Flakpanzer I
Encyclopedia
The Flakpanzer I was a rare self propelled anti-aircraft gun
conversion of the Panzer I in use by Nazi Germany
during World War II
. Its designation was Sd.Kfz.101 (Special Purpose Vehicle 101).
when it was recognized that the motorised Flak was insufficiently armoured. The German Heereswaffenamt decided to combine light anti-aircraft guns with tank chassis. The chassis of the Panzer I was used for these conversions, simply because it was available. The conversions were done by the company Stoewer.
All in all 24 of these vehicles were built. During the conversion parts of the frontal superstructure and the complete cover of the engine compartment were removed to gain more even space to stand on. To achieve a better centre of gravity the frontal armour of the superstructure was moved about 18mm forward. The flaps on the side were made from simple sheet metal and did not offer real protection. When in action they were folded down and used to stand on. To gain more space (the Panzer I was a very small armoured vehicle) the radio was dismounted, communication was done with hand signals. The tanks were armed with the Flak 38, additionally the crew was armed with close-combat weaponry, like the K98 carbine. To make it easier for the driver to enter the vehicle, the main gun was mounted not centrally but slightly to the right. The ammunition was stored under the driver's seat and behind the loader. Due to insufficient space inside the vehicle, a coupling for the Sonderanhänger 51 trailer was added. Additional ammunition and replacement barrels for the gun were transported inside the trailer.
, even though most of the vehicles were probably abandoned or destroyed before.
Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon
An anti-aircraft vehicle, also known as a self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon or self-propelled air defense system , is a mobile vehicle with a dedicated anti-aircraft capability...
conversion of the Panzer I in use by Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Its designation was Sd.Kfz.101 (Special Purpose Vehicle 101).
Development History
The Flakpanzer I was developed during the Battle of FranceBattle of France
In the Second World War, the Battle of France was the German invasion of France and the Low Countries, beginning on 10 May 1940, which ended the Phoney War. The battle consisted of two main operations. In the first, Fall Gelb , German armoured units pushed through the Ardennes, to cut off and...
when it was recognized that the motorised Flak was insufficiently armoured. The German Heereswaffenamt decided to combine light anti-aircraft guns with tank chassis. The chassis of the Panzer I was used for these conversions, simply because it was available. The conversions were done by the company Stoewer.
All in all 24 of these vehicles were built. During the conversion parts of the frontal superstructure and the complete cover of the engine compartment were removed to gain more even space to stand on. To achieve a better centre of gravity the frontal armour of the superstructure was moved about 18mm forward. The flaps on the side were made from simple sheet metal and did not offer real protection. When in action they were folded down and used to stand on. To gain more space (the Panzer I was a very small armoured vehicle) the radio was dismounted, communication was done with hand signals. The tanks were armed with the Flak 38, additionally the crew was armed with close-combat weaponry, like the K98 carbine. To make it easier for the driver to enter the vehicle, the main gun was mounted not centrally but slightly to the right. The ammunition was stored under the driver's seat and behind the loader. Due to insufficient space inside the vehicle, a coupling for the Sonderanhänger 51 trailer was added. Additional ammunition and replacement barrels for the gun were transported inside the trailer.
Service history
Only one unit, the Fla.-Btl.(mot) 614 (motorized flak battalion 614) was equipped with the Flakpanzer I. The unit was assembled in 1941 and in the same year was stationed in Romania. From there they moved into the southern part of the eastern front. In service the vehicles could shoot down some aircraft, but were mostly used against ground targets. Due to the insufficient protection of the crew in this sort of deployment, they suffered high losses. The companies of the battalion were assigned to other units for this. The whole battalion was wiped out in 1943 during the Battle of StalingradBattle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad was a major battle of World War II in which Nazi Germany and its allies fought the Soviet Union for control of the city of Stalingrad in southwestern Russia. The battle took place between 23 August 1942 and 2 February 1943...
, even though most of the vehicles were probably abandoned or destroyed before.
External links
- http://www.achtungpanzer.com/panzerkampfwagen-i.htm Information on the Panzer I and Flakpanzer I