CB35114 German 88mm L71 Flak 41 Anti-Aircraft Gun with Sd.Ah.20

The famous German 88 anti-aircraft gun was first developed in 1915 as a weapon to counter high flying Allied aircraft and observation balloons. The designs were based on the German naval 8.8.cm calibre gun and the first prototype weapon was completed in 1917. However, the 8.cm L/56 FlaK 18, first production model, did not appear until 1928 and was a collaborative effort with Bofors of Sweden. In the 1930's the design was improved to produce the FlaK 36 and FlaK 37, which were in service as Germany began its war of conquest in 1939. Now at war, the Luftwaffe demanded a gun of longer range, and Rheinmetall responded with the 8.8cm L71 FlaK 41. This weapon could fire a 9.4kg shell to an altitude of 11,300 metres, and was almost as good as the larger 12.8cm FlaK guns. The weapon also had an increased rate of fire, up to 25 rounds per minute with an experienced crew. However, in service the FlaK 41 was difficult to maintain and most were retained in Germany. Total production was only 556, which reflected its high production cost and complex manufacture.

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