EXHIBIT #31

SPZ OBSERVATION FRANCE

Like the SP 1.A (Exhibit #30), the Observation Spz was developed in the mid to late 50s. This one on exhibit was specifically made in 1959. As you can see, this Spz has an identical chassis to the SP 1.A. The most obvious difference is that this one doesn’t have a turret. Instead, there is a machine gun ring for a small MG (7.62-mm). This ring is different from most other MG rings because it was moved by simply pulling/pushing the ring around using the handle behind one of the shields. Most MG rings moved by the means of a hand-crank. Inside the Spz, there is a mount for an advanced periscope in the center of the vehicle, and just below it is a moving seat that permitted the observer to scan a terrain screen up to 60+ degrees, if not more. To the right of the chair is the commander’s/machine gunner’s chair and seat. The hatch above the seat is also very unique. Rather than opening like a can’s lid, the commander would have to pull down on two handles just beneath the hatch. He would pull until they could go no further, then pull on the bar just in front of the handles (only if the Spz required heavy maintenance on the hatch, which applies to those Schutzenpanzers in museums). After that, the commander slid the hatch open using the rails, then operate the MG before the commander fully exposed himself to enemy fire. This type of hatch is one of the lesser-known hatches, but is certainly one of the safest when being fired upon by an enemy. Just like the SP 1.A, the Observation Spz was replaced by more recent armor, but is probably kept in reserve for emergencies.

DATA

Length: 14 ft, 9 in.

Width: 7 ft, 5 in.

Height: 5 ft, 5in.

Crew: 5 (3 operators and two soldiers)

Power: Hotchkiss 6 cyl, OHV, water-cooled petrol engine with 164 HP at 3,900 RPM

Armament: 7.62-mm MG

Armor: 0.32 in. – 0.59 in.

Speed: 36 mph (road)

Range: 242.24 miles