Germany’s Luftwaffe was numerically outnumbered as WWII progressed, with the Fatherland and tactical units constantly being bombed and strafed by enemy aircraft. This called for more effective antiaircraft systems than Germany hitherto possessed, which initially were often poorly protected halftracks. New self-propelled AA types were put into service, including the Flakpanzer IV. A new type was also planned – the Flakpanzer V “Coelian” from Rheinmetall. The Coelian featured a special armored turret that would protect the crew inside the vehicle. It used a standard Panther tank chassis upon which were mounted twin 3.7cm FlaK 43 cannons.
Ultimate Armor is now offering a fine 1/72 scale model of this interesting-looking German AA vehicle. It features the dual antiaircraft guns mounted based on a Panther chassis. The fully enclosed turret is a brand new molding, carefully replicating the prototypical structure and the twin-barrel cannons mounted inside. The turret and gun system is made true to scale. The model is finished in a dark yellow painting scheme. While this system never had the requisite time to get off the drawing board, Dragon’s engineers are proud to bring this exciting model to collectors!