- Yes
- No
Similar to the Flakbus allready in game, the german army also produced another Halftrack armed with a 88mm Flak placed on it, dedicated to be anti tank, anti bunkers and also anti Air in 1939.
In game it would add to the halftrack action and give another iconic halftrack. While this is a upgrade/sidegrade ot the current Halftrack with 88, this could be added as a TT, Premium or Event vehicle with the Leaf camo (like the Prem Leapoard 2).
The Bufla was made befor the War as a dedicated moblisation of the 88 mm Flak, to target heavy fortified postions, Bunkers, enemy tanks and planes. Records show that it allready took place in the invation of Poland and battle of France where it was effectively used to fight bunkers and heavy enemy tanks, after that the remaining vehicles where used on the eastern front.
The Development started in 1938, the task to attack heavy fortificated bunker positions, along the StuG III, however from range. As such in 1938 the question came up how to make a simplefie the 8,8 cm Flak mount and make it mobile on a self propelled form. In a Conversation on 16.04.1938 between Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, Director of DB Wilhelm, Oberstleutnant Dr.Ing. Olbrich of Wa Prüf Amt 6 of HWA and lastly Hauptmann Reinhard of the Inspectorat of the Airforce where they talked about the state of development and problems.
It came up that a vehicle for direct buncer attacking was needed, along the Pz.Sfl.IVa, a cheaper alternative was searched. A Possible big enove chassis was found in the DB 9, which is the Sd.Kfz.8. On which a fixed Sockellafette (Podestrial Mount) was placed and a modified 8,8 cm Flak 18.
Modifications included that only 1 gunner existed with both vertical and horizontal on 1 side, instead of on the oppsid sideds like on the 40mm Bofors. Furthermore, to reduce weight and size, the Traverse and elevation was limited to -4° to 15° and 151° to each side.
The Sd.Kfz.8 was a the biggest brother along the 6 and 7, it was the Schwerer Zugkraftwagen 12t, which development started in 1931/32 to be used to pull heavy artillery (8,8 cm - 30,5 cm guns), carry up to 12 Solders and be used as a recovery vehicle for tanks. While it was a powerfull and reliable vehicle it was also quite expencive with around 46.000 RM, which was a reason why it along with the 9 was to be replaced for unification and rationalisation by the schwerer Wehrmachtsschlepper. Overall it was produced from 1939 to 1944 with 4070.
The Gun:
8,8 cm Flak 18 L/56
-5° to +15° elevation, 151° Traverse each side.
Gunshild of 14,5mm Reload speed of 4 Sec.
Ammo:(Click to show)
Pzgr. APCBC 9,5 kg 169g Fp.10 and Np.10 (215,04g TnTa) 810 m/s 153mm/10m
Sprgr. L/4,5 HE 9 kg 785kg Fp.02 and Np.10 (1.004,8g TnTa) 820 m/s 18mm/10m
The Vehicle:
Sd.Kfz.8 Gepanzert
Weight: 14,7 Ton
Dimensions: 7,35 m / 2,5 m / 2,77 m
Crew: 6
Engine: HL 85 TUKRM 12 Cylinder 185 Ps
Speed: 51 km/h
Armor: 8-14,5mm
Source:
Sd.Kfz.8 Manual
Munition der 8,8 cm Flak 18
Geschossringbuch I
Private Photo collection
Flickr