Panzer 4

The Panzer IV tanks were one of the most produced tanks by the Germans during World War II. The Germans used these tanks for a long time, and they remained effective throughout the war. The Panzer IV tanks were originally designed at the request of the famous German general Heinz Guderian to support infantry. Production of the Panzer IV began in 1934. Although it was classified as a medium tank, the Germans initially considered it a heavy tank.

Since the Panzer IV was initially designed for infantry support, its armor-piercing capability was low. It was equipped with a short-barreled 75 mm KwK 37 gun, which was primarily intended for destroying bunkers and trenches rather than enemy tanks. The first models of the Panzer IV had 30 mm of armor, which was later increased to 50 mm in subsequent models. It was powered by a 300-horsepower Maybach gasoline engine and had a five-man crew.

The Panzer IV was first used in the invasions of Poland and France, where it performed well without significant difficulties. However, it struggled in the Russian theater. While it could easily destroy Soviet BT and T-26 series tanks, it faced serious challenges against the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks, which were superior in both armor and firepower. Additionally, the tracks of the Panzer IV often got stuck in the snowy and muddy terrain of Russia.

In 1942, the Panzer IV Ausf. G model was introduced. This version was equipped with a more powerful 75 mm KwK 40 gun with improved armor-piercing capabilities, and its armor was increased to 80 mm. Side skirt armor was also added to protect against anti-tank rifles. The new 75 mm KwK 40 gun had a penetration capability of 130 mm at 100 meters, allowing the Panzer IV to effectively engage Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks.

The Panzer IV also saw action in Italy, France, and Africa, fighting alongside German forces. It performed well against American M4 Sherman tanks. The Germans even sold this tank to several countries, including Turkey. However, due to shortages of raw materials and Allied bombing of German factories, only about 8,000 Panzer IV tanks were produced.

Thanks to its ease of production, reliability, and effectiveness against many Allied tanks, the Panzer IV became one of the most successful tanks of World War II.