Flakpanzer IV/2cm Vierling

 

Other designation: Wirbelwind, Pz Fgst IV/3

Type: Anti-aircraft tank on obsolete tank chassis.

Manufacturer: Ostbau

Chassis Nos:   82001 - 90000

86 converted from Pz Kpfw IV from July to November 1944.

1 prototype converted in May 1944.

Crew 5

Weight:  22 tons

Length:  5.92 metres

Width:    2.9 metres

Height:   2.76 metres

Engine:    Maybach HL120TRM

Gearbox: 6 Forward  1 Reverse

Speed:     38  (km/hr)

Range:    200 (km)

Radio:      FuG5+FuG2

Armament: One 2cm Flakvierling

                   One 7.92mm MG34 38

Tranverse:              360⁰ (hand)

Elevation:             -10⁰ +90⁰

Sight:  Flakvisler   38/40.   KgZF2

Ammunition           3.200   1,350

Armour (mm/ angle)

                                Front.      Side.        Rear.       Top/Bottom

Turret.                   16/25⁰       16/36⁰      16/22⁰      -22⁰  open

Superstructure.      80/10⁰       30/0⁰        20/11⁰       12/85⁰ -90⁰

Hull.                      80/12⁰       30/0⁰        20/9⁰         10/90⁰

Gun Shield.           10/round

History: The Wirbelwind was developed as a mount for anti-aircraft guns on Pz Kpfw IV chassis which had been returned from the front for major overhaul. They were intended to supplement production of the Mobelwagen. In the autumn of 1944 production of the Wirbelwind ceased since the 2cm Flakvierling was not proving so effective as the 3.7cm Flak.

Specific features: The turret was removed  from normal Pz  Kpfw IV and replaced by an open-topped turret, in which the Flakvierling 38 was mounted. Some vehicles had only 50mm frontal armour since early Ausf F to G were converted for use as the chassis.

Combat service:  Issued to the Flugabwehzug (AA platoons) of Panzer regiments in Panzer divisions