The Wirbelwind, based on the Pz Kpfw IV, was a better designed anti-aircraft tank than the interim Möbelwagen. Unlike the Möbelwagen, the Wirbelwind's had a fully traversable turret. This allowed the crew better protection, as well as immediate action against Allied aircrafts.
Already before Wirbelwind production started in July 1944, it had been decided that the 2 cm Flakvierling was inferior to the 3,7 cm Flak 43, due to the latter's longer range. Because of delays in the delivery of the Ostwind, however, the Wirbelwind remained in production until January 1945, with a total of 100 Wirbelwinds built.
| Wirbelwind | |
|---|---|
| Crew | |
| Crew |
|
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 22 t |
| Length | 5.92 m |
| Width | 2.9 m |
| Height | 2.76 m |
| Armour | |
| Armour |
|
| Performance | |
| Speed (max) | 38 km/h |
| Engine | |
| Engine | Maybach HL 120 TRM |
| Net h.p. | 300 |
| Cylinders | 12 |
| Displacement | 11900 cc |
| Armament | |
| Primary weapon | 2 cm Flakvierling (1) |
| Secondary weapon | 7,92 mm MG 34 (1) |
