Bunkerknacker!
Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2016 5:21 am
Hello to all 
; a brief story..............................................
8.8cm Flak 18 (SFL) auf Zukraftwagen 12t (Sd.Kfz 8 ).
The concept of Bunkerflak was born in early 1938. In fact, the Heeres (German Army) wanted a weapon that could destroy enemy fortifications. The first version of the bunkerflak or Bufla was originally a Sd.Ah.201 auf Flak 18 modified and equipped with a shield towed by a Gepanzerte (armored) Zugkraftwagen 8 tons (Sd. Kfz 7). However, the Heeres-Waffenamt who oversaw the production of this version of the 88 decided to produce a second type of Bufla. In fact, it consisted of placing a 88 on the platform of a half-track type SdKfz 8 of 12 tons on DB9 chassis produced by Daimler-Benz.
During testing in the range of Kummersdorf on 23 August 1938, an officer of the Luftwaffe explained: "(...) During these tests, the high initial velocity due to the architecture of the piece and the use of piercing projectiles allowed to destroy in 30% of cases the targets between 800 to 900 meters with the first shot. Given these results, we can say that the 88 is not only able to beat small fortifications, but also can destroy a medium or heavy armored vehicle. Instead, it should be noted that the 88 gun modified in this way is no longer able to fight enemy aircraft. " This is the first time that was planned to use the 88 mm as an anti-tank weapon itself.
The first 10 vehicles were delivered during the winter 1938-39. However, these first 10 machines were also the last, in fact, another version of Bufla mounted on the chassis Famo of 18 tons was chosen.
In combat.
The Bufla was a success, were gathered in the 1. Kompanie of s.Pz.Jg.Abt.8, taking part in the Polish campaign in 1939. The commander, Hauptmann Frenzel said: "The machine allowed a good driving and good mobility. Placing the battery was fast and opening fire took only a few tens of seconds after the vehicle stopped. From this point of view, our machines are much better than the 88 mounted on a cruciform gun carriage. The mobility of our machines allowed to provide a good tactical versatility. We could change positions after two or three shots. Among other things, this allowed us not to suffer losses in Poland, the enemy artillery had no time to identify and adjust the shots on us. The infantry much appreciated our work and we are constantly asked to beat the fortifications, resistance nests or armored. In 21 days of fighting, we traveled 6,000 kilometers without having suffered any mechanical problem ".
The battery was reorganized in February 1940, composed now of 6 bufla, the other four were kept in reserve. During the Western campaign the unit provided support to the 1. and 2. Panzer and the company lost 2 Bufla. During Operation Barbarossa operated with the XXXIX AK Mot in front of Heeresgruppe Mitte. On January 29, 1942, it became in the Panzer-Jäger-Kompanie 601. But still lost two other vehicles since 22 June 1941. Finally, it was absorbed by the Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 559 and became its 2. Kompanie. The latest operating vehicle disappeared at the end of March 1943.
Sources: http://ostfront.forumpro.fr/t267-le-bun ... n-antichar
http://forum.valka.cz/topic/view/30074/ ... kerknacker
http://www.ebay.de/itm/L59-Sd-Kfz-7-Gep ... 2236297655
Cheers. Raul M
.
; a brief story..............................................8.8cm Flak 18 (SFL) auf Zukraftwagen 12t (Sd.Kfz 8 ).
The concept of Bunkerflak was born in early 1938. In fact, the Heeres (German Army) wanted a weapon that could destroy enemy fortifications. The first version of the bunkerflak or Bufla was originally a Sd.Ah.201 auf Flak 18 modified and equipped with a shield towed by a Gepanzerte (armored) Zugkraftwagen 8 tons (Sd. Kfz 7). However, the Heeres-Waffenamt who oversaw the production of this version of the 88 decided to produce a second type of Bufla. In fact, it consisted of placing a 88 on the platform of a half-track type SdKfz 8 of 12 tons on DB9 chassis produced by Daimler-Benz.
During testing in the range of Kummersdorf on 23 August 1938, an officer of the Luftwaffe explained: "(...) During these tests, the high initial velocity due to the architecture of the piece and the use of piercing projectiles allowed to destroy in 30% of cases the targets between 800 to 900 meters with the first shot. Given these results, we can say that the 88 is not only able to beat small fortifications, but also can destroy a medium or heavy armored vehicle. Instead, it should be noted that the 88 gun modified in this way is no longer able to fight enemy aircraft. " This is the first time that was planned to use the 88 mm as an anti-tank weapon itself.
The first 10 vehicles were delivered during the winter 1938-39. However, these first 10 machines were also the last, in fact, another version of Bufla mounted on the chassis Famo of 18 tons was chosen.
In combat.
The Bufla was a success, were gathered in the 1. Kompanie of s.Pz.Jg.Abt.8, taking part in the Polish campaign in 1939. The commander, Hauptmann Frenzel said: "The machine allowed a good driving and good mobility. Placing the battery was fast and opening fire took only a few tens of seconds after the vehicle stopped. From this point of view, our machines are much better than the 88 mounted on a cruciform gun carriage. The mobility of our machines allowed to provide a good tactical versatility. We could change positions after two or three shots. Among other things, this allowed us not to suffer losses in Poland, the enemy artillery had no time to identify and adjust the shots on us. The infantry much appreciated our work and we are constantly asked to beat the fortifications, resistance nests or armored. In 21 days of fighting, we traveled 6,000 kilometers without having suffered any mechanical problem ".
The battery was reorganized in February 1940, composed now of 6 bufla, the other four were kept in reserve. During the Western campaign the unit provided support to the 1. and 2. Panzer and the company lost 2 Bufla. During Operation Barbarossa operated with the XXXIX AK Mot in front of Heeresgruppe Mitte. On January 29, 1942, it became in the Panzer-Jäger-Kompanie 601. But still lost two other vehicles since 22 June 1941. Finally, it was absorbed by the Panzer-Jäger-Abteilung 559 and became its 2. Kompanie. The latest operating vehicle disappeared at the end of March 1943.
Sources: http://ostfront.forumpro.fr/t267-le-bun ... n-antichar
http://forum.valka.cz/topic/view/30074/ ... kerknacker
http://www.ebay.de/itm/L59-Sd-Kfz-7-Gep ... 2236297655
Cheers. Raul M
.
