The Sd.Kfz. 251/21 was a late war modification of the renowned German WWII-era halftrack. Tankers in War Thunder will soon have the chance to obtain the Sd.Kfz. 251/21 as it arrives in the German SPAAG branch with the next major update “Hot Tracks!”.

Sd.Kfz. 251/21, SPAAG, Germany, rank II.

Pros

• Powerful MG 151 machine guns
• Good mobility
• Small profile

Cons

• Comparatively fast ammunition consumption
• Light protection

In War Thunder, the Sd.Kfz. 251/21 will be a new SPAAG awaiting tankers at the lower ranks of the German ground forces tree in the next major update coming to the game. Acting as the middle ground between the Sd.Kfz. 6/2 and the Wirbelwind, the Sd.Kfz. 251/21 will help players transition from the early light to later, heavier SPAAGs in the German ground forces tree.

Unlike the Sd.Kfz. 6/2, the Sd.Kfz. 251/21 isn’t equipped with one, relatively powerful AA cannon, but instead features a triple-barrel turret with three smaller 15 mm MG 151 machine guns. German pilots may recognize this weapon from some of the early Bf 109 series fighters, respected for its excellent ballistic properties. The latter is the exact reason why engineers decided to outfit  it with these guns - the MG 151 machine gun possesses high velocity, a good rate of fire, is accurate and deals substantial damage to enemy aircraft if it scores a hit!

Furthermore, unlike the Sd.Kfz.6/2, it offers substantially improved protection over its predecessor, thanks to its light armor plating of up to 14.5 mm encasing most of the vehicle. As a result, the crew is far better shielded against shrapnel and machine gun fire, but due to the open top fighting compartment, still remains exposed to strafing runs by daring pilots.

Housed on the more than familiar chassis of the Sd.Kfz. 251 halftrack, the new addition offers improved off-road mobility than fully wheeled vehicles, but can’t reach as high top speeds. Nonetheless, it is capable of accelerating up to a respectable top speed of 53 km/h on roads, allowing it to easily advance alongside more heavily armored units and fulfill its task of covering them from air attack.

The Sd.Kfz. 251/21 is arriving in rank II of the SPAAG branch of the German ground forces tree and will become available to all tankers upon the release of the next major update coming to War Thunder soon. In the meantime, stay tuned to the news as the release of the “Hot Tracks!” incoming update draws nearer. Until then, happy hunting commanders!

The War Thunder Team