German - Flakpanzer 38(t)

The German Flakpanzer 38(t) was a light self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle developed in 1943–44 using the chassis of the Czech-built LT vz. 38 / Panzer 38(t) tank. Designed to give armoured units mobile air defence, it mounted a 2cm FlaK 38 autocannon in an open-topped, lightly armoured superstructure that provided good visibility and a wide firing arc. The Panzer 38(t) chassis offered excellent reliability, ease of maintenance, and good cross-country mobility, making it well suited for frontline AA support. Armour protection ranged from 10–15mm, giving basic protection against small-arms fire and shrapnel while keeping weight low.

Issued primarily to Panzer and Panzergrenadier divisions, the Flakpanzer 38(t) served on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, where it protected marching columns, supply routes, and armoured formations from low-flying Allied aircraft. Although its 20mm gun was increasingly underpowered against faster and better-armoured aircraft later in the war, it remained effective for close-range air defence and could also be used against infantry and soft vehicles. The Flakpanzer 38(t) was an important transitional design, bridging the gap between early improvised AA vehicles and more heavily armed successors like the Wirbelwind and Ostwind.

Multi part resin model.

Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.