Flakpanzer IV Ostwind (East Wind)

History

The limitations of the earlier "Wirbelwind" self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) based on the 20mm four-arm Panzer IV Panzer led to the development of another Panzer IV based Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" ("East Wind"). This version reverts to a 37mm automatic cannon (similar to the earlier "Mobelwagen"), but with a new six-sided open-air turret.

The crew remains five (driver, commander/gunner, radio operator, and two loaders), while all other auto parts of the Panzer IV tank have been retained, including its 296 hp Maybach gasoline engine.

Development of the Ostwind began in 1944 as a direct replacement for the limited Cyclone series. The Dongfeng brings improved capabilities, mainly due to its more powerful gun, which has a longer range and better penetration than the previous 20mm Cyclone type.

The turret design was simpler, which aided in construction and provided better protection for partially exposed riflemen. The 12-cylinder engine combined with a leaf spring suspension system enables viable off-road cruising, with road speeds of up to 24 mph and a working range of up to 120 miles.

The 3.7 cm FlaK 43 L/89 automatic cannon is mounted in the center of the movable turret, and its gunner is responsible for specific aspects of orientation, weapon placement and ammunition loading. The 1,000 x 37mm shells are brought onto the plane by specialist ammunition dealers and loaded in cartridges. A 7.92mm MG34 machine gun was retained for on-site self-defense of the vehicle, primarily to protect it from oncoming enemy infantry.

When not dealing with low-flying targets, the 37mm gun can be used when needed, and has been surprisingly successful against light armoured vehicles and infantry making Dongfeng a dual role on the battlefield.

In August 1944, in increasingly desperate conditions, the German army ordered 100 Ostwinds. Like the cyclone, the Ostbauwerke Group was commissioned to manufacture SPAAG from December 1944 to March of the following year.

However, only about 37 of the Panzer IVs appeared in the existing inventory, with an additional 7 "new build" vehicles added - a deal of 100 could never be reached with the collapse of the German war industry.

For this, the war in Europe ended in May 1945, and the Dongfeng people did what they could until the conflict was over.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

for everyone else in our database)

Armor

1,000 x 37mm projectile.

1,350x7.92mm ammo.

Changes