The Luchs has a built in ladder on the side. Just step up on the #2 wheel and climb aboard.
The gunner and commander are both in the turret... this being the gunners's position, which is on the right side. Both have complete control over the armament, and the vehicle is equiped with a full array of night fighting systems.
The front drivers compartment, instrument panel left and right. The Luchs has full steering to all eight wheels, but while road-bound only the front and back four are used. The driver also controls the NBC filtration system.
Detail of the speedometer.
Either this vehicle has over 10,000 kms, or was delivered to the museum in nearly like-new condition. The speedometer also has a "trip-counter" like many automobiles, and can be very useful when used in conjunction with a map.
A unique aspect of the Luchs is the rear driver / radio operator. He actually faces BACK, and this carries on the tradition of the WW II German 8x8 armored cars. But unlike those vehicles, the rear driver in the Luchs is essentially physically cut off from the rest of the crew. He doesn't have the complete array of instruments as the main driver, but has the basic items to drive the vehicle.
The photo at right is the crew compartment of the SdKfz 234/4 8x8 armored car stored in a maintenance building at the Patton Museum.. This vehicle has the complete 75mm PAK 40 mount minus the trails and wheels. This is a very rare vehicle, as only 89 were produced during WW II on Hitler's personal order. Even better, it is still a "runner," though in need of maintenance.
Note the provision for the rear driver. Some have insisted that this was removed on these vehicles to make room for the 75mm breech, but this vehicle has all the components necessary for rearward operation.
