Difference between revisions of "Flakpanzer 38"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_flakpanzer_38t_Gepard}}
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{{Specs-Card
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{{About
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|code=germ_flakpanzer_38t_Gepard
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| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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| usage = other uses
 
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| link = LT-38 (Family)
 
 
}}
 
}}
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.''-->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausführung M''' ([[Abbreviations#.28DE.29_Sd.Kfz._Index|Sd.Kfz. Index:]] '''Sd.Kfz. 140''') is a German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun used in World War II. It is occasionally referred to incorrectly as the Gepard, which may cause confusion with the unrelated [[Gepard|Flakpanzer Gepard]]. The Flakpanzer 38(t) was based on the chassis of the KD LT vz. 38 light tank, a pre-war Czech design that was produced for the Wehrmacht as the Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) light tank after the German occupation until it was no longer effective on the battlefield. From November 1943 to February 1944, a total of 141 units were built, including the single prototype, and entered service in 1944.
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{{break}}
 
  
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''', officially named ''Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausf M (Sd.Kfz. 140)'', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It is sometimes, incorrectly, referred to as the ''Gepard'', which may lead to confusion with the unrelated [[Gepard|Flakpanzer Gepard]]. It was introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]], the Flakpanzer 38(t) provides an extremely diverse playing experience. Players can use armour-piercing ammunition belts to engage enemy ground targets or high-explosive ammunition belts to engage enemy aircraft. Given that most tanks in its rank are lightly armoured, players will have no trouble engaging most enemies they encounter. However, the gunner is completely exposed without protection, so it is critical to be constantly on the move and remain in cover.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 10 mm (65°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (14°) ''Lower glacis'' || 15 mm || 10-15 mm (40°) || 8 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Gun shield || 7 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 7 mm ''Gun mantlet''
 +
!
 +
!
 +
!
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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The Flakpanzer 38(t) has thin but highly sloped front armour that resists 7-8 mm machine bullets and even 12.7 mm machine gun rounds. The gun shield will shrug off smaller rifle-calibre rounds but not 12.7 mm bullets and larger. Like its predecessor, the [[Flakpanzer I]], it maintains a crew of two and is also hull-breakable.  
+
The Flakpanzer 38(t) has thin but highly sloped front armour that resists small-calibre machine gun bullets and even 12.7 mm machine gun rounds at a distance. The gun shield will shrug off smaller rifle-calibre rounds but not 12.7 mm bullets and larger. Like its predecessor, the [[Flakpanzer I]], it maintains a limited crew of two and is also easily destroyed by overpressure. Common threats include HE shells, artillery strikes, air-dropped bombs, HEAT projectiles, strafing planes and HMG fire.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 213|rbMinHp= 133|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=213|rbMinHp=133}}
  
 
Top speed and power-to-weight ratio are much higher than the [[Flakpanzer I]], topping out at 46 km/h forward, -6 km/h backwards, and a power-to-weight ratio in realistic and simulator battles of 15.31 hp/ton.
 
Top speed and power-to-weight ratio are much higher than the [[Flakpanzer I]], topping out at 46 km/h forward, -6 km/h backwards, and a power-to-weight ratio in realistic and simulator battles of 15.31 hp/ton.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
For this vehicle, two very important modifications to keep an eye out for are the Sprgr. and PzGr.40 ammo belts. The first provides a boost to the vehicle's anti-air capabilities, being completely filled with high explosive shells, and the second turns the Flakpanzer into a deadly anti-tank machine with high-penetration HVAP rounds.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|FlaK 38 (20 mm)}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|FlaK38 (20 mm)}}
  
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The gun is the same as its predecessor, the FlaK 38. It has sufficient HE shells for planes, 46 mm penetration AP-I, and 64 mm penetration APCR. The belt size is identical. Reload between clips is long. The gun can pen most things the tank encounters, barring Valentines, Matildas, B1 bis, B1 ter, and T-28E.  
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The gun has sufficient HE shells for planes, 37 mm penetration AP-I, and 48 mm penetration HVAP. The belt size is identical. Reload between clips is long. The gun can penetrate most enemies the tank encounters, barring Valentines, Matildas, B1 bis, B1 ter, and T-28E.
  
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== Usage in battles ==
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 
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The Flakpanzer 38 is an even better flanker and support unit than the Flakpanzer I and should be used in the same way. Flank around, engage tanks mainly, shoot planes when they aren't aware of you.
 
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Just like the Flakpanzer I, avoid heavily armoured opposition, especially frontally. You can barely pen B1 bis, M3 Lee variations, and T-28Es on the side, but cannot pen Valentines, Matildas, or B1 ters from much of any side.
 
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===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
!Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" |Mobility
 
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!Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" |Firepower
 
 
|-
 
|-
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|I
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! colspan="6" | [[FlaK38 (20 mm)|20 mm FlaK38]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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|Tracks
 
−
|
 
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|Parts
 
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|Horizontal Drive
 
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|Sprgr.
 
 
|-
 
|-
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|II
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! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|Suspension
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|Brake System
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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|FPE
 
−
|Adjustment of Fire
 
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|PzGr
 
 
|-
 
|-
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|III
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! ''Arcade''
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|Filters
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| rowspan="2" | 1,080 (20) || rowspan="2" | 480 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 30.82 || 42.66 || 51.79 || 57.28 || 60.94 || rowspan="2" | 3.90 || rowspan="2" | 3.45 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.00
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|
 
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|Crew Replrenishment
 
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|Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|IV
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! ''Realistic''
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|Transmission
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| 20.83 || 24.50 || 29.75 || 32.90 || 35.00
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|Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|Artillery Support
 
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|PzGr 40
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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For this vehicle, two very important modifications to keep an eye out for are the Sprgr. and PzGr 40 ammo belts. The first provides a boost to the vehicle's anti-air capabilities, being completely filled with high explosive shells, and the second turns the Flakpanzer into a deadly anti-tank machine with high-penetration HVAP rounds.
+
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
 +
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
* '''Sprgr.:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
* '''PzGr.:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 +
* '''PzGr.40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 +
 
 +
{{:FlaK38 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, API-T, HVAP-T}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''54''' || 1&nbsp;''(+53)'' || Yes
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
At the start of the match, you can camp around the spawn point and wait until the enemy planes show up, this is the safest way, but it's passive and not efficient in terms of getting kills. So if you are brave / skilled enough, use it as a light tank as it has 42 km/h top speed. The 20 mm cannon is very deadly against any light and fast vehicles, it can finish up their crew easily when penetrated. However you must be very careful as the Flakpanzer 38 only has 2 crew, and losing one means death. Unfortunately, the gunner is the most exposed and unprotected crew and is extremely vulnerable to everything: artillery, MG fire, planes, small bombs, rockets, etc. Do whatever you can to stay alive, as this vehicle has more potential as the match progresses. Pick on those soft targets and avoid heavily armoured ones to ensure effective penetration and killing.
 +
 
 +
When shooting planes, avoid opening fire when the plane is far away from you. This will only waste your ammo and give your position away to both the plane and the tanks. Instead you have two tactics: one is to passively wait until the plane flies close and is unaware of you, then suddenly open fire. The other tactic is a bit risky. First find a good cover so you are not likely to get shot from tanks. Then regardless of the plane's distance from you, fire some random shells at it to get their attention. Once they know you're there, a lot of pilots will turn towards you and try to kill you, knowing that SPAAs usually have weak protection. When they're flying head-on towards you, use the fast fire rate and spray a stream of shells in their path and wait for them to crash into your shells, then quickly move away to dodge the bullets. Tip: aim slightly above the plane to compensate for the shell drop, as the distance between you and the plane is usually greater than you think.
 +
 
 +
In the late stages of the match you should be even more careful, as at this time most people will take out their SPAAs, and those fast-firing guns are your biggest threat. Try and be more aware of the surrounding situations, avoid running into anyone. Use the mobility to flank and the small profile to ambush.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 +
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Great penetrating cannon with PzGr 40 belt
+
* Great firepower: wonderful combination of rapid firerate, adequate velocity, 20 round mag and various belt types: The Sprgr. belt is destructive against low-tier aircraft, while the belt containing the PzGr.40 is very deadly against armoured targets (e.g. [[M3A3 (Italy)|M3A3]], [[T-60]] or even the [[B1 bis]])
−
* Fast fire rate
+
* Fast turret traverse allows it to keep up with close/fast targets easily, while the great gun elevation and depression means it can fight in any terrain
−
* Fast turret traverse
+
* Small frontal profile allows it to hide behind cover or bushes easily, which mitigates against its lack of protection
−
* Great mobility
+
* Decent top speed of 42 km/h means it can get to certain positions alongside light tanks, which is great for ambushing
−
* Hull shrugs off up to 12.7 mm machine gun rounds
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* Thin turret armour can make some shells over-penetrate, dealing little damage
 +
* Hull armour can resist 12.7 mm bullets, commonly used on US tanks like [[M13 MGMC]] and [[M8 Greyhound (Family)|M8 Greyhound]]
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Low-survivability due to two crew and hull-breakability
+
* Extremely poor survivability: only two crew protected by thin armour makes it easily to get destroyed by overpressure
−
* Long reload between clips is very punishing if you spray too much
+
* Rather long reload time requires strict trigger control
−
* Open-topped and vulnerable to planes using any weapon
+
* The PzGr.40 belt is mixed with low-penetrating belts, reducing its anti-tank capability as half of the shells sometimes won't be able to penetrate
−
* Best penetrating PzGr 40 belt is mixed with standard PzGr ammunition
+
* Slow reverse speed of only -6 km/h can get the player killed due to not being able to retreat from danger quickly
−
* Not a long-range SPAA
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''-->
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
=== Design and development ===
+
{{break}}
−
The ''Flakpanzer 38(t)'' was designed around the chassis of the LT-38, a pre-war Czech design, which following the German occupation was produced for the Wehrmacht as the Panzer 38(t) until it was no longer effective.  
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Flakpanzer 38(t) self-propelled anti-air mount was a temporary transitional version that was used until the development of a real anti-air tank on the chassis of the Panzer IV was completed. The vehicle was produced from November 1943 to February 1944. The first 87 Flakpanzer 38(t) AA vehicles appeared at the front in January 1944 and made up Flugabwehrzüge (AA platoons) in tank divisions and tank grenadier divisions (sometimes in Waffen-SS divisions, such as the 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend" in Normandy 1944).
  
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As the vehicle used the ''Ausf M'' chassis, the engine was located near the middle of the vehicle, and the armament was placed at the rear in a specially designed armoured section. The superstructure could fold down to allow 360-degree traverse at low elevation.
+
In 1944-1945, Flakpanzer 38(t) AA vehicles were used actively on the Italian and Western Fronts, where they were effective against low-flying aircraft.
  
−
Including the single prototype, 141 ''Flakpanzer 38(t)''s were built from November 1943 to February 1944, entering service in 1944.
+
A total of 141 Flakpanzer 38(t) AA vehicles were released.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
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=== Combat use ===
+
== Media ==
−
The ''Flakpanzer 38(t)'' was intended to be issued to the anti-aircraft platoon of each tank battalion (''Panzer Abteilung'') in a Panzer division.
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
Most of the ''Flakpanzer 38(t)'''s were issued to Panzer Divisions on the Western Front, the remainder served on the Eastern Front. An example user being the 12th SS Panzer Division.<ref>12th Panzer Division Hitler Jugend</ref>
+
;Skins
  
−
At this late stage in the war, the single 2 cm FlaK main armament was no longer sufficient to ward off enemy aircraft, and the ''Flakpanzer 38(t)'' became easy prey for Allied fighter-bombers.
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_flakpanzer_38t_Gepard Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
As its folding superstructure allowed a very low (-5°) elevation the ''Flakpanzer 38(t)'' was often used against enemy infantry and unarmoured or lightly armoured vehicles.
+
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
−
== Media ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
== See also ==
+
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Flakpanzer I]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Ta-Se]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 126: Line 157:
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 10:12, 21 November 2023

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
Flakpanzer 38
germ_flakpanzer_38t_gepard.png
GarageImage Flakpanzer 38.jpg
ArtImage Flakpanzer 38.png
Flakpanzer 38
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:2 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Flakpanzer 38(t) auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) Ausführung M (Sd.Kfz. Index: Sd.Kfz. 140) is a German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun used in World War II. It is occasionally referred to incorrectly as the Gepard, which may cause confusion with the unrelated Flakpanzer Gepard. The Flakpanzer 38(t) was based on the chassis of the KD LT vz. 38 light tank, a pre-war Czech design that was produced for the Wehrmacht as the Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) light tank after the German occupation until it was no longer effective on the battlefield. From November 1943 to February 1944, a total of 141 units were built, including the single prototype, and entered service in 1944.

Introduced in Update 1.47 "Big Guns", the Flakpanzer 38(t) provides an extremely diverse playing experience. Players can use armour-piercing ammunition belts to engage enemy ground targets or high-explosive ammunition belts to engage enemy aircraft. Given that most tanks in its rank are lightly armoured, players will have no trouble engaging most enemies they encounter. However, the gunner is completely exposed without protection, so it is critical to be constantly on the move and remain in cover.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull20 / 15 / 10
Turret7 / 0 / 0
Crew2 people
Visibility77 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 10 mm (65°) Front glacis
20 mm (14°) Lower glacis 		15 mm 10-15 mm (40°) 8 mm
Gun shield 7 mm Turret front
7 mm Gun mantlet

The Flakpanzer 38(t) has thin but highly sloped front armour that resists small-calibre machine gun bullets and even 12.7 mm machine gun rounds at a distance. The gun shield will shrug off smaller rifle-calibre rounds but not 12.7 mm bullets and larger. Like its predecessor, the Flakpanzer I, it maintains a limited crew of two and is also easily destroyed by overpressure. Common threats include HE shells, artillery strikes, air-dropped bombs, HEAT projectiles, strafing planes and HMG fire.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB46 / 7 km/h
RB and SB43 / 7 km/h
Number of gears5 forward
1 back
Weight9.8 t
Engine power
AB286 hp
RB and SB150 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB29.2 hp/t
RB and SB15.3 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 46 7 9.8 213 286 21.73 29.18
Realistic 43 7 133 150 13.57 15.31

Top speed and power-to-weight ratio are much higher than the Flakpanzer I, topping out at 46 km/h forward, -6 km/h backwards, and a power-to-weight ratio in realistic and simulator battles of 15.31 hp/ton.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB222 → 285 Sl icon.png
RB186 → 239 Sl icon.png
SB262 → 337 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 430 Rp icon.png
2 680 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 20 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
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85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
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Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
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Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
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Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
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Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
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Adjustment of Fire
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
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Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png

For this vehicle, two very important modifications to keep an eye out for are the Sprgr. and PzGr.40 ammo belts. The first provides a boost to the vehicle's anti-air capabilities, being completely filled with high explosive shells, and the second turns the Flakpanzer into a deadly anti-tank machine with high-penetration HVAP rounds.

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm FlaK38 cannon
Ammunition1 080 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Fire rate480 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
Main article: FlaK38 (20 mm)

The gun has sufficient HE shells for planes, 37 mm penetration AP-I, and 48 mm penetration HVAP. The belt size is identical. Reload between clips is long. The gun can penetrate most enemies the tank encounters, barring Valentines, Matildas, B1 bis, B1 ter, and T-28E.

20 mm FlaK38 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 1,080 (20) 480 -10°/+90° ±180° N/A 30.82 42.66 51.79 57.28 60.94 3.90 3.45 3.18 3.00
Realistic 20.83 24.50 29.75 32.90 35.00

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T* · HEFI-T* · HEFI-T*
  • Sprgr.: HEFI-T*
  • PzGr.: API-T
  • PzGr.40: HVAP-T · API-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T* 5 4 3 2 2 2
API-T 37 34 23 14 9 6
HVAP-T 48 45 31 20 13 8
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T* 900 0.12 0.1 0.1 10.2 79° 80° 81°
API-T 800 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HVAP-T 1,050 0.1 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Flakpanzer 38
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
54 1 (+53) Yes

Usage in battles

At the start of the match, you can camp around the spawn point and wait until the enemy planes show up, this is the safest way, but it's passive and not efficient in terms of getting kills. So if you are brave / skilled enough, use it as a light tank as it has 42 km/h top speed. The 20 mm cannon is very deadly against any light and fast vehicles, it can finish up their crew easily when penetrated. However you must be very careful as the Flakpanzer 38 only has 2 crew, and losing one means death. Unfortunately, the gunner is the most exposed and unprotected crew and is extremely vulnerable to everything: artillery, MG fire, planes, small bombs, rockets, etc. Do whatever you can to stay alive, as this vehicle has more potential as the match progresses. Pick on those soft targets and avoid heavily armoured ones to ensure effective penetration and killing.

When shooting planes, avoid opening fire when the plane is far away from you. This will only waste your ammo and give your position away to both the plane and the tanks. Instead you have two tactics: one is to passively wait until the plane flies close and is unaware of you, then suddenly open fire. The other tactic is a bit risky. First find a good cover so you are not likely to get shot from tanks. Then regardless of the plane's distance from you, fire some random shells at it to get their attention. Once they know you're there, a lot of pilots will turn towards you and try to kill you, knowing that SPAAs usually have weak protection. When they're flying head-on towards you, use the fast fire rate and spray a stream of shells in their path and wait for them to crash into your shells, then quickly move away to dodge the bullets. Tip: aim slightly above the plane to compensate for the shell drop, as the distance between you and the plane is usually greater than you think.

In the late stages of the match you should be even more careful, as at this time most people will take out their SPAAs, and those fast-firing guns are your biggest threat. Try and be more aware of the surrounding situations, avoid running into anyone. Use the mobility to flank and the small profile to ambush.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great firepower: wonderful combination of rapid firerate, adequate velocity, 20 round mag and various belt types: The Sprgr. belt is destructive against low-tier aircraft, while the belt containing the PzGr.40 is very deadly against armoured targets (e.g. M3A3, T-60 or even the B1 bis)
  • Fast turret traverse allows it to keep up with close/fast targets easily, while the great gun elevation and depression means it can fight in any terrain
  • Small frontal profile allows it to hide behind cover or bushes easily, which mitigates against its lack of protection
  • Decent top speed of 42 km/h means it can get to certain positions alongside light tanks, which is great for ambushing
  • Thin turret armour can make some shells over-penetrate, dealing little damage
  • Hull armour can resist 12.7 mm bullets, commonly used on US tanks like M13 MGMC and M8 Greyhound

Cons:

  • Extremely poor survivability: only two crew protected by thin armour makes it easily to get destroyed by overpressure
  • Rather long reload time requires strict trigger control
  • The PzGr.40 belt is mixed with low-penetrating belts, reducing its anti-tank capability as half of the shells sometimes won't be able to penetrate
  • Slow reverse speed of only -6 km/h can get the player killed due to not being able to retreat from danger quickly

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Flakpanzer 38(t) self-propelled anti-air mount was a temporary transitional version that was used until the development of a real anti-air tank on the chassis of the Panzer IV was completed. The vehicle was produced from November 1943 to February 1944. The first 87 Flakpanzer 38(t) AA vehicles appeared at the front in January 1944 and made up Flugabwehrzüge (AA platoons) in tank divisions and tank grenadier divisions (sometimes in Waffen-SS divisions, such as the 12th SS Panzer Division "Hitlerjugend" in Normandy 1944).

In 1944-1945, Flakpanzer 38(t) AA vehicles were used actively on the Italian and Western Fronts, where they were effective against low-flying aircraft.

A total of 141 Flakpanzer 38(t) AA vehicles were released.


Media

Skins
Videos
German SPAAs discusses the Flakpanzer 38 at 1:19 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Germany anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.222
Half-track  Sd.Kfz.251/21 · Sd.Kfz. 6/2
Flakpanzer IV  Wirbelwind · Ostwind · Ostwind II · Kugelblitz · Zerstörer 45
Other Flakpanzers  Flakpanzer I · Flakpanzer 38 · Flakpanzer 341
Wiesel AWC  Wiesel 1A4 · Ozelot
Radar SPAAG  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Missile SPAA  FlaRakPz 1 · FlaRakRad

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