5 cm FlaK 41

The 5 cm FlaK 41 (Flugabwehrkanone 41) was 50 mm anti-aircraft gun produced for defending intemediate zone above the light, 37 mm guns' range, but below the ceiling of the heavy, 75 mm and above, pieces. The gun proved inadequate and was produced in small numbers.

Development of the gun, although started in 1936 was slow, and the contract was awarded to Rheinmetall-Borsig only in 1940. The gun was produced in two models, one mounted on a two-axle trailer, the other one stationary, used for defending important industrial installations. None of the two was a success and both shared the same faults. The speed of traverse was too slow for fast-moving targets and the gun proved underpowered, even though the propellant gave a powerful blast, able to dazzle the aimer even in broad daylight. The relatively heavy cartridge (shell alone weighted 2.2 kg) was cumbersome and heavy when loaded in 5-round clips.

The gun was automatic, gas-operated, locked by breech block dropping down, which engaged the buttress guides on the block against the guides on the jacket. The recoil of the breech operated the feed mechanism. The buffer was mounted centrally in the cradle, between the two springs of the recuperator. At least two of these guns were put in the Messerschmitt Me 262.

Altogether 60 of 5 cm Flak 41 were produced, starting from 1941. Some of them were still in use in 1945.

Later German attempts to create a medium anti-air gun focused on 55 mm weapons (Gerät 58) and the 5 cm Pak 38-derived Gerät 241.