Medium Tank Panzer Iv

HISTORY

Already in the early 30-ies in Germany had developed a doctrine of construction of tank forces, his views took shape and the tactical use of various types of tanks. And if the light machine (Pz.l and Pz.ll) were considered primarily as a combat training, they are more severe “brothers” – Pz.lll and Pz.lV – as full-fledged battle tanks. This Pz.lll was to serve as a medium tank, and Pz.lV – tank support.

The project was developed in the latter part of the requirements for a car 18-ton class, designed for commanders of tank battalions. Hence its original name Bataillonsfuh-rerwagen – BW. By design, he was very close to the tank ZW – future Pz.lll, but having almost the same with dimensions, BW differed over a wide body and large diameter turret ring was that it was originally laid some of the reserve for its modernization. New tank supposed to be equipped heavy guns and two machine guns. Layout pawned classic – single-turret, with a traditional German tank for front-transmission. The reserved amount provided the normal work of the crew of 5 people and placing equipment.

BW engaged in the design firm Rheinmetall-Borsig AG in Dusseldorf and Friedrich Krupp AG in Essen. His projects, however, presented the company and Daimler-Benz and MAN. It is interesting to note that all options, except reynmetallovskogo had a chassis with a checkerboard arrangement of track rollers of large diameter, developed by engineer E. Knipkampom. The only built in the same metal prototype – VK 2001 (Rh) – was equipped with a chassis is almost entirely borrowed from the many-heavy tank Nb.Fz., several samples which produced in 1934 – 1935. This design chassis and preference. Order the production of the tank 7,5-cm Geschutz-Panzerwagen (Vs.Kfz.618) – “armored vehicle with 75-mm cannon (experimental model 618) – in 1935, received by Krupp. In April 1936 the name was changed to the Panzerkampfwagen IV (abbreviated Pz.Kpfw.lV, frequent Panzer IV, and quite short – Pz.lV). By penetrating the mobile system of notation of the Wehrmacht tank had index Sd.Kfz.161.

Several machines Zero series were produced in workshops Krupp factory in Essen, but in October 1937 the production moved to the plant Krupp-Gruson AG in Magdeburg, where the company launched production of armored versions A.
Pz.IV Ausf.A

Body armor protection Ausf.A ranged from 15 (sides and rear) to 20 (forehead) mm. Frontal armor of the tower reached 30, the boards – 20, rear – 10 mm. Combat weight of the tank was 17.3 tons Armament – 75 mm gun KwK 37 with barrel length of 24 calibres (L/24); in its ammunition included 120 bursts. Two MG 34 machine gun caliber 7,92 mm (one – paired with a gun, the other – exchange rate) had ammunition rounds in 3000. The tank was equipped with 12-cylinder V-twin carburettor engine with liquid cooling Maybach HL 108TR capacity of 250 hp at 3000 rpm and a five-speed manual gearbox type Zahnradfabrik ZF SFG75. The engine was located asymmetrically closer to the starboard hull. Chassis consisted of eight double bogie wheels of small diameter, semi-detached pairs of four trolleys, suspended on chetvertellipticheskih leaf springs, four carrier rollers, front-drive wheel and guide wheel with the track tensioning mechanism. Subsequently, with numerous upgrades Pz.IV its chassis has not undergone any major design changes.

Characteristic features of the car modification and became a commander’s cupola cylindrical shape with six observation slits and exchange machine gun in a ball set in a broken front hull plates. Tower of the tank was shifted to the left of its longitudinal axis at 51.7 mm, which was due to the internal layout mechanism for turning the turret, which includes a two-stroke gasoline engine, generator and electric motor.

Until March 1938 the factory shop left 35 tanks modification A. In practice, this installation was a party.
Pz.IV Ausf.B

Machines modified in several different from previous ones. Polygonal line endplate Corps replaced the straight, eliminated exchange machine gun (in his place appeared a viewing device radio operator, and the right of it – embrasure for shooting from the sidearms), launched a new commander’s cupola periscope and observation device, changed the design of almost all bookings vision devices, instead of a double seat covers hatches driver and installed the single-radio operator. Tanks Ausf.B Maybach HL120TR equipped with an engine rated at 300 hp at 3000 rpm and a six-speed gearbox, ZF SSG76. Ammunition was reduced to 80 rounds and 2700 rounds of ammunition. The armor protection remained the same, only the thickness of the frontal armor hull and turret brought to 30 mm.

From April to September 1938 were made 45 Pz.IV Ausf.B.
Pz.IV Ausf.C

From September 1938 to August 1939 produced a series of tanks C – 140 units (according to other sources, 134 tanks and chassis for the six Corps of Engineers). From 40 th series machines (serial number – 80341) have begun to install the engine Maybach HL120TRM – later it was used in all subsequent modifications. Other improvements include a special baffle under barrel gun for bending the antenna when you turn the turret and an armored jacket coaxial machine gun. Two cars Ausf.C turned into a bridge tanks.
Pz.IV Ausf.D

Between October 1939 and May 1940 were manufactured 229 machines modification D, which again had a broken shell and endplate exchange machine gun with an extra rectangular Reservation. Redesigned mask coupled install guns and machine guns. The thickness of the side hull and turret armor increased to 20 mm. In 1940 – 1941 years of frontal armor corps reinforced 20-mm plates. Tanks Ausf.D later releases have additional ventilation openings in the engine compartment (option Tr. – Tropen – rain). In April 1940, 10 cars turned into a series of D Bridge Layer.

In 1941, one tank Ausf.D on a trial basis armed with 50-mm KwK 39 with a barrel of 60 calibers. Was planned to rearm so that all cars in this modification, but in winter 1942 was preferred variant of F2 with a 75-mm long-barreled guns. In 1942 – 1943 years a number of tanks Pz.IV Ausf.D during overhaul have such guns. In February 1942, two tank turned into a self install, armed with 105-mm howitzers K18.
Pz.IV Ausf.E

The main difference between versions Ausf.E from its predecessors has been a significant increase in the thickness of armor. Frontal armor corps brought to 30 mm and in addition increased the 30-mm screen. Lob tower also was brought up to 30 mm, and the mask-to 35 … 37 mm. The sides of the hull and turret were 20-mm, and the roof and feed-15-mm armor. Established a new type of commander’s cupola with reinforced to a thickness 50 … 95 mm reservation, tower fan, improved viewing device driver, setting a course ball gun Kugelblende 30 (the number 30 means that the installation of an apple was adapted for mounting in a 30-mm armor ), simplified the leadership and steering wheel, gear box, mounted on the stern of the tower, and other smaller changes. Has undergone changes and construction of the sheet feeding tower. Combat weight of the tank to 21 tons from September 1940 to April 1941 the factory shop left 223 cars version E.
Pz.IV Ausf.F

Pz.IV Ausf.F emerged from the analysis of combat employment of previous versions of machines in Poland and France. The newly increased thickness of the armor: the forehead hull and turret – up to 50 mm, Depth – up to 30. Single-doors in the sides of the tower was replaced by bivalves, front hull plates again become straight. Gun, there are enormous, but now he was placed in a ball set Kugelblende 50. Since the mass of the shell of the tank has increased by 48%, compared with Ausf.E, the car received a new 400-mm caterpillar instead of the older 360-mm. There have been additional ventilation holes in the roof of the engine compartment and transmission covers hatches. Change the location and design of the engine and muffler benzomotora turning the turret.

In addition to the company Krupp-Gruson to the production of the tank, lasted from April 1941 to March 1942, and joined Vomag Nibelungenwerke.

All of the above modifications of the tank Pz.IV armed with short-barreled 75-mm cannon with a muzzle velocity armor-piercing projectile 385 m / s, which was powerless against the British “Matilda” and against the Soviet T-34 and KV. After the release of 462 cars variant F stop their production for a month. During this time in the design of the tank made a very significant change: the main one – to set the 75-mm cannon KwK 40 having a barrel 43 caliber armor-piercing projectile muzzle velocity 770 m / s, the designers developed by Krupp and Rheinmetall. Production of these guns began in March 1942. April 4 tank with a new gun was shown to Hitler, and thereupon resumed its release. Machines with short guns had the notation F1, but with a new tool – F2. Ammunition of the past consisted of 87 shots, 32 of which were located in the tower. Machines have a new mask set and new sight TZF 5f. Combat weight reached 23.6 tons before July 1942 was released 175 Pz.lV Ausf.F2, another 25 cars converted from F1.
Pz.IV Ausf.G

Option Pz.IV Ausf.G (produced 1687 units), production of which began in May 1942 and lasted until April 1943, the fundamental differences between the cars modified F did not. Only once conspicuous novelty was two-chamber muzzle brake gun. In addition, most of the cars produced no observation devices in front of the compartment of the tower to the right of the gun and the right side of the tower. However, judging from photographs, these devices do not, and on many machines variant F2. Last 412 tanks Ausf.G received 75-mm cannon KwK 40 a barrel in 48 caliber. Machines equipped with the later editions of 1450-kg “eastern tracks” – Ostketten, an additional 30-mm frontal armor (it had about 700 tanks), and a skirt, which made them almost indistinguishable from the next update – Ausf.H. One series of tanks was converted to a prototype self-propelled guns Hummel.
Pz.IV Ausf.H

The tanks were modified H 80-mm frontal armor, antenna station was transferred to the stern hull, appeared 5-mm side skirts to the hull and turret, preservatives against chemical (or as they were when we called, broneprozhigayuschih) shells, redesigned drive wheels . Some of the tanks had neobrezinennye support rollers. At Ausf.H mounted gearbox Zahnradfabrik ZF SSG77, similar to used in the tank Pz.lll. At the commander’s cupola was mounted anti-aircraft gun MG 34 machine gun – Fliegerbeschussgerat41 or 42. On machines of recent editions of the stern hull plates became vertical (before he was placed under an inclination of 30 ° to vertical). Up to 18 mm increased armor protection of the roof of the tower. Finally, all the external surfaces of the tank were coated tsimmeritom. This version Pz.IV became the media: from April 1943 to May 1944 factory workshop of three manufacturing companies – Krupp-Gruson AG in Magdeburg, Vogtiandische Maschinenfabrik AG (VOMAG) in Plauzne and Nibelungenwerke in St. Valentin – 3960 abandoned military vehicles. This 121 tank was converted into a self-propelled guns and assault.

According to others, produced the 3935 chassis, 3774 of which were used to build tanks. Based on 30 chassis released 30 StuG IV assault guns and 130 ACS Brummbar.
Pz.IV Ausf.J

The last option Pz.IV has changed Ausf.J. From June 1944 to March 1945 Nibelungenwerke plant produced 1,758 cars of this model. In general, such a previous version of tanks Ausf.J undergone changes due to technological simplifications. Thus, for example, was eliminated electric powertrain, turning the turret and keep only the manual transmission! Simplify the design of the tower hatches, was dismantled on-board surveillance device driver (with side skirts, he was useless), support rollers, of which the machines later editions had fallen to three, had lost their rubber tires, changed structure of the guide wheel. The tank mounted fuel tanks of high-capacity, resulting in a cruising range on the highway has increased to 320 km. For side skirts has been widely used metal mesh. Some of the tanks had a vertical exhaust pipes, such as used on the tank “Panther”.

During the period from 1937 to 1945 several attempts of deep technical modernization Pz.IV. Thus, one of the tanks Ausf.G in July 1944 equipped with a hydraulic transmission. Since April 1945 intended to equip Pz.IV 12-cylinder diesel engine Tatra 103.

Most also have extensive plans revised and additional armament. In 1943 – 1944 years on tanks modified H planned to install a tower of Panther with 75-mm KwK 42 with a barrel of 70 calibers or the so-called “close the tower” (Schmalturm) with 75-mm gun KwK 44 / 1. And built a wooden model of the tank with this gun, placed in a standard tank turret Pz.IV Ausf.H. Krupp Company has developed a new tower with a gun 75/55-mm KwK 41 with a conical barrel length of 58 calibres.

Attempts were made to equip Pz.IV missile weapons. A prototype was built and fitted with a launcher 280-millimeter rockets instead of the tower. From the stage, a wooden model did not come out fighting machine, equipped with two 75-mm recoilless guns Rucklauflos Kanone 43, located on the sides of the tower, and 30-mm MK 103 on-site staffing KwK 40.

From March to September 1944, 97 tanks were converted to Ausf.H commander – Panzerbefehlswagen IV (Sd.Kfz.267). These machines have additional FuG station 7, which served the loader.

For self-propelled artillery units from July 1944 to March 1945 on the shop floors Nibelungenwerke 90 tanks Ausf.J converted into machines of advanced artillery observer – Panzerbeobachtungswagen IV. The main armament of them survived. Additionally, these machines were equipped with radio FuG 7, the antenna is easily recognizable by a characteristic “panicle” in the end, and a rangefinder TSF 1. Instead, the tanks were full-time commander’s cupola on the assault gun StuG 40.

In 1940, 20 tanks, modifications C and D were converted to Bridge Layer Bruckenleger IV. The work was done in shops factories Friedrich Krupp AG in Essen and Magirus, Ulm, and the cars of both firms differed somewhat from each other in design. Four bridge layer became part of the demining companies 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 5 th and 10 th Panzer divisions.

In February 1940, two tank Ausf.C firm Magirus converted into assault bridges (Infanterie Sturm-steg), designed to overcome the various infantry fortifications obstacles. In place of the tower was mounted a sliding bridge, structurally similar to fire hook ladder.

In preparation for the invasion of the British Isles (Operation Sea Lion) 42 Ausf.D tank equipped with equipment for underwater speed. Then the machines came in the 3rd and 18 Panzer divisions of the Wehrmacht. Since the crossing of the English Channel did not take place, they received their baptism of fire on the eastern front.

In 1939, during the test 600mm mortars Karl created a need for podvozchike ammunition. In October of that year on a trial basis for this purpose has been retooled one tank Pz.lV Ausf.D. In a special box mounted on the roof of the engine compartment, carried four 600-mm projectile, for loading and unloading which served as a crane, placed on the roof of the front of hull. In 1941 carriers of ammunition (Munitionsschlepper) converted 13 machines Ausf.FI.

In October-December 1944, 36 tanks were converted into Pz.lV BREM.

The data production Pz.lV, unfortunately, can not be completely accurate. In different sources of data on the number of cars produced are different, and sometimes significantly. For example, IP Shmelev, in his book “Armored vehicles of the Third Reich” brings the following figures: Pz.lV with KwK 37 – 1125, and with KwK 40 – 7394. Just look at the table to see the differences. In the first case, a small – to 8 units, and the second major – at 169! Moreover, if we summarize the data release on modifications, we obtain the number of 8714 tanks, again, does not coincide with the outcome of the table, although the error in this case amounts to a total of 18 machines.

Pz.lV in much larger quantities than other German tanks, exported. According to German statistics, the allies of Germany, as well as in Spain and Turkey arrived in 1942 – 1944 years of 490 combat vehicles.

First Pz.lV was the most faithful ally of Nazi Germany-Hungary. In May 1942, arrived 22 tanks Ausf.F1, in September-10 F2. The largest shipment was delivered in autumn 1944 and spring 1945, according to various sources, from 42 to 72 cars modified H and J. The discrepancy happened because some sources questioned the fact of delivery of tanks in 1945.

In October 1942, the first 11 Pz.lV Ausf.G arrived in Romania. Later, in 1943 – 1944 years Romania will receive another 131 tanks of this type. They have been used in combat against the Red Army, and also against the Wehrmacht, after the transition of Romania to the side of the anti-Hitler coalition.

Party of 97 tanks Ausf.G and H in the period from September 1943 to February 1944 was sent to Bulgaria. Since September 1944 they took an active part in battles with German troops, as the main striking force of a single armored brigade of the Bulgarian. In 1950 the Bulgarian army is among 11 military vehicles of this type.