SKODA RSO MILITARY TRACTORS

SKODA RSO MILITARY TRACTORS

ŠKODA RSO - RADSCHLEPPER OST
(Ferdinand Porsche - Porsche type 175 1942 - 1944)

This German World War 2 era vehicle started life in response to the need for an off-road tractor and supply vehicle built for the mud and poor roads of the Eastern (Ost) Front. Radschlepper Ost (RSO for short) translates to "wheeled tractor East" The vehicle was designed by the famous Dr. Ferdinand Porsche of Volkswagen and of the Elefant Panzerjäger fame, and is not one of Dr. Porsche’s best accomplishments.

The vehicle was initially rejected though Hitler is reported to have ordered 200 built anyway. Production ceased at 100 though and few or none served on the Ost front (the front it was designed for), several in the 1944 Ardennes Offensive. The all-steel wheels would have made for a very uncomfortable ride and it performed poorly on icy roads.

Demonstration of the RSO to Hitler on January 4, 1943

The other German RSO tractor was much more of a success and more numerous: the tracked Steyr RSO, or Raupenschlepper OST (Crawling Tractor, East).

From 1936, the RR7 was developed by Saurer as an artillery tractor for the Austrian army. Testing was completed and in 1937, an order was placed for the tractors which were manufactured in 1938. About 12 vehicles were made prior to "Anschluss". After Austria was incorporated into Germany in 1938, the vehicle continued to be manufactured. Records indicate that a total of 140 units were built. The new designator for Germany was Sd Kfz 254. Notable features of this tank were it's wheel-cum-track layout and a diesel motor.