and on the Eastern Front (1941-1945).
The 3.7 cm PaK 36 (Panzerabwehrkanone 36) is a German 37mm anti-tank gun. It was developed in the 1920s by the Rheinmetall concern, it entered service in 1928. In 1936 it received the designation Pak 35/36. Under the designation of 3.7 cm KwK 36 L45, it was mounted in the Pz.Kpfw III Ausf tanks. AG. At the time of its entry into the German army, it was a very modern weapon. However, over the years, its quality and effectiveness against new tanks decreased. The gun turned out to be weak during the September campaign, and during the "Blitz" in the West in 1940 it was completely useless against many Allied tanks. For this reason, it gained the unflattering nickname "door knocker". However, it survived in the German army until the operation "Barbarossa" and fought against the T-34 and KW-1, showing its utter uselessness. From 1941, it was systematically replaced by the Pak 38. Technical data: range: 7000 m, caliber: 37 mm, combat weight: 328 kg, initial velocity: 762 m / s, rate of fire: 13 spins / min.