Dragon 6540 1/35 Sd.Kfz.161/4 2cm Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind"

A prototype Flakpanzer IV “Wirbelwind” (which translates as “Whirlwind” in English) appeared in May 1944, in response to the ever-growing threat and air superiority of Allied aircraft. The original concept of the Wirbelwind is credited to Karl Wilhelm Krause of the 12th “Hitler Jugend” Panzer Division, who suggested mounting a quadruple-barreled 2cm Flakvierling 38 L/112.5 cannon on a Panzer IV chassis. The Wirbelwind had the four 20mm cannons mounted in an open-topped nine-sided turret. Sources differ as to how many Wirbelwinds were produced – either 87 or 105 between May and September of 1944 – but there were never enough to ward off the marauding Allied fighter-bombers.

Although the 22-tonne Wirbelwind was useful against low-flying aircraft, its 20mm weapon turned out to be less effective than the larger-caliber 37mm cannon used in the newer Ostwind. Operated by a crew of five, the platform could also be used against ground targets.

Size/Weight: 38.5 x 24.5 x 8 cm / 700g