During the original planning of mechanized infantry formations, the equipment was to consist of the Stug as the Assault vehicle while the infantry were to be carried in semi-tracked vehicles. To standardize on this set up, it was designed ammunition carrier and observation vehicles for Assault Gun Formations on the chassis of one of the semi-tracked vehicles. This resulted in the SdKfz.252 and 253 vehicles. Both vehicles had a fully enclosed fighting compartment with access through roof hatches and rear door.
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