Tank destroyer / self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
The Panzer Selbstfahrlafette IV Ausf. C, or Pz. Sfl. IVc. also known as Grille 10, the 8.8cm Flak 37 auf Sonderfahrgestell ("on special chassis"), was a German mobile gun platform for the widespread 8.8 cm anti-aircraft/anti-tank gun, built in 1941. It was a lightly armoured vehicle.[1] Only 3 prototypes were produced.
Development
A heavy Panzerjäger (tank destroyer) was ordered to be built by the Waffenamt in 1941. The vehicle was originally intended to be a self propelled assault gun, and was developed as such, but part way through development it was realised that with the anti aircraft usefulness of the 8.8 cm gun, it could also be used in the role of an anti-aircraft vehicle. In late 1942, there were 3 prototypes made. In 1944 the gun was replaced with the 8.8 cm Flak 41.[2]
The Pz. Sfl. IVc was manufactured by Krupp.[1]
Specifications
The vehicle had a crew of 8 and weighed 26 tons. It was 2.8 metres (9 ft 2 in) high, 3 metres (9.8 ft) wide and 7 metres (23 ft) long. It was powered by the Maybach HL90 engine. The turret was open, with armoured superstructure panels folding down on each side to make a platform level with the hull top and allow full 360° traverse; when raised the panels provided some protection for the vehicle's crew, who were also protected from the front by a shield for the gun. The vehicle was built on a Panzer IV chassis, with extensive modifications. While a number of different guns were considered, the vehicle eventually ended up being armed with the FlaK 41 L/74.[1]
Service
One example was deployed to the Western front. It served with Heeres Flakartillerie Abteilung in Italy, which was assigned to the 26th Panzer Division.[1]
References
