#SPAA

This article will summarize the history of the German Panzerkampfwagen IV medium tank and its variants, including their development, production, and service history. The Pz.Kpfw. IV was one of the most produced fully tracked German armoured vehicles of the Second World War, second only to the Sturmgeschütz III assault gun. In addition to its original role as a medium tank, the chassis of the Pz.Kpfw. IV served as a versatile platform for many self-propelled weapon designs.

The Machbet (Hebrew: מחבט, or “racket”) is an Israeli upgrade of the M163 Vulcan Air Defense System (VADS) developed by Israeli Aircraft Industries, or IAI. Compared to the preceding M163 and Hovet, the Machbet retains the 20 mm M168 cannon but trades out the antiquated AN/VPS-2 tracking radar for a new FLIR/IR optical tracker and is equipped with a quad FIM-92 Stinger launcher, allowing it to combat enemy aircraft at distances beyond the gun’s effective range. The Machbet also has thermals and a laser rangefinder to aid with spotting and targeting enemy aircraft.

The ASRAD-R, a standout among the many SPAA systems at Rank VII, often flies under the radar compared to its more widely recognized counterparts. However, this should not be mistaken for a lack of lethality. Equipped with an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system and smokeless missiles, its enemies won’t know that they’re under attack until it’s too late to react. In competent hands, the ASRAD-R can prove a headache for opposing CAS pilots.

The Skink is one of the most iconic Canadian vehicles produced during World War II; the result of Canadian designers' and engineers' concept to fill a role that was required overseas. However, due to setbacks and production limitations, by the time it was ready it was no longer needed. Unlike most delayed projects, the Skink did see service and was operated in the European theater.