The sWS was originally designed to replace the earlier Sd Kfz 7 and Sd Kdz 11. Production started in 1943 at Brussing-NAG. Early models had a truck like cab similar to the Sd Kfz 7 design. However later models, like the version depicted here, had an armoured front. The sWS was used to mount the 2cm Flakvierling38 which was placed on a turret with a gun shield on the rear of the half track.