Flakpanzer 38t

Airbrush Illustration by Les Still

Flakpanzer 38t

Flakpanzer 38t

The Flakpanzer 38(t) (officially named Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausf M (SdKfz 140)) was a German self propelled anti-aircraft gun on a tracked carriage used in World War II.

It was designed around the chassis of the Czech-built LT-38 tracked vehicle and 141 were built from November 1943 to February 1944 (including a single prototype vehicle) entering service in 1944. As the vehicle used the 38(t) Ausf M chassis, the engine was near the middle of the vehicle and the armament was placed at the rear in a specially designed armoured section. The upper part folding down to allow 360 degree traverse at low elevation.

The Flakpanzer 38(t) was intended to be issued to the anti-aircraft Platoon of each tank Regiment in Panzer divisions. Most of the Flakpanzer 38(t)'s were issued to Panzer Divisions on the Western Front although some served on the Eastern Front. Many saw  action in the Normandy campaign for example with the infamous 12th SS Panzer Division 'Hitlerjugend'.

As its folding structure allowed a very low (-5°) elevation the Flakpanzer 38(t) was often used against enemy infantry and unarmoured or lightly armoured vehicles.

from Wikipedia