What is flak in German?

Flak came into English as an abbreviation for the German word Fliegerabwehrkanone, meaning 'aircraft-defense gun.

Why do they call it flak?

American aircrew that were going into combat would describe themselves as “flak bait,” meaning they were at the mercy of enemy anti-aircraft artillery. “Flak,” which was short for the German fliegerabwehrkanone, or literally “flyer defense cannon,” was the primary threat to bomber crews over their targets.

What was flak in ww2?

The versatile 88mm cannon was Germany's main heavy antiaircraft—or “flak”—gun during World War II. When an 88mm projectile exploded at altitude, it sent out jagged metal fragments that tore through nearby aircraft. It also left a characteristic black cloud hanging in the sky.

What does flack mean in slang?

Flack is a criticism. Flack also refers to anti-aircraft guns, and then sometimes it's spelled flak. Flack as a criticism comes from the military sense, as it feels like an attack. A flack (or flak) jacket will protect your body from projectiles, but it doesn't protect you from insults.

What is the difference between flack and flak?

A flack is a person—especially a press agent or publicist—who talks up his or her employer and deflects criticism. Flak (usually a mass noun) refers to (1) antiaircraft artillery, and (2) excessive or abusive criticism (the second definition derives metaphorically from the first).

Why Was the German 88mm Flak the BEST Gun Throughout WW2?

What's the difference between flak and flack?

For the most part, flak remains the spelling used for the gunfire, with flack as an occasional variant that turns up slightly more frequently when referring to criticism. For the publicist/publicity senses, while flack was for a long time the preferred spelling, flak has turned up increasingly over the past decade.

What is a flak in the military?

Flak was introduced to the English language in World War II to refer to the anti-aircraft fire from anti-aircraft guns, from the German Flugabwehrkanone (Flak), for "aircraft defence cannon".

How effective was German flak?

Allied heavy bomber losses due to flak would number in the thousands. Indeed, German flak accounted for close to half of all American aircraft lost in Europe, making it a lethal and deadly adversary.

Can flak stop missile?

The flak is a strong defensive weapon unlocked by the Armoury. After a set amount of time the shell bursts into multiple shells which can shoot down missiles/rockets along with mortars. A single flak can sometimes get rid of a whole missile swarm or several rockets at once, making it the best counter to these.

Did the US use flak?

During World War II, flak jackets and steel helmets were worn by US Navy personnel on aircraft carriers during battle, since the ships and especially their flight decks offered little protection for their crew. The jackets were supposed to protect against shell fragments and heat.

Did the Japanese use flak in ww2?

Tokyo was the most bombed (4,300 of 26,000 sorties) and the best defended of the Japanese targets. Its defenses accounted for 25 of the 55 flak losses of the Twentieth Air Force and for 14 of its 28 losses to flak plus fighters. As would be expected, American losses were much lighter at the less-defended targets.

Was flak effective in ww2?

The 8.8 cm Flak was powerful enough to penetrate over 84 mm of armor at a range of 2 km, making it an unparalleled anti-tank weapon during the early days of the war and still formidable against all but the heaviest tanks at the end.

Can a flak gun destroy a tank?

It could kill a Sherman tank or most other allied tank at over a mile range with pinpoint accuracy, it can also used to shoot down bombers and fighter planes, and even target infantry using high explosive rounds and fire light artillery barrage.

Are military flak jackets bulletproof?

Contrary to popular belief, flak jackets are not interchangeable with bulletproof vests. They are designed to protect against fragments from high explosive weaponry — like anti-aircraft guns, land mines, low velocity projectiles and grenades.

Can us shoot down hypersonic?

Not even the U.S. currently has an adequate defense system to take down hypersonic missiles. Air defense systems, such as Patriots and Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, are capable of taking down ballistic missiles that reach hypersonic speeds, but only over small areas.

What was the most feared German weapon in ww2?

The V1 flying bomb was one of the most fear-inducing terror weapons of the Second World War. Thousands were killed and wounded by its warhead, but alongside those civilians are the forgotten victims of the V1 the people who made them.

What was the most feared artillery in ww2?

One of the most famous artillery pieces of the Second World War, the German 88mm gun had a well-deserved reputation for deadly accuracy and destructive power.

Why was the German 88 so feared?

The 88 earned its reputation as the best overall gun of the war. It was justifiably feared by Allied airmen, tankers, and foot soldiers because of its accuracy, lethality, and versatility. The weapon was deployed on German tanks, as an antitank gun, an assault gun, and for antiaircraft purposes.

What is the toughest body armor?

Level IV armor is the highest rating of body armor currently available, and it will stop armor-piercing rifle threats. It can withstand up to 30-06 M2ap steel core armor-piercing rounds with a mass of 166 grains and a velocity of 2880 ft/s.

Can you fly with a flak?

Checked Bags: Yes

Generally, body armor is allowed in carry-on or checked bags.

Did US soldiers wear body armor in Vietnam?

Korean and Vietnam Wars

The Armor, Vest, M-1952 was an all nylon vest that weighed 8.5 pounds. M-1952A vests began reaching U.S. Army troops in Korea in late 1952, and remained in service through the Vietnam War.

What does cops flak mean?

A flak jacket is a thick sleeveless jacket that soldiers and police officers sometimes wear to protect themselves against bullets. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

Who coined the term flak?

On 23 January 1939, Walter Winchell, in his “On Broadway” syndicated column, gave the putative etymology of the word: Variety which is trying to coin 'flack' as a synonym for press agent (without much luck) might like to know it was born in the Chicago offices of Gene Flack, a film publicist.

What was the best anti aircraft gun in ww2?

The Swedish-designed rapid-fire Bofors 40-mm gun was the most widely used antiaircraft weapon of World War II. In the 1939–45 conflict, the Bofors was in the arsenal of most Allied and Axis nations and in all theaters of the war.

Can a flak jacket stop a 9mm?

You may also have heard the term “flak jacket.” A flak jacket protects against artillery shell and grenade fragments. Although some flak jackets, or fragmentation vests, such as the PASGT, can protect against 9mm FMJ handgun bullets, that's not the intended purpose.