DW35040 German 2 cm Flak 30

Plastic model kit of an early version of the 2 cm Flak 30
The 2 cm Flak 30 is finally available as a model.

• 1:35 scale
• Gun elevation is adjustable
• Photo-etched parts included
• 2 cm magazines included
• Transport trailer not included
• Unassembled, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The 2 cm Flak 30 was the Wehrmacht's first light anti-aircraft gun to enter mass production and served as the basis for the later, improved 2 cm Flak 38. Developed in the early 1930s, it was introduced into service with the Army, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine starting in 1934. The weapon was designed to engage low-flying aircraft but was equally effective against infantry, unarmored vehicles, and lightly fortified positions.

Technically, it was an automatic 20 mm cannon firing 20 × 138 mm B ammunition. The weapon was fed by 20-round magazines and achieved a theoretical rate of fire of approximately 280 rounds per minute. In practice, the actual rate of fire was significantly lower due to frequent magazine changes. This comparatively low rate of fire was one of the reasons for developing the more capable Flak 38.

The operating crew typically consisted of five to seven soldiers, including the gun commander, gunners, and several ammunition handlers. The gun was usually transported on the *Sonderanhänger* 51 (special trailer), which was detached before deployment. In the firing position, the mount rested on three folding outriggers, allowing for a full 360-degree traverse.

The Flak 30 saw action in early campaigns, including the invasion of Poland, the Western Campaign, and the North African Campaign. It was the standard light anti-aircraft gun of the German armed forces, particularly during the early years of the war. Although it was later increasingly replaced by the Flak 38, it remained in service with many units until the end of the war.

The Flak 38 was largely based on the Flak 30 but featured an improved breech mechanism and a significantly higher rate of fire. Outwardly, the two guns look very similar, which often leads to them being confused in historical photographs.

For modelers, the Flak 30 is of particular interest for depicting the early war years from 1939 to 1942.