FlaK 36 88 mm Anti-Tank

Germany used the anti-tank variant of their extremely effective 88 mm anti-aircraft artillery gun throughout the war. The type first appeared in 1918, but the variants used during World War II were developed beginning in the early 1930s. German industry produced approximately 21,000 units of the anti-aircraft variant, and about 2,100 of the mobile, dedicated anti-tank variant (designated 8,8 cm Panzerabwehrkanone (PaK) 43) between 1933 and 1945. Anti-tank variants required a crew of ten to operate, and fired only anti-tank munitions. Engineers also evolved the type into increasingly more effective tank guns throughout World War II. These equipped the Pz VI Tiger I and Tiger II tanks and Elefant, Nashorn, Jagdtiger, and Jagdpanther tank destoyers. This family of guns saw service during the Spanish Civil War, and Germany used it extensively throughout World War II in every theater of operations. The 8.8 cm Flak in the anti-tank role was arguably most effective in the flat and open terrain of Libya, Egypt, and the eastern front. The less-open terrain in Italy and Northern France was not as suitable for long-range AT guns. The success of the German anti-tank weapons caused the Allies to take steps to defend against it in new tank designs. Italy received about 300 guns during the war, but only used them occasionally in the anti-tank role. This unit represents the base ToI FlaK 36 88 mm anti-tank gun.