The German Sd.Kfz. 251, often referred to simply as the "Hanomag" after its manufacturer, was a half-track armored personnel carrier used extensively by the German military during World War II. Introduced in the late 1930s, the Sd.Kfz. 251 was designed to transport infantry directly into the battlefield while providing some protection against small arms fire. It could accommodate a squad of soldiers and was equipped with machine guns for fire support. The Sd.Kfz. 251 had various modifications, serving in roles such as an armored ambulance, command vehicle, and anti-tank platform. Its versatility and mobility made it a key component of German mechanized infantry units during the war.