Difference between pages "Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J" and "Ostwind II"

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{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other versions
+
| usage = the single-barelled version
−
| link = Pz.IV (Family)
+
| link = Ostwind
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code=germ_panzerbefelhswagen_IV_ausf_J
+
|code=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind_2
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ([[Abbreviations#.28DE.29_Sd.Kfz._Index|Sd.Kfz. Index:]] '''Sd.Kfz. 161/2''') is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]].  
+
The '''Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind II"''' is an up-gunned modification of the [[Ostwind|Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind"]], which is the second variant of the [[Flakpanzer IV (Disambiguation)|Flakpanzer IV self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family]]. To increase the firing rate, the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" was redesigned with two 37 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone 43 cannons. A single prototype was built, but World War II ended before it could be fully completed.
  
−
The '''Panzerbefehlswagen IV Ausf. J''' was a command vehicle based on the [[Pz.IV J]], equipped with three radios – the FuG 8 and FuG 5 for communication with headquarters and with tanks and the FuG 7 for communication with aircraft. Each of these radios needed its own antenna – the FuG 8 had a star aerial at the right-rear of the tank, the FuG 5 a 2-meter rod aerial on the turret roof and the FuG 7 a 1.4 meter aerial at the rear left.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]], the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind II" is an improvement over its predecessors. The increased firepower is useful against aircraft that are much faster in its rank. Due to the sheer destructive power of the ammunition, most enemy aircraft can be brought down with a single hit. The platform, however, remains lightly armoured and should only be used to engage enemy ground units if absolutely necessary.
−
 
 
−
While the turret skirts are nothing new in the late Panzer IV series, the hull skirts are the wire mesh designs also known as Thoma-Schürzen which were easier to produce in the German industry, not to mention were lighter and could fulfil the same role as the regular plates.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
'''Armour type:'''
+
[[File:Ostwind II armour.jpg|alt=Ostwind II armour|right|thumb|x200px]]
  
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour
+
The frontal hull armour (80 mm) is quite well protected against small-calibre weapons and [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 cal HMGs]], the sides (30 mm) and rear (20 mm) are not as well protected.
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Cupola)
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
The turret is open at the top and has a rectangular recess in the right, frontal turret armour, because of the optics.
−
|-
 
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hull || 80 mm (11°) ''Front plate'' <br> 20 mm (72°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 80 mm (12-64°) ''Lower glacis'' || 30 mm || 30 mm (4-15°) || 26 mm ''Front'' <br> 10 mm ''Rear and hatches''
 
−
|-
 
−
| Turret || 50 mm (11°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50 mm (7-29°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 30 (23-26°) + 5 (0-1°) mm || 30 (15-17°) + 5 mm || 16 mm ''Front'' <br> 10 mm ''Rear''
 
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 95 mm || 95 mm || 95 mm || 10 mm
 
−
|}
 
−
'''Notes:'''
 
  
−
* Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
+
In addition, the steel of the turret (25 mm) is very weakly armoured, as well as the hull roof (10-12 mm).
−
* The hull and turret sides are protected by an extra 5 mm thick plate to provide protection against HEAT and HE rounds.
 
−
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
 
−
* Barrel shroud around gun barrel is 20 mm thick.
 
−
* [[Add-on Armor|Add-on Armour]] gives an additional 15 mm of armour can be added to the front facing surfaces.
 
  
−
The Pz.Bfw IV is vulnerable to most front shot engagement, especially so if no serious attempt is made in compound angling. The front plate in its unsloped format is an enticing target, but beware to not hit the front sloping glacis right in front of it as that area has a tendency to bounce everything. Also, avoid hitting straight into the ball machine gun and driver's port in the front as these also have a tendency to nullify an armour-piercing shot. When using APHE rounds, simply hit centre mass of the front plate and let the post-penetration effect do the rest.
+
Since the vehicle has a crew of six, with the driver and the machine gunner/radio operator in the hull, it usually survives the first attack from enemy aircraft as well as a shot into the turret.
−
 
 
−
In the case of a vehicle with a gun simply unable to penetrate this front plate, aim towards the turret that still retains a 50 mm front plate. Even the weaker non-autocannon armaments can penetrate through this front plate and incapacitate the turret crew. Aim for the turret left side (right side when shooting it) to knock out the gunner and deny their firepower, then chip away at weak spots until the threat is destroyed.
 
−
 
 
−
Alternatively, aim at the Panzer IV from its long vulnerable sides in cases where its slow turret traverse cannot keep up with a flanking manoeuvre or catching it in an ambush. The interior is fully stocked with ammo racks even when the user is taking a minimum load. Moreover, the fuel tank resides at the very bottom of the centre of the tank, so a penetrating shot with APHE will either detonate the ammunition, set the tank on fire, or knock out a good portion of the crew, if not fully destroy the tank with all three effects.
 
−
 
 
−
In every case scenario, it is to the benefit of the surviving player to fire the first shot against the Pz.Bfw IV above all else, as it would deny the Pz.Bfw IV even a chance to use its high-penetrating 75 mm gun.
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=465|rbMinHp=265|AoAweight=0.4}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=426|rbMinHp=265}}
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} does not have that great average speed, which means that the 39 km/h will be rare on the battlefield. Forget about trying to turn on the spot as this vehicle does not have neutral steering. Even worse is attempting to use the reverse gear (-7 km/h) which is extremely insufficient presenting an easy target if having to back out of a tight situation.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 66: Line 45:
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
{{main|KwK40 L48 (75 mm)}}
+
{{main|FlaK44 (37 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[KwK40 L48 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK40 L48]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="6" | [[FlaK44 (37 mm)|37 mm FlaK44]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 87 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.7 || 7.9 || 9.6 || 10.6 || 11.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
+
| rowspan="2" | 992 (8) || rowspan="2" | 250 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+87° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 30.82 || 42.66 || 51.80 || 57.28 || 60.94 || rowspan="2" | 0.31 || rowspan="2" | 0.27 || rowspan="2" | 0.25 || rowspan="2" | 0.24
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 3.6 || 4.2 || 5.1 || 5.6 || 6.0
+
| 20.83 || 24.50 || 29.75 || 32.90 || 35.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
  
−
*'''PzGr 39''' - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour Piercing Ballistic Cap}} shell - This is the main ammo type, always use this if confident it can penetrate enemy armour. It deals the most damage because of its explosive filler.
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
−
*'''Hl.Gr 38B''' - {{Annotation|HEAT|High Explosive Anti-Tank}} shell - it is recommended to completely avoid this kind of shell as its performance is vastly inferior in all aspects compared to APCBC or APCR ammo used by this tank.
+
* '''Sprgr. 18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
−
*'''PzGr 40''' - {{Annotation|APCR|Armour Piercing Composite Rigid}} shell - This type of ammo should be used only if there is trouble penetrating the opponent, or trying to hit a fast moving tank at some distance. However, its damaging potential is much lower because it has no explosive filler to further enhance damage after the penetration.
+
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}
−
*'''Sprgr. 34''' - {{Annotation|HE|High Explosive}} shell - Carry only very few of these. They are useless against anything other than unarmoured AA vehicles, to which it is lethal.
+
* '''M.Gr.18:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer}}
−
* '''K.Gr.Rot Nb.''' - Smoke shells are useful to blind enemy vehicles that block your advance while being being too remote for you to disable.
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:FlaK44 (37 mm)/Ammunition|FI-T, APHE, HEI-T}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39 || APCBC || 145 || 143 || 130 || 116 || 104 || 93
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hl.Gr 38B || HEAT || 80 || 80 || 80 || 80 || 80 || 80
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 182 || 177 || 159 || 140 || 122 || 107
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 34 || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39 || APCBC || 770 || 6.8 || 1.2 || 14 || 28.9 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hl.Gr 38B || HEAT || 450 || 4.4 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 872.1 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 990 || 4.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 34 || HE || 550 || 5.74 || 0 || 0.1 || 686 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| K.Gr.Rot Nb. || 540 || 6.2 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.16''' -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.1.0.81''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 159: Line 84:
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
−
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 8th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 9th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 10th<br>rack empty
 
−
! 11th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''87''' || 84&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 82&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 80&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 72&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 63&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 54&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 46&nbsp;''(+41)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+57)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+63)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+86)'' || No
+
| '''124''' || 92&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+62)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+94)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+118)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+122)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+124)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[File:Ammoracks_Pz.IV_H.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the Pz.IV H (identical)]]
 
−
'''Notes''':
 
−
 
−
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
 
−
* Sides empty: 30&nbsp;''(+57)'' shells.
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
−
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
Line 187: Line 101:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,150 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
+
| Hull || 1,800 (150) || 900 || -5°/+7° || ±10°
−
|-
 
−
| Pintle || 2,100 (150) || 900 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 195: Line 107:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
Like the Panzer IV J, the Pz.Bfw. IV suffers compared to its other variants due to its slow, manual turret traverse rate. This causes the Pz.Bfw IV to lose flexibility in reacting to close encounters without turning the entire hull around. As such, it is recommended not to use the Pz.Bfw IV as a front-line assaulter in combat.
 
  
−
Tactics-wise, the Pz.Bfw IV is perfect for sniping and ambushes, where the slower turret traverse rate affects its combat performance less. Attack from a distance, especially while that enemy is focused on other allies in the team. Ambushes can also work in close-range events when watching corners, street intersections, and checkpoints, but be wary of any enemies trying to outmanoeuvre the Pz.Bfw IV as it would require drastic action with the slow turret rate. Try not to engage the enemy in a straight-up front confrontation as most enemies would be able to easily cleave through the front armour and end the vehicle.
+
;Realistic Battles
  
−
Although most tanks in Rank III can destroy the {{PAGENAME}} pretty quickly, the tanks the {{PAGENAME}} need to avoid in open combat (if possible) are [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2s]], [[SU-152|SU-152s]], [[T-34-85 (D-5T)|T-34-85(D-5T)s]], [[M4A3E2|M4A3E2 Jumbos]].
+
The {{PAGENAME}} should be held in reserve, for towards the end of the game when there tends to be a significant amount of enemy aircraft flying. It is best to avoid the front lines or beating feet toward the enemy tanks as the {{PAGENAME}} tends to be an easy target for a majority of the other tanks in the game.
  
−
* For KV-2s, if it's looking at the {{PAGENAME}} (And hopefully reloading), shoot at the flat of the turret below the mantlet. It's flat, relatively thin armour, and the 75 mm shell should go right through and take out everyone and everything in the turret. From the side, shoot it in the side of the hull (At a 90-degree angle for best effects) to ignite the fuel tanks and maybe even detonate the ammo. Shooting the turret isn't recommended unless for knocking out the gunner or the breech, as there are a lot of crew members in there, and the shells in the turret rarely ignite. Trying to destroy it that way will take time.
+
If your own team is about to lose or it gets very exciting towards the end and there are not many enemies left alive, you can place your {{PAGENAME}} inside an allied capture-point to defend it from enemy light tanks. Due to the location, it is more central to the battlefield and presents a difficult challenge for enemy aircraft to attempt to fly over.
  
−
* For SU-152s, shoot to the right of the gun, above the driver's viewport, and it will wreck everything inside. If that's an option, try to get around it. It is a casemate after all. Once the tank is on its side, shoot it in the crew compartment to obliterate it.
+
It should also be kept in mind that if impenetrable heavily armoured enemies are encountered and you are left with no other option but to engage them, firing in a sustained manner at their cannon barrel is a semi-viable idea. This is because it is entirely possible that it will result in a damaged cannon barrel for the enemy and a chance to escape for you. Furthermore, you can target the tank tracks as well to leave the enemy both harmless and immobile which may possibly get you a kill assist if a teammate with enough firepower is nearby. Any tank with top mounted machine guns will be sure to ruin the day, as most within the Ostwind's BR range will have plenty of penetrating power to hit anyone inside your turret. Avoidance of most American and Russian armor is highly recommended due to their exterior armaments.
−
 
 
−
* For T-34-85(D-5T)s, it is imperative that the {{PAGENAME}} gets the first shot off, as their 85 mm will go through the {{PAGENAME}} 85 ways from Sunday, and nuke the entire tank interior. Don't shoot the turret unless there is no other option, as it's incredibly prone to ricochet shells. Instead, shoot the hull centre. Pay close attention not to hit the driver's hatch as it's actually more armoured than the glacis itself.
 
−
 
 
−
* M4A3E2 Jumbo's will give the {{PAGENAME}} the hardest time, as their frontal armour is nigh impenetrable, aside from the machine gun port. It's a small, unreliable target, but it's the only chance of penetrating the Jumbo from the front. If lucky, and catch a Jumbo on its side, shoot it in its hull. As its Turret side (and rear!) armour is still thick enough to block the 75 mm shots. Also, keep in mind, that if the Jumbo is showing its side while angling toward the {{PAGENAME}}, that the side armour behind its tracks is very thinly armoured. Try shooting there if possible.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 214: Line 121:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* The KwK40 L/48 cannon provides enough muzzle velocity to penetrate most contemporary enemies at far range
+
* 2 x 3.7 cm FlaK 44 cannons with a high rate of fire
−
* PzGr 40 (APCR) offers great penetration in case PzGr 39 (APCBC) fails
+
* M. Gr. 18 rounds have a high muzzle velocity and explosive mass
−
* Heavily sloped area in front of the front flat plate has a tendency to bounce most shots aimed towards it
+
* Does not need to reload until it is completely out of ammunition
−
* Turrets and side have Schürzen (Spaced Armour), which can offer some protection from HEAT or HE rounds
+
* Enough penetration to destroy enemy light armoured vehicles
−
* Good acceleration from a stop
+
* High number of crew members makes it harder to kill this SPAA by knocking out all crew members
−
* Satisfactory performance over cross-country and road terrains
 
−
* 5 crew members are present in the tank. (Commander, gunner, driver, loader, machinegunner)
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Poor turret traverse rate can be fatal in certain situations
+
* Poorer-than-average mobility and top speed (Panzer IV chassis)
−
* Box armour structure has no benefits from sloping except for a section in the front
+
* Slower turret rotation compared to earlier German SPAAs
−
* Generally, most AP rounds will effortlessly penetrate the Panzer IV, weaker rounds can also easily hit at weak points
+
* Open-topped design makes it vulnerable to rockets, artillery strikes, and aircraft machine gun/cannon fire
−
* Lacks a large gun mantlet for turret protection
 
−
* Armour protection is poor, able to be penetrated by all the tanks it encounters even frontally
 
−
* Generally outperformed by vehicles it faces and fights with
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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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The '''Panzerbefehlswagen IV''' is a command tank variant of the Panzer IV. While nearly the same exterior wise, the inside has been refitted with new equipment to enhance communication, thus fighting is not its purpose role. About 105 Panzerbefehlswagen IV were made during the war, with 17 from the [[Pz.IV J|Panzer IV Ausf. J]] variant and the rest from refurbished chassis adapted to the role.
 
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The conversion allowed the tank to mount additional radio sets for communicating with the tank, infantry, and even aircraft units, or back to headquarters. The loader of the tank doubled as a radio operator as well to maintain all the radios in the tank. As well as the radios, mounting racks, transformers, junction boxes, antennas, and an auxiliary electrical engineer are also installed into the tank. This new equipment takes up space in the tank and so the ammunition stowage is reduced from the usual 87 rounds to 72 rounds, but this is mitigated by the fact that it should not be the front-line weapon against the enemy.
 
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Other than that, the tank is nearly the same as the original Panzer IV tank. The tank featured a 75 mm KwK40 main gun with a coaxial MG34 machine gun. The tank had about 80 mm of armour on the front hull, plus additional armour in the form of Schürzen side skirts. Unlike the [[Pz.IV H|Ausf. H]] variant, this variant had the skirts made from wire-meshes rather than metal plates to decrease weight, yet keep the same protection against HEAT rounds.
 
  
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{{break}}
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The Ostwind II was a development of the [[Ostwind]]. First conceived as early as October 1943, the Ostwind II saw the single 3.7 cm FlaK 43 replaced by a twinned 3.7 cm FlaK Zwilling 44 built by the ''Gustloff-Werke'' in Suhl. One single prototype was delivered to the ''Panzerflak-Ersatz und Ausbildungsabteilung Ohrsdurf/Thühringen'' in January of 1945 for evaluation purposes, but due to the rapid events of the war it was never taken into production.
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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'}}}}
 
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
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Commander vehicles for the commanders of medium tank battalions were built based on the standard Pz.IV Ausf.J tank equipped with additional radio stations. There were two varieties, the Sd.Kfz.267 and Sd.Kfz.268, which had different numbers of radio stations. The commander tanks were equipped with Fu 5, Fu 7, and Fu 8 radio stations. The tanks were used in battles on the Eastern and Western Fronts in 1944-1945. 97 tanks were produced between March and September of 1944.
 
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
  
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_panzerbefelhswagen_IV_ausf_J Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Sights
 
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI]
 
  
 
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{{Youtube-gallery|aiYBpRJtIA0|'''Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J - Unenjoyable Premium Tank''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
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{{Youtube-gallery|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:44 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|Tvf5Z49Tjc4|'''Ostwind II: Same Old Wind But Stock''' - ''Napalmratte''|KHoF40aIeEU|'''The Ostwind II SPAA''' - ''Orangefan''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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;Other command vehicles
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;Related development
  
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* [[Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P]]
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* [[Flakpanzer IV]]
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* [[Bfw. Jagdpanther]]
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** [[Ostwind]] - Predecessor with a single 37 mm FlaK 43 autocannon.
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;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
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* [[Flakpanzer 341]] - Gift vehicle that the Ostwind II substituted in the main tech tree.
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
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* ''other literature.'' -->
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* [[wt:en/news/6317-development-changes-and-optimization-in-the-german-tech-tree-en|[Development] Changes and optimization in the German tech-tree]]
  
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{{Germany medium tanks}}
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{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}
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{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}
 

Latest revision as of 10:30, 21 November 2023

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This page is about the German SPAA Ostwind II. For the single-barelled version, see Ostwind.
Ostwind II
germ_flakpanzer_iv_ostwind_2.png
GarageImage Ostwind II.jpg
ArtImage Ostwind II.png
Ostwind II

Description

The Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind II" is an up-gunned modification of the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind", which is the second variant of the Flakpanzer IV self-propelled anti-aircraft gun family. To increase the firing rate, the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind" was redesigned with two 37 mm Flugzeugabwehrkanone 43 cannons. A single prototype was built, but World War II ended before it could be fully completed.

Introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision", the Flakpanzer IV "Ostwind II" is an improvement over its predecessors. The increased firepower is useful against aircraft that are much faster in its rank. Due to the sheer destructive power of the ammunition, most enemy aircraft can be brought down with a single hit. The platform, however, remains lightly armoured and should only be used to engage enemy ground units if absolutely necessary.

General info

Survivability and armour

Ostwind II armour

The frontal hull armour (80 mm) is quite well protected against small-calibre weapons and .50 cal HMGs, the sides (30 mm) and rear (20 mm) are not as well protected.

The turret is open at the top and has a rectangular recess in the right, frontal turret armour, because of the optics.

In addition, the steel of the turret (25 mm) is very weakly armoured, as well as the hull roof (10-12 mm).

Since the vehicle has a crew of six, with the driver and the machine gunner/radio operator in the hull, it usually survives the first attack from enemy aircraft as well as a shot into the turret.

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade Expression error: Unexpected * operator. 426 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__
Realistic 265 Expression error: Unexpected round operator. __.__

The Ostwind II does not have that great average speed, which means that the 39 km/h will be rare on the battlefield. Forget about trying to turn on the spot as this vehicle does not have neutral steering. Even worse is attempting to use the reverse gear (-7 km/h) which is extremely insufficient presenting an easy target if having to back out of a tight situation.

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: FlaK44 (37 mm)
37 mm FlaK44 (x2) 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 992 (8) 250 -10°/+87° ±180° N/A 30.82 42.66 51.80 57.28 60.94 0.31 0.27 0.25 0.24
Realistic 20.83 24.50 29.75 32.90 35.00

Ammunition

  • Default: APHE · FI-T
  • Sprgr. 18: FI-T
  • PzGr: APHE
  • M.Gr.18: HEI-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
FI-T 7 7 5 4 3 3
APHE 49 46 33 22 14 10
HEI-T 7 7 6 4 4 4
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
FI-T 820 0.62 0.1 0.1 49.3 79° 80° 81°
APHE 770 0.69 1.2 9 22.1 47° 60° 65°
HEI-T 914 0.55 0.1 0.1 108 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Ostwind II
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
124 92 (+32) 62 (+62) 30 (+94) 6 (+118) 2 (+122) 0 (+124) Yes

Machine guns

Main article: MG34 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm MG34
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Hull 1,800 (150) 900 -5°/+7° ±10°

Usage in battles

Realistic Battles

The Ostwind II should be held in reserve, for towards the end of the game when there tends to be a significant amount of enemy aircraft flying. It is best to avoid the front lines or beating feet toward the enemy tanks as the Ostwind II tends to be an easy target for a majority of the other tanks in the game.

If your own team is about to lose or it gets very exciting towards the end and there are not many enemies left alive, you can place your Ostwind II inside an allied capture-point to defend it from enemy light tanks. Due to the location, it is more central to the battlefield and presents a difficult challenge for enemy aircraft to attempt to fly over.

It should also be kept in mind that if impenetrable heavily armoured enemies are encountered and you are left with no other option but to engage them, firing in a sustained manner at their cannon barrel is a semi-viable idea. This is because it is entirely possible that it will result in a damaged cannon barrel for the enemy and a chance to escape for you. Furthermore, you can target the tank tracks as well to leave the enemy both harmless and immobile which may possibly get you a kill assist if a teammate with enough firepower is nearby. Any tank with top mounted machine guns will be sure to ruin the day, as most within the Ostwind's BR range will have plenty of penetrating power to hit anyone inside your turret. Avoidance of most American and Russian armor is highly recommended due to their exterior armaments.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 2 x 3.7 cm FlaK 44 cannons with a high rate of fire
  • M. Gr. 18 rounds have a high muzzle velocity and explosive mass
  • Does not need to reload until it is completely out of ammunition
  • Enough penetration to destroy enemy light armoured vehicles
  • High number of crew members makes it harder to kill this SPAA by knocking out all crew members

Cons:

  • Poorer-than-average mobility and top speed (Panzer IV chassis)
  • Slower turret rotation compared to earlier German SPAAs
  • Open-topped design makes it vulnerable to rockets, artillery strikes, and aircraft machine gun/cannon fire

History

The Ostwind II was a development of the Ostwind. First conceived as early as October 1943, the Ostwind II saw the single 3.7 cm FlaK 43 replaced by a twinned 3.7 cm FlaK Zwilling 44 built by the Gustloff-Werke in Suhl. One single prototype was delivered to the Panzerflak-Ersatz und Ausbildungsabteilung Ohrsdurf/Thühringen in January of 1945 for evaluation purposes, but due to the rapid events of the war it was never taken into production.

Media

Skins
Videos
German SPAAs discusses the Ostwind II at 3:44 - War Thunder Official Channel
Ostwind II: Same Old Wind But Stock - Napalmratte
The Ostwind II SPAA - Orangefan

See also

Related development
Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
  • Flakpanzer 341 - Gift vehicle that the Ostwind II substituted in the main tech tree.

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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