[Development]Flakpanzer IV Ostwind - News

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17 July 2014 Development

The Flakpanzer IV “Ostwind” (East Wind in German) - self-propelled anti-aircraft - 3.7 cm FlaK 43. It was developed in 1944 as a successor to the earlier Flakpanzer IV/2cm Vierling Wirbelwind. The Panzer IV's turret was removed and replaced with an open-top, hexagonal turret which housed a 3.7 cm FlaK 43. In addition to its intended role as an anti-aircraft weapon, the fast-firing gun was highly effective against light vehicles and minor fortifications. A closed-top design would have been preferable, but this was not possible due to the heavy smoke generated by the gun.