The FlaK 30 series was not without fault, however, for the feed mechanism was mysteriously prone to jamming throughout her operational tenure. Perhaps more importantly, her inherent rate-of-fire was judged as slow by the start of 1941, unable to compete with the advancing pace of enemy aircraft technology in terms of speed. As such, the FlaK 30 was revised to become the "FlaK 38" variant with its 220 rounds-per-minute firing action. This inevitably led the original FlaK 30 system to fall out of favor with commanders whom naturally preferred the extended capabilities of the newer FlaK 38. Therefore, FlaK 30 was left to run out its operational life alongside its replacement and the remaining lot were operated until they mechanically broke down beyond repair or were lost to the enemy. Regardless, the FlaK 30 was in operational service with the Germans until the end of the war in 1945.
The German firearms firm of Mauser was also contracted during war time production to manufacture the FlaK 30 in a handier form for use by German paratroopers and mountain troops. The gun mount was revised as lighter and less complex and the end-product was designated as the "2cm GebFlaK 38". Production quickly ensued in 1941 and the weapon was made operational the following year.
Another notable FlaK 30 incarnation became the "2cm Flakvierling 38" air defense system. This weapon sported 4 x 20mm FlaK 30 cannons, set as pairs on a turning/elevating gun mount, and appeared from Mach of 1940 onwards while still utilizing the original's 20-round box magazine feed. The combined rate-of-fire was approximately 800 rounds per minute. Mauser was also tabbed for its design and manufacture and a recommended crew of eight was needed for operation.
Finland became another operator of note for the FlaK 30 air defense system.
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