Ostwind


Model by Matt Ward.


The Flakpanzer IV/3.7cm Flak, more popularly known as Ostwind, was designed to replace the Wirbelwind. All flakpanzers based on the Panzerkampfwagen IV chassis were to ultimately be supplanted by the Kugelblitz. Production delays in that program, however, meant that stopgap weapons had to be used and manufactured right up until the end of the war (as only two Kugelblitz were ever completed with seven Kugelblitz chasses going to Ostwind production).

The 3.7cm FlaK 43 was far superior an anti-aircraft weapon than the 2cm Flakvierling 38, and production of the Ostwind quickly supplanted that of the Wirbelwind beginning in December 1944. Only a total of 43 production examples were completed before the end of hostilities, with 36 of these having been converted from older Panzerkampfwagen IV (hence the appearance of zimmerit on vehicles produced after its use had been discontinued).


Model by Matt Ward.


Flakpanzer IV/3.7cm FlaK, "Ostwind"
Crew: 6 Armament: One 3.7cm FlaK43/1 L/60 + two 7.92mm MG34 (or one MG34 + one 7.92mm MG42)
Weight: 25 tons Traverse: 360o(hand)
Length: 5.92 meters Elevation: -6o +90o
Width: 2.95 meters Engine: Maybach HL 120TRM112
Height: 3 meters Gearbox: 6 forward, 1 reverse
Radio: FuG5 + FuG2 Speed: 38 km/hr


Model by Matt Ward.



Sources:


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