8.8-cm FlaK 18¹,
8.8-cm Flugabwehrkanone 18¹

In 1932, Krupp demonstrated a secretly built prototype to the German Army.¹ Orders were placed, after field trials were completed, and it entered service in 1933.¹

Design

The barrel was in two parts so if one wore out it could be replaced.¹

When fired, the recoil of the gun tensioned a spring, which operated the sliding breech mechanism.¹

Traveling

For travel the carriage was fitted with two pairs of bogies.¹ These were pneumatic tires which could be removed before setting up in a fixed position.¹

Setup

The platform had four legs which formed a cross shape (kreuzlafette).¹

Firing

A crew could fire up to 15 rounds a minute, if they were well trained.¹

Use in Spain

The Kondor Legion was supplied with 8.8-cm FlaK 18 guns to be used primarily in defense.¹

However, in 1937, the FlaK 18 was used in an anti-tank role.¹ Deutsche Kampfen in Spanien described the role the FlaK 18 could be used as an anti-tank weapon.¹

Reports said that in the final offensive in Catalonia, the FlaK 18s fired 7 percent of their ammunition at air targets and 93 percent at ground targets.¹

Sources:

1. New Vanguard 88 mm FlaK 18/36/37/41 and PaK 43 1936-45, John Norris, 2002