Comparing: Pz.Sfl. IVc vs. Archer

Proposed antiaircraft vehicle mounting the 88-mm antiaircraft gun. Development started in Germany in 1941. The vehicle was based on the Pz.Sfl.IVc chassis. The operational requirements for the vehicle were constantly changed, and the FlaK 41 gun was mounted on the chassis only in 1944. The vehicle was to be the basis of variants with other armament alternatives. However, the plan was never implemented. Only three prototypes were manufactured.

This powerful, lightly-armored tank destroyer was capable of engaging enemy tanks of any type at distances up to 1,000 meters. Top speed was relatively low because of the underpowered engine and weak suspension. Nonetheless, the Archer was a successful reuse of the outdated Valentine chassis. A total of 665 vehicles were built from 1943 through 1945.