Difference between revisions of "Ostwind"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind}}
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{{About
 +
| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the twin-barelled version
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| link = Ostwind II
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
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|code=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 IV "Ostwind"''' ([[Abbreviations#.28DE.29_Sd.Kfz._Index|Sd.Kfz. Index:]] '''Sd.Kfz. 161/3''') is the second variant of the [[Flakpanzer IV (Disambiguation)|Flakpanzer IV self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family]]. It was created in 1944 as a replacement for the previous variant, the [[Wirbelwind|Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind"]]. The same Panzer IV medium tank chassis was used, but this time with an open-top, hexagonal turret housing a 37 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone 43. This platform is highly effective against lightly armoured vehicles and minor fortifications in addition to its intended role as an anti-aircraft weapon. A closed-top design would have been preferable, but due to the heavy smoke generated by the main armament, this was not possible.
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. The younger brother of the infamous Wirbelwind, Ostwind, is another German SPAAG, which is another force to be reckoned with. It switches quad 20mm autocannons for one 37mm gun, which comes with its advantages and disadvantages. The chassis is the same as on the previous SPAAG. While the player doesn't have to reload the primary weapon, which allows for the continuous fire, he or she has to be aware of overheating. Default belt works wonders again planes and ground tech alike.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.43]], the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" has both advantages and disadvantages. Its main strengths are its long engagement range, destructive ammunition, and its short reload time. Its drawbacks include an average fire rate and inadequate crew protection. It is best used in anti-aircraft roles, waiting for enemy aircraft to approach before unleashing a barrage of shells in that direction. Long-range firing in the hope of a lucky hit is both a waste of ammunition and a good way to broadcast the current position to enemy ground and air units. Always stay close to cover and away from the main fighting zones.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the 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? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
The Ostwind is lightly-armoured, as most anti-air vehicles are, but is also unexpectedly survivable. With 5 crew members and a fairly spacious crew compartment, it is not uncommon for the vehicle to survive a direct hit from a shell, even one containing explosive filler. A center-mass shot to the hull will often only hit the ammunition storage, and there is a good chance that the ammo will not detonate in these situations.
 +
 +
However, this does not mean that the Ostwind is incredibly well-protected by any stretch of the imagination. It is still only a lightly armoured SPAA, and enemy tanks will have absolutely no trouble destroying it. Usually, a well-placed shot can at least cripple the Ostwind's ability to move or fire. Also note that the Ostwind's turret is completely exposed, making the three crew members within very vulnerable to strafing attacks by enemy aircraft.
  
 
'''Armour type:'''
 
'''Armour type:'''
Line 16: Line 28:
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!Armour
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
−
!Front (Slope angle)
 
−
!Sides (Slope angle)
 
−
!Rear (Slope angle)
 
−
!Roof
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull
+
| Hull || 80 mm (10°) ''Upper plate'' <br>  20 mm (72°) ''Middle glacis'' <br> 80 mm (14°) ''Lower plate'' || 30 mm || 20 mm || 10 mm
−
|20 mm (70°) ''Upper Glacis''
 
−
80 mm (10°, 20°) ''Front, Lower Glacis''
 
−
|30 mm
 
−
|20 mm
 
−
|10 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret
+
| Turret || 25 mm (50°) || 25 mm (50°) || 25 mm (50°)
−
|25 mm (50°)
 
−
|25 mm (50°)
 
−
|25 mm (50°)
 
 
!
 
!
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
  
−
The Ostwind is lightly armoured, as most anti-air vehicles are, but is also unexpectedly survivable. With 5 crew members and a fairly spacious crew compartment, it is not uncommon for the vehicle to survive a direct hit from a shell, even one containing explosive filler. A center-mass shot to the hull will often only hit the ammunition storage, and there is a good chance that the ammo will not detonate in these situations.
+
* Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 15 mm thick, while tracks are 20 mm thick.
−
 
 
−
However, this does not mean that the Ostwind is incredibly well-protected by any stretch of the imagination. It is still only a lightly armoured SPAA, and enemy tanks will have absolutely no trouble destroying it. Usually, a well-placed shot can at least cripple the Ostwind's ability to move or fire. Also note that the Ostwind's turret is completely exposed, making the three crew members within very vulnerable to strafing attacks by enemy aircraft.
 
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=426|rbMinHp=265}}
 
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=426|rbMinHp=265}}
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|FlaK43 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|FlaK43 (37 mm)}}
Line 71: Line 76:
 
* '''Sprgr. 18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 
* '''Sprgr. 18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}
 
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}
−
* '''M.Gr.18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
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* '''M.Gr.18:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer}}
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:FlaK43 (37 mm)/Ammunition|FI-T, APHE, HEI-T}}
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Default || 49 || 46 || 33 || 22 || 14 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 18 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr || 49 || 46 || 33 || 22 || 14 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| M.Gr.18 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Belt details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 820 || 0.62 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 49.3 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr || APHE || 770 || 0.69 || 1.2 || 9.0 || 22.1 || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 914 || 0.55 || N/A || 0.1 || 108 || 47° || 56° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 132: Line 100:
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 Ostwind is best played in an anti-aircraft role. When this play-style is used, it is recommended (as it is recommended for any anti-air vehicle) to fire only when there is a good chance of hitting enemy aircraft. Firing at long ranges with the hopes of getting a lucky hit is both a waste of ammunition and a good way to broadcast your position to enemy ground and air units. Also, try to stay near cover--next to buildings or under trees and shrubbery--since the Ostwind's open turret makes its crew quite vulnerable to strafing attacks.
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The Ostwind is best played in an anti-aircraft role. When this playstyle is used, it is recommended (as it is recommended for any anti-air vehicle) to fire only when there is a good chance of hitting enemy aircraft. Firing at long ranges with the hopes of getting a lucky hit is both a waste of ammunition and a good way to broadcast your position to enemy ground and air units. Also, try to stay near cover--next to buildings or under trees and shrubbery--since the Ostwind's open turret makes its crew quite vulnerable to strafing attacks.
  
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In a pinch, the Ostwind can be used to attack light and medium ground targets. This is often not the Ostwind's most effective use, but it is possible to destroy such enemy vehicles using the PzGr round, especially when firing at their sides or rear. Still, keep in mind that the Ostwind is itself lightly armoured, and quite easy to disable or destroy. If this vehicle is to be used in an anti-ground role, then it is best to avoid being detected by the enemy whenever possible. Also note that against heavier tanks such as the [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]], the PzGr round will likely not be able to penetrate from any angle.
+
In a pinch, the Ostwind can be used to attack light and medium ground targets. This is often not the Ostwind's most effective use, but it is possible to destroy such enemy vehicles using the PzGr round, especially when firing at their sides or rear. Still, keep in mind that the Ostwind is itself lightly armoured, and quite easy to disable or destroy. If this vehicle is to be used in an anti-ground role, then it is best to avoid being detected by the enemy whenever possible. Also note that against heavier tanks such as the [[KV-1 (Family)|KV-1]], the PzGr round will likely not be able to penetrate from any angle. Disabling an enemy tank's components such as cannon barrel and tracks is vital to prolong an Ostwind's life during an encounter. However, an Ostwind will oftentimes be completely disabled before it is able to destroy all offensive armaments of a tank, so a much more neutral playing style should be used when playing the Ostwind in order to not be caught in the middle of the match.
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Sprgr. 18
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| PzGr
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| M.Gr.18
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 182: Line 113:
 
* Reasonable rate of fire for the calibre (37 mm)
 
* Reasonable rate of fire for the calibre (37 mm)
 
* A single hit often cripples or completely destroys an enemy aircraft
 
* A single hit often cripples or completely destroys an enemy aircraft
−
* An M18's worst nightmare
+
* Very effective against light tanks
 
* Rather difficult to kill with one shot
 
* Rather difficult to kill with one shot
 
* Turret is better armoured than the Wirbelwind
 
* Turret is better armoured than the Wirbelwind
Line 188: Line 119:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Based on the chassis of a 4.0 tank; here the armour lacking and is slow moving
+
* Based on the chassis of a Pz.IV tank: the armour and the mobility are lacking
 
* A viewing port in the turret allows enemies to kill the gunner with machine gun fire
 
* A viewing port in the turret allows enemies to kill the gunner with machine gun fire
−
* Open turret; susceptible to aerial gunfire or bomb blast shrapnel
+
* Open turret; susceptible to aerial gunfire or blast overpressure
−
* Significantly harder to hit and kill an enemy aircraft when compared to the Wirbelwind
+
* Significantly hard to hit and kill an enemy aircraft with the 37 mm cannon
−
* Pz. Gr. belt no longer has 65 mm of penetration; combat ability is debatably worse than the Wirbelwind
+
* PzGr APHE belt with highest penetration values almost never penetrates armoured vehicles (aside from light and open-topped vehicles)
 +
* Can get overwhelmed if there are several planes with its low rate of fire
 +
* Once the cannon has overheated, cooling takes time and hinders combat performance
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
From 1943 onward Germany began to place more and more emphasis on self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs). This was because the Luftwaffe had lost their aerial supremacy they had maintained early in the war, as the Allied powers were able to completely outpace the German industry in terms of aircraft production. This lead to designs such as the 3.7 cm ''Flak auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen'' IV (sf) "Möbelwagen", which was succeeded by the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind - which was based on the Panzer IV chassis.
+
From 1943 onward Germany began to place more and more emphasis on self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs). This was because the Luftwaffe had lost their aerial supremacy they had maintained early in the war, as the Allied powers were able to completely outpace the German industry in terms of aircraft production. This lead to designs such as the 3.7 cm ''Flak auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen'' IV (sf) "Möbelwagen", which was succeeded by the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind - which was based on the Panzer IV chassis.
  
−
Designed in 1944, the Flakpanzer IV Ostwind (East Wind) was another Panzer IV based SPAAG, and it was designed to replace the earlier Wirbelwind. An unmodified Panzerkampfwagen IV chassis was used with the turret removed and replaced by a new open-topped hexagonal turret. The turret was open-topped to ventilate the large quantities of smoke generated by the gun, which would otherwise enter the enclosed crew compartment and cause harm to the crew. The armament of the Ostwind was a 3.7 cm Flak 43 anti-aircraft gun. The 37 mm gun was not only effective against aircraft, but also against lightly armored vehicles and light fortifications. Compared to the Wirbelwind, the Ostwind had a slightly better protected turret and a more powerful armament. The Flak 38 was simply more powerful than the 2 cm Flak 38 guns of the Wirbelwind.
+
Designed in 1944, the Flakpanzer IV Ostwind (East Wind) was another Panzer IV based SPAAG, and it was designed to replace the earlier Wirbelwind. An unmodified Panzerkampfwagen IV chassis was used with the turret removed and replaced by a new open-topped hexagonal turret. The turret was open-topped to ventilate the large quantities of smoke generated by the gun, which would otherwise enter the enclosed crew compartment and cause harm to the crew. The armament of the Ostwind was a 3.7 cm Flak 43 anti-aircraft gun. The 37 mm gun was not only effective against aircraft, but also against lightly armoured vehicles and light fortifications. Compared to the Wirbelwind, the Ostwind had a slightly better protected turret and a more powerful armament. The Flak 43 was simply more powerful than the 2 cm Flak 38 guns of the Wirbelwind.
  
−
The Bundeswehr ordered 100 Flakpanzer IV Ostwinds in August 1944, but only 44 vehicles were completed between December 1944 and March 1945. 37 of the vehicles were converted from already existing PzKpfw IV tanks, and 7 were purpose-built. All conversions and constructions were carried out at Ostbau Werke in Sagan, Silesia (now in Poland).
+
The Wehrmacht ordered 100 Flakpanzer IV Ostwinds in August 1944, but only 44 vehicles were completed between December 1944 and March 1945. 37 of the vehicles were converted from already existing PzKpfw IV tanks, and 7 were purpose-built. All conversions and constructions were carried out at Ostbau Werke in Sagan, Silesia (now in Poland).
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
A development of the Wirbelwind project. The goal of the Ostwind project was to increase the unit's firepower, protection, and effective range. For this purpose, a 3.7 cm FlaK 43 anti-air gun was installed on it, and its turret's armor was increased to 25 mm. The first prototype was completed in September, 1944. In the same month, on the 23rd, it was used in combat operations on the Eastern Front. Between 1944 and 1945 Ostbau-Sagan released 43 mounts. They were more effective than their predecessors had been.
+
{{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'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
A development of the Wirbelwind project. The goal of the Ostwind project was to increase the unit's firepower, protection, and effective range. For this purpose, a 3.7 cm FlaK 43 anti-air gun was installed on it, and its turret's armour was increased to 25 mm. The first prototype was completed in September, 1944. In the same month, on the 23rd, it was used in combat operations on the Eastern Front. Between 1944 and 1945 Ostbau-Sagan released 43 mounts. They were more effective than their predecessors had been.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:22 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== 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 series of the vehicles;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[Flakpanzer IV]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
** [[Ostwind II]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 219: Line 166:
  
 
* ''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 16:01, 20 November 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the German SPAA Ostwind. For the twin-barelled version, see Ostwind II.
Ostwind
germ_flakpanzer_iv_ostwind.png
GarageImage Ostwind.jpg
Ostwind
Germany flag.png Germany
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.7 3.3 3.3
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" (Sd.Kfz. Index: Sd.Kfz. 161/3) is the second variant of the Flakpanzer IV self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family. It was created in 1944 as a replacement for the previous variant, the Flakpanzer IV "Wirbelwind". The same Panzer IV medium tank chassis was used, but this time with an open-top, hexagonal turret housing a 37 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone 43. This platform is highly effective against lightly armoured vehicles and minor fortifications in addition to its intended role as an anti-aircraft weapon. A closed-top design would have been preferable, but due to the heavy smoke generated by the main armament, this was not possible.

Introduced in Update 1.43, the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" has both advantages and disadvantages. Its main strengths are its long engagement range, destructive ammunition, and its short reload time. Its drawbacks include an average fire rate and inadequate crew protection. It is best used in anti-aircraft roles, waiting for enemy aircraft to approach before unleashing a barrage of shells in that direction. Long-range firing in the hope of a lucky hit is both a waste of ammunition and a good way to broadcast the current position to enemy ground and air units. Always stay close to cover and away from the main fighting zones.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 30 / 20
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew5 people
Visibility121 %

The Ostwind is lightly-armoured, as most anti-air vehicles are, but is also unexpectedly survivable. With 5 crew members and a fairly spacious crew compartment, it is not uncommon for the vehicle to survive a direct hit from a shell, even one containing explosive filler. A center-mass shot to the hull will often only hit the ammunition storage, and there is a good chance that the ammo will not detonate in these situations.

However, this does not mean that the Ostwind is incredibly well-protected by any stretch of the imagination. It is still only a lightly armoured SPAA, and enemy tanks will have absolutely no trouble destroying it. Usually, a well-placed shot can at least cripple the Ostwind's ability to move or fire. Also note that the Ostwind's turret is completely exposed, making the three crew members within very vulnerable to strafing attacks by enemy aircraft.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 80 mm (10°) Upper plate
20 mm (72°) Middle glacis
80 mm (14°) Lower plate 		30 mm 20 mm 10 mm
Turret 25 mm (50°) 25 mm (50°) 25 mm (50°)

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels and torsion bars are 15 mm thick, while tracks are 20 mm thick.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB43 / 8 km/h
RB and SB39 / 8 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight25.0 t
Engine power
AB572 hp
RB and SB300 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB22.9 hp/t
RB and SB12.0 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 43 8 25 426 572 17.04 22.88
Realistic 39 8 265 300 10.6 12

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 290 → 1 660 Sl icon.png
RB983 → 1 265 Sl icon.png
SB1 475 → 1 898 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 510 Rp icon.png
32 100 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces330 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 90 / 130 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_ger_flak36_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_ger_flak36_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_ger_mgr_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

37 mm FlaK43 cannon
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity8 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
0.3 → 0.2 s
Fire rate250 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 87°
Main article: FlaK43 (37 mm)
37 mm FlaK43 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 1,000 (8) 250 -10°/+87° ±180° N/A 30.82 42.66 51.80 57.28 60.94 0.31 0.28 0.25 0.24
Realistic 20.83 24.50 29.75 32.90 35.00

Ammunition

  • Default: APHE · FI-T
  • Sprgr. 18: FI-T
  • PzGr: APHE
  • M.Gr.18: HEI-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
FI-T 7 7 5 4 3 3
APHE 49 46 33 22 14 10
HEI-T 7 7 6 4 4 4
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
FI-T 820 0.62 0.1 0.1 49.3 79° 80° 81°
APHE 770 0.69 1.2 9 22.1 47° 60° 65°
HEI-T 914 0.55 0.1 0.1 108 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Ostwind
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
125 93 (+32) 62 (+63) 31 (+94) 6 (+119) 1 (+124) 0 (+125) No

Usage in battles

The Ostwind is best played in an anti-aircraft role. When this playstyle is used, it is recommended (as it is recommended for any anti-air vehicle) to fire only when there is a good chance of hitting enemy aircraft. Firing at long ranges with the hopes of getting a lucky hit is both a waste of ammunition and a good way to broadcast your position to enemy ground and air units. Also, try to stay near cover--next to buildings or under trees and shrubbery--since the Ostwind's open turret makes its crew quite vulnerable to strafing attacks.

In a pinch, the Ostwind can be used to attack light and medium ground targets. This is often not the Ostwind's most effective use, but it is possible to destroy such enemy vehicles using the PzGr round, especially when firing at their sides or rear. Still, keep in mind that the Ostwind is itself lightly armoured, and quite easy to disable or destroy. If this vehicle is to be used in an anti-ground role, then it is best to avoid being detected by the enemy whenever possible. Also note that against heavier tanks such as the KV-1, the PzGr round will likely not be able to penetrate from any angle. Disabling an enemy tank's components such as cannon barrel and tracks is vital to prolong an Ostwind's life during an encounter. However, an Ostwind will oftentimes be completely disabled before it is able to destroy all offensive armaments of a tank, so a much more neutral playing style should be used when playing the Ostwind in order to not be caught in the middle of the match.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Never need to reload
  • Very little lead required to hit enemy aircraft
  • Reasonable rate of fire for the calibre (37 mm)
  • A single hit often cripples or completely destroys an enemy aircraft
  • Very effective against light tanks
  • Rather difficult to kill with one shot
  • Turret is better armoured than the Wirbelwind

Cons:

  • Based on the chassis of a Pz.IV tank: the armour and the mobility are lacking
  • A viewing port in the turret allows enemies to kill the gunner with machine gun fire
  • Open turret; susceptible to aerial gunfire or blast overpressure
  • Significantly hard to hit and kill an enemy aircraft with the 37 mm cannon
  • PzGr APHE belt with highest penetration values almost never penetrates armoured vehicles (aside from light and open-topped vehicles)
  • Can get overwhelmed if there are several planes with its low rate of fire
  • Once the cannon has overheated, cooling takes time and hinders combat performance

History

From 1943 onward Germany began to place more and more emphasis on self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs). This was because the Luftwaffe had lost their aerial supremacy they had maintained early in the war, as the Allied powers were able to completely outpace the German industry in terms of aircraft production. This lead to designs such as the 3.7 cm Flak auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen IV (sf) "Möbelwagen", which was succeeded by the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind - which was based on the Panzer IV chassis.

Designed in 1944, the Flakpanzer IV Ostwind (East Wind) was another Panzer IV based SPAAG, and it was designed to replace the earlier Wirbelwind. An unmodified Panzerkampfwagen IV chassis was used with the turret removed and replaced by a new open-topped hexagonal turret. The turret was open-topped to ventilate the large quantities of smoke generated by the gun, which would otherwise enter the enclosed crew compartment and cause harm to the crew. The armament of the Ostwind was a 3.7 cm Flak 43 anti-aircraft gun. The 37 mm gun was not only effective against aircraft, but also against lightly armoured vehicles and light fortifications. Compared to the Wirbelwind, the Ostwind had a slightly better protected turret and a more powerful armament. The Flak 43 was simply more powerful than the 2 cm Flak 38 guns of the Wirbelwind.

The Wehrmacht ordered 100 Flakpanzer IV Ostwinds in August 1944, but only 44 vehicles were completed between December 1944 and March 1945. 37 of the vehicles were converted from already existing PzKpfw IV tanks, and 7 were purpose-built. All conversions and constructions were carried out at Ostbau Werke in Sagan, Silesia (now in Poland).


Archive of the in-game description

A development of the Wirbelwind project. The goal of the Ostwind project was to increase the unit's firepower, protection, and effective range. For this purpose, a 3.7 cm FlaK 43 anti-air gun was installed on it, and its turret's armour was increased to 25 mm. The first prototype was completed in September, 1944. In the same month, on the 23rd, it was used in combat operations on the Eastern Front. Between 1944 and 1945 Ostbau-Sagan released 43 mounts. They were more effective than their predecessors had been.


Media

Skins
Videos
German SPAAs discusses the Ostwind at 2:22 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Related development

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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