Pz. IV
Quick Summary
The Panzer IV (Pz. IV) was a German medium tank that served as the backbone of Germany's panzer divisions from 1943 until the end of World War II. Originally designed for infantry support, it evolved to become a formidable tank, comparable to or even superior to the U.S. Sherman tank in many aspects.1
Key features of the Pz. IV include:
* Armament: It mounted a 75-mm gun and two machine guns.1
* Armor: Its armor thickness ranged from 30 to 80 mm.1
* Mobility: It weighed 25 tons and had a top road speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).1
* Crew: A crew of five operated the tank.1
The Pz. IV was the only German tank produced throughout the entire war, with over 8,000 units built, making it the most numerous German tank. Its chassis also served as a platform for various other armored vehicles. The Pz. IV's development included upgrades to its gun and armor to counter threats like the Soviet T-34 tank.12
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tankWorld War IIThe German Pz. IV and Soviet T-34 were rearmed in 1942 with longer-barreled, higher-velocity guns; soon afterward these began to be displaced by more powerfully armed tanks. In 1943 the Germans introduced the Panther medium tank with a long 75-mm gun having a muzzle velocity of 936…
Read MoreThe German Pz. IV and Soviet T-34 were rearmed in 1942 with longer-barreled, higher-velocity guns; soon afterward these began to be displaced by more powerfully armed tanks. In 1943 the Germans introduced the Panther medium tank with a long 75-mm gun having a muzzle velocity of 936…
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panzerPz. IVThough originally intended as an infantry-support tank, the Pz. IV (along with the Pz. V, described below) formed the backbone of Germany’s panzer divisions from 1943 to the war’s end. The tank had the same engine and general appearance as the Pz. III,…
Read MoreThough originally intended as an infantry-support tank, the Pz. IV (along with the Pz. V, described below) formed the backbone of Germany’s panzer divisions from 1943 to the war’s end. The tank had the same engine and general appearance as the Pz. III,…
Read More