An improvised air defense vehicle, created by mating a Flakvierling 38 20mm autocannon with the proven SdKfz 7 artillery tractor. Introudced in April 1940, the Flakvierling's performance against aircraft was limited due to its relatively short range, it was lethal against lightly armored ground vehicles and concentrations of enemy troops. Beginning in 1942, the halftrack was outfitted with armor plating to protect the engine and driver against small arms fire and shrapnel. Although superseded by the superior Sd.Kfz. 7/2, existing 7/1 models remained in use until the end of the war.
21. Panzer's Heeres-FlaK-Abteilung 305 had third battery had two Sd.Kfz. 7/1 along with 9 self propelled 2 cm flak guns.
2. Panzer's Heeres-FlaK-Abteilung 273 had their third and fourth battery equipped with two Sd.Kfz. 7/1 along with other self-propelled 2 cm flak guns and towed 2 cm flak gun.
