Revell 3325 8,8 cm Flak 37 + Sd.Anh.202 1:72

The 8.8 cm Flak, also known as an "ack-ack gun” was a German anti-aircraft cannon used in the Second World War. It was developed from experience gained in the First World War, when it became clear that there was a need for an anti-aircraft gun with penetrating power at high altitudes. However, under the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, German armaments manufacturers were prohibited from developing new weapons. In order to circumvent this prohibition, the

firms sent their engineers abroad. Thus it was that in 1933 it was finally possible to start production in Germany. Throughout the production period, 3 versions of the 8.8 cm Flak were produced. These were the 8.8 cm Flak 18, Flak 35 and Flak 37. The first version, the 8.8 cm Flak 18 had a one-piece barrel, a hydro-pneumatic counter-recoil mechanism located above the barrel and an outrigger mount that enabled it to traverse through 360°. For transport purposes the two side arms of the mount folded up and the two ends were placed on a two-wheeled trailer (Sd.Ah.201). As the rear part of the barrel was subject to heavy stresses, the improved Flak 36 received a 3-piece barrel, which enabled the worn parts to be replaced separately. In addition, the outrigger mount was improved and with the special trailer 202 came better limbers. The Flak 37 was essentially the same as the 36, but the transfer of target data from the fire director 40 to the weapon itself was improved. As a rule a flak battery which consisted of 4 guns was equipped with one fire director 40. This mechanical analogue computer served to ascertain the firing data, which were transferred to the guns via a connecting

cable. In all versions a shield could be fitted to protect the gunners during ground combat. It also happened that units were built with a mixture of different versions. It was first used in the Spanish Civil War where it was also tested as an anti-tank cannon. In the Second World War that followed, the weapon was used on all fronts.