5 cm FlaK 41
Encyclopedia
The 5 cm FlaK 41 was 50 mm anti-aircraft gun produced for defending intemediate zone above the light, 37 mm guns' range, but below the ceiling of the heavy, 75 mm and above, pieces. The gun proved inadequate and was produced in small numbers.
Development of the gun, although started in 1936 was slow, and the contract was awarded to Rheinmetall-Borsig only in 1940. The gun was produced in two models, one mounted on a two-axle trailer
, the other one stationary, used for defending important industrial installations. None of the two was a success and both shared the same faults. The speed of traverse was too slow for fast-moving targets and the gun proved underpowered, even though the propellant gave a powerful blast, able to dazzle the aimer even in broad daylight. The relatively heavy cartridge
(shell
alone weighted 2.2 kg) was cumbersome and heavy when loaded in 5-round clips
.
The gun was automatic, gas-operated, locked by breech block dropping down, which engaged the buttress guides on the block against the guides on the jacket. The recoil of the breech operated the feed mechanism. The buffer was mounted centrally in the cradle, between the two springs of the recuperator. At least two of these guns were put in the Messerschmitt Me 262.
Altogether 60 of 5 cm Flak 41 were produced, starting from 1941. Some of them were still in use in 1945.
Later German attempts to create a medium anti-air gun focused on 55 mm weapons (Gerät 58) and the 5 cm Pak 38-derived Gerät 241.
Development of the gun, although started in 1936 was slow, and the contract was awarded to Rheinmetall-Borsig only in 1940. The gun was produced in two models, one mounted on a two-axle trailer
Trailer (vehicle)
A trailer is generally an unpowered vehicle pulled by a powered vehicle. Commonly, the term trailer refers to such vehicles used for transport of goods and materials....
, the other one stationary, used for defending important industrial installations. None of the two was a success and both shared the same faults. The speed of traverse was too slow for fast-moving targets and the gun proved underpowered, even though the propellant gave a powerful blast, able to dazzle the aimer even in broad daylight. The relatively heavy cartridge
Cartridge (firearms)
A cartridge, also called a round, packages the bullet, gunpowder and primer into a single metallic case precisely made to fit the firing chamber of a firearm. The primer is a small charge of impact-sensitive chemical that may be located at the center of the case head or at its rim . Electrically...
(shell
Shell (projectile)
A shell is a payload-carrying projectile, which, as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling, though modern usage sometimes includes large solid projectiles properly termed shot . Solid shot may contain a pyrotechnic compound if a tracer or spotting charge is used...
alone weighted 2.2 kg) was cumbersome and heavy when loaded in 5-round clips
Clip (ammunition)
A clip is a device that is used to store multiple rounds of ammunition together as a unit, ready for insertion into the magazine or cylinder of a firearm. This speeds up the process of loading and reloading the firearm as several rounds can be loaded at once, rather than one round being loaded at a...
.
The gun was automatic, gas-operated, locked by breech block dropping down, which engaged the buttress guides on the block against the guides on the jacket. The recoil of the breech operated the feed mechanism. The buffer was mounted centrally in the cradle, between the two springs of the recuperator. At least two of these guns were put in the Messerschmitt Me 262.
Altogether 60 of 5 cm Flak 41 were produced, starting from 1941. Some of them were still in use in 1945.
Later German attempts to create a medium anti-air gun focused on 55 mm weapons (Gerät 58) and the 5 cm Pak 38-derived Gerät 241.
External links
- 5 cm Flak 41, Catalog of Enemy Ordnance, U.S. Office of Chief of Ordnance, 1945.