Experimental Prototype

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Spähpanzer SP I.C. As the SPz 11-2 and Marder both saw extensive service in troop carrying roles they were natural candidates as chassis for the development of more powerful versions with an anti-tank capability. The standard SPz 11-2 was armed only with a 20mm gun but a prototype was built mounting a French 90mm gun turret on the standard chassis and was known as the Spähpanzer 90mm JPz 2-2. However, due to the heavy weight of the turret and limited performance of the gun the project went no further. The Marder was used as the basis for a larger experimental self-propelled gun, the VTS1, built by Thyssen-Henschel in 1978. The VTS1 consisted of an externally mounted 105mm gun on a Marder chassis. One prototype was constructed before the project was ended. Independently of these projects a requirement in 1971 had led to the development of a small, tracked weapons carrier primarily for the airborne role. Prototypes were produced by a number of companies and that from Porsche, the Wiesel (Weasel) was accepted for trials. Six prototypes took part, in two configurations, Model A mounting a TOW launcher and Model B a 20mm cannon. The project was cancelled in 1978 due to cost constraints though development of a Model C with Milan launchers continued as a private measure. Model Id: 651 Manufacture: Hotchkiss et Cie, Saint-Denis, Île-de-France, North East France, France (Chassis manufacturer) 1) BWB Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung, Koblenz, Germany Number of Photos: 0 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 286 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: This was the only prototype of the Spähpanzer JPz 2-2 built and is believed to be currently stored at Meppen. (Source: R. Ehninger/AFV News).

VTS1 Model Id: 652 Manufacture: Henschel und Sohn, Kassel, Nordhessen, Germany (Chassis manufacturer) 2) BWB Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung, Koblenz, Germany Number of Photos: 0 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 287 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: This was the only prototype of the VTS1 built.

Wiesel Model Id: 653 Manufacture: Rheinmetall-Borsig AG, Dusseldorf, Germany (Chassis manufacturer) 3) BWB Wehrtechnische Studiensammlung, Koblenz, Germany Number of Photos: 0 Click here or on the image for this tank's profile page Unique ID: 288 Serial Number: Registration: Name: Other Identification: This is one of the Wiesel Model B prototypes. It spent some time at the Erprobungstelle 41 test site at Trier in the late 1980’s. It is believed to be prototype 06 (source: R. Besecke).