Kugelpanzer
The Kugelpanzer was a one-man armoured vehicle built by Nazi Germany during World War II. The history of the vehicle is practically unknown other than the fact that at least one example was exported to the Empire of Japan and used by the Kwantung Army. The machine remains something of a mystery due to the lack of records and the incompleteness of the sole surviving model.
Surviving example
Only one example of the Kugelpanzer still exists today. It is on display in the collection of German armored vehicles at the Kubinka Tank Museum in Moscow where it is described simply as "Exhibit No. 37". It is speculated that this vehicle was captured by the Red Army in Manchuria. There is no record of it ever having been used in combat.However, another report states that it was captured at the Kummersdorf proving grounds along with the infamous Maus super-heavy tank. The vehicle was modified after its capture, repainted and its drive removed. In 2000, the original paintwork was restored.
Theories about the vehicle
Only five points seem certain based on the single known example:- It is a German-made vehicle that was shipped to Japan.
- It was used as a light reconnaissance vehicle.
- It was captured by Soviet troops in 1945, presumably in Manchuria.
- The outer armour is only five millimetres thick.
- The vehicle was powered by a single-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle engine.
In stationary operation, the tank could probably serve as an armoured refuge or makeshift bunker. Based on available images, it cannot be determined whether there was an opening below the viewing slot to allow for the use of firearms from inside the tank. Another possible use is for demining, where this vehicle would trigger landmines ahead of advancing troops.