Border Model BT013 – German 88mm Gun Flak 36 w/6 anti-aircraft artillery crew members (Limited Edition)

The Border Model BT-013 German 88mm Gun Flak 36 is a 1/35 scale model kit that brings to life one of the most iconic and versatile weapons of WWII. The 88mm gun Flak 36 was renowned for its dual-purpose role as both an anti-aircraft and anti-tank gun, proving devastatingly effective in both capacities. This kit captures the intricate design and operational details of the Flak 36, making it a standout piece for military model enthusiasts and diorama builders.

Key Features:

• Scale: 1/35, perfect for integration into dioramas or as a standalone display piece.
• Highly Detailed Gun Assembly:
• The 88mm barrel is finely reproduced, with rifling detail and accurate proportions.
• Includes detailed parts for the breech, recoil system, and aiming mechanisms.
• Flexible Build Options:
• The gun can be built in firing position with stabilizing arms deployed or in transport configuration on its Sd.Ah. 202 trailer.
• Adjustable elevation and traverse for realistic posing.
• Trailer and Carriage Details:
• The Sd.Ah. 202 trailer components are meticulously designed, including towing arms, wheels, and suspension systems.
• Offers a realistic depiction of the gun’s transport setup.
• Photo-Etched (PE) Parts:
• PE details are included for fine components such as gun shields, sighting mechanisms, and tool clamps, enhancing realism.
• Crew Accessories:
• Comes with additional parts like ammunition cases, shells, and spent cartridges for diorama customization.
• Optional tools and equipment for field use are included.
• Realistic Wheels and Tires:
• Tires feature accurate tread patterns and sidewall markings, adding to the model’s authenticity.
• Optional Gun Shield Configuration:
• Includes detailed gun shields that can be assembled on or off the gun, depending on the desired setup.
• Marking Options:
• Decals and painting guides for various units, allowing customization for different theaters of operation.
• Instruction Manual:
• Clear and detailed assembly instructions, including optional configurations and painting suggestions.

The Border Model BT-013 German 88mm Gun Flak 36 offers exceptional detail and versatility, appealing to modelers who appreciate the engineering and historical impact of WWII artillery. Its intricate design and multiple build options make it an engaging and rewarding project.

German 88mm Gun Flak 36:

The German 88mm gun Flak 36 was one of the most iconic and versatile artillery pieces of World War II, renowned for its effectiveness as both an anti-aircraft gun and a devastating anti-tank weapon. Originally designed to counter high-altitude aircraft, the Flak 36 gained fame for its adaptability and lethal performance in ground combat, cementing its reputation as one of the most feared weapons of the war.

Design and Features

The Flak 36 was an evolution of the earlier Flak 18, incorporating improvements for ease of production and durability. Its primary feature was the 88mm L/56 barrel, capable of firing high-explosive and armor-piercing shells. The gun had a muzzle velocity of 820 to 1,000 meters per second, depending on the type of ammunition, allowing it to engage fast-moving aircraft and penetrate thick armor at long ranges.

Mounted on a two-axle, cruciform platform, the Flak 36 could be rotated a full 360 degrees and elevated between -3 and +85 degrees, enabling it to engage both aerial and ground targets. This flexibility, combined with a range of up to 15 kilometers (anti-aircraft) and 2 kilometers (effective anti-tank range), made it an exceptionally versatile weapon. It could be deployed in just under three minutes, allowing it to respond rapidly to shifting battlefield conditions.

The Flak 36 also featured a detachable gun shield for crew protection, an improvement over the Flak 18. Despite its heavy weight of approximately 7 tons, the gun was towable by half-tracks such as the Sd.Kfz. 7, making it mobile enough for frontline deployment.

Operational Use

The 88mm Flak 36 first gained widespread recognition during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), where it demonstrated its potential as a dual-purpose weapon. During World War II, it was employed extensively across multiple theaters, including the Western Front, North Africa, and the Eastern Front.

As an anti-aircraft gun, it was effective against Allied bombers at high altitudes. However, its most legendary use was as an anti-tank weapon, particularly during the Battle of France and the North African Campaign. Its ability to penetrate the thick armor of British Matilda tanks and Soviet T-34s made it a critical asset for German forces. It was also used in static defensive roles, fortifying key positions with unmatched firepower.

Legacy

The German 88mm Gun Flak 36 remains one of the most iconic artillery pieces in military history. Its versatility, firepower, and adaptability epitomized German engineering and left a lasting impact on the development of multi-purpose artillery systems. Even after the war, its influence could be seen in subsequent anti-aircraft and anti-tank designs worldwide.