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For historical information, Wikipedia has an article on Wirbelwind.

Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind is a German anti-aircraft tank.

Description[]

The Wirbelwind (whirlwind) was introduced in 1944 to fulfill the need of the German army for a anti-air defense system that could accompany armored columns and counter the increasing threat posed by Allied fighter bombers. Basically it was created by replacing the regular turret of a Panzer IV with a 20mm Flakvierling 38 in an open topped turret. The Wirbelwind proved to be effective, but was never available in sufficient numbers.

As its role suggests, in BattleGroup42 the Wirbelwind is useful against enemy aircraft. Its is also somewhat useful against light vehicles and infantry. However, the first position is open top, hence is vulnerable to small arms fire from above. The guns are fired in pairs, and the firing for the guns on the left are independent from those on the right.

The second position, the MG 34 in the hull, helps fending off infantry directly in front of the Flakpanzer.

The Wirbelwind appears from July 1944 onwards in European theatre.

Trivia[]

The Wirbelwind's model is based on the original Battlefield 1942's Panzer IV.

Gallery[]

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