2cm Flak-30
2cm Flak-38
Introduction
2cm Flak-38
A 2cm Flak-38 featured in a propaganda image of German forces in the Soviet Union during World War 2
Source: Bundesarchiv (Bild 101I-219-0597-15) -
© CC BY-SA 3.0
1939 for Flak-38
1935 for Flak-38
1938 - 1945 (Flak-38)
Over 40.000 Flak-38
Romania
Lithuania
Description
Introduction
The Flak-30 is a pre-World War 2 era towed anti-aircraft gun of Nazi German origin. Development took place around 1930 by German-owned Solothurn company in Switzerland. These guns were used in large number throughout World War 2. Main reason being that these were mobile and easy to produce, although lacking in effective range and firepower. The 20mm autocannon in this mount was adapted as main armament for light tanks and armored cars.
Design
The Flak-30 is derived from the 2cm C/30 naval mount. Lightweight mount with a single 20mm autocannon. Towed behind a vehicle using a two wheel Sonderanhänger 51 trailer. The platform rests on three jacks on the ground. A single gunner is seated on the right of the autocannon, while ammunition is fed from the left using box magazines by the additional 4 crewmembers. A gun shield was commonly used on these gun mounts.
Fire control
The Flak-30 is aimed using the Vlakvisier 35 when used against aircraft. In the ground attack role the Erdzielfernrohr 3x8 i s used. The Flak-30 and -38 were primarily aimed by the single gunner on the mount. Often with input from other crewmembers using an optical rangefinder for instance. Multiple Flak-38 could be used with the Kommandogerät-38 optical fire control system that uses a mechanical computer.
Firepower
The 20x138mmB ammunition used by the Flak-30 was relatively powerful for a 20mm caliber projectile. Muzzle velocity for most anti-aircraft ammunition types is over 900 m/s. The Flak-30 has a 280 rpm cyclic rate of fire, resulting in a 120 rpm practical rate of fire due to the 20 round magazines. The Flak-38 has a much increased 450 rpm cyclic rate of fire, resulting in a 180 rpm practical rate of fire. At short distances the Flak-30 proved effective. Main drawbacks are the limited range and ceiling of the 20mm rounds. At longer ranges a single hit often did not result in downing an aircraft, unlike the 37mm guns with eight times the projectile weight.
Mobility
The two wheel trailer allows the Flak-30 to be towed behind a utility vehicle or medium truck. It can be manhandled into position, and even fired against ground targets from its wheeled trailer. The Flak-30 and -38 were also fitted to various vehicles. These include the Sd.Kfz.10/4 and 10/5 halftracks, Flakpanzer I, Flakpanzer 38(t) and various types of larger utility vehicles and medium trucks.
Users
The Flak-30 and -38 were used by Nazi Germany in large numbers throughout World War 2. As a light and mobile weapon it was often seen with mechanized and motorized formations. Before the outbreak of World War 2 the Flak-30 was sold to several nations, mostly in Europe, but also includes China.
Variants
2cm Flak 30
Original production model for German service derived from the Solothurn ST-5. Adopted in 1934 and issued in 1935. Issued with and without gun shield.
2cm Flak 38
Improved Flak-30 with higher rate of fire, improved reliability and better recoil dissipation. Produced since 1938 and adopted the same year. Issued with and without gun shield depending on role.
2cm Flakvierling 38
Quadruple mount for the Flak 38. Described in a separate article.
Details
Platforms
Portee
The Flak-30 and Flak-38 were carried portee on various types of large utility vehicles, light trucks, medium trucks and halftracks.
Sd.Kfz. 10/4
The Sd.Kfz. 10/4 is a 1-ton halftrack with a Flak-30 on the rear flatbed. An ammunition trailer was standard issue. The Sd.Kfz. 10/5 is similar, but mounts the Flak-38.
Media
2cm Flak-30
A German Luftwaffe 2cm Flak 30 anti-aircraft gun seen protecting a harbor in France in 1942.
Source: Bundesarchiv (Bild 101I-621-2943-33)
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
2cm Flak 38
A German 2cm Flak 38 with six crewmembers in the Netherlands in 1942. Note how two crewmembers are ready to reload, while three others assist the gunner in laying the gun.
Source: Dutch Ministry of Defence
Copyright: Public domain
2cm Flak-30
A 2cm Flak 30 anti-aircraft gun with gun shield seen firing in 1941.
Source: Wydawnictwo Prasowe Kraków-Warszawa
Copyright: Public domain
2cm Flak-30
A 2cm Flak-30 on its Sd.Ah 51 trailer in Seine-et-Oise, France, August 1944.
Source: Bundesarchiv (Bild 101I-301-1953-24)
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0