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TL;DR: An 8.8cm Flak carrier based on a literal bus.
History:
The history of this vehicle begins with the success of a German automobile manufacturer by the name of Vogtlandische Maschinenfabric AG (VOMAG), which was founded at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. During the 10 years before WW1, VOMAG produced several successful trucks, which led to the manufacturer receiving considerably large orders for military trucks during the aforementioned Great War. Of course, after the end of the war, as with many other enterprises receiving orders from the German military, VOMAG was forbidden from producing any more military vehicles. As a result, VOMAG returned to the production of civilian vehicles, eventually constructing a massive bus (for the time) at the end of the 1920s. The bus featured a length greater than 6 meters, a three axle chassis, and a 150hp engine that allowed the bus to reach a top speed of 55kph. Development of the bus continued and in 1935, a modernized version, dubbed the VOMAG 7 OR 660, appeared. The body of the vehicle was more streamlined and the 150hp engine was replaced by a beefy 160hp engine, which allowed for an impressive top speed of 90kph. The rise of Hitler led to an acceleration of military vehicle production and VOMAG was ordered to produce the VOMAG 7 OR 660 for the German Post Service, which would be quickly merged with military transport and delivery at the onset of military operations. In 1940, VOMAG received the order to produce a heavy, but mobile, anti-aircraft vehicle capable of carrying and firing the famous Flak 88 on its chassis. VOMAG decided to use the VOMAG 7 OR 660 as a base and development began, leading to the Selbstfahrlafette auf Fahrgestell VOMAG 7 OR 660 mit 8.8 cm Flak. The vehicle mounted a hybrid Flak 88, which featured a Flak 18 base and a Flak 36 barrel. 21-24 conversions were completed and saw exclusive service in the Führerbegleitbrigade (FBB), or “Führer Escort Brigade” in English. When they were first deployed, they were intended for use exclusively as anti-aircraft vehicles due to their high speed and quick-to-deploy nature. They commonly defended German cities against bombings in this role. Due to their anti-air nature, the gun crew was not protected from ground fire by a gun shield. This role also allowed the crew more time to relax. As the war developed, however, Germany’s position became more and more defensive. The Selbstfahrlafette auf Fahrgestell VOMAG 7 OR 660 mit 8.8 cm Flak’s role switched from anti-air to anti-tank. To fit this new role, the vehicles were equipped with gun shields and crew seating/positioning was revised through the removal of seats. This provided more room on the gun-deck, allowing for quicker operation. All units were destroyed by the end of the 1945 Siege of Budapest.
Place In War Thunder:
While the current Flakbus in-game is all well and good, it really isn’t a bus and is thus undeserving of its title. On top of that, the in-game Flakbus has the massive drawbacks of low speed and limited firing angles, being unable to effectively fire over the cabin a majority of the time. The VOMAG 88 remedies both of these issues. A top speed of around 90kph can be used very aggressively in War Thunder’s meta, especially in the lower tiers where many vehicles trade speed and maneuverability for armor. This would allow you to put the devastating Flak 88 in dangerous positions relatively quick. On top of this, the lack of a massive cabin allows for the gun to be fired much more effectively when pointed forward. All of this being said, the VOMAG 88 is a wheeled vehicle that will likely have to struggle through rough terrain, limiting you to paved roads. Adding to that, this vehicle is quite lengthy and decently heavy. Your turning circle will be quite large and your heft could result in poor acceleration. The VOMAG 88 also has much less armor compared to the in-game Flakbus, which would likely lead to more knockouts due to overpressure or artillery. Still, as you have a crew of 11 people, you’d likely be able to survive for a decent chunk of time. Playstyle of the vehicle would be relatively self explanatory. Once you spawn in, look for a paved road leading to a flank or covered position. From there just dish out a hot and fresh 88mm shell every 5 seconds until you need to reposition. Rinse and repeat. I, personally, would like to see both the Early and Late war versions of the VOMAG 88 as separate vehicles, one in the tech tree supplementing an armored car line and one as a battlepass reward.
Specifications:
Armament: Flak 18/36 8.8cm cannon
Dimensions: 10.29m, ?.??m, ?.??m (I cannot find the Width or Height of this vehicle. Please let me know if you have them or any educated guesses.)
Weight: 18900kg
Armor: Negligible
Crew: 11
Ammunition: Same as 8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl. in-game. (72 rounds)
Speed: 90~kph
Horsepower: 160hp
Pictures:
Early Version:Multiple Early Versions:Destroyed Late Versions:
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Sources:
727 Selbstfahrlafette auf Fahrgestell VOMAG 7 or 660 mit 8,8 cm Flak
8.8 cm Flak 18/36/37/41 - Wikipedia
Kampfgruppe 1/144: 1/144 Vomag 88 - "Late War" Version - Kampfgruppe144