Flakpanzer IV Ostwind
Overview
Ostwind
Top view of a Flakpanzer IV Ostwind self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
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
-
Ostbau Werke
Number produced
43 - 45
Designations
Ostwind
Nickname, German for "eastern wind"
Nickname, German for "eastern wind"
Details
Facts
Ostwind
General
Origin
Nazi Germany
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Crew
5
Dimensions
Weight
25 t
Length
5.92 m
Width
2.95 m
Height
3 m
Main armament
Type
37mm Flak 43 anti-aircraft gun
Mount
Turret
Ammunition
1.000 rounds in 8 round clips
Rate of fire
230 - 250 rpm, cyclic
Elevation
-8 to +90 degrees, 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
Tracked chassis, 8 road wheels, 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
38 km/h
Range
200 km
Power to weight ratio
12 hp/t
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
Up to 80 mm hull front
Turret roof
Open
Media
Ostwind
Forward view of a Flakpanzer IV Ostwind self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with Zimmerit coating on the hull.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Ostwind
Top view of a Flakpanzer IV Ostwind self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
Möbelwagen
The Ostwind uses the same 3.7 cm Flak 43 anti-aircraft gun as the Möbelwagen. It has the added advantage of the main armament being mounted in a turret, providing the crew with protection from small arms fire.
Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind
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.