Luchs 2

The Spähpanzer Luchs was developed by Daimler-Benz between 1968 and 1975 to meet a West German Ministry of Defense requirement for an eight-wheel drive reconnaissance vehicle. It was designed to replace the M41 and the Schützenpanzer SPz 11-2 Kurz. Following comparative trials with prototypes from a competing consortium, the Daimler-Benz design was selected in January 1971. Production was handled by Rheinstahl Wehrtechnik, with the vehicle entering service in 1975.

The vehicle is an 8x8 armored reconnaissance platform featuring all-axle steering and a secondary rear-facing driver position equipped with its own driving controls. Its 10-cylinder Daimler-Benz OM 403A turbocharged engine is multi-fuel capable, operating on either gasoline or diesel. The Luchs utilizes low-pressure tires with run-flat properties and is designed for low-noise operation. An NBC protection system is standard. Primary armament consists of a 20 mm Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 automatic cannon housed in a turret, supplemented by a 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun. Initial production units were amphibious, utilizing twin rear-mounted propellers and a fold-back trim vane for water obstacles, though this capability was removed during later modernization.

The vehicle underwent two major technical upgrades during its service life. The A1 upgrade, beginning in 1986, replaced the original infrared and white light night vision system with a thermal observation and gunnery system. The SpPz 2 Luchs A2 designation was applied following the integration of the SEM 80/90 radio system, which replaced the earlier SEM 25/35 and HF radio units.

The German Army operated the Luchs in its armored reconnaissance battalions from 1975 until 2009. It was used exclusively by the Bundeswehr and has since been replaced by the Fennek reconnaissance vehicle.