Difference between revisions of "Ostwind II"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(Edits)
(→‎Description)
 
(26 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind_2}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = German SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the single-barelled version
 +
| link = Ostwind
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind_2
 +
|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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
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.
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German self-propelled anti-aircraft gun {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]], replacing the [[Flakpanzer 341]] in the German tech tree.
 
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} is an average SPAAG which definitely has nothing to look for on the front line, however, there is a great advantage with its double cannon which becomes extremely dangerous for enemy aircraft which fly within range.
+
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.
−
 
 
−
The {{PAGENAME}} has sufficient penetrating power to destroy [[M18 GMC|M18]]s or other light armoured vehicles, however, one should rather concentrate on enemy aircraft. The reasoning behind this is because the turret is open from above and weakly armoured on the sides, so is vulnerable to enemy aircraft fire and vehicles that carry .50 calibre machine guns.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
−
[[File:Ostwind II armour.jpg|alt=Ostwind II armour|thumb|533x533px]]
+
[[File:Ostwind II armour.jpg|alt=Ostwind II armour|right|thumb|x200px]]
  
−
The frontal hull armour (80 mm) is quite well protected against small-calibre weapons and [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 caliber BMG]]s, the sides (30 mm) and rear (20 mm) are not as well protected.
+
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.
  
 
The turret is open at the top and has a rectangular recess in the right, frontal turret armour, because of the optics.
 
The turret is open at the top and has a rectangular recess in the right, frontal turret armour, because of the optics.
Line 22: Line 27:
 
In addition, the steel of the turret (25 mm) is very weakly armoured, as well as the hull roof (10-12 mm).
 
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 five, it usually survives the first attack from enemy aircraft (because of the driver and the machine gunner/radio operator in the hull), as well as a shot into the turret.
+
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 ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
  
Line 30: Line 36:
  
 
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.
 
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 ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
 +
{{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|FlaK44 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|FlaK44 (37 mm)}}
Line 38: Line 49:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[FlaK44 (37 mm)|37 mm FlaK44]] (x2) || 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 (Belt) !! 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" | 992 (8) || 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
+
| 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''
Line 53: Line 64:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
−
|-
+
* '''Sprgr. 18:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
* '''PzGr:''' {{Annotation|APHE|Armour-piercing high-explosive}}
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
* '''M.Gr.18:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T|High-explosive incendiary tracer}}
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 90° (mm)'''
+
 
−
|-
+
{{:FlaK44 (37 mm)/Ammunition|FI-T, APHE, HEI-T}}
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr || APHE || 49 || 46 || 33 || 22 || 14 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="11" | 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)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Normalisation at 30°<br>from horizontal
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 18 || FI-T || 820 || 0.62 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 49.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr || APHE || 770 || 0.69 || 1.2 || 9.0 || 22.1 || -1.0° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M.Gr.18 || FI-T || 914 || 0.55 || 0.3 || 0.1 || 108 || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[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 102: Line 83:
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''125''' || 75 ''(+50)'' || 55 ''(+70)'' || 25 ''(+100)'' || 5 ''(+120)'' || 0 ''(+125)'' || No
+
| '''124''' || 92&nbsp;''(+32)'' || 62&nbsp;''(+62)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+94)'' || 6&nbsp;''(+118)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+122)'' || 0&nbsp;''(+124)'' || Yes
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
<!-- ==== [[Optics]] ====
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
 
−
|-
 
−
!
 
−
! Default magnification
 
−
! Maximum magnification
 
−
|-
 
−
! Main Gun optics
 
−
| X2.1 || X3.7
 
−
|-
 
−
! Comparable optics
 
−
| colspan="2" | ???
 
−
|-
 
−
|} -->
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''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 133: Line 101:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 1,800 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
+
| Hull || 1,800 (150) || 900 || -5°/+7° || ±10°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 142: Line 110:
 
;Realistic Battles
 
;Realistic Battles
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} should be held in reserve 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.
+
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.
  
−
If your own team is about to lose or it gets very exciting towards the end and there are no 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.
+
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.
  
−
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 net you a kill assist if a teammate with enough firepower is nearby.
+
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.
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Sprgr. 18
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| PzGr
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| M.Gr.18
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 190: Line 121:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* 2 x 3.7 cm FlaK 44 cannons
+
* 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
 
* Does not need to reload until it is completely out of ammunition
 
* Enough penetration to destroy enemy light armoured vehicles
 
* 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:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Built on Panzer IV chassis and is a contemporary of it
+
* Poorer-than-average mobility and top speed (Panzer IV chassis)
−
* Quite slow average speed
+
* Slower turret rotation compared to earlier German SPAAs
−
* Inadequate penetration against many enemy vehicles (best against aircraft)
+
* Open-topped design makes it vulnerable to rockets, artillery strikes, and aircraft machine gun/cannon fire
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
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.
+
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 ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_flakpanzer_IV_Ostwind_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{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 ==
Line 213: Line 153:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* [[Ostwind]] - Predecessor with a single 37 mm FlaK 43 autocannon.
+
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[Flakpanzer IV]]
 +
** [[Ostwind]] - Predecessor with a single 37 mm FlaK 43 autocannon.
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 
* [[Flakpanzer 341]] - Gift vehicle that the Ostwind II substituted in the main tech tree.
 
* [[Flakpanzer 341]] - Gift vehicle that the Ostwind II substituted in the main tech tree.
  
Line 219: Line 165:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''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;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 10:30, 21 November 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
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
Germany flag.png Germany
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.7 5.3 5.3
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

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

Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 30 / 20
Turret25 / 25 / 25
Crew6 people
Visibility121 %
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

Speedforward / back
AB43 / 8 km/h
RB and SB39 / 8 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight25.0 t
Engine power
AB572 hp
RB and SB300 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB22.9 hp/t
RB and SB12.0 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 43 8 25 426 572 17.04 22.88
Realistic 39 8 265 300 10.6 12

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

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 948 → 3 794 Sl icon.png
RB2 314 → 2 978 Sl icon.png
SB3 511 → 4 518 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 200 Rp icon.png
77 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces630 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 140 / 200 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_ger_flak36_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_ger_flak36_AP_ammo_pack
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods aa cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 500 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
37mm_ger_mgr_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Main armament

2 x 37 mm FlaK44 cannon
Ammunition992 rounds
Belt capacity8 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
0.3 → 0.2 s
Fire rate250 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 87°
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

7.92 mm MG34 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 800 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
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

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Ostwind_II&oldid=177216"