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Ostwind - Definition and Overview |
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The Flakpanzer IV Ostwind was an anti-aircraft vehicle based on the Panzer IV. It was developed in 1944 as a successor to the earlier AA tank Wirbelwind.
The Panzer IV's turret was removed and replaced with an open-top, hexagonal turret which housed a single 37mm Flak 43. A closed-top design would have been preferrable, but this was not possible due to the heavy smoke generated by the gun. Production of the tank was carried out by Deutsche Eisenwerke at Duisburg.
The Ostwind's main improvement over the Wirbelwind was its increased range. It also had slightly better armoring on its turret, as well as a second MG34.
Only Around 45 of these vehicles were built.
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