Flakpanzer 38(t)

Infobox Weapon
name=Flakpanzer IV


caption=
origin=Nazi Germany
type=Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
is_vehicle=yes
length=4.61 m
width=2.15 m
height=2.25 m
weight=9,800 kg (21,600 lb)
suspension=Leaf spring
speed=42 km/h
vehicle_range=210 km (130 miles)
primary_armament= 1 x 2 cm FlaK 38 L/112.5
1040 rounds
secondary_armament=
armour=10 mm - 15 mm
engine=1 x Praga AC, 6 cylinder petrol engine
engine_power=147 hp (110 kW)
pw_ratio=15 hp/tonne
crew=4 externalimage
align=right
width=250px

http://www.achtungpanzer.com/images/fl38_11.jpgFlakpanzer 38(t)] [http://www.achtungpanzer.com/pzcz.htm] The Flakpanzer 38(t) (officially named "Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausf M (SdKfz 140)") was a German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun used in World War II.

The Flakpanzer 38(t) was designed around the chassis of the Czech-built LT-38 tank and was built from November 1943 to February 1944, entering service in 1944. As the vehicle used the "38(t) Ausf M" chassis, the engine was near the middle of the vehicle and the armament was placed at the rear in a specially designed armoured section. The upper part folding down to allow 360 degree traverse at low elevation. During World War II, a total of 141 Flakpanzer 38(t)s were built, including the single prototype vehicle.

Service record

The Flakpanzer 38(t) was intended to be issued to the anti-aircraft platoon of each tank battalion (Panzer Abteilung) in a Panzer division. Most of the Flakpanzer 38(t)'s were issued to Panzer Divisions on the Western Front, the remainder served on the Eastern Front. An example user being the 12th SS Panzer Division.

Later in the war, the Flakpanzer 38(t)'s single 2 cm FlaK main armament was no longer sufficient to ward off enemy aircraft, and it became easy prey for Allied fighter-bombersFact|date=August 2007.

As its folding structure allowed a very low (-5°) elevation the Flakpanzer 38(t) was often used against enemy infantry and unarmoured or lightly armoured vehicles.

References

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