Kettenkrad

"We have plenty of petrol and we are ready!"

Kettenkrad is an Axis light vehicle field by the Panzer Elite featured in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts.

Game Info

The SdKfz 2 or known by many as Kleines Kettenkarftrad HK 101 or simply Kettenkrad(ketten=tracks, krad=military term for motorcycle). It is initially a light tractor for airbourne troops as it was small and light enough to be carried by Ju 52 transport aircraft. It was deployed widely throughout the war, from the Eastern Front, North Africa and in Eroupe. Performing all kinds of role, from reconnaisance, laying communication wire, carry military equipment, to towing the Me 262 jet fighter. Its reliability, durability and mobility makes it a favor vehicle among mobile panzer division for carrying equipment or towing light weapons. Its speed and nimble size also meant that it was a very effective spotter for artillery and reconnaisance unit compared to the heavily armed but larger armoured cars and halftracks.

The Kettenkrad featured in Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts is a light vehicle. Unlike the real thing, it neither can carry equipment of infantry nor it can tow a gun. With limited protection and unarmed, it seems that it look as it was nearly useless. But this nimble track vehicle serve some of the most important function of the Panzer Elite Army. Its the first two unit( other than Panzer Grenadier ) that can be deployed from the Headquater. It is also the only vehicle besides the SdKfz.221 Scout Car that can capture strategic point without any company commander upgrade. Unlike most unit, it has good capturing speed. It can uncapture and recapture a strategic point faster than average infantry. It is also the only vehicle that gain benefits from three of the company commander of the Panzer Elite, as seen below:

Scorched Earth Tactics: Bobby trap strategic point.

Luftwaffe Tactics: Camouflage

Tank Destroyer Tactics: Advanced Repairment

With its abilities, it can do a lot of harassment for a tiny looking vehicle. With its Scorched Earth Tactics, it can bobby traps any strategic point and anyone try to recapture it will meet thier maker. It can sneak up a strategic point, capture it and bobby trap it, when enemies attempt capture it it and trigger the bobby trap. With Luftwaffe Tactics, it can camoflage and sneak into enmy territory without being notice, it can serve as a artillery spotter or foward scout for the Axis force. This abilities also allow the to sneak into enemies territory, cut off thier supply and quickly leaves before they sent in force to intercept. Advanced Repairment also allow the to repair panzers on the battlefield, replacing the Panzer Grenadier while they do the figting.

Overall, despite its nimble size serves an important asset of the Panzer Elite army.

Weakness

It is a fragile vehicle, normal small armed fire can easily damaged and even destroyed it. Anti-tank, tank fire and heavy AT weapons can knock it out with a single blow. Artillery strike and specialise AT Vehicles is not something the Kettenkrad can even come close with. Be sure to keep it out of the firefight and avoid direct confrantation with the enemies. Keep it well hidden in bushes or behind the firing line, or camoflage it if necesarry. Despite it can be seen on the map, if well hidden it is a tough target to spot. For the Allies, just don't underestimate it and take it too lightly. A skill Axis Commander can cripple the enemies using this small looking vehicle.

Trivia

In Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor, Kettenkrad will be officially replaced by Schwimmwagen, an unarmed light jeep that serves the same purpouse of the Kettenkrad except it has the camoflage abilities available without the need of Company Commander upgrade.