Tamiya 1/35th scale Sd.kfz.223 Leichter Panzerspahwagen (Fu)

The four-wheeled "light armored reconnaissance vehicle (Fu)" was incorporated into the reconnaissance units of the Wehrmacht , created in March 1935. As was common with radio vehicles at the time, the exterior of the vehicle features a striking frame antenna , which was necessary for a greater range of the radio system and could be folded down like its predecessor, the Kfz. 14. In later vehicles, this was replaced by a star antenna. For self-defense, the vehicle in the open structure, like the Sd.Kfz. 221, had an MG 34 in a rotating protective shield. At least two different radio systems are known: the FuG 10 in early vehicles and the FuG 12 in later versions, which had different space requirements. The range of the radio systems in the Sd.Kfz. 223 was very limited and was only used for communication between a reconnaissance troop and its own unit command. Operational experience during the early years of the war showed, firstly, that a vehicle without machine gun armament would be equally well suited for the task and could offer more space for the radio crew. Secondly, that in combined arms combat, longer-range radio systems were required for communication with other units. This led to the production of the new Sd.Kfz. 260 and 261 models starting in 1941.

The Wehrmacht's light four-wheeled reconnaissance vehicles were produced in five series, including the Sd.Kfz. 223 in series 1, 3, 4, and 5, with 559 units. It was built from 1935 to 1944, thus remaining in production for longer than the Sd.Kfz. 222 and the other models.

With the different series, the type and placement of the viewports changed, making it easy to distinguish early vehicles from later models. With the 5th series, the chassis was modified and featured the "Einheitsfahrgestell I v" (v = reinforced), a hydraulic braking system, and a 3.8-liter engine with 90 hp.