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| The PzKpfw II Ausf. D and E were built by Daimler-Benz and were intended to be faster versions of the standard tanks. The suspension was completely changed and used four large suspension wheels controlled by torsion bars. The turret, superstructure and engine were not changed. The performance of these models did not come up to expectation and they were taken out of service. Ninety-five were converted to a flame-throwing role with the designation Flammpanzer II. These vehicles were fitted with two pump-fed gun projectors covering an arc of 180o each side, with sufficient fuel stowed in internal tanks for about 80 shots, each 2-3 seconds duration. |
| Due to the introduction of the hollow-charge antitank missile it was decided to up-armor all future tanks by the addition of spaced plates to reduce the effect of the new missile. The last of the PzKpfw II series, the Ausf. F, appeared in late 1940 and carried this spaced armor feature. The vehicle weighed 9.5 tons with 35mm frontal armor and 20mm on the sides, and was otherwise similar to the Ausf. C. The top speed was reduced due to the additional armor, but crew losses had been heavy enough to justify the reduction in performance. A new specification for a 10 ton vehicle with more armor was issued in 1941, but by the time of production the PzKpfw II had become so obviously obsolete in its tank role that the order was cancelled. |
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| Intended primarily for reconnaissance the PzKpfw II L "Luchs" (Lynx) appeared in 1942. Its development story goes back to 1938 when Daimler-Benz were given the instructions to produce a new version of the PzKpfw II with 'principal emphasis on increased speed'. Also given the designation Panzerspahwagen II, it weighed 11.8 tons and had a crew of four man. Frontal armor was 30mm and the side plates 20mm. The maximum speed was 38 mph. One hundred of these tanks were fitted with 20mm guns, and another 31 turrets were fitted with a 50mm KwK 39 L/60 gun installed in a stabilised mounting. A new type of suspension was used with five large overlapping suspension wheels with no return rollers. Torsion bar springing was used, and this kind of suspension led ultimately to the Panther and Tiger suspension where overlapping became interleaving, a necessary step to reduce ground pressure. |
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| In contrast to general reconnaissance by the Luchs, another version of the PzKpfw II was intended for battle reconnaissance with 'the thickest possible armor'. This vehicle, Leopard, was to have 80mm armor on the front and turret, 60mm on the sides, and armed with a 50mm 39 L/60 gun. The planned manufacture of the Leopard reconnaissance vehicle was dropped in favour of the Panther, although the turret was used for the eight-wheeled armored car Puma. The Luchs and the Leopard represented the final German efforts at light tank production, as their function as reconnaissance vehicle could be fulfilled by armored cars. The PzKpfw II chassis was therefore converted either to the anti-tank role, using a 75mm PAK 40/2, or to an artillery weapon designated as "Wespe" (Wasp), mounting a 105mm howitzer. |
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