Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" (3.7 cm FlaK 43), DE, WWII

The Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" was a mobile anti-aircraft solution of the German Wehrmacht in World War II. It was based on the chassis of the Panzer IV and was equipped with a 3.7 cm FlaK 43 in a hexagonal, open rotating turret . This modification was intended to provide better air defense for Panzer divisions, especially in view of the increasing threat from Allied fighter-bombers.

The Ostwind was an improvement over the Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind" because the 3.7 cm FlaK 43 offered greater penetration and range. Despite its effectiveness, the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" was only produced in small numbers because the German armaments industry was under increasing pressure towards the end of the war.

Application areas:

• Western Front: Defense against Allied low-flying aircraft after the landing in Normandy.
• Eastern Front: Protection of German Panzer divisions from Soviet IL-2 attack aircraft.
• Late phase of the war: Used in defensive operations to secure rear areas.

For which country:

• Germany

Classification:

• special vehicles

Possible uses in tabletop games:

• Bolt Action: Ideal for air defense scenarios and protecting armored troops.
• Flames of War: Effective for lists focused on mobile AA.
• Chain of Command: Useful for scenarios involving allied air strikes.

Technical data:

• Crew: 5 (commander, driver, gunner, loader, radio operator)
• Length: 5.92 m
• Width: 2.88 m
• Height: 3.00 m
• Weight: 26 tons
• Armor:
  • Front: 50 mm
  • Pages: 30 mm
• Armament:
  • Main armament: 3.7 cm FlaK 43 (anti-aircraft gun)
  • Secondary armament: 7.92 mm MG34
• Ammunition: 3.7 cm explosive grenades, tank grenades
• Engine: Maybach HL120 TRM, 300 HP
• Speed: Up to 38 km/h