Product Review

One of several anti-aircraft vehicles to utilise the reliable and ubiquitous Pz IV chassis, the Wirbelwind (Whirlwind) mounted a quad-barreled Flakvierling 38 on an open-topped turret.

Around 100 Wirbelwinds were produced in the latter half of 1944, fulfilling the German requirement for a self-propelled, multi-barrel flak gun capable of engaging targets under 2,000 metres.

They became known by their crews as the Keksdode (biscuit tin) due to the unique shape of the turret.

Capable of a punishing 800 rounds per minute in combat the 2cm guns were relatively ineffective against aircraft but devastating against ground targets such as infantry, soft-skinned or lightly-armoured vehicles.