German
8 ton Semi Track 3.7cm Flak 37 Sd.Kfz. 7/2
The German successes at the beginning of the second World War were known
as "Blitzkriegs", and demonstrated the effective use of close
support air power. However, when the war entered a new phase, with the
allies having a air superiority over the European continent, the Germans
were forced to develop, and make use of, many different anti-aircraft
weapon systems. Most of these comprised the mating of an anti-aircraft gun
to the chassis of a proven military vehicle. One of these variations was
the uniquely styled Sd.Kfz.7/2. The
formidable Flak 37 anti-aircraft gun was mated to the highly versatile 8
ton semi track produced by the KraussMaffei firm. The
basic construction of this semi track was a remodeled ladder frame from a
regular truck, a front suspension of transverse leaf springs; and a rear
suspension of leaf springs and torsion bars matched to the compound track
rollers, typical of German military vehicles. Armor plate was added to the
radiator and driver's cab from mid 1943 onward.
The Flak 37 gun was an
improved Flak 36 with a new, clockwise powered sight, and was the standard
defense against low flying aircraft throughout the war. A total of 123
Sd.Kfz. 7/2 were produced.
(From Tamiya Manual) |