Difference between revisions of "FlaK38 (20 mm)"

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[[File:Weapon FlaK38 (20 mm).png|thumb|right|x250px|The FlaK38 (20 mm) on the Sd.Kfz.234/3 gun mantlet.]]
 
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== 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.'' -->
+
The '''Flak 38 (20mm)''' is a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun used by various German forces throughout World War II. It was an improved version of the Flak 30, and had a higher fire rate and lower weight. It is a very effective cannon in game, capable of knocking out both planes and tanks.
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The '''20 mm FlaK38''' is a German anti-aircraft cannon.
 
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.'' -->
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The '''Flak38 (20mm)''' is a very impressive auto cannon, having an extremely good fire rate, and a good selection of belt types. It can be used to fight both air and ground target. The HEFI-T will take planes down with a few shots, while the HVAP-T have high penetrating power, enough to deal with most tanks at its BR. Although the HVAP-T rounds' post-penetration damage is poor, it makes up for that with its amazing fire rate.
−
The 20 mm FlaK38 is a very impressive autocannon, having an extremely good fire rate, and a good selection of belt types. It can be used to fight both air and ground target. The HEFI-T rounds will take planes down with a few shots, while HVAP-T has high penetrating power, enough to deal with most tanks at its BR. Although the HVAP-T rounds' post-penetration damage is poor, it makes up for that with its amazing fire rate.
 
  
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=== Available ammunition ===
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=== Available shells ===
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
! colspan="8" |Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" |Type of
 +
warhead
 +
! colspan="6" |'''Penetration''' ''in mm'' '''@ 90°'''
 +
|-
 +
!10m
 +
!100m
 +
!500m
 +
!1000m
 +
!1500m
 +
!2000m
 +
|-
 +
|PzGr
 +
|API-T
 +
|46
 +
|45
 +
|33
 +
|23
 +
|15
 +
|11
 +
|-
 +
|PzGr 40
 +
|HVAP-T
 +
|64
 +
|63
 +
|33
 +
|23
 +
|15
 +
|11
 +
|-
 +
|Sprgr.
 +
|HEFI-T
 +
|2
 +
|2
 +
|2
 +
|2
 +
|2
 +
|2
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
! colspan="11" |Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" |Type of
 +
warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity
 +
in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile
 +
Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" |''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" |''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" |''Explosive Mass in g(TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" |''Normalization At 30°from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" |''Ricochet:''
 +
|-
 +
!0%
 +
!50%
 +
!100%
 +
|-
 +
|PzGr
 +
|API-T
 +
|780
 +
|0.15
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
| -1°
 +
|47°
 +
|60°
 +
|65°
 +
|-
 +
|PzGr 40
 +
|HVAP-T
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|N/A
 +
|-
 +
|Sprgr.
 +
|HEFI-T
 +
|900
 +
|0.12
 +
|0.3
 +
|0.1
 +
|10.2
 +
| +0°
 +
|62°
 +
|69°
 +
|73°
 +
|}
  
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* '''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)}} - This mixed belt can be reliable against both aircraft and open-topped or lightly armoured vehicles like SPAA.
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=== Belt types ===
−
* '''Sprgr.:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}} - This belt is only useful for fighting planes or lightly armoured/open topped vehicles.
 
−
* '''PzGr.:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - This belt offers a good transition from the ''Default'' to the ''PzGr 40'' APCR belt. The round offers decent use and damage against lightly armoured tanks, especially at close range. Due to lack of high-explosive filler however, it is better to focus on the ''PzGr 40'' belt to maximize penetration power.
 
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* '''PzGr.40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}} - This belt is best for fighting tanks. While the damage effects post-penetration are quite poor, the rapid-fire from the autocannon will wreck most tanks at this BR. In close combat, these shells should be used against modules and crew members to make the most of each shell. Against angled armour however, the APCR ammo may not be very effective.
 
  
−
{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, API-T, HVAP-T}}
+
* '''Default:''' API-T · HEFI-T - Half of the shells (HEFI-T) are useless against tanks while the other 50% (API-T) is useless against planes. However, this belt is reliable against open-topped or lightly armored vehicles like SPAA vehicles.
 +
* '''Sprgr.:''' HEFI-T - This belt is only useful for fighting planes or lightly armoured/open topped vehicles.
 +
* '''PzGr:''' API-T - This belt offers a good transition from the ''Default'' to the ''PzGr 40'' APCR belt. The round offers decent use and damage against lightly armored tanks, especially at close range. Due to lack of high-explosive filler however, it is better to focus on the ''PzGr 40'' belt to maximize penetration power.
 +
* '''PzGr 40:''' HVAP-T - This belt is best for fighting tanks. While the damage effects post-penetration are quite poor, the rapid-fire from the autocannon will wreck most tanks at this BR. In close combat, these shells should be used against modules and crew members to make the most of each shell. Against angled armor, however, the APCR ammo may not be very effective.
  
 
=== 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 these type of weapons.''
  
 
* [[KwK30 (20 mm)]]
 
* [[KwK30 (20 mm)]]
 
* [[KwK38 (20 mm)]]
 
* [[KwK38 (20 mm)]]
−
* [[20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)]]
+
* [[Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)]]
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''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.'' -->
+
The FlaK38 (20mm) is a very versatile cannon. With its high fire rate and access to HEFI-T rounds, taking planes down will be an easy task. It can also be utilized to fight ground vehicles, as the HVAP-T can penetrate 64mm of armour at point-blank range. Although the post-penetration damage is poor, the high fire rate makes up for this fault.
−
The FlaK38 is a very versatile cannon. With its high fire rate and access to HEFI-T rounds, taking planes down will be an easy task. It can also be utilized to fight ground vehicles, as the HVAP-T can penetrate 48 mm of armour at point-blank range. Although the post-penetration damage is poor, the high fire rate makes up for this fault.
 
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
−
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Very high fire rate, will take down planes very quickly
 
* Very high fire rate, will take down planes very quickly
 
* Can fight ground vehicles
 
* Can fight ground vehicles
−
* 48 mm of penetration with the HVAP-T round
+
* 64mm of penetration with the HVAP-T round
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Reloading rate is slow compared to other AA guns at its rank
 
* Reloading rate is slow compared to other AA guns at its rank
 
* Magazine is emptied very fast when firing continuously
 
* Magazine is emptied very fast when firing continuously
 +
 +
*
  
 
== 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>.'' -->
+
The '''Flak 38''' was an improved version of the '''Flak 30''', which were both 20 mm anti-aircraft guns used by various German forces throughout World War II. It was not only the primary German light anti-aircraft gun, but by far the most numerously produced German artillery piece throughout the war. It was produced in a variety of models, notably the '''Flakvierling 38''' which combined four Flak 38 autocannons onto a single carriage, which can be found on the [[Wirbelwind|Wirblewind]] in game.
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The Treaty of Versailles after World War I prevented Germany from developing anti-aircraft guns. As a result, German companies such as Rheinmetall bought shares or set up subsidiaries in Sweden or other nations to get around the restriction. The FlaK38 is a product of exploiting this loophole. Beginning life as the Swiss Solothurn ST-5 which was adopted by the Kriegsmarine (Germany Navy) as the [[2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm)|2 cm/65 C/30]], it was prone to jamming and had only 20 rounds in a magazine. The Heer (German Army) would also adopt the C/30 as the FlaK30 that could be dropped off a two-wheeled carriage and leveled with cranks to serve in combat as an anti-aircraft weapon. The Heer also adapted the gun for the [[Pz.II C]] as the [[KwK30 (20 mm)|KwK30]]. Due to the low rate of fire of 120 rpm, the design was upgraded by Rheinmetall in 1938 creating the FlaK38. This variant was lighter but also fired at a rate of 220 rpm. This new model was accepted into service in 1939 and soon followed by a mounted variant for the [[Pz.II F]] called the [[KwK38 (20 mm)|KwK38]]. The FlaK38 would be the Heer's main anti-aircraft gun for most of the war and after the Battle of France, where the Germans recognized the need for a self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle. They developed the [[Flakpanzer I]] and [[Flakpanzer 38]] by mounting the FlaK38 on the chassis of obsolete tank designs in the form of the Panzer I and [[Pz.38(t) A|Pz.38(t)]] along with more modern designs based on half-tracks and [[Pz.IV (Family)|Pz.IV]] designs such as the Modelwagen. One of the most unique variants of the FlaK38 called the Flakvierling was a quad-mount developed to counter the increasing speeds of enemy aircraft by volume of fire. Along with use on half-tracks and trucks and in the Kriegsmarine as the [[2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38 (20 mm)|2 cm/65 Flakvierling 38]], it was the armament of the Panzer IV-based [[Wirbelwind]]. The Wirbelwind (German for Whirlwind) mounted the Flakvierling in an open-topped turret due to the gases produced by the guns. The Flakvierling 38 was also notably mounted on Hitler's private train.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
''An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
−
 
 
−
;Images
 
−
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="x250px">
 
−
File:Weapon FlaK38 (20 mm) breech.png|<small>The FlaK38 (20 mm) breech in the Sd.Kfz.234/3.</small>
 
−
</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.''
Line 70: Line 158:
 
== 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 weapon;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  

Revision as of 06:00, 23 April 2020

Description

The Flak 38 (20mm) is a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun used by various German forces throughout World War II. It was an improved version of the Flak 30, and had a higher fire rate and lower weight. It is a very effective cannon in game, capable of knocking out both planes and tanks.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

General info

The Flak38 (20mm) is a very impressive auto cannon, having an extremely good fire rate, and a good selection of belt types. It can be used to fight both air and ground target. The HEFI-T will take planes down with a few shots, while the HVAP-T have high penetrating power, enough to deal with most tanks at its BR. Although the HVAP-T rounds' post-penetration damage is poor, it makes up for that with its amazing fire rate.

Available shells

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of

warhead

Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
PzGr API-T 46 45 33 23 15 11
PzGr 40 HVAP-T 64 63 33 23 15 11
Sprgr. HEFI-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Type of

warhead

Velocity

in m/s

Projectile

Mass in kg

Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g(TNT equivalent): Normalization At 30°from horizontal: Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
PzGr API-T 780 0.15 N/A N/A N/A -1° 47° 60° 65°
PzGr 40 HVAP-T N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Sprgr. HEFI-T 900 0.12 0.3 0.1 10.2 +0° 62° 69° 73°

Belt types

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T - Half of the shells (HEFI-T) are useless against tanks while the other 50% (API-T) is useless against planes. However, this belt is reliable against open-topped or lightly armored vehicles like SPAA vehicles.
  • Sprgr.: HEFI-T - This belt is only useful for fighting planes or lightly armoured/open topped vehicles.
  • PzGr: API-T - This belt offers a good transition from the Default to the PzGr 40 APCR belt. The round offers decent use and damage against lightly armored tanks, especially at close range. Due to lack of high-explosive filler however, it is better to focus on the PzGr 40 belt to maximize penetration power.
  • PzGr 40: HVAP-T - This belt is best for fighting tanks. While the damage effects post-penetration are quite poor, the rapid-fire from the autocannon will wreck most tanks at this BR. In close combat, these shells should be used against modules and crew members to make the most of each shell. Against angled armor, however, the APCR ammo may not be very effective.

Comparison with analogues

Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns, that have firepower equal to these type of weapons.

Usage in battles

The FlaK38 (20mm) is a very versatile cannon. With its high fire rate and access to HEFI-T rounds, taking planes down will be an easy task. It can also be utilized to fight ground vehicles, as the HVAP-T can penetrate 64mm of armour at point-blank range. Although the post-penetration damage is poor, the high fire rate makes up for this fault.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very high fire rate, will take down planes very quickly
  • Can fight ground vehicles
  • 64mm of penetration with the HVAP-T round

Cons:

  • Reloading rate is slow compared to other AA guns at its rank
  • Magazine is emptied very fast when firing continuously

History

The Flak 38 was an improved version of the Flak 30, which were both 20 mm anti-aircraft guns used by various German forces throughout World War II. It was not only the primary German light anti-aircraft gun, but by far the most numerously produced German artillery piece throughout the war. It was produced in a variety of models, notably the Flakvierling 38 which combined four Flak 38 autocannons onto a single carriage, which can be found on the Wirblewind in game.

Media

An excellent addition to the article would be a video guide, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

See also

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;
  • references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on weapon;
  • other literature.


Germany anti-aircraft guns
15 mm  MG 151
20 mm  FlaK38 · Rh202
30 mm  MK103/38
37 mm  FlaK36 · FlaK43 · FlaK44
  Foreign:
35 mm  Oerlikon KDA (Swiss)

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