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As the Volkswagen "82" (Kubelwagen) proved very successful during the campaign in Poland, it was decided to produce more numbers of this vehicle. Later, Ferdinand Porsche developed an amphibian version of this car, called the "Schwimmwagen". The lightweight of this vehicle (about 112 kg) permitted the crossing of muddy areas, since only two men were sufficient to keep this vehicle moving. For reconnaissance and liaison missions, water had to be crossed frequently, which was impossible with other vehicles. The Schwimmwagen, built as an amphibious vehicle, was able to cross almost any terrain. The car was specially insulated to make it waterproof, and it was propelled through water by a propeller. Compared to the Kubelwagen, the Schwimmwagen had a 1131 cc engine, which was later fitted on the Kubelwagens too. It had a 4 wheel drive. Frequently, a MG34 machine gun was mounted next to the driver. Although Porsche had designed the car in 1940, production started only in 1942, since the VW works factory was engaged in manufacturing other vehicles. In total, 14000 units were produced during the war.
Technical Data: Engine: 4 cyclinder 1131 cc. VW producing 25 hp at 3000 rpm. Weight: 910 kg. Max Weight: 1345 kg. Drive wheels 4 x 4. Gears: 4 forward, 1 reverse. Speed: 80 km/h; Speed through water: 10 km/h. Fuel consumption: 9.50 l/100 km. Length: 3825 mm. Width: 1480 mm. Height: 1615 mm. Wheel base: 2000 mm. Distance between wheel: 1220/1230. Total produced: 14283 units.
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