FLAKPANZER IV WIRBELWIND

FLAKPANZER IV WIRBELWIND
Image: Wirbelwind (NAC)
YearAugust 1944
Vehicle TypeSelf-Propelled Quad AA Gun
Origin & DesignerGermany/Ostbau
Numbers Produced87
Crew5 (Commander/Gunner, 2 x Loaders, Radio Operator & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 20mm L/112.5 FlaKvierling 38 Quad
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +90°
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse360°
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightFlakviser 40
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm MG34 (Bow)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried3.200 x 20mm & 1.350 x 7.92mm
Height2.76m
Width2.88m
Length5.92m
Combat Weight22.000 kg
Ground Clearance0.40m
Fording Depth1.0m
Trench Crossing2.20m
Obstacle Clearance0.60m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioFuG-5
ArmourHull Front: 50mm
Hull Sides: 30mm
Hull Rear: 20mm
Hull Top: 12mm
Hull Bottom: 10mm
Gun Mantle: 10mm
Turret Front: 16mm
Turret Sides: 16mm
Turret Rear: 16mm
Turret Top: Open
EngineMaybach HL 120 TR 112 (Petrol)
Transmission6 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range200 km
Maximum Cross Country Range130 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed40 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed16 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Wirbelwind (Whirlwind) was also built on the chassis of the Panzer Mk IV and these like the ones used to build the Möbelwagen, were initially sent back to be overhauled. It mounted a quad 20mm Flakvierling 38 which was housed in a nine sided turret which could fully revolve at 360°. The turret itself was open topped and thinly armored. It had a good rate of the fire and could also be used to engage ground targets. The Wirbelwind was used to provide anti-aircraft cover for armoured columns and located in anti-aircraft platoons issued tank regiments, it mainly saw service in Western Europe.