Panzer II Ausf J of the 12th Panzer Division
Panzer II Ausf J front view
Panzer II Ausf J VK 1601 3
Panzer II Ausf J VK 1601 2
Panzer II Ausf J VK 1601 trainload
Panzer II Ausf J VK 1601 4
Panzer II Ausf J 2
Panzer II Ausf J 04
Panzer II ausf J tank
Panzer II Ausf J VK1601 code 15, 1942
Panzer II Ausf J VK1601 and Pz.Kpfw IV B24, Eastern Front.
Heavily armoured reconnaissance tank.
Continued development of the reconnaissance tank concept led to the much up-armoured Ausf. J, which used the same concept as the Panzer I Ausf F of the same period, under the experimental designation VK 1601. Heavier armour was added, bringing protection up to 80 mm on the front and 50 mm to the sides and rear, with 25 mm roof and floor plates, increasing total weight to 18 tonnes. Equipped with the same Maybach HL45P as the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf F, top speed was reduced to 31 km/h. Primary armament was the 2 cm KwK 38 L/55 gun. 22 were produced by MAN between April and December 1942, and seven were issued to the 12th Panzer Division on the Eastern Front.