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Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind



Overview


Wirbelwind

Two well camouflaged Wirbelwind self-propelled anti-aircraft guns in use during World War 2.

Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Nazi Germany
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Entered service
1944
Status
Out of service
Development
1944
Developer
Nazi Germany
Production
1944 - 1945
Producer
Nazi Germany
Number produced
87, 105 or 122
Section Title
Sd.Kfz. 161/4
Keksdose
Nickname, German for "biscuit tin"

Details


Facts Wirbelwind
General
Origin
Nazi Germany
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Crew
5 (commander/gunner, driver, radio operators, 2 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
22 t
Length
5.89 m
Width
2.88 m
Height
2.76 m
Main armament
Type
20mm Flakvierling-38 quadruple anti-aircraft gun
Mount
Turret
Ammunition
3.200 rounds, 20 round box per gun
Rate of fire
1.400 - 1.800 rpm combined, cyclic
Elevation
Manual
Traverse
360 degrees, manual
Stabilization
No, but can fire on the move at low speeds with limited accuracy
Secondary armament
Type
7.92mm MG34 Panzerlauf machine gun
Mount
Bow machine gun
Ammunition
1.350 rounds
Automotive
Chassis
Chassis type, 8 roadwheels, drive sprocket front and idler rear
Suspension
Leaf spring
Engine model
Maybach HL120 TRM
Engine type
12 cylinder petrol
Power output
300 hp
Mobility
Max speed
40 km/h
Range
200 km
Power to weight ratio
13.6 hp/t
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
Up to 80mm hull front
10 mm turret sides
Turret roof
Open

Media


Related articles


2cm Flakvierling 38

The Wirbelwind is armed with the 2cm Flakvierling 38 anti-aircraft gun.

Flakpanzer IV Ostwind

The Ostwind is a further development of the Wirbelwind. Both vehicles look similar, but the Ostwind is deemed more effective due to its longer range and more powerful shells.

Möbelwagen

The Wirbelwind was developed as a more capable self-propelled anti-aircraft gun than the Möbelwagen. The Wirbelwind's turret armor provides a significant advantage when used against ground targets.