Flakpanzer III (3.7cm FlaK 43), DE, WWII

The Flakpanzer III with the 3.7cm FlaK 43 was an improvised solution by the German Wehrmacht to provide mobile anti-aircraft capabilities for Panzer divisions. Based on the proven Panzer III chassis, this variant offered a comparatively well-protected platform for the powerful 3.7cm FlaK 43 anti-aircraft gun . This weapon was able to effectively combat enemy low-flying aircraft with a higher rate of fire than its predecessor, the 3.7cm FlaK 36.

Although the Flakpanzer III was never produced in large numbers due to strained production capacities, it represented a significant improvement over the improvised anti-aircraft solutions of earlier years. Its armored platform allowed it to be used on the front lines to combat both air targets and light ground targets.

Application areas:

• Eastern Front: Protection of mechanized units against Soviet air attacks.
• Western Front: Defense against Allied fighter-bombers, especially after the landings in Normandy.
• Reinforcement of Panzer Divisions: Used to secure armored advances.

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: Effective for armies that need a mobile air defense solution.
• Chain of Command: Tactically valuable for missions that require the protection of armored units.

Technical data:

• Crew: 4–5 (commander, driver, gunner, loader, radio operator)
• Length: 5.41 m
• Width: 2.95 m
• Height: 2.76 m
• Weight: 23 tons
• Armor:
  • Front: 50 mm
  • Pages: 30 mm
• Armament:
  • Main armament: 3.7cm FlaK 43 (anti-aircraft gun)
  • Secondary armament: 7.92 mm MG34
• Ammunition: 3.7cm explosive grenades, tank grenades
• Engine: Maybach HL 120 TRM, 300 HP
• Speed: Up to 40 km/h