Flakpanzer 38(t)
Gepard | Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausf M (Sd.Kfz. 140)
Overview
Flakpanzer 38(t)
Colorized image of a Flakpanzer 38(t) captured by British forces and evaluated in 1946.
Source: Imperial War Museums, colorized by RammGmbH -
© Public domain
Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausf M (Sd.Kfz. 140)
Sd.Kfz. 140
Nazi Germany - Waffen SS
Description
Introduction
The Flakpanzer 38(t) is a World War 2 era self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of Nazi German origin. The requirement for air defense to keep up with armor formations became urgent in 1943. The chassis is based on the reliable Panzer 38(t), which was obsolete as a gun tank but useful as a chassis for other purposes, such as the Marder tank destroyers. From the start this project was seen as a stopgap measure. The chassis did not allow for more than a 20mm autocannon, which was already considered as the lower end of the spectrum regarding effectiveness against ground attack aircraft.
Design
The Ausf M chassis is used. This M denotes "Mitte", indicating that the engine is relocated to the center of the vehicle, allowing for a rear compartment. A rear compartment with drop down side panels was fitted, making the Flakpanzer 38(t) easy to recognize. Armament consists of an otherwise unmodified 2-cm Flak-38 single barrel anti-aircraft gun.
Firepower
The Flak-38 has a 450 rpm cyclic rate of fire, resulting in a 180 rpm practical rate of fire. A total of 1.040 rounds are carried in 20 round magazines. At short distances the Flak-38 proved effective early in World War 2. Main drawbacks are the limited range and ceiling of the 20mm rounds. With the Flakpanzer 38(t) introduced late in the war
Protection
The armor of the Flakpanzer 38(t) protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters where applicable. The open roof is a major vulnerability in this area. The chassis has less frontal protection than late model Panzer 38(t) gun tanks in order for increased payload capacity. Maximum armor thickness is 20 mm on the hull and 10 mm for the superstructure. The use of riveted armor is hardly an issue for a lightly armored vehicle. Any shell with the strength to shear the rivets is already lethal for vehicle and crew.
Mobility
The Flakpanzer 38(t) has the mobility to keep up with armor formations on road and in the field. The Panzer 38(t) chassis was one of the more reliable in German service. The the combat weight of the Flakpanzer 38(t) is similar to the original design weight and mobility is similar to the Panzer 38(t). The water-cooled petrol engine provides 150 hp and a maximum road speed of 42 km/h. Practical speed in the field is about 15 km/h.
Users
A total of 150 vehicles were ordered. Production ceased after 140 vehicles, with the remaining chassis being allocated for use as a tank destroyer. Deliveries ran from November 1943 to February of 1944. Both Wehrmacht and Waffen SS used the Flakpanzer 38(t). It saw combat in Italy, the Eastern Front and in France.
Details
Media
Flakpanzer 38(t)
Right side view of a Flakpanzer 38(t).
Source: Imperial War Museums
Copyright: Public domain
Flakpanzer 38(t)
Left side view of a Flakpanzer 38(t).
Source: Imperial War Museums
Copyright: Public domain
Flakpanzer 38(t)
Top view of a Flakpanzer 38(t) with the rear compartment panels lowered and the 2-cm Flak-38 traversed to the rear.
Source: Praga archive via panzernet.net
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Flakpanzer 38(t)
German forces with Flakpanzer 38(t) in the field. Note that the sides are lowered to reduce the silhouette and allow for better gun depression.
Source: Panzer Tracts No. 12-1
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
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The Flakpanzer 38t is armed with the 2cm Flak 38 single barrel anti-aircraft gun.
