Flakpanzer IV (Furniture Van) Möbelwagen (Sd.Kfz.161/3)
3.7cm FlaK auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen IV (Sf)
Production Model Möbelwagen.
In early 1943, it was proposed to utilize PzKpfw IV's chassisfor anti-aircraft gun carrier urgently needed
by the front lines units.
Originally, Flakpanzer IV Möbelwagen armed with four 20mm Flak 38 guns was designed by Krupp in early 1943, but it was rejected
on May 14th of 1943 and did not enter production, although single prototype (or possibly few pre-production examples) was produced.
It was designated as 2cm Flakvierling auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen IV.Its design utilized well proven chassis of
Panzerkampfwagen IV which were provided by Krupp-Gruson.
The standard hull was modified and mounted with wider open-top superstructure with four hinged 20mm armor shields.
Shields could be lowered allowing all-round traverse when operating against low flying aircraft or ground targets.
The only prototype was ready in October of 1943 and was presented to Adolf Hitler on December 7th of 1943 but on
January 28th of 1944, an "interim solution" armed with 37mm Flak 43 was ordered.
Flakpanzer IV Möbelwagen was then modified and rearmed with 37mm Flak gun.
On April 7th of 1944, first 20 were produced and were put in service with Panzer Divisions stationed in the Western Europe
on June 15th of 1944. Production was to start in February but started in March of 1944, by Deutsche-Eisenwerke and
BMM and continued until March of 1945. During that period only 240(250) were produced and were issued
to Flugabwehrzug (AA platoons) units of Panzer Divisions stationed on the Western Front.Mobelwagen proved to be
adequate "interim solution", while real Flakpanzers were being designed.
2cm Flakvierling auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen IV (Sf)
Experimental Möbelwagen armed with four 20mm Flak 38 guns.
Front Superstructure: 50/9
Front Hull: 80/14
Front Gun Shield: 25/0
Side Superstructure: 30/0
Side Hull: 30/0
Side Gun Shield: 25/0
Rear Superstructure: 20/11
Rear Hull: 20/9
Rear Gun Shield: 25/0
Hull Top / Bottom: 10/90
Top / Bottom Gun Shield: open
