Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind

The Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind" was a German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun built on a panzer IV chassis. Throughout the war the allies developed air superiority and the need for better armed and armored anti-aircraft vehicles was a priority. The Wirbelwind was suposed to go with the Panzer Divisions and protect them from low altitude air attacks from fighters and fighter-bombers. The open top turret housed a four-gun 2 cm Flakvierling 38 L/112.5. This weapon was also devastating when used against ground targets... A later improved version was the "Ostwind", with a single 3,7 cm Flak gun (Flak = Flugzeugabwehrkanone).

Ostwind

Ostwind