German anti-aircraft gun 2cm Flak 38. 2ND G.M. 1/35 ICM-35717

In 1934, the 20 mm Flak 30 anti-aircraft gun, developed by the German company Rheinmetall, was adopted by the Luftwaffe. Based on combat experience with this weapon in the Spanish Civil War, the Mauser company made improvements, resulting in the 2 cm Flak 38 model. This version used the same ammunition as the Flak 30, but included modifications that increased the rate of fire from 245 to 480 rounds per minute. The cost of a 2 cm Flak 38 anti-aircraft unit was 6,500 Reichsmarks. The new gun began to enter service in the second half of 1940 and soon became a common short-range air defense tool for the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe. In addition to engaging aircraft, it could be used against lightly armored targets. A company equipped with twelve Flak 38 guns was part of the anti-tank battalion of infantry divisions, and similar companies were integrated into armored and motorized divisions. Production of these guns continued until the end of World War II.