Excelent edition
The 1930s in the German Army were characterized amongst other things by extensive motorization. After 1935 in particular, passenger vehicles, trucks and towing vehicles were bought in large numbers as were other types of transport equipment. One of the main ideas which led to the reduction in overall costs was the endeavour to bring together development and production. Hence in 1933 the Einheits-Diesel programme was initiated with the aim of developing a simple and reliable truck of a lighter class (2,5 tons) to be produced by a number of companies in collaboration.
One of the basic requirements was use of a Diesel engine ensuring greater range, a three-axle design and a simple structure. The drive was provided by a six cylinder Hwa 526D engine (with 80 HP output) designed by the M.A.N. concern in collaboration with Henschel and Humbold-Deutz.
In its basic form, this was a six-wheel (6x6) truck of classic design with the engine at the front behind the crew cabin. The cabin was open at the top and in bad weather a canvas cover could be pulled over in a similar manner to the body with side planking.
There was also a variant with side plates and a box superstructure and a closed driver's cab. In addition to carrying passengers and loads, the vehicle was used for a number of other tasks such as that of a field kitchen. The vehicles also served as the foundation for a fireman's ladder and a vehicle crane.
Production started in 1937 and continued up until 1940 when it was halted at all menufacturers. By this time M.A.N. had produced 1795 vehicles, Büssing-NAG 3200, Magirus 1410, Henschel 1500, Borgward 2463, Krupp 700 and Faun around 700 vehicles. Production was halted in favour of the cheaper two-axle models.
The Einheits-Diesel accompanied the Wehrmacht in its campaigns during the first half of the war when it served with a number of infantry, motorized, tank and other units.
