Sd.Kfz. 10/4
Overview
Sd.Kfz. 10/5
Sd.Kfz. 10/5 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with 20mm FlaK-38 in firing position in 1944.
Source: Bundesarchiv -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Nazi Germany - Adler-Werke
Nazi Germany - MWC
3.500 RM for Flak-38
Sd.Kfz. 10/5
Leichte Selbstfahrlafette 2 cm Flak 30 auf Fahrgestell Zugkraftwagen 1 t
Description
Introduction
The Sd.Kfz. 10/4 is a World War 2 era self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of Nazi German origin. It was developed in the late 1930's to provide air defense for advancing mobile formations. Although less known as some of the high end Nazi German self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, the Sd.Kfz. 10/4 played a significant role throughout the entire war.
Layout
The Sd.Kfz. 10/4 combines two systems developed earlier in the 1930's: the Sd.Kfz. 10 halftrack and the 20mm FlaK-30 single barrel anti-aircraft gun. The passenger compartment of the 1-ton halftrack was replaced by a flatbed. The flatbed features side and rear panels that can drop down to increase platform size. Spare magazines are held in blisters along the side panels, and in a dedicated single axle ammunition trailer. The crew consists of 6 people. As production switched to the faster firing FlaK-38, the size of the rear platform was increased. These vehicles were known as Sd.Kfz. 10/5.
Firepower
Armament consists of the single barrel 20mm FlaK-30 anti-aircraft gun. Later models feature the FlaK-38. These have a cyclic rate of fire of 280 and 450 rpm respectively. The use of 20 round box magazines makes the practical rate of fire about half the cyclic rate. There are 240 rounds on the vehicle and 640 more on the optional trailer. As war progressed the single barrel 20mm FlaK proved less and less effective against faster flying, better armed and more survivable aircraft. During the entire war it proved useful as an infantry support weapon.
Mobility
The Sd.Kfz. 10 halftrack proved a good chassis for the 20mm FlaK. The halftrack chassis was able to keep up with advancing tanks and mechanized forces on dirt roads and in regular field conditions. This is particularly important iven the limited range of 20mm anti-aircraft cannon. In more extreme field conditions mobility suffered. A bad trait shared with all halftrack designs. The Sd.Kfz. 10/4 had the benefit of being a stable firing platform, without the setup time required by a towed anti-aircraft gun.
Protection
The Sd.Kfz. 10/4 is a softskin vehicle without armor protection. The anti-aircraft gun is fitted with a gun shield for the crew. During the war an add-on armor kit called "Behelfspanzer" was produced. This protects the radiator, windscreen and sides of driver compartment. The chassis didn't allow for more substantial armor package.
Users
The Sd.Kfz. 10/4 and 10/5 were widely used by Nazi Germany during World War 2. Over 2.000 of these vehicles have been produced. During World War 2 these vehicles were used in all theaters, including Western Europe, Russia and North Africa.
Details
Media
Sd.Kfz. 10/4
Sd.Kfz. 10/4 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with Behelfspanzerung applique armor package in World War 2.
Source: Bundesarchiv
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Sd.Kfz. 10/4
Sd.Kfz. 10/4 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun on the move with side panels lowered.
Source: Bundesarchiv
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Sd.Kfz. 10/4
Two Sd.Kfz. 10/4 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns on the move in 1940.
Source: Bundesarchiv
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Sd.Kfz. 10/4
Rear view of a column of Sd.Kfz. 10/4 self-propelled anti-aircraft guns on the move in 1939.
Source: Bundesarchiv
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Sd.Kfz. 10/5
Sd.Kfz. 10/5 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun on display in a museum.
Source: Tripple Green
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Sd.Kfz. 10/5
Sd.Kfz. 10/5 captured by British paratroopers in 1944.
Source: Imperial War Museums
Copyright: Public domain