The Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind or abbreviated Wirbelwind Pz.
Fgst IV/3 was a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on
the Panzer IV. It was developed in 1944 as a replacement to
the earlier self-propelled anti-aircraft gun Flakpanzer
IV Möbelwagen 3.7 cm.
The Panzer IV's turret was removed and replaced with an open
top, turret which housed a quadruple 2
cm Flakvierling 38 L/112.5. An enclosed turret would have
been preferable, but this wasn't possible due to the heavy
smoke generated by the quadruple 2
cm Flakvierling 38.
Conversion of the Panzer IV was carried out by Ostbau
Werke in Sagan, Silesia in July to November 1944 approximately
87 were converted from the Panzer IV. The 2
cm Flakvierling 38 soon proved to be less effective against
aircraft so a more powerful replacement was developed. However
the combination of armour and rapid fire from the 2
cm Flakvierling 38 did make it extremely effective against
ground targets.
The Flakpanzer IV Ostwind, was the
replacement which was equipped with a single 3.7
cm Flak 43.
Gallery:
Film Footage Gallery
Heer Comments
Sources:
German Military Vehicles.
ISBN-10: 087349783X
Armoured Fighting Vehicles of Germany World War II.
ISBN-10: 0214203077
Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World Two.
ISBN-10: 1854095188
