Difference between revisions of "FlaK-Lafette C/36 (37 mm)"

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m (U38088265 moved page 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 (37 mm) to 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 (37 mm): Renamed in-game)
m (Swapped the images around, to show a much-more common mount as the main image)
 
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 (37 mm)}}
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[[File:37mm FlaK-Lafette C36 twin.png|x250px|thumb|Twin mount on the [[Nürnberg]]]]
<div class="ttx">
 
<div class="ttx-title">3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36</div>
 
<div class="ttx-image">[[File:37mm_FlaK-Lafette_C36.png]]</div>
 
<div class="ttx-table">
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line ttx-table-head">Information</div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">Automatic Cannon</span><span class="ttx-name">Type</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">Germany [[File:Germany_flag.png]]</span><span class="ttx-name">County of Origin</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line ttx-table-head">General Characteristics</div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">37 mm</span><span class="ttx-name">Diameter</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">2.56 m</span><span class="ttx-name">Length</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">5 rounds</span><span class="ttx-name">{{Annotation|Belt Capacity|Maximum capacity of ammunition belt or magazine}}</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">250 {{Annotation|rpm|rounds per minute}}</span><span class="ttx-name">Rate of Fire</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">845 m/s</span><span class="ttx-name">{{Annotation|Muzzle Velocity|Muzzle velocity of fastest round}}</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">60 mm</span><span class="ttx-name">Max Penetration</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line ttx-table-head">Production History</div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">Rheinmetall-Borsig</span><span class="ttx-name">Designer</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">Full Production</span><span class="ttx-name">Production Status</span></div>
 
  <div class="ttx-table-line"><span class="ttx-value">1943 - 1945</span><span class="ttx-name">Produced</span></div>
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''-->
+
<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
The 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is a German WWII automatic anti-aircraft cannon and is the naval version of the [[FlaK36 (37 mm)]]. They can be found in either single or twin mounts on several torpedo boats, destroyers, and cruisers in the German tech tree. The twin mounts are erroneously named and are actually [[3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette LM/42 (37 mm)]].
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The '''3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36''' is a German WWII automatic anti-aircraft cannon and is the naval version of the [[FlaK36 (37 mm)]]. They can be found in either single or twin mounts on several torpedo boats, destroyers, and cruisers in the German tech tree, the twin mounts being designated '''FlaK-Lafette LM/42'''.
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
* {{Specs-Link|germ_rboot_r130}}
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* {{Specs-Link|germ_s_100_class}}
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{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}
* {{Specs-Link|germ_s_100_s204_lang}}
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* {{Specs-Link|germ_sf40_leichte_flakkampffaehre}}
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{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Motor torpedo boats'''}}{{Specs-Link|germ_s_100_class}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|germ_s_100_s204_lang}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|germ_s_700_s_701}}
* {{Specs-Link|germ_escort_typem1943}}
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* {{Specs-Link|germ_mz_1}}
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{{Navigation-Line|'''Motor gun boats'''}}{{Specs-Link|germ_rboot_r130}}
* {{Specs-Link|germ_destroyer_class1936_z20_karlgalster}}
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* {{Specs-Link|germ_cruiser_nurnberg}}
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{{Navigation-Line|'''Motor torpedo gun boats'''}}{{Specs-Link|germ_mz_1}}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Line|'''Sub-chasers'''}}{{Specs-Link|germ_escort_typem1943}}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Line|'''Destroyers'''}}{{Specs-Link|germ_destroyer_class1934a_1944}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|germ_destroyer_class1936_z20_karlgalster}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|germ_destroyer_class1936a_z25}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|germ_destroyer_class1936c_z46}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|germ_destroyer_class1936c_z47}}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Line|'''Light cruisers'''}}{{Specs-Link|germ_cruiser_nurnberg}}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
<!--''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''-->
+
<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.'' -->
The 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 has a barrel diameter of 37 mm, a barrel length of 2.560 m, and weighs 109 kg. The gun is clip-fed with five-round clips and can fire at a rate of 250 rounds per minute.
+
The 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 has a barrel diameter of 37 mm, a barrel length of 2.560 m, and weighs 109 kg. The gun is clip-fed with five-round clips and can fire at a rate of 250 rounds per minute.
  
 
=== Available ammunition ===
 
=== Available ammunition ===
<!--''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).'' -->
 
Depending on the vehicle, there are up to three belts available. Note that Default and Universal refer to the same belt, depending on the vehicle. The HEF-I round is a tracer.
 
Depending on the vehicle, there are up to three belts available. Note that Default and Universal refer to the same belt, depending on the vehicle. The HEF-I round is a tracer.
  
* Default/Universal: AP-T/HEF-I
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* '''Default/Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
* 37 mm HE: HEF-I/HEF-I/HEF-I/HEF-I/AP-T
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* '''37 mm HE clips:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
* 25 mm APT: AP-T/AP-T/AP-T/AP-T/HEF-I
+
* '''37 mm APT clips:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
  
 
{{notice|Not all belts listed are available on all vehicles equipped with this weapon.}}
 
{{notice|Not all belts listed are available on all vehicles equipped with this weapon.}}
  
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|HEF-I, AP-T}}
! colspan="7" | '''Penetration Statistics'''
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| HEF-I || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _
 
|-
 
| AP-T || 67 || 64 || 55 || 47 || 41 || 37
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="12" | '''Shell Details'''
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Type
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | TNT Equivalent (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse Delay (m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse Sensitivity (mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Normalization at 30°
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
|-
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
| HEF-I || 0.623 || 845.0 || {{Annotation|NP 10|1.7x TNT}} || 0.0259 || 0.04403 || 0.0 || 0.1 || _° || _° || _° || _°
 
|-
 
| AP-T || 0.7 || 815.0 || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A || _° || _° || _° || _°
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
{{notice|NP 10 is equivalent to 1.7x TNT.}}
 
  
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
<!--''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''-->
+
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
The twin mount of the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is also called [[3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette LM/42 (37 mm)]], which can be found on the German destroyer [[Type 1934A (1944)]]. Both the LM/42 and the twin mount of the C/36 are completely identical.
+
The only other German gun of similar calibre is the [[3.7 cm SK C/30 (37 mm)]]. Although the 3.7 cm SK C/30 fires heavier and harder-hitting shells, it is a single-shot gun and has a much longer reload. The 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 can fire about eight rounds per barrel in the roughly 2-second time period it takes the 3.7 cm SK C/30 to fire and reload one. This makes it generally superior in anti-aircraft work and against boats.
 
 
The only other German gun of similar calibre is the [[3,7 cm SK C/30 (37 mm)]]. Although the 3,7 cm SK C/30 fires heavier and harder-hitting shells, it is a single-shot gun and has a much longer reload. The 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 can fire about eight rounds in roughly the 2 second time period it takes the 3,7 cm SK C/30 to fire and reload one. This makes it generally superior in anti-aircraft work and against boats.  
 
  
 
Common guns roughly of the same calibre in other nations include:
 
Common guns roughly of the same calibre in other nations include:
Line 103: Line 52:
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!--0''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.'' -->
Although the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 has a clip size of only five rounds, the reload is generally so short that it can practically fire continuously. At the same time, unlike other similar guns, the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 cannot be overheated/jammed if fired for too long, which lets it sustain its virtually continuous fire as long as ammunition is available.
+
Although the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 has a clip size of only five rounds, the reload is generally so short that it can practically fire continuously. At the same time, unlike other similar guns, the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 cannot be overheated/jammed if fired for too long, which lets it sustain its virtually continuous fire as long as ammunition is available.
  
The 37 mm HE clip should be the primary choice for both surface and air targets, since it contains the highest HE:AP ratio. On smaller boats armed with the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36, some 37 mm APT clips should be taken for dealing with armoured targets. On destroyers and cruisers though, if the choice is available, only the 37 mm HE clip should be taken, since armoured targets can be handled by the main guns.
+
The 37 mm HE clip should be the primary choice for both surface and air targets, since it contains the highest HE:AP ratio. On smaller boats armed with the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36, some 37 mm APT clips should be taken for dealing with armoured targets. On destroyers and cruisers though, if the choice is available, only the 37 mm HE clip should be taken, since armoured targets can be handled by the main guns.
  
If taking multiple different ammunition choices and the 3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is not the main gun, make sure that the AI gunners fire the 37 mm HE clip so that they are better suited for AA work. Load the 37 mm HE clip first. If 37 mm APT clips are manually loaded, don't forget to switch back to the 37 mm HE clip before switching control away from the armament group.
+
If taking multiple different ammunition choices and the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is not the main gun, make sure that the AI gunners fire the 37 mm HE clip so that they are better suited for AA work. Load the 37 mm HE clip first. If 37 mm APT clips are manually loaded, don't forget to switch back to the 37 mm HE clip before switching control away from the armament group.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''-->
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<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
The 3.7 cm/69 Flak M42 was designed in 1942 by Rheinmetall-Borsig and entered production and service in late 1943. They were a naval version of the 3.7 cm/57 Flak 36 with a longer 69 calibre barrel. The 3.7 cm Flak M42 had a bore diameter of 37 mm (1.5 in), was 2.560 m (8 ft, 4.8 in) long and weighed 109 kg (240 lbs). The automatics of the gun were driven by a mechanical bolt that operated with the recoil of the gun. The gun had a monobloc, air-cooled barrel design that could be replaced. The 3.7 cm Flak M42 was top-loaded through an ammunition hopper, similar to the operation of the Bofors L/60 gun, and could fire as long as the hopper was filled. The ammunition was manually loaded with five-found ammunition clips, with 0.640 kg high-explosive rounds, 0.635 kg high-explosive tracer rounds, and 0.700 kg armour-piercing rounds available.  
+
The 3.7 cm/69 Flak M42 was designed in 1942 by Rheinmetall-Borsig and entered production and service in late 1943. They were a naval version of the 3.7 cm/57 Flak 36 with a longer 69 calibre barrel. The 3.7 cm Flak M42 had a bore diameter of 37 mm (1.5 in), was 2.560 m (8 ft, 4.8 in) long and weighed 109 kg (240 lbs). The automatics of the gun were driven by a mechanical bolt that operated with the recoil of the gun. The gun had a monobloc, air-cooled barrel design that could be replaced. The 3.7 cm Flak M42 was top-loaded through an ammunition hopper, similar to the operation of the Bofors L/60 gun, and could fire as long as the hopper was filled. The ammunition was manually loaded with five-found ammunition clips, with 0.640 kg high-explosive rounds, 0.635 kg high-explosive tracer rounds, and 0.700 kg armour-piercing rounds available.
  
 
The 3.7 cm Flak M42 could either be mounted in single or twin mounts, the latter of which were designated 3.7 cm Flak LM42 and weighed 1.33 tons total. Both mounts included a gun shield and were manually trained and operated. They were used throughout the Kriegsmarine as a successor to the 3.7 cm/83 SK C/30 and were mounted as light ant-aircraft weapons on many destroyers, submarines, and minesweepers. For use on submarines, they were designated 3.7 cm Flak M42U and 3.7 cm Flak LM42U for single and twin mounts, respectively.
 
The 3.7 cm Flak M42 could either be mounted in single or twin mounts, the latter of which were designated 3.7 cm Flak LM42 and weighed 1.33 tons total. Both mounts included a gun shield and were manually trained and operated. They were used throughout the Kriegsmarine as a successor to the 3.7 cm/83 SK C/30 and were mounted as light ant-aircraft weapons on many destroyers, submarines, and minesweepers. For use on submarines, they were designated 3.7 cm Flak M42U and 3.7 cm Flak LM42U for single and twin mounts, respectively.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!--''An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
<div><ul>
+
;Images
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:37mm FlaK-Lafette C36 twin.png|thumb|Twin mount on the [[Nürnberg]]]]
+
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
</ul></div>
+
File:37mm FlaK-Lafette C36.png|The 37 mm FlaK-Lafette C/36 on the SF40 Light
 +
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
 
* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
* [[3,7 cm FlaK-Lafette LM/42 (37 mm)]]
+
* [[SK C/30 (37 mm)]]
* [[3,7 cm SK C/30 (37 mm)]]
 
 
* [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)]]
 
* [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the weapon;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
 
* [http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNGER_37mm-69_mk42.php NavWeaps - 3.7 cm/69 (1.5") Flak M42]
 
* [http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNGER_37mm-69_mk42.php NavWeaps - 3.7 cm/69 (1.5") Flak M42]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3.7_cm_Flak_M42 Wikipedia - 3.7 cm Flak M42]
+
* [[wikipedia:3.7_cm_Flak_M42|[Wikipedia] 3.7 cm Flak M42]]
  
 
{{Germany naval cannons}}
 
{{Germany naval cannons}}
  
 
[[Category:Naval cannons]]
 
[[Category:Naval cannons]]

Latest revision as of 13:42, 25 July 2024

Twin mount on the Nürnberg

Description

The 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is a German WWII automatic anti-aircraft cannon and is the naval version of the FlaK36 (37 mm). They can be found in either single or twin mounts on several torpedo boats, destroyers, and cruisers in the German tech tree, the twin mounts being designated FlaK-Lafette LM/42.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

Vehicles equipped with this weapon
Motor torpedo boats  S-100 · S-204 Lang · S-701
Motor gun boats  R-130
Motor torpedo gun boats  MZ1
Sub-chasers  M-802
Destroyers  Z15 Erich Steinbrinck · Z20 Karl Galster · Z25 · Z46 · Z47
Light cruisers  Nürnberg

General info

The 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 has a barrel diameter of 37 mm, a barrel length of 2.560 m, and weighs 109 kg. The gun is clip-fed with five-round clips and can fire at a rate of 250 rounds per minute.

Available ammunition

Depending on the vehicle, there are up to three belts available. Note that Default and Universal refer to the same belt, depending on the vehicle. The HEF-I round is a tracer.

  • Default/Universal: AP-T · HEF-I
  • 37 mm HE clips: HEF-I · HEF-I · HEF-I · HEF-I · AP-T
  • 37 mm APT clips: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEF-I
Msg-info.png Not all belts listed are available on all vehicles equipped with this weapon.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-I 3 3 3 3 3 3
AP-T 67 64 53 42 33 26
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-I 845 0.62 0 0.1 44.03 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 815 0.7 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Comparison with analogues

The only other German gun of similar calibre is the 3.7 cm SK C/30 (37 mm). Although the 3.7 cm SK C/30 fires heavier and harder-hitting shells, it is a single-shot gun and has a much longer reload. The 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 can fire about eight rounds per barrel in the roughly 2-second time period it takes the 3.7 cm SK C/30 to fire and reload one. This makes it generally superior in anti-aircraft work and against boats.

Common guns roughly of the same calibre in other nations include:

  • 2pdr QF Mk.IIc (40 mm): QF 2pdr guns, and their derivatives, fire stronger HE (0.071 kg TNT equivalence) and have access to HE-DF rounds (in the case of 40 mm/62 "HI" Type 91 AA (40 mm)); but they have a slower muzzle velocity (701 m/s), have a slower a rate of fire (200 rpm), generally have a longer reload, and have weaker AP rounds (42 mm max penetration)
  • Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm): Bofors L/60 guns, and their derivatives, fire stronger AP rounds (69 mm max penetration) and HE rounds (0.0986 kg TNT equivalence), have a faster muzzle velocity (881 m/s); but they have a slower rate of fire (156 rpm), have a smaller magazine size (4 rounds), and can overheat/jam after approximately 50 rounds have been fired.
  • 70-K (37 mm): 37 mm 70-K guns fire stronger HE rounds (0.05698 kg TNT equivalence), have a faster muzzle velocity (880 m/s), and don't require reloading until 500 rounds have been fired; but they have a slower rate of fire (150 rpm), generally have a longer reload, and can overheat/jam after approximately 70 rounds have been fired.

Usage in battles

Although the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 has a clip size of only five rounds, the reload is generally so short that it can practically fire continuously. At the same time, unlike other similar guns, the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 cannot be overheated/jammed if fired for too long, which lets it sustain its virtually continuous fire as long as ammunition is available.

The 37 mm HE clip should be the primary choice for both surface and air targets, since it contains the highest HE:AP ratio. On smaller boats armed with the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36, some 37 mm APT clips should be taken for dealing with armoured targets. On destroyers and cruisers though, if the choice is available, only the 37 mm HE clip should be taken, since armoured targets can be handled by the main guns.

If taking multiple different ammunition choices and the 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette C/36 is not the main gun, make sure that the AI gunners fire the 37 mm HE clip so that they are better suited for AA work. Load the 37 mm HE clip first. If 37 mm APT clips are manually loaded, don't forget to switch back to the 37 mm HE clip before switching control away from the armament group.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very quick reload
  • No overheat/jamming

Cons:

  • Low explosive filler

History

The 3.7 cm/69 Flak M42 was designed in 1942 by Rheinmetall-Borsig and entered production and service in late 1943. They were a naval version of the 3.7 cm/57 Flak 36 with a longer 69 calibre barrel. The 3.7 cm Flak M42 had a bore diameter of 37 mm (1.5 in), was 2.560 m (8 ft, 4.8 in) long and weighed 109 kg (240 lbs). The automatics of the gun were driven by a mechanical bolt that operated with the recoil of the gun. The gun had a monobloc, air-cooled barrel design that could be replaced. The 3.7 cm Flak M42 was top-loaded through an ammunition hopper, similar to the operation of the Bofors L/60 gun, and could fire as long as the hopper was filled. The ammunition was manually loaded with five-found ammunition clips, with 0.640 kg high-explosive rounds, 0.635 kg high-explosive tracer rounds, and 0.700 kg armour-piercing rounds available.

The 3.7 cm Flak M42 could either be mounted in single or twin mounts, the latter of which were designated 3.7 cm Flak LM42 and weighed 1.33 tons total. Both mounts included a gun shield and were manually trained and operated. They were used throughout the Kriegsmarine as a successor to the 3.7 cm/83 SK C/30 and were mounted as light ant-aircraft weapons on many destroyers, submarines, and minesweepers. For use on submarines, they were designated 3.7 cm Flak M42U and 3.7 cm Flak LM42U for single and twin mounts, respectively.

Media

Images

See also

External links


Germany naval cannons
15 mm  MG 151
20 mm  2 cm/65 C/30 · 2 cm/65 C/38 · 2 cm/65 Flakzwilling 38 · 2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 · MG 151/20
30 mm  MK103/38
37 mm  FlaK-Lafette C/36 · 3.7 cm FlaK-Lafette LM/42 · SK C/30 · FlaK.36 · FlaK43
40 mm  40 mm/70 MEL58 · Bofors Flak 28 · Bofors L/70 model 1948
52 mm  52 mm/55 SK L/55
88 mm  8.8 cm/76 SK C/32 · S.K.C/35 · FlaK.18 · Flak.36 · 88 mm/45 AA SK L/45 · 88 mm/45 casemate SK L/45
100 mm  100 mm/55 MLE model 53
105 mm  SK C/32 · SK C/33 AA
120 mm  L45
128 mm  12.8 cm/45 SK C/34 · 12.8 cm SK C/41
150 mm  150 mm/45 SK L/45 · 15 cm/48 KC/36 · 15 cm/55 SK C/28 · 15 cm/60 SK C/25
203 mm  20.3 cm/60 SK C/34
283 mm  283 mm/45 SK L/45 · 283 mm/52 SK C/28 · 283 mm/54,5 SK C/34
305 mm  305 mm/50 SK L/50
380 mm  38 cm SK L/45
  Foreign:
23 mm  ZU-23 (USSR)
25 mm  2M-3 (USSR)
30 mm  AK-230 (USSR)
37 mm  V-11 (USSR)
76 mm  76 mm/62 OTO-Melara Compact (Italy)
100 mm  100 mm/56 B-34 (USSR)