Difference between revisions of "Flakpanzer I"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_flakpanzer_I_ausf_A}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=germ_flakpanzer_I_ausf_A
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.-->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''2 cm Flak 38 auf Panzer I Ausführung A (Flakpanzer I)''' is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun built by Germany during World War II on existing Panzer I light tank chassis. During the Battle of France, it was recognized that motorized anti-air units were insufficiently armoured. The German Heereswaffenamt decided to combine light anti-aircraft cannons with a light tank chassis. Since the Panzer I light tank chassis was readily available, it was used for these conversions. Stoewer was in charge of the conversions. There was a total of 24 of these vehicles built.
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{{break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before [[Update 1.41]].
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Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the Flakpanzer I is a highly flexible and powerful vehicle. It works best when used to assist teammates in engaging enemy ground units and against unaware enemy aircraft. Despite its primary mission of engaging enemy aircraft, the Flakpanzer I also excels in anti-ground roles. Turret traverse is extremely fast, allowing it to respond almost instantly to new threats.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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<!--Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
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If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.-->
 
 
[[File:Armor_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|thumb|left|Note the exposed gunner position]]
 
[[File:Armor_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|thumb|left|Note the exposed gunner position]]
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The Flakpanzer I has an exceptionally poor survivability. Even frontally, where the protection is at its best, it can be destroyed with a machine gun. 7mm of gun shield can be penetrated even by the 6.5mm tracer rounds, while anything with 6mm of penetration can penetrate the driver's optics. If that wouldn't be enough, the Flakpanzer is also hull-breakable, so early-rank vehicles firing HEAT or HE rounds are able to one-shot you. Furthermore - artillery strikes should be avoided at all cost, as they have a very wide shrapnel radius, what combined with a very exposed gunner means certain loss even if the shell explodes meters away.
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The Flakpanzer I has exceptionally poor survivability. Even frontally, where the protection is at its best, it can be destroyed with a machine gun. The 7 mm gun shield can be penetrated even by 6.5 mm tracer rounds, while anything with 6 mm of penetration can penetrate the driver's optics. If that isn't enough, the Flakpanzer is also hull-breakable, so early-rank vehicles firing HEAT or HE rounds are able to one-shot you. Furthermore - artillery strikes should be avoided at all cost, as they have a very wide shrapnel radius, which combined with a very exposed gunner means certain loss even if the shell explodes metres away.
  
 
As far as crew skills go, the exposed gunner the plays a role of the gunner, commander and loader, with all the associated crew roles.
 
As far as crew skills go, the exposed gunner the plays a role of the gunner, commander and loader, with all the associated crew roles.
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
[[File:Flakpanzer I hillclimb.jpg|thumb|right|Flakpanzer I can access locations impossible to reach with wheeled AA]]
 
[[File:Flakpanzer I hillclimb.jpg|thumb|right|Flakpanzer I can access locations impossible to reach with wheeled AA]]
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 81|rbMinHp= 50|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}
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{{tankMobility|abMinHp=81|rbMinHp=50}}
  
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The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is the worst among contemporary AA systems, at 31 km/h forward (RB) and -6 km/h backwards, it's especially troublesome on the flat, hard surfaces where other AA guns of the BR can often do over double the maximum speed. Where it has an advantage is in an extremely rough terrain or climbing the hill, where its tracks and a good power-to-weight ratio (10.36 hp/ton fully upgraded in RB) provide a noticeable advantage over the wheeled vehicles, it's still loosing to the tracked AAs such as Swedish [[Pvlvv fm/42]] (14.17 hp/ton, max speed of 49 km/h, fully upgraded in RB).
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The mobility of the {{PAGENAME}} is the worst among contemporary AA systems, at 31 km/h forward (RB) and -6 km/h backwards, it's especially troublesome on the flat, hard surfaces where other AA guns of the BR can often do over double the maximum speed. Where it has an advantage is in extremely rough terrain or hill climbing, where its tracks and a good power-to-weight ratio (10.36 hp/ton fully upgraded in RB) provide a noticeable advantage over the wheeled vehicles, though it still loses to the tracked AAs such as the Swedish [[Pvlvv fm/42]] (14.17 hp/ton, max speed of 49 km/h, fully upgraded in RB).
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=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
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After researching ''Parts'' and ''FPE'', one should prioritize reaching the ''PzGr 40'' modification as soon as possible. The path towards it should lead through ''PzGr'' (as it significantly increases anti-tank capability over the Default ammunition belt until the ''PzGr 40'' is researched) and ''Crew Replenishment'', otherwise leaving it largely up to personal preference, as the {{PAGENAME}} largely features good mobility and accuracy.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
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<!--Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.-->
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
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{{main|FlaK 38 (20 mm)}}
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<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
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{{main|FlaK38 (20 mm)}}
  
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The {{PAGENAME}} is armed with the 20 mm FlaK 38 cannon, which turns out to be fantastic for a cannon of this rank. It boasts a high fire rate, 20-round magazines, useful HE rounds to shred low-flying planes, 46 mm penetration AP-I, and 64 mm pen APCR. The gun will destroy most enemies it can encounter with the APCR belt, even though it is only half APCR.
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The {{PAGENAME}} is armed with the 20 mm FlaK38 cannon, which turns out to be fantastic for a cannon of this rank. It boasts a high fire rate, 20-round magazines, useful HE rounds to shred low-flying planes, 37 mm penetration AP-I, and 48 mm pen APCR. The gun will destroy most enemies it can encounter with the APCR belt, and can easily be used even if uptiered. The gun offers excellent handling, being able to quickly guide on targets and has just enough ammunition to either cripple or outright destroy most hostile tanks. It's not as great against aircraft, but using shorter, controlled bursts one can achieve much better results than by spray-and-pray
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
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! colspan="5" | [[FlaK 38 (20 mm)|20 mm FlaK 38 cannon]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
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! colspan="6" | [[FlaK38 (20 mm)|20 mm FlaK38]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
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! Mode
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! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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! Capacity
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! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Vertical
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! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
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! Horizontal
 
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! Stabilizer
 
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! Stock
 
−
! Upgraded
 
−
! Full
 
−
! Expert
 
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! Aced
 
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! Stock
 
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! Full
 
−
! Expert
 
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! Aced
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
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| rowspan="2" | 320 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+87° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | No || 30.82 || 42.66 || 51.78  || 57.26  || 60.94 || rowspan="2" | 3.9 || rowspan="2" | 3.9 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3
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| rowspan="2" | 320 (20) || rowspan="2" | 480 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+87° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 30.82 || 42.66 || 51.80 || 57.28 || 60.94 || rowspan="2" | 3.90 || rowspan="2" | 3.45 || rowspan="2" | 3.18 || rowspan="2" | 3.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
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| 20.83 || 24.5  || 29.75 || 32.9  || 35
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| 20.83 || 24.50 || 29.75 || 32.90 || 35.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
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==== Ammunition ====
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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)}}
 +
* '''Sprgr.:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
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* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
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* '''PzGr 40:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
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 +
{{:FlaK38 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, API-T, HVAP-T}}
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
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The way ammo racks work on the {{PAGENAME}} is very unusual. There is no ammo racks for individual cartridges of ammunition. Instead, there's a permanent ammo rack until the final cardrige is loaded into the gun, in which case all ammo racks disappear, including the one visible to be loaded into the gun, while there's still 20 bullets ready to be fired.
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[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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| '''16''' || 1 ''(+15)'' || Yes
 
| '''16''' || 1 ''(+15)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
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|}{{Clear|both}}
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|}
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The way ammo racks work on the {{PAGENAME}} is very unusual. There are no ammo racks for individual cartridges of ammunition. Instead, there's a permanent ammo rack until the final cartridge is loaded into the gun, at which point all ammo racks disappear, including the one visible to be loaded into the gun, while there's still 20 bullets ready to be fired.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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<!--Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).-->
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
[[File:Flakpanzer I AntiTank.jpg|thumb|right|Flakpanzer I is perfectly capable of dealing with enemy tanks, with PzGr 40 being able to penetrate tanks through frontal armour]]
 +
The Flakpanzer I is an extremely versatile and potent vehicle, working largely as a glass cannon on the battlefield. It's best used as a flanker and tank-destroyer with situational use against unaware patrolling aircraft. The chassis is not particularly stable, making it more tricky to shoot on the move and easy to roll over. Turret traverse is very fast, allowing it to react to new threats and often fire the crippling shots before the enemy fully emerges from cover. While it can essentially spray 20 mm rounds at targets, it is advisable to maintain trigger control and conserve ammunition, firing only when needed because reload time between ammunition magazines is punishing, often being longer than hostile vehicles', giving them a better chance to take a second shot if the first one missed.
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 +
When shooting planes, avoid opening fire when the plane is far away from you. This will only waste your ammo and give your position away to both the plane and enemy tanks. Instead you have two tactics: one is to passively wait until the plane flies close and is unaware of you, then suddenly open fire. The other tactic is a bit risky. First, find good cover so you are not likely to get shot from tanks. Then regardless of the plane's distance from you, fire some random shells at it to get their attention. Once they know you're there, a lot of pilots will turn towards you and try to kill you, knowing that SPAAs usually have weak protection. When they're flying head-on towards you, use the fast fire rate and spray a stream of shells in their path and wait for them to crash into your shells, then quickly move away to dodge their bullets. Tip: aim slightly above the plane to compensate for the shell drop, as the distance between you and the plane is usually greater than you think.
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 +
While the gun is great, there are some enemies it encounters that you should straight-up avoid if at all possible. These are the [[Valentine Mk I]], [[B1 bis]], and [[B1 ter]]. If used in 1.7 lineups, the [[Matilda Mk II]], [[T-28E]], and [[M3 Lee]]/[[Grant I|Grant]] are also significant threats. The Flakpanzer I can opportunistically destroy the B1 bis, T-28E, and M3 Lee variations in some situations, but the B1 ter, Valentine, and Matilda are totally immune even to the APCR belt outside of lucky hits in the turret ring.
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 +
The best tactic against hard targets is to use the Flakpanzer's adequate speed, get within 200 m of them and attack, with shooting at point-blank range being the most effective way. Before conducting an attack, check the Flakpanzer's and the enemy's surroundings to make sure no one will ambush the Flakpanzer. Once the tank is at the ideal distance, manoeuvre so that the gun is vertical to their armour. Do not shoot if the enemy is angling! The small calibre 20 mm gun is very likely to bounce off or not penetrate against sloped armour.
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 +
For the Matilda III, shoot at the middle of the near-vertical frontal plate to knock out the driver first, since the 20 mm shell is not enough to knock out the gunner after penetrating. Once it is immobile, go to its side and finish it by spraying shells at its hull sides, or shoot the right side of the gun mantlet to disable its gunner. For best chance of penetration, do not shoot its turret side.
  
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The Flakpanzer I is extremely versatile, but unfortunately the trade-off for a lighter vehicle is the lack of protective armour. This vehicle is best used as a flanker and tank-destroyer with situational use against unaware patrolling aircraft. The mounting platform of the gun is very wobbly, so do not expect to be able to do quick reaction shots in surprise encounters. Turret traverse is very fast, however, allowing it to react fast when not moving to new threats not immediately aware of its presence. While it can essentially spray 20 mm rounds at targets, it is advisable to maintain trigger control and conserve ammunition, firing when absolutely need to because reload time between ammunition magazines is rather long and punishing for the rank when time is of the essence.  
+
For the B1, either aim for the near-vertical frontal armour plate at the right side of the hull, or the turret ring to incapacitate the commander/gunner, or simply move to its side and knock out the crews one by one by hitting its flat side armour. Remember to avoid its hull mounted 75 mm gun as it is very lethal to the Flakpanzer.
  
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While the gun is great, there are some enemies it encounters that you should straight-up avoid if at all possible. These are the Valentine Mk I, B1 bis, and B1 ter. If used in 1.7 lineups, the Matilda Mk II, T-28E, and M3 Lee/Grant are also significant threats. The Flakpanzer I can opportunistically destroy the B1 bis, T-28E, and M3 Lee variations in some situations, but the B1 ter, Valentine, and Matilda are totally immune even to the APCR belt outside lucky turret ring hits.
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[[File:Flakpanzer I AAduty.jpg|thumb|right|Flakpanzer I was designed as an anti-aircraft gun]]
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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* High penetrating gun for the rank
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* Fast turret traverse
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* Great firepower: wonderful combination of rapid rate of fire, adequate velocity, 20 round mag and various belt types- Sprgr. belt is destructive against low tier aircraft, while PzGr 40 is very deadly against armoured targets (e.g. [[M3A3 (Italy)|M3A3]], [[T-60]] or even the [[B1 bis]])
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* Mobile enough
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* Fast turret traverse allows it to keep up with close/fast targets easily, while the great gun elevation and depression means it can fight in any terrain
 +
* Small profile allows it to hide behind cover or bushes easily, which mitigates for its lack of protection
 +
* Thin turret armour can make some shells over-penetrate, dealing little damage
 
* Responsive handling
 
* Responsive handling
−
* High rate-of-fire
 
−
* Large magazine size for ammunition
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Long reload times
+
 
−
* Gun is insufficient against the more armoured opponents
+
* Extremely poor survivability: only two crew protected by hull-breakable thin armour makes it easily to get destroyed- common threats include artillery strike, nearby bombs, strafing planes, MGs (e.g. [[M13 MGMC|M13]], [[GAZ-AAA (DShK)|GAZ-AAA]]) and HEAT (e.g. [[M8 General Scott (Family)|M8]], [[Chi-Ha (China)|Chi-Ha]])
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* Nonexistent armour and survivability due to two crew and hull-breakability
+
* Top speed of only 30 km/h makes it the slowest among counterparts and limits its ability to get to certain spots
−
* Many of the other vehicles it will face are faster than it
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* Slow reverse speed of only 5 km/h can get the player killed due to not being able to retreat from danger quickly
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* Vulnerable to surprise-strafing from planes
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle 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 vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
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=== In-game description ===
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{{break}}
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{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
In early 1940, the ordnance logistics department directed the Alkett and Daimler-Benz companies to develop a weapon mount with a circular field of fire, to be mounted on the chassis of the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A tank. The outdated chassis was used since the Germans were intensely seeking alternative ways to use chassis.
 
In early 1940, the ordnance logistics department directed the Alkett and Daimler-Benz companies to develop a weapon mount with a circular field of fire, to be mounted on the chassis of the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A tank. The outdated chassis was used since the Germans were intensely seeking alternative ways to use chassis.
  
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The Flakpanzer I had a hull, engine, transmission, and chassis which were similar to the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A tank. In the modified turret box, in the place of the dismantled old turret, a 20 mm Flak 38 gun was installed on a platform. The gun had an operational fire rate of 220 rounds per minute and allowed the tank to effectively engage low-flying targets. This gun's vertical angle ranged from -10 to 87 degrees.
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The Flakpanzer I had a hull, engine, transmission, and chassis which were similar to the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A tank. In the modified turret box, in the place of the dismantled old turret, a 20 mm Flak 38 gun was installed on a platform. The gun had an operational fire rate of 220 rounds per minute and allowed the tank to effectively engage low-flying targets. This gun's vertical angle could range from -10 to 87 degrees.
 +
 
 +
A total of 24 of these self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were built. Two more were built with 2 cm FlaK 30 guns.
  
−
A total of 24 of these self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicles were built with two more built utilising 2 cm FlaK 30 guns.
 
 
All of the Flakpanzer I guns which were released were used by the 614th flak battalion, which fought on the Eastern Front at Stalingrad. The guns were often used for direct fire support for ground troops, firing against ground targets.
 
All of the Flakpanzer I guns which were released were used by the 614th flak battalion, which fought on the Eastern Front at Stalingrad. The guns were often used for direct fire support for ground troops, firing against ground targets.
  
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One of their flaws was that the trajectory calculation was cumbersome. In order to compensate for this, folding metal sides were added, but they did not do much to remedy the situation. Therefore, attacking ground targets required 5 people, but anti-aircraft fire required a crew of 8. The anti-aircraft vehicle was protected by nothing but its front armour. Most of the ammunition was placed in a specially designed Sd.Ah.51 trailer. Communication between vehicles was carried out using signal flags since the radio equipment had been dismantled.
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One of their flaws was that the trajectory calculation was cumbersome. In order to compensate for this, folding metal sides were added, but they did not do much to remedy the situation. Therefore, attacking ground targets required 5 people, but anti-aircraft fire required a crew of 8. The anti-aircraft vehicle was protected by nothing but its front armour. Most of the ammunition was placed in a specially designed Sd.Ah.51 trailer. Communication between vehicles was carried out using signal flags, since the radio equipment had been dismantled.
  
 
The vehicle's biggest advantage was that the 20 mm anti-aircraft guns could be dismantled and installed on a platform towed behind the vehicle. These dismantling and installation procedures took 4 and 6 minutes, respectively.
 
The vehicle's biggest advantage was that the 20 mm anti-aircraft guns could be dismantled and installed on a platform towed behind the vehicle. These dismantling and installation procedures took 4 and 6 minutes, respectively.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_flakpanzer_I_ausf_A Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:46 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== 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 series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Vehicles of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 
 +
* [[Flakpanzer 38]]
 +
* [[Ta-Se]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wikipedia:Flakpanzer_I|[Wikipedia] Flakpanzer I]]
 +
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/Flakpanzer-I.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia] Flakpanzer I</nowiki>]
  
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
 
{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 10:12, 21 November 2023

Flakpanzer I
germ_flakpanzer_i_ausf_a.png
GarageImage Flakpanzer I.jpg
ArtImage Flakpanzer I.png
Flakpanzer I
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.3
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The 2 cm Flak 38 auf Panzer I Ausführung A (Flakpanzer I) is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun built by Germany during World War II on existing Panzer I light tank chassis. During the Battle of France, it was recognized that motorized anti-air units were insufficiently armoured. The German Heereswaffenamt decided to combine light anti-aircraft cannons with a light tank chassis. Since the Panzer I light tank chassis was readily available, it was used for these conversions. Stoewer was in charge of the conversions. There was a total of 24 of these vehicles built.

Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the Flakpanzer I is a highly flexible and powerful vehicle. It works best when used to assist teammates in engaging enemy ground units and against unaware enemy aircraft. Despite its primary mission of engaging enemy aircraft, the Flakpanzer I also excels in anti-ground roles. Turret traverse is extremely fast, allowing it to respond almost instantly to new threats.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull13 / 13 / 13
Turret7 / 0 / 0
Crew2 people
Visibility71 %
Note the exposed gunner position

The Flakpanzer I has exceptionally poor survivability. Even frontally, where the protection is at its best, it can be destroyed with a machine gun. The 7 mm gun shield can be penetrated even by 6.5 mm tracer rounds, while anything with 6 mm of penetration can penetrate the driver's optics. If that isn't enough, the Flakpanzer is also hull-breakable, so early-rank vehicles firing HEAT or HE rounds are able to one-shot you. Furthermore - artillery strikes should be avoided at all cost, as they have a very wide shrapnel radius, which combined with a very exposed gunner means certain loss even if the shell explodes metres away.

As far as crew skills go, the exposed gunner the plays a role of the gunner, commander and loader, with all the associated crew roles.

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 13 mm (1° - 66°) 13 mm 13 mm 8 - 0 mm
Turret 7 mm 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB34 / 7 km/h
RB and SB31 / 6 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight5.5 t
Engine power
AB109 hp
RB and SB57 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB19.8 hp/t
RB and SB10.4 hp/t
Flakpanzer I can access locations impossible to reach with wheeled AA
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 34 7 5.5 81 109 14.73 19.82
Realistic 31 6 50 57 9.09 10.36

The mobility of the Flakpanzer I is the worst among contemporary AA systems, at 31 km/h forward (RB) and -6 km/h backwards, it's especially troublesome on the flat, hard surfaces where other AA guns of the BR can often do over double the maximum speed. Where it has an advantage is in extremely rough terrain or hill climbing, where its tracks and a good power-to-weight ratio (10.36 hp/ton fully upgraded in RB) provide a noticeable advantage over the wheeled vehicles, though it still loses to the tracked AAs such as the Swedish Pvlvv fm/42 (14.17 hp/ton, max speed of 49 km/h, fully upgraded in RB).

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB102 → 131 Sl icon.png
RB90 → 115 Sl icon.png
SB139 → 178 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 985 Rp icon.png
905 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 20 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
135 Rp icon.png
Cost:
40 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_kwk_30_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png

After researching Parts and FPE, one should prioritize reaching the PzGr 40 modification as soon as possible. The path towards it should lead through PzGr (as it significantly increases anti-tank capability over the Default ammunition belt until the PzGr 40 is researched) and Crew Replenishment, otherwise leaving it largely up to personal preference, as the Flakpanzer I largely features good mobility and accuracy.

Armaments

Main armament

20 mm FlaK38 cannon
Ammunition320 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
3.9 → 3.0 s
Fire rate480 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 87°
Main article: FlaK38 (20 mm)

The Flakpanzer I is armed with the 20 mm FlaK38 cannon, which turns out to be fantastic for a cannon of this rank. It boasts a high fire rate, 20-round magazines, useful HE rounds to shred low-flying planes, 37 mm penetration AP-I, and 48 mm pen APCR. The gun will destroy most enemies it can encounter with the APCR belt, and can easily be used even if uptiered. The gun offers excellent handling, being able to quickly guide on targets and has just enough ammunition to either cripple or outright destroy most hostile tanks. It's not as great against aircraft, but using shorter, controlled bursts one can achieve much better results than by spray-and-pray

20 mm FlaK38 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 320 (20) 480 -10°/+87° ±180° N/A 30.82 42.66 51.80 57.28 60.94 3.90 3.45 3.18 3.00
Realistic 20.83 24.50 29.75 32.90 35.00

Ammunition

  • Default: API-T · HEFI-T* · HEFI-T* · HEFI-T*
  • Sprgr.: HEFI-T*
  • PzGr: API-T
  • PzGr 40: HVAP-T · API-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T* 5 4 3 2 2 2
API-T 37 34 23 14 9 6
HVAP-T 48 45 31 20 13 8
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T* 900 0.12 0.1 0.1 10.2 79° 80° 81°
API-T 800 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HVAP-T 1,050 0.1 - - - 66° 70° 72°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Flakpanzer I
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
16 1 (+15) Yes

The way ammo racks work on the Flakpanzer I is very unusual. There are no ammo racks for individual cartridges of ammunition. Instead, there's a permanent ammo rack until the final cartridge is loaded into the gun, at which point all ammo racks disappear, including the one visible to be loaded into the gun, while there's still 20 bullets ready to be fired.

Usage in battles

Flakpanzer I is perfectly capable of dealing with enemy tanks, with PzGr 40 being able to penetrate tanks through frontal armour

The Flakpanzer I is an extremely versatile and potent vehicle, working largely as a glass cannon on the battlefield. It's best used as a flanker and tank-destroyer with situational use against unaware patrolling aircraft. The chassis is not particularly stable, making it more tricky to shoot on the move and easy to roll over. Turret traverse is very fast, allowing it to react to new threats and often fire the crippling shots before the enemy fully emerges from cover. While it can essentially spray 20 mm rounds at targets, it is advisable to maintain trigger control and conserve ammunition, firing only when needed because reload time between ammunition magazines is punishing, often being longer than hostile vehicles', giving them a better chance to take a second shot if the first one missed.

When shooting planes, avoid opening fire when the plane is far away from you. This will only waste your ammo and give your position away to both the plane and enemy tanks. Instead you have two tactics: one is to passively wait until the plane flies close and is unaware of you, then suddenly open fire. The other tactic is a bit risky. First, find good cover so you are not likely to get shot from tanks. Then regardless of the plane's distance from you, fire some random shells at it to get their attention. Once they know you're there, a lot of pilots will turn towards you and try to kill you, knowing that SPAAs usually have weak protection. When they're flying head-on towards you, use the fast fire rate and spray a stream of shells in their path and wait for them to crash into your shells, then quickly move away to dodge their bullets. Tip: aim slightly above the plane to compensate for the shell drop, as the distance between you and the plane is usually greater than you think.

While the gun is great, there are some enemies it encounters that you should straight-up avoid if at all possible. These are the Valentine Mk I, B1 bis, and B1 ter. If used in 1.7 lineups, the Matilda Mk II, T-28E, and M3 Lee/Grant are also significant threats. The Flakpanzer I can opportunistically destroy the B1 bis, T-28E, and M3 Lee variations in some situations, but the B1 ter, Valentine, and Matilda are totally immune even to the APCR belt outside of lucky hits in the turret ring.

The best tactic against hard targets is to use the Flakpanzer's adequate speed, get within 200 m of them and attack, with shooting at point-blank range being the most effective way. Before conducting an attack, check the Flakpanzer's and the enemy's surroundings to make sure no one will ambush the Flakpanzer. Once the tank is at the ideal distance, manoeuvre so that the gun is vertical to their armour. Do not shoot if the enemy is angling! The small calibre 20 mm gun is very likely to bounce off or not penetrate against sloped armour.

For the Matilda III, shoot at the middle of the near-vertical frontal plate to knock out the driver first, since the 20 mm shell is not enough to knock out the gunner after penetrating. Once it is immobile, go to its side and finish it by spraying shells at its hull sides, or shoot the right side of the gun mantlet to disable its gunner. For best chance of penetration, do not shoot its turret side.

For the B1, either aim for the near-vertical frontal armour plate at the right side of the hull, or the turret ring to incapacitate the commander/gunner, or simply move to its side and knock out the crews one by one by hitting its flat side armour. Remember to avoid its hull mounted 75 mm gun as it is very lethal to the Flakpanzer.

Flakpanzer I was designed as an anti-aircraft gun

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great firepower: wonderful combination of rapid rate of fire, adequate velocity, 20 round mag and various belt types- Sprgr. belt is destructive against low tier aircraft, while PzGr 40 is very deadly against armoured targets (e.g. M3A3, T-60 or even the B1 bis)
  • Fast turret traverse allows it to keep up with close/fast targets easily, while the great gun elevation and depression means it can fight in any terrain
  • Small profile allows it to hide behind cover or bushes easily, which mitigates for its lack of protection
  • Thin turret armour can make some shells over-penetrate, dealing little damage
  • Responsive handling

Cons:

  • Extremely poor survivability: only two crew protected by hull-breakable thin armour makes it easily to get destroyed- common threats include artillery strike, nearby bombs, strafing planes, MGs (e.g. M13, GAZ-AAA) and HEAT (e.g. M8, Chi-Ha)
  • Top speed of only 30 km/h makes it the slowest among counterparts and limits its ability to get to certain spots
  • Slow reverse speed of only 5 km/h can get the player killed due to not being able to retreat from danger quickly

History


Archive of the in-game description

In early 1940, the ordnance logistics department directed the Alkett and Daimler-Benz companies to develop a weapon mount with a circular field of fire, to be mounted on the chassis of the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A tank. The outdated chassis was used since the Germans were intensely seeking alternative ways to use chassis.

The Flakpanzer I had a hull, engine, transmission, and chassis which were similar to the Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A tank. In the modified turret box, in the place of the dismantled old turret, a 20 mm Flak 38 gun was installed on a platform. The gun had an operational fire rate of 220 rounds per minute and allowed the tank to effectively engage low-flying targets. This gun's vertical angle could range from -10 to 87 degrees.

A total of 24 of these self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were built. Two more were built with 2 cm FlaK 30 guns.

All of the Flakpanzer I guns which were released were used by the 614th flak battalion, which fought on the Eastern Front at Stalingrad. The guns were often used for direct fire support for ground troops, firing against ground targets.

One of their flaws was that the trajectory calculation was cumbersome. In order to compensate for this, folding metal sides were added, but they did not do much to remedy the situation. Therefore, attacking ground targets required 5 people, but anti-aircraft fire required a crew of 8. The anti-aircraft vehicle was protected by nothing but its front armour. Most of the ammunition was placed in a specially designed Sd.Ah.51 trailer. Communication between vehicles was carried out using signal flags, since the radio equipment had been dismantled.

The vehicle's biggest advantage was that the 20 mm anti-aircraft guns could be dismantled and installed on a platform towed behind the vehicle. These dismantling and installation procedures took 4 and 6 minutes, respectively.


Media

Skins
Videos
German SPAAs discusses the Flakpanzer I at 0:46 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Vehicles of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Germany anti-aircraft vehicles
Wheeled  Sd.Kfz.222
Half-track  Sd.Kfz.251/21 · Sd.Kfz. 6/2
Flakpanzer IV  Wirbelwind · Ostwind · Ostwind II · Kugelblitz · Zerstörer 45
Other Flakpanzers  Flakpanzer I · Flakpanzer 38 · Flakpanzer 341
Wiesel AWC  Wiesel 1A4 · Ozelot
Radar SPAAG  Gepard · Gepard 1A2
Missile SPAA  FlaRakPz 1 · FlaRakRad

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