Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind"

  Unit Properties of  General Information
 * Nation:     Germany
 * Category:   Tanks
 * Class:      Medium Tank
 * Role:       Anti-Air/Infantry Support
 * Primary Armament: 4 x Flak 38, 20 mm.
 * Armor:     80-20mm
 * Crew:       4


 * MP price:   25
 * Speed:      24
 * Fuel:       ?

The Flakpanzer IV, named as Wirbelwind (ger. Whirlwind or Welberwind) is a short range self-propelled anti-aircraft gun armed with rapid firing auto cannons that are effective against aircraft, infantry and soft skin vehicles.

History
The Wirbelwind was based on the Pz. Kpfw. IV chassis, was developed in 1944 as a response to the increased threat of Allied air superiority in the latter years of the war. The Panzer IV was chosen for the task be cease it was a reliable, well armored and was produced in great numbers. The chassis was kept the same but the turret was removed and replace with a larger nine-sided turret able to house the quadruple 20mm FLAK-38s. The Wirbelwind performed well against low-flying airborne targets; it could also depress its barrels low enough to target enemy infantry and vehicles. However the 20mm FlaK 38's range was rather poor and designs for an improved vehicle were already being made when production of the Wirbelwind started.

In game
The Wibelwind is devastating to infantry, it can unleash a storm of shells which will obliterate whole infantry sections. In multiplayer battles it is useful for eliminating infantry and light armored vehicles, it is also quite good at damaging the tracks and main guns of larger tanks. However it is more expensive and slower than the Sd.Kfz. 222 armored car which has the same gun (only 1 of it though). While it has decent armor the turret is mainly made out of flat panels which create a perfect target for enemy tankers. Its turret is also vulnerable to low calibre weapons and anti-tank rifles.