The German 8.8cm Flugabwehrkanone (flight defence cannon, or FlaK) gun is one of the most famous guns in the world.
This set contains:
- Two 8.8cm FlaK 36 guns
- Two Scenic bases for the guns
- Two medium sixed scenic base for additional crew (for ROF 3)
- Two Sd kfz 7 (8-ton) half-track tractors
- One Command team
- One Kfz 15 field car
The Wehrmacht requested a heavier gun than the Krupps/Bofors developed 75mm and so Krupps designed the 8.8cm FlaK 18.
It entered production in 1933. The Flak 18 was a large gun with a long, one-piece barrel mounted on a pivoted cruciform carriage with two axles. This arrangement allowed for a rapid deployment in which outriggers were lowered to support the gun and the wheel trailers were removed. Experience in the Spanish Civil War led to minor improvements. A more robust transport carriage was designed.
A multi-section barrel was introduced which allowed faster barrel changing after heavy use, as only the worn section of barrel needed to be changed. These improvements were incorporated in the new Flak 36.
The 88 was tested in the anti-tank role in Spain, and was definitely being used in that role during the Blitzkrieg against Poland and France.
It’s major drawback as an anti-tank gun was its size, the 88 had difficulty operating from concealment, particularly on a mobile battlefield. Despite this it proved itself throughout the war as an excellent multi-role weapon. Even with the advent of improved 8.8cm and 12.8cm heavy anti-tank guns the 8.8cm FlaK 36 still played an important heavy anti-tank role on the battlefields of 1944 and 1945.
Their extremely long range and high rate of fire let them pick off opposition from a safe distance. The FlaK 36 was the backbone of German anti-aircraft defence, and accounted for a large bulk of Allied aircraft shot down by anti-aircraft guns.
- Deployment EML: Can be deployed at early/mid/late stages of war
About Flames of War:
Flames of War is a tactical miniature wargame produced by Battlefront Miniatures.
Re-create the tension and excitement of real battles using a vast array of elements including infantry, tanks, artillery, terrain and aircraft.
The models are intensely researched by the Flames of War team and they are committed to producing the most detailed range of WWII models available. The models are made from either polyester resin or cast metal to give both robustness and sharp details.
Flames of War is popular with WWII experts and novices alike as the Flames of War rulebook gives all the information you need to enjoy the game, from assembly and painting instructions to historical background information, game rules and scenarios.
There are many scenarios you can follow, whether it’s an all-out battle or highly tactical objective taking missions. You can battle it out against a single opponent or team up with friends to form groups.