The largest tank in the German Army’s pre–World War II
arsenal was the PzKpfw IV. Developed in response to a 1934 request from the
Weapons Department of the German Army for a medium infantry support tank, its
hull was formed of welded plates with a bolted superstructure on top holding
the turret ring. The turret was also welded and large enough to accommodate
three crew members and permit mounting of larger guns.
Krupp-Gruson began production of the PzKpfw IV in October
1937 and by August 1939 had produced 211 in models Ausf. A through C. The
PzKpfw IV was the backbone of Germany’s new panzer divisions. Weighing some
40,600 pounds in its Ausf. A version, it had a 250-hp engine, a speed of 24
mph, a crew of five men, and maximum 15mm armor protection. Subsequent models
had a larger 300-hp engine and steadily thicker armor protection (up to 80mm).
The PzKpfw IV mounted a short-barreled low-velocity 75mm (2.95-inch) cannon
designed for close support, as well as two machine guns. Among the chief
advantages of the PzKpfw IV was its 16-wheel suspension system, sprung by
elliptic springs, which proved particularly reliable.
The PzKpfw IV offered nothing revolutionary or of special
advantage. Its relatively thin armor offered little protection for the crew,
and the gun was not especially powerful. Yet this tank more than held its own
against all comers through 1941 because it had the right combination of speed,
armor, and armament and because its crews understood how to exploit these to
the best advantage.
Summary: Produced
in response to a 1934 call for a medium infantry support tank, the PzKpfw IV
formed the backbone of the German panzer divisions in the Soviet Union and was
produced throughout the war. First produced by Krupp-Gruson, it appeared in 10
different models, Ausf. A-J.
Production dates:
October 1937–March 1945
Number produced:
8,519 + variants Ausf. A, 35; Ausf. B, 42; Ausf. C, 134; Ausf. D, 229; Ausf. E,
223; Ausf. F, 462; Ausf. F, 175; Ausf. G, 1,687; Ausf. H, 3,774; Ausf. J, 1,758
Manufacturer:
Krupp-Gruson, Vomag, Nibelungenwerke
Crew: 5
Armament: 75mm
KwK37 L/24 main gun (Ausf. A); increased to 75mm KwK40 L/48 (Ausf. H and J);
also 2 x 7.92mm MG34 machine guns (coaxial, bow)
Weight: 40,565
lbs. (Ausf. A); 55,100 lbs. (Ausf. H, J)
Length: 23’
Width: 10’10”
Height: 8’10”
Armor: maximum
15mm, minimum 5mm (Ausf. A); maximum 80mm, minimum 10mm (Ausf. H, J)
Ammunition storage
and type: 87 x 75mm; 3,150 x 7.92mm (Ausf. H and J)
Power plant:
Mayback HL108TR 12-cylinder, 250-hp gasoline engine (Ausf. A); Mayback
HL120TRM112 12-cylinder 300-hp gasoline engine (Ausf. B and later)
Maximum speed: 24
mph
Range: 126 miles
Fording depth:
3’3”
Vertical obstacle:
2’
Trench crossing:
7’3”
Special
characteristics (pos/neg): Despite its considerable increase in weight the
PzKpfw IV had an effective power-to- weight ratio and thus good maneuverability.
Special models: A wide variety, including submersible; assault gun;
self-propelled guns; tank destroyers; self-propelled howitzers; self-propelled
antiaircraft gun platforms; armored recovery vehicles; bridge-layers
A useful reference. Thanks for posting!
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