Ostwind
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| Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" | |
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.jpg) Scale model of an Ostwind |
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| Type | Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun |
| Place of origin |  Nazi Germany |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 1944 |
| Number built | 43 - 45 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 25 tonnes |
| Length | 5.92 m (19 ft 5 in) |
| Width | 2.95 m (9 ft 8 in) |
| Height | 3 m (9 ft 10 in) |
| Crew | 5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio Operator) |
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| Armor | 10 - 80 mm |
| Main armament |
1x 3.7 cm FlaK 43 L/89 1,000 rounds |
| Secondary armament |
1× 7.92 mm Maschinengewehr 34 1,350 rounds |
| Engine | 12-cylinder Maybach HL 120 TRM 300 PS (296 hp, 221 kW) |
| Power/weight | 12 PS/tonne |
| Suspension | leaf spring |
| Operational range |
200 km (120 mi) |
| Speed | 38 km/h (24 mph) |
The Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" (East Wind in German) was a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun based on the Panzer IV tank. It was developed in 1944 as a successor to the earlier self-propelled anti-aircraft gun Wirbelwind.
The Panzer IV's turret was removed and replaced with an open-top, hexagonal turret which housed one 3.7 cm FlaK 43. In addition to its intended role as an anti-aircraft weapon, the fast-firing gun was highly effective against light vehicles and minor fortifications. A closed-top design would have been preferable, but this was not possible due to the heavy smoke generated by the gun. Production of the vehicle 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.
Approximately 45 of these vehicles were built.
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