The Strangest Historical Military Vehicles

During the Second World War and after that, innovation in military vehicle design was practiced by warring nations and can also mean the difference between a victory and defeat. When the research and engineering departments have the funding of a nation behind them, and are faced with a long and hard campaign, the ideas that are spawned would later seem to be ridiculous.

Here are four of the strangest military vehicles of the past.

1. Kugelpanzer

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This reconnaisance tank is the most mysterious and weirdest of the Second World War. Its German name means "ball tank" but there is little to no documentation existing about the tank. What little is known is that it was created by the Germans and shipped to Japan during World War II. In 1945 it was captured by the Soviets and is currently displayed at at the Kubinka Tank Museum in Russia.

It has been speculated that the tank was intended for one man recon missions and may have been armed with a machine gun. Its walls were only 5 millimeters thick and it was small enough for one man to operate it. Its mobility was made possible by the 2 sides of the vehicle which would rotate together to cause forward motion. It did have one smaller wheel at the back which may have helped it in maneuvering and balance.

2. Volkswagen Schwimmwagen

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As the name implies, the Volkswagen Schwimmwagen (literally Floating/Swimming Car) was an amphibious car made in World War II. What this little car lacked in armed force, it made up for it in character. It was somewhat based on the platform of the Volkwagen Beetle and had a 4th wheel drive only in the first speed and in reverse. More than 15,500 vehicles were produced from 1941 to 1944.

It had no doors, has a removable good shovel and pickaxe. They were first used by German elite SS units on the Eastern Front as well as North Africa. It was great for marshy terrain and was light, reliable and used for scouting and regular transport.

The Schwimmwagen remains the most heavily produced amphibious car in history as the valuable and rare machine is still loved by car collectors.

3. SdKfz 2

This motorcycle has been dubbed "The Motorcycle on Steroids". The SdKfz 2, better known as the Kleines Kettenkraftrad HK 101 or Kettenkrad for short had 8,345 of its kind produced between 1940 to 1944 and were first used by German paratroopers as an airborne tractor that would fit inside Junkers Ju 52 aircraft. Its best ability was being able to handle various heavy terrain.

Th Germans used it for scouting, transportation and aircraft tugging. It could carry 2 men and 500 kilograms of cargo as well as tow a trailer. After the war many were used for transportation in remote areas and for agricultural purposes.

4. Vesta 150 TAP

This bazooka Vespa from France (1956 and updated in 1959) was created as a vehicle that could get around easily and had a built-in armor-piercing gun. The Vespa Tap would be air-dropped fully assembled and ready for action. They would transport it with the troops in planes and then drop them in pairs making them the perfect anti-guerilla weapon.

At the time of its use, the Vespa sold for about 50 dollars. Initially, some thought that this scooter was ridiculous because of its odd sized ratios and awkward appearance. However, it proved to be an effective tool against guerillas in Indochina and Algeria during the 1950's.

References: http://strangevehicles.greyfalcon.us/KRUPP%20KUGELPANZER.htm
http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=829
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Schwimmwagen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SdKfz_2
http://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazigermany/kettenkradsdkfz2.php
http://newatlas.com/vespa-150-tap-cannon-scooter/30620/