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Steyr RSO
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The Steyr Raupenschlepper Ost - RSO in short – was developed as a reaction to the Russian mud periods. It was manufactured in large numbers beginning in 1942. The vehicles on the photo are RSO’s of the initial series.
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Around 1944, the RSO had a simplified driver’s cab with folding top. (Image from Bildmappe deutsche gp. Fahrzeuge)
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Due to its low speed of 17.2 km/h it was suitable for the use by Infantry Divisions, only. The illustrated RSO was used as towing vehicle for a 7.5 cm Pak 40. The abruptly steering movements were disadvantageous because they often adjusted the gun-sight. Sometimes, a limber was trailed between the RSO and the gun to compensate the abruptly steering movements. (Photo: German federal archive via Wikimedia Commons; License: Creative Commons BY-SA-3.0-gb)
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It had a very good cross-country mobility and was propelled by the same engine like the Steyr 1500 A. But this engine was less suitable for this use. Therefore, Magirus used a better suitable Deutz diesel engine for the last ca. 600 exemplars. The diesel engine reduced the top speed to 14 km/h. This RSO with trailed 10.5 cm le. FH 18 was photographed in Albania. (Photo: German federal archive via Wikimedia Commons; License: Creative Commons BY-SA-3.0-gb)
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More than 25,000 exemplars were made by Steyr, Wanderer, Magirus and Gräf & Stift from 1942 to 1945. The RSO was also used as towing vehicle for the 12 cm Granatwerfer 42. (Photo: German federal archive via Wikimedia Commons; License: Creative Commons BY-SA-3.0-gb)
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Several dozen vehicles of the 7,5 cm Pak 40/4 auf gepanzerter Selbstfahrlafette RSO were manufactured in 1944. They were delivered to anti-tank units of the Infantry. Only the engine compartment was slightly armoured.
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