Saturday, June 14, 2008

King & Country: 88mm Flak 18 - April Newsletter

The eighty-eight was an anti-aircraft artillery gun used by the German army in World War II and was also used as an anti-tank gun throughout the war. First developed by the Krupp company of Germany in 1928 to take advantage of the German standard 88mm artillery ammunition, the 88mm Flak was an effective antiaircraft gun in the 2nd World War. The gun was mounted on a gun carriage for mobility and to allow the gun to change directions when needed. The88mm Flak was heavy and typically was towed by the German SdKfz 7 Half-Track Vehicle. Another issue during WWII was the higher velocity aircraft and the increase in altitude between the World Wars. The 88mm Flak was designed to operate in a semi-automatic fashion to dispense 15 to 20 rounds a minute. The ammunition was very explosive to increase the effectivness of each round. Also, the gun was powerful enough to fire 9.2kg shells to hieghts of 26000 feet. The gun was also effective as an anti-tank gun at distances up to 2km, seeing action in both the Soviet Union and North Africa theaters.

King and Country is releasing a version of the 88mm Flak 18 this coming May, they will release WS103. The 88mm FlaK 18 with 5 artillerymen. Reserve yours today at www.BgsToySoldiers.com, contact us if you would like to reserve this piece.

Pieces Retired this month:

- AR040 "Standing Ready"
- AR042 "Kneeling Ready"
- BR054 "Supply Wagon Set"
- LAH061 "Oath Taking Ceremony"
- NA013 "French Grenadier Officer Marching"
- NA016 "French Grenadier Drummer"
- NA088 "Scots Grey on Collapsing Horse"- BAR001 "Mounted Chieftain"
- BAR002 "Attacking w/Axe"
- BAR011 "Standing Warrior"
- BAR012 No Mercy"

Most pieces are still available for a limited time at www.BgsToySoldiers.com

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