Flakpanzer IV (3.7 cm FlaK 43) "Möbelwagen" (Sd.Kfz. 163/3), DE, WWII

The Flakpanzer IV (3.7 cm FlaK 43) "Möbelwagen" was a German mobile anti-aircraft solution based on the chassis of the Panzer IV . From 1944 onwards, the Möbelwagen was developed as a temporary solution for better air defence of Panzer divisions. The name "Möbelwagen" came from the four large, folding steel walls around the gun, which acted like a piece of furniture when transported.

Equipped with the powerful 3.7 cm FlaK 43, the Möbelwagen was able to effectively combat enemy aircraft and could also be used to a limited extent against lightly armored ground targets. Its open structure offered excellent all-round visibility for anti-aircraft defenses, but at the expense of crew protection.

Application areas:

• Eastern Front: Protection of armored units from Soviet attack aircraft.
• Western Front: Defense against Allied fighter-bombers after the landing in Normandy.
• Protection of armored divisions: escort vehicle for offensive and defensive operations.

For which country:

• Germany

Classification:

• special vehicles

Possible uses in tabletop games:

• Bolt Action: Ideal for scenarios with German air defenses on the front line.
• Flames of War: An important addition for mobile air defense in tank divisions.
• Chain of Command: Tactically valuable for missions with increased air threat.

Technical data:

• Crew: 6 (commander, driver, gunner, 2 loaders, radio operator)
• Length: 5.92 m
• Width: 2.88 m
• Height: 3.00 m
• Weight: 25 tons
• Armor:
  • Front: 50 mm
  • Pages: 20 mm (folded) / open unprotected
• 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