Grille 10

The Sfl.IVc, also known as the Grille 10, the 8.8cm Flak 37 auf Sonderfahrgestell "special purpose built vehicle", or alternatively the Flakpanzer für s FlaK (Pz. Sfl. IVc), was a German mobile gun platform for the widespread 8.8 cm anti-aircraft/anti-tank gun, built in 1941. [1]

Development

A heavy Panzerjäger (anti tank self-propelled gun) was ordered to be built by the Waffenamt (the German Government's Weapons building agency) in 1941. The vehicle was originally intended to be a self propelled assault gun, and was developed as such, but part way through development it was realised that with the anti aircraft usefulness of the 8.8 cm gun, it could also be used in the role of a Anti-Aircraft vehicle. In late 1942, there were 3 prototypes made. In 1944 [2] It was built by Krupp. [3] [4]. Various guns were considered.

Specifications

The vehicle had a crew of 8 and weighed 26 tons. It was 2.8 metres high, 3 metres wide and 7 metres long. It was powered by the Maybach HL90 engine. The turret was open, with the sidewalls coming down on each side to make a platform. However, with them raised, it would provide some protection for the crew. The crew were also protected from the front by a shield for the gun. [5]. The vehicle was built on a Panzer IV chassis, with extensive modifications. While a number of different guns were considered, the vehicle eventually ended up being armed with the FlaK 41 L/74.

Service

One example was deployed to the Western front. It served with Heeres Flakartillerie Abteilung in Italy, which was assigned to the 26th Panzer Division. [6]

References
  1. "8-8-cm-flak-37-auf-sonderfahrgestell-or-flakpanzer-fur-s-flak pz sfl ivc" Tankpedia http://blog.tankpedia.org/2013/11/11/8-8-cm-flak-37-auf-sonderfahrgestell-or-flakpanzer-fur-s-flak-pz-sfl-ivc/
  2. "Grille 10" WW2 in colour http://www.ww2incolor.com/german-artillery/gr10_5.html
  3. "8-8-cm-flak-37-auf-sonderfahrgestell-or-flakpanzer-fur-s-flak pz sfl ivc" Tankpedia http://blog.tankpedia.org/2013/11/11/8-8-cm-flak-37-auf-sonderfahrgestell-or-flakpanzer-fur-s-flak-pz-sfl-ivc/
  4. Doyle, Hilary, & Peter Chamberlain, Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two. Sterling Publishing Co.Inc., 1994. pp. 160-161.
  5. "Pzsfl-ivc" http://mirtankov.su/tank/obzor-pzsfl-ivc
  6. "Grille 10" WW2 in colour http://www.ww2incolor.com/german-artillery/gr10_5.html
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