Spähpanzer 2 LUCHS

In 1962, the German Ministry of Defense began a development program of a wide range of trucks and light armored vehicles that must have numerous common mechanical elements to facilitate their production, logistics and maintenance. After several prototypes supplied by several manufacturers, in 1969 Daimler Benz was selected to develop a new reconnaissance vehicle for the Spähpanzer 2 program. In 1973 this program concluded with the presentation of a vehicle officially designated Spähpanzer 2 Luchs. Production began in 1975 and ceased at the beginning of 1978 delivering 408 vehicles. The SpPz.2 Luchs was built entirely of welded steel and was fully protected against impacts of 12.7mm and against 20mm rounds on the frontal area. It was totally amphibious, propelling itself in the water by two propellers that allowed it to reach 9 km/h. In 1980, the Luchs received new radio equipment giving rise to the A1 variant and in 1985 they underwent an extensive modernization program giving way to the A2 version. All  Luchs were removed from service in 2009.

Spähpanzer 2 LUCHS gallery and more info