"We have plenty of petrol and we are ready!"
Kettenkrad
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 was 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 roles, from reconnaisance, laying communication wire, carry military equipment, to towing the Me 262 jet fighter. Its reliability, durability and mobility made it a favorited 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 the 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 serves some of the most important functions of the Panzer Elite Army. Its the first of two units( other than Panzer Grenadier ) that can be deployed from the HQ. It is also the only vehicle besides the SdKfz.221 Scout Car that can capture strategic point without any company commander upgrade. Unlike most units, it has good capturing speed. It can uncapture and recapture a strategic points faster than average infantry. It is also the only vehicle that gains 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 booby traps any strategic point and anyone try to recapture it will meet their 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 enemy territory without being notice, it can serve as a artillery spotter or foward scout for the Axis force. These abilities also allow it to sneak into enemy territory, cut off thier supply and quickly leave before the enemy sends in force to intercept. Advanced Repairment also allow them 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 strikes and specialised AT Vehicles are 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 being 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 skilled Axis Commander can cripple the enemies using this small looking vehicle.
Trivia
In Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor, the Kettenkrad was replaced by the Schwimmwagen, an unarmed light jeep that serves the same purpouse of the Kettenkrad except with different Company Commander upgrades and no movement penalty over shallow water.