In this video series we want to gradually show you and introduce you to several originals in detail, because for model builders there is nothing better than references.
Today we show you interior and exterior views of the Flakpanzer IV "Whirlwind" Sd.Kfz.161/4
Fortunately, in Kiel, or more precisely in the Kiel Naval Arsenal, we have the opportunity to extensively film the outside and inside of one of the only two surviving anti-aircraft tanks in the world, the "Whirlwind". Unfortunately, some components are no longer available and the choice of color on the outside is also not correct for the 1944/45 depiction.
The vehicle shown was in use during the Battle of the Bulge and probably failed due to a technical defect and became American spoils of war.
From there it came back in the 1960s and then became part of the military technology collection in Koblenz.
From there it originally went on loan to the former HFlaTr school collection in Rendsburg.
From there, after the unit was disbanded, it was taken to its current accommodation in the Kiel Naval Arsenal and, along with the other vehicles, is now part of the Berlin-Gatow Air Force Museum, to which the collection will be transported sometime in the next few years as soon as Gatow has made room for it.
Here are some basic data about the whirlwind for you:
Weighing 22 tons, armed with a total of four 2cm Flak 38s.
From August 1944 to February 1945 a total of 105 pieces were manufactured at Ostbau Sagan.
90 magazine boxes with a total of 3000 rounds were carried.
We are pleased that the Air Defense Military History Exhibition made this film possible for us.
If you would like to see this vehicle (and of course many others) in the original (because no video or photo can replace the personal impression), you should plan a visit there!
ATTENTION! Advance registration is mandatory as the collection is not open to the public on the grounds of the Kiel Naval Arsenal:
Contact: Email: stephanmehrens@bundeswehr.org / Tel: 04385-592398
Address: Klausdorfer Weg 2-24, 24148 Kiel, Germany
21 окт 2023
