Flakscheinwerfer (Flak Searchlight)

Introduction

A WW-II German searchlight a.k.a Flakscheinwerfer (Flak Searchlight). In 1941, the German company AEG, in collaboration with the Krupp factory, produced this searchlight.

A group of such lights was used to light the skies, thus enabling the AA crews to spot, and shoot at the enemy airplanes. In spite of its gigantic stature, it could be lit only for 30 seconds. Then the coal rods had to be replaced.

Approximate values

Height: 2.78 metres
Weight: 2500 kg
Diameter: 150 cm
Max. range: 22 km

Operation

A generator was used that was powered by an eight-cylinder Mercedes Benz in-line engine of 4.9 liters. It developed 28 kW at 105 volts direct current. The fuel consumption was approximately 20 liters per hour. The floodlight was transported with a special two-axle trailer.

To control the searchlight, a crew of six people was required: A searchlight commander, two people for elevation/side direction, two people on the unit and one assistant.

Demo

The following information, and photos have been reproduced from the official site of Narvik Krigsmuseum.

During the Winter Festival in 2010, the floodlight was tested in the center of Narvik. The beam of light was directed, among other things, at the area on Fagernesfjellet where the pedal machine was working on the ski slopes. The area inexplicably became as bright as day.

Usage

This particular light was placed at the Sandsøy observation post as part of the  Artillerigruppe Vaagsfjord. Having said that, these lights were used widely wherever the Germans had to defend themselves against the Allied airplanes, including their homeland battles over Berlin, Munich, etc.

After World War II, it was used by the Norwegian Armed Forces until the 1990s. The searchlight is one of the largest objects in the Narvik War Museum’s collection and can be seen in the Open Magazine.

Disclaimer

The ‘Demo’ section might contain third-party images/videos/other multimedia. The author neither claims nor intends any infringement, and tries best to give credits to the original creators/owners. The only purpose of including the third-party material is to provide the readers as much information as possible, in an intuitive manner.