The Luchs (Lynx) was developed as a
fully-tracked armoured reconnaissance vehicle. The development order was issued
on 15 April 1939, with production to begin in August 1942. MAN developed the
chassis and Daimler-Benz, the superstructure and turret. The first trial
vehicle was completed in April 1942. The initial order was for 800 Luchs, the
first 100 with the 2cm KwK38 and the remainder with the 5cm KwK 39/1 L/60
(designated Leopard). However, the Scm KwK 39/1 version was never produced,
because an order issued in January 1943 decreed that production cease after the
first 100 Luchs had been completed.
The VK1303 retained the same suspension and
hull design as its predecessor, the VK901. The superstructure was widened,
extending over the tracks to allow a larger turret to be mounted. The turret
lacked a cupola and vision ports. In their place, two revolving periscopes were
fitted to the turret roof to provide vision for the gunner and commander.
Manufacturer: MAN
Chassis Nos.: 200101-200200
100 produced from September 1943 to January
1944 plus 4 converted from VK1301
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