The Sd.Kfz. 9, also known as the “Famo,” was the largest half-track vehicle used by the German Wehrmacht during World War II. Weighing approximately 18 tons and boasting impressive pulling power, this vehicle was designed for the most difficult tasks on the battlefield: transporting heavy artillery, recovering damaged tanks, and pulling extremely heavy loads.
The Sd.Kfz. 9 was developed in the early 1930s by FAMO (Fahrzeug- und Motorenbau GmbH). The first prototype appeared in 1936, and the vehicle soon became an indispensable part of German armored units. With its 12-cylinder Maybach HL 108 engine, the Sd.Kfz. 9 could reach speeds of up to 27 km/h despite its size. The crew usually consisted of two to three men, although additional soldiers could be transported depending on the mission.
The Sd.Kfz. 9 was particularly valued for its ability to recover heavy tanks like the Tiger I – often requiring multiple units to complete this task. It therefore played a central role in repair logistics. In addition to the standard version, variants with crane attachments or armored cabs were also built, allowing even greater flexibility on the battlefield.
Although powerful, the Sd.Kfz. 9 was complex to produce and difficult to transport due to its size. Nevertheless, it remained in service until the end of the war and was valued for its reliability and versatility.
Today, the Sd.Kfz. 9 is considered a technical masterpiece of the Wehrmacht and is a sought-after exhibit in military museums worldwide.
