Panzer IV – Walk Around

Panzer IV
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	97

Panzer IV Ausf.B Walk Around
Photographer	Michael Benolkin
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	18

Panzer Mk IV Ausf H Walk Around
Photographer	Bill Maloney
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	15

See also:

PzKpfw IV with hydrostatic drive Walk Around
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	26

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Panzer IV: The Workhorse of the German Panzer Divisions

The Panzerkampfwagen IV (Pz.Kpfw. IV), often simply called the Panzer IV, was the backbone and workhorse of the German armored forces (Panzerwaffe) throughout World War II. It holds the distinction of being the only German tank to remain in continuous production from the beginning (1939) to the end (1945) of the war, with over 8,500 units of all variants built.

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Key Characteristics and Role

Characteristic	Early Variants (Ausf. A-F1)	Later Variants (Ausf. F2-J)
Original Role	Infantry-support tank	Primary medium battle tank
Main Armament	Short-barreled 75 mm KwK 37 L/24 gun	Long-barreled 75 mm KwK 40 L/43 or L/48 gun
Weight (Approx.)	18-22 tonnes	23-25 tonnes
Frontal Armor	Up to 30 mm (with some add-on plates)	Up to 80 mm (welded)
Crew	5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Radio Operator/Bow Machine Gunner)	5 (Same)

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Development and Evolution

The Panzer IV was initially designed in the mid-1930s for a supporting role, intended to fire high-explosive (HE) rounds against enemy anti-tank guns and fortifications.

• Early War (1939–1941): Variants Ausf. A through F1 were equipped with the short 75 mm KwK 37 L/24 gun. The armor was relatively light, in the 15 mm to 30 mm range.
• The Turning Point (Late 1941–1942): Encountering the Soviet T-34 tanks necessitated a major upgrade. The Panzer IV, having a larger turret ring than the Panzer III, was chosen for this role.
• The Upgrade (1942–1945): The tank was radically up-gunned with the high-velocity, long-barreled 75 mm KwK 40 L/43 (Ausf. F2/G) and later the L/48 (Ausf. H/J). The frontal armor was also increased to 80 mm on later versions, and side skirts (Schürzen) were added for protection.

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Legacy

The Panzer IV, in its final up-gunned and up-armored versions, became a highly effective and reliable medium tank. Its versatile chassis was also used as the basis for various other vital combat vehicles, including:

• StuG IV (Assault Gun)
• Jagdpanzer IV (Tank Destroyer)
• Wirbelwind and Ostwind (Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Guns)

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