had a two-man crew sitting back to back so that the rear man could fire a rear-mounted machine gun. The D-8 was quickly phased out of production in lieu of the heavier and better equipped FAI armoured car. D-12 D-12 (Dyrenkov-12) was a Soviet light armored car based on the GAZ-A automobile. It was a further development of N.I. Dyrenkov's D-8 design. It was intended for infantry support and anti-aircraft roles. The fighting compartment had an open roof, where a 7.62mm PM-1910 or DT anti-aircraft machine gun was ring mounted. A 7.62 mm DT machine gun was also mounted in the front right of the vehicle. The original prototype contained two more ball mounts for DT machine guns which were not included in the production versions since it was excessive armament for the crew and strongly reduced internal space. The D-12 was produced alongside the D-8 at the Izhorskiy Factory. It was heavier than the D-8 but exhibited similar performance. Final testing took place in late 1931 together with the D-8. The D-12 was accepted into service with the Red Army and a small number were built at the Moscow Auto Zavod in 1932. The D-12 served during the early 1930s and was observed on Red Square during November 7 parades. Some vehicles remained in service during the war in 1941 and a few participated in the victory parade in Mongolia in 1945. Combat History The D-8 was first used by Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War. D-8 was delivered as part of the USSR’s military aid. The D-8 and D-12 light armored cars were primarily used in a reconnaissance role versus a pure combat role. One D-8 was captured and used by the Finnish Defense Force during the Winter War against the Red Army. See also Armored Car FAI armoured car References Armoured cars of the interwar period World War II armoured fighting vehicles of the Soviet Union Military vehicles introduced in the 1930s Izhorskiye Zavody products