Tag: antiaircraft

German

M.G. 151/15 und M.G. 151/20 Drilling auf m. S.P.W. (Sd Kfz. 251/21): Triple Machine Gun on Semitracked Vehicle

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date December 30, 2009

This is the 3-ton, armored semitrack mounting triple 15 mm or 20 mm heavy machine guns of the Model 151 aircraft type. The equipment is an assault weapon intended for ground combat, and engagement of low flying aircraft is a secondary role.

The three guns, which are cocked manually and percussion fired, are set coaxially and in the same plane. Each gun is held in a standard MG 151 aircraft cradle, less the body extension. The cradles are bolted to a common block on the top bracket of the pedestal, pivoting on trunnions for elevation and depression. The top bracket is bolted to a bottom conical skirt and the whole rotates freely on a cone pedestal fixed to the floor of the vehicle. Elevation (-5° to 49°) and traverse (360°) are shoulder controlled by the firer. A brake locking device is provided for traverse.

The guns, capable of firing 700 r.p.m. each, are belt fed, the belts being contained in steel boxes, one for each gun. A total of 3,000 rounds of ammunition in belts is carried in the vehicle. Penetration of A.P. projectiles fired from the 15 mm MG 151 is reported as 18 mm from 100 meters at 30 degrees.

Sighting apparatus consists of a telescopic sight with a magnification of 3 and a field of view of 8 degrees; a cartwheel type antiaircraft sight, and a hand periscope with a magnification of 8 and a field of view of 7.5 degrees.

A further description of the components of this equipment is available on pages 45 and 252.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight		8 tons
Trailer load capacity		3.3 tons
Length		19 ft.
Width		7 ft.
Height
Ground clearance		12 ins.
Tread centers		5 ft., 3 ins.
Ground contact		5 ft., 11 ins.
Track width		11 ins.
Track links		55
Radius of action		186 miles
Fuel tank		42.5 gals.
Fuel consumption (roads)		5 miles per gal.
Fording depth		20 ins.
Speed		30 m.p.h.
Engine		Maybach, NL 42 TUKRR
Bore and stroke		90 x 110 mm
Horsepower		100
Ignition		Bosch magneto
Battery		12 volt
Transmission		4 speeds forward, 1 reverse. High and low range.
Steering		Front wheel and track epicyclic
Crew		4

German: p. 46.2 (April 1, 1945)

Tags antiaircraft, German, halftrack, sdkfz 251

German

Pz. Kpfw. IV für 2 cm Flakvierling 38: Antiaircraft Gun on Medium Tank Chassis

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date December 28, 2009

This equipment consists of the four-barrelled 2 cm (.79 in.) antiaircraft gun mounted on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis. The gun has been mounted in an open topped, nine-sided turret. Elevation is from 10° to 90° and traverse is 360°.

The gun is the normal 2 cm Flakvierling 38 with the triangular base removed. Two guns are mounted on either side of the cradle. The guns are fired by a set of foot pedals; each pedal operates the trigger mechanism of the two diametrically opposite guns. The weapon is traversed and elevated manually by the gunner who also aims and fires it.

The 2 cm Flakvierling 38 is supported by two four-inch I-beams which are located 15 inches below the normal tank turret ring. The I-beams are in the center below the turret opening and extend across the width of the tank chassis.

There is no traversing rack on the turret ring. A rod from the gun upper carriage supports the gunner’s seat and is fastened by a U-bolt to the turret to form a connection between the gun mount and the turret armor. At the front of each side of the upper carriage is a collapsible rod which also can be fastened to the turret armor. In this manner, the gun mount and turret traverse together.

The turret is 43 inches high, 6 feet, 6 inches wide, and 8 feet long. The armor plate is 15 mm thick. Each side of the turret is composed of two plates of equal dimensions welded together. The top plates are sloped at an angle of approximately 30 degrees and the bottom plates are undercut at the same angle.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight		26 tons (estimated)
Length		19 ft., 4 ins.
Width		9 ft., 8 ins.
Height		9 ft.
Ground clearance		15 ins.
Tread centers		7 ft., 10 7/8 ins.
Ground contact		11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track		15 ins.
Pitch of track		4 3/4 ins.
Track links		98
Fording depth		3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action:
Roads		130 miles
Cross country		80 miles
Speed:
Roads		25 m.p.h.
Cross country		15 m.p.h.
Armor:
Front plate of superstructure		85 mm at 10° to vertical
Sides of superstructure		30 mm
Armament		2 cm Flakvierling 38
Ammunition		H.E. Shell, tracer; H.E.-Incendiary; A.P. shell, tracer.
Rounds		16 clips in turret (20 rds in each); 15 boxes in tank.
Engine		Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission		Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse
Steering		Epicylic, clutch brake
Crew		5

German: p. 34.1 (August 1, 1945)

Tags 20mm, antiaircraft, flak, flakvierling, PzKpfw IV, self-propelled gun

German

Pz. Kpfw. IV (3.7 cm Flak 43): Self-Propelled Antiaircraft Gun

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date December 28, 2009

This equipment consists of the standard Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis adapted to mount the 3.7 cm Flak 43. It is essentially an antiaircraft weapon, although the gun may be depressed for use against ground targets.

The superstructure is especially designed for the second purpose. The side and rear walls of the structure are two spaced 15 mm armor plates nine feet long, eight feet, eight inches wide, and four feet high. The sides can be pushed outwards and downwards to a horizontal position to permit fire against ground targets or to extend the area of the loading platform.

The 3.7 cm Flak 43, which has a 360° traverse and 90° elevation, is centrally mounted on a pedestal. It is hung from a single trunnion on the right through which passes the feed and ejection aperture. The monobloc barrel is fitted with a combination muzzle brake and flash hider. Both elevating and traversing handwheels are located to the right of the gun. A hydromatic-spring buffer with variable recoil is situated below the barrel, and two return springs lie side by side above the barrel. A tri-sectional gun shield sloped at 30° to the vertical is provided. The center section is 9 mm thick and two side sections each 6 mm thick. The height of the shield, measured up the slope, is four feet, 3 1/2 inches. The gun is fed horizontally from the left by clips of eight rounds each which are placed on a fixed loading tray.

The muzzle velocity of the 3.7 cm Flak 43 is reported as 2,750 f/s, and its theoretical rate of fire 250 rounds per minute. The ammunition issue laid down per equipment is reported as 1,600 rounds, 1,280 high explosive and 320 armor piercing.

An official German document states that the standard sight for this gun will be the Schwebedornvisier.

SPECIFICATIONS

Weight		26 tons (est.)
Length		19 ft., 4 ins.
Width		9 ft., 7 ins.
Height
Ground clearance		15 ins.
Tread centers		7 ft., 11 ins.
Ground contact		11 ft., 6 ins.
Width of track		15 ins.
Pitch of track		4 3/4 ins.
Track links		98
Fording depth		3 ft.
Theoretical radius of action
Roads		130 miles
Cross-country		80 miles
Speed
Roads		25 m.p.h.
Cross-country		15 m.p.h.
Armor
Front plate		50 mm
Sides		30 mm
Armament		3.7 cm Flak 43
Ammunition (Rds.)		1,600
Engine		Maybach HL 120 TRM, 320 hp.
Transmission		Synchromesh—6 speeds forward, 1 reverse.
Steering		Epicyclic, clutch brake
Crew		7

German: p. 32.2 (April 1, 1945)

Tags 3.7cm, antiaircraft, flak, flak 43, German, panzer, PzKpfw IV

German

X 4: Aircraft Launched Antiaircraft Rocket

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date October 27, 2009

X4: German Aircraft Launched Antiaircraft Rocket

The X 4 is an antiaircraft rocket designed by the Germans to be launched from planes. It was manufactured and reported to have been successfully tested, but never reached the point of combat operation. It is a wire-controlled, rocket-propelled, fin-stabilized missile fitted with a proximity fuzed warhead. The propulsion system is a bi-fuel rocket. Stabilization is achieved by means of four large fins fitted to the body of the rocket, and four smaller fins fitted to the tail. The smaller fins bear solenoid-operated control surfaces through which two-dimensional directional control is achieved. These are operated from the parent aircraft by means of a control unit and two insulated wires leading to the rocket. These wires are about 3 3/4 miles long.

Precise information about the warhead and fuzing system has not so far been recovered. The warhead consists of an uncased moulded grain of dinitroglycol-based explosive which depends on high blast effect. The fuze is a combination of acoustic proximity, impact, and self-destroying type. The proximity feature is functioned by aircraft propeller noises and a delay of 1/50-second is provided to enable the missile to approach the target after the acoustic impulse initiates the fuze. The body of the rocket houses the helical aluminum tube fuel tanks and combined two-compartment steel air bottle. The venturi protrudes from the tail portion. The rocket is made to rotate about its axis at the rate of one rotation per second. This permits stabilization in line of flight by a single gyro. The missile is carried on the parent aircraft on a conventional bomb carrier modified for this special purpose

SPECIFICATIONS*

Length (overall)		200 cm (6 ft., 6 3/4 ins.)
Length of warhead		45 cm (1 ft., 5 3/4 ins.)
Diameter of warhead (at base)		22 cm (8.675 ins.)
Total weight before launching		60 kg. (132.3 lbs.)
Weight of warhead		20 kg. (44.1 lbs.)
Fuel		4.5 liters (approx.) 98-100% nitric acid
		2 liters (approx.) 57% crude m-xylidine
		43% triethylamine
Thrust		Initial 270 lbs. to 315 lbs. falling off progressively to 45 to 68 lbs. after 30 seconds.

*Not verified.

German: p. 375 (August 1, 1945)

Tags antiaircraft, antiaircraft rocket, German, missile, rocket, x4

Japanese

8 cm (7.62) High Angle Gun, Type 3

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date October 27, 2009

This weapon, previously erroneously called the Type 10, is a naval type antiaircraft gun, mounted on a pedestal which permits a traverse of 360 degrees. The gun tube, of built-up construction, recoils inside a sleeve type cradle. A guide on the bottom of the tube rides in a groove, preventing rotation of the tube. Since the trunnions are located at the rear of the tube, muzzle preponderance is compensated for by an equilibrator inside the pedestal.

A hand-operated, semi-vertical sliding type breechblock and a hydrospring recoil mechanism are used. Recoil and recuperator are located over the tube. A small cylinder above the recoil cylinder is apparently for storing an oil reserve.

The elevating handwheel is located to the left of the weapon, and the traversing handwheel to the right. Two platforms, one on either side attached to the superstructure, allow the layers to move with the gun in traverse.

A bracket on the left of the piece is believed to mount a telescope and range drum.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber		76.2 mm (3 ins.)
Weight of gun and mount		5,290 lbs.
Weight of gun		1,100 lbs.
Length of barrel		40 cals.
Length of tube		9 ft., 6 ins.
Height (traveling position)
Height (firing position)
Width (overall)
Length of chamber		1 ft., 8 ins.
Rifling		R. H. twist
No. of grooves		24
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (H.E. shell)		2,200 f/s
Max. range (horizontal)
Max. range (vertical)		26,000 ft.
Rate of fire		10 to 12 r.p.m.
Traverse		360°
Elevation		75°
Depression		5°
Length of recoil
Ammunition		H.E. w/ powder train time fuze
Wt. of projectile		12 lb., 11 ozs.

Japanese: p. 114.1 (August 1, 1945)

Tags 8cm, antiaircraft, antiaircraft gun, gun, Japanese

German

3.7 cm Flak 43: Antiaircraft Gun

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date October 26, 2009

The 3.7 cm Flak 43, a light, fully-automatic, gas-operated antiaircraft weapon, may be statically emplaced, transported on a mobile mounting, or mounted on a self-propelled chassis. The gun consists of a removable, monobloc barrel fitted with a muzzle brake with six elongated ports and multi-perforated flash eliminator, and a breech casing which houses the breech mechanism. The gun is fed horizontally from the left in clips of eight rounds from a fixed loading tray, and is operated by the recoil of the gun itself. A hydro-spring buffer with variable recoil is located below the barrel, and two return springs lie side by side above the barrel.

Mounting is of the pedestal type, the gun being hung from a single-ring type trunnion on the right. The feed to the gun is mounted through the ring and on the axis of the trunnion, making unnecessary any alteration in the position of the center of gravity of the gun and other elevating parts with variation in the quantity of ammunition in the clips and feed mechanism. Elevating and traversing handwheels are both on the right of the gun, the former being vertical and the latter horizontal.

The equipment, which is of low build, is fitted with a shield varying in thickness from 9 mm at the center to 6 mm at the outer edges. The shield slopes backward at a 30° angle and is 4.2 feet high. In the middle is a space through which the mantlet elevates and depresses. A twin version of the 3.7 cm Flak 43 also exists. It is known as the 3.7 cm Flakzwilling 43.

The weapon fires only the single rotating band projectiles.

SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber		37 mm (1.45 ins.)
Weight (traveling position)		4,180 lbs.
Weight (firing position)		2,750 lbs.
Length (traveling position)
Length (firing position)
Height (traveling position)
Height of trunnion		29.9 ins.
Length of piece (excluding muzzle brake)		9.68 ft.
Length of muzzle brake		14.96 ins.
Length of bore		7 ft.
No. of grooves		20
Width of grooves
Depth of grooves
Width of lands
Muzzle velocity (HE shell)		2,750 f/s
Max. range (horizontal)		7,200 yds. (approx.)
Effective range (vertical)		9,000 ft. (approx.)
Rate of fire (theoretical)		250 rds./min.
(practical)		150 rds./min.
Traverse		360°
Elevation		90°
Depression		-6°
Type of recoil		Variable
Ammunition		AP/HE; H.E.; HE/T-HE/I/T; HE/I and HE/I/short T

German: p. 130.2 (August 1, 1945)

Tags 3.7cm, antiaircraft, flak, flak 43, German, gun

German

m. Zgkw. 8t Sd. Kfz. 7 (3.7 cm Flak 36): Antiaircraft Gun on Semitrack Chassis

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date September 22, 2009

The 3.7 cm Flak 36 has also been mounted on the chassis of the 8-ton medium prime mover described on page 54. Data on the weapon may be found on page 130.1.

German: p. 54.1 (April 1, 1945)

Tags antiaircraft, flak, German, halftrack

German

m. Zgkw. 8t Sd. Kfz. 7 (2 cm Flakvierling 38): A.A./A.T. Gun on Semitrack Chassis

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date September 22, 2009

The 2 cm Flakvierling 38 has been mounted, as illustrated above, on the chassis of the 8-ton medium semitrack prime mover described on page 54. Details of the weapon and its performance may be found on page 133.

German: p. 54.1 (April 1, 1945)

Tags antiaircraft, flak, flakvierling, German, halftrack

German

Kommando-Gerät 40: Antiaircraft Director

Post author By Lone_Sentry_Admin
Post date August 28, 2009

kommando-gerat-40
The Kommando-Gerät 40 is a director used principally for major caliber weapons such as the 8.8 cm and 10.5 cm antiaircraft guns. However, by installing the proper ballistic cams, it may be used with any type of gun.

The director is operated by five men. Two are required to track in azimuth and elevation; a third sets in slant range by means of a 4-meter base stereo range finder mounted on the director; the fourth man sets in horizontal angle of approach; and the fifth man operates various switches. Data are transmitted to the guns for reception by a signal-light manual follow-up system. A trailer equipped with devices for lifting the director is used for transport.

The Kommando-Gerät 40 computes continuously Case III data (for invisible targets) by a target speed and angle of approach method, and can handle diving and curving target courses. The time from initial pickup to first round is estimated to be 20 or 30 seconds. When shifting to a new target in the vicinity of the target previously tracked and flying an approximately parallel course, as little as 10 seconds may be required.

A change in course which requires a change in operating procedure upsets firing data for only a few seconds. In principle, the director will predict correctly for a target flying at constant speed with a constant rate of change of altitude and constant curvature. The stability is not affected by gradual changes in course.

After an abrupt change in speed, altitude rate, or course azimuth, about 10 to 15 seconds are required to evaluate the new course.

SPECIFICATIONS

Azimuth		No limit
Elevation		-1.5° to 90.5°
Slant range		1,200 to 18,000 m
Present horizontal range		570 to 14,500 m
Future horizontal range		570 to 14,500 m
Future altitude		-500 to 12,000 m
Present altitude		0 to 12,000 m
Ground speed of target		0 to 300 m/s
Vertical speed of target		0 to 200 m/s
Horizontal travel during time of flight		0 to 6,000 m
Lateral deflection		+/- 1,065 mils
Course azimuth correction		+/- 1,600 mils
Altitude prediction		+/- 3,000 m
Maximum tracking rates
Azimuth		+/- 130 mils/sec.
Slewing		+/- 700 mils/sec.
Elevation		+/- 105 mils/sec.
Time of flight		0 to 30 sec.
Horizontal parallax		500 m
Vertical parallax		+/- 210 m
Fuze dead time		0 to 10 sec.
Wind velocity		0 to 28 m/s
Muzzle velocity		24 numbers (Gebrauchsstufe)
dØ		+/- 60/16°
dA		+/- 70 mils
dF due to dead time		+/- 5 secs.
dF due to MV and wind		+/- 5 secs.

German: p. 176

Tags antiaircraft, director, German, kommando gerät

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