In this video series we want to gradually show you and introduce you to several originals in detail, because for model builders there is nothing better than references.

Today we show you interior and exterior views of the only remaining original turret of the Flakpanzer IV Kugelblitz.

The development of the Kzgelblitz began in May 1944, the aim was to create a solution to protect the crew, all other concepts such as Wirbelwind, Möbelwagen, Ostwind and anti-aircraft guns on self-propelled guns were open or partially open, so that the crews were exposed to fire and the weather.
Interestingly, development was led by Daimler Benz. The key data was a target speed of 60°/s, a swivel range of −7 to +80°. The armor around the turret was 20mm. The commander, a gunner and a loader found space in the turret itself. When you see the photos, it quickly becomes clear that the space was more than cramped.

As is clear from recent findings, the commander should sit separately and control the fire using a spatial image rangefinder.
The armament chosen was not the tried and tested 2cm Flak 38 from Rheinmetall, but rather two 30mm MK 103/38 cannons located next to each other. The attentive reader will certainly recognize that we are looking at a modified on-board cannon from the aircraft sector.

The vehicle itself was supposed to carry 1200 rounds, production on the Panzer IV chassis was supposed to start in February 1945 and achieve an output of 30 units per month, but this could never be realized; at the end of 1944 only 5 turrets could be built.
Our turret here has a very interesting history, as we know of one example that was completed, i.e. turret and hull. During the defense of the Ohrdruf military training area on Spatenberg in April 1945, the tank was hit directly, the turret was separated from the hull section, flew a few meters on a slope and remained there for a few years. Its turret slewing ring lay on a slope until 1999 before it was recovered and is now believed to be in the collection of the Military History Museum in Dresden. Unfortunately, some components are missing, which can be attributed to the passage of years and damage during the war.

We are pleased that the Air Defense Military History Exhibition made this viceo possible for us.
If you would like to see this vehicle (and of course many others) in the original (because no video or photo can replace the personal impression), you should plan a visit there!

ATTENTION! Advance registration is mandatory as the collection is not open to the public on the grounds of the Kiel Naval Arsenal:

Contact: Email: [email protected] / Tel: 04385-592398
Address: Klausdorfer Weg 2-24, 24148 Kiel, Germany