The German Flakpanzer V “Coelian” was a proposed self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) project developed in 1943–44, based on the Panther tank chassis. Designed by Rheinmetall, it was intended to provide mobile protection for German armoured divisions against Allied fighter-bombers, which were increasingly dominating the battlefield. The Coelian featured a fully enclosed, rotating turret mounting two 3.7cm FlaK 43 autocannons, offering high rates of fire with protection for the crew—an improvement over earlier open-topped designs like the Möbelwagen and Wirbelwind. Plans also included the possibility of arming it with twin 5.5cm autocannons, but this never advanced beyond the drawing board. Despite promising design features, only a wooden mock-up turret was ever completed, as Germany’s industry faced severe material shortages and production was focused on maintaining existing tank lines. The project was cancelled before prototypes could be built. Although it never entered service, the Coelian represented Germany’s attempt to modernise its anti-aircraft vehicles with heavier protection and firepower in response to Allied air superiority.
 
Multi part resin model.
 
Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.