Even when the 8.8cm Flak 18 was dug into a pit, its size and mass made it difficult to conceal and protect. The high mounting was necessary to achieve near
vertical firing elevations and allow for the gun's considerable recoil. This feature gave it a high profile, a liability for an antitank gun. The crewmen appear to
be trying to identify what they see through the mist.

8.8cm Flak 18

An 8.8cm Flak 36 is set up in a firing position on the steppes. The big gun was conspicuous and difficult to conceal much less dig in. The pit in the foreground is for ready ammunition. The "Acht-Acht" or "Otto-Otto", as the Germans called the "88", depended on its longer range to survive tank engagements. The ammunition handler standing in the pit wears a Soviet insulated winter jacket.

The 88

German ( Flakzwilling ) 37mm Flak 43 anti- aircraft gun in camouflage surprising in Berlin in 1945