Panzer IV Ausf C
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The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf C was the third version of the Panzer IV medium support tank, and saw a significant increase in the scale of production. Of an initial order for 300 tanks, a total of 134 were completed, another six chassis were used as the basis for bridge-laying tanks and the remaining 160 were cancelled before production began.
The Ausf C was very similar to the Ausf B. A number of minor changes were made, amongst them a better turret race, an armoured sleeve for the coaxial machine-gun on the turret and a redesigned gun mantlet housing (this feature was still not satisfactory and would be replaced on the Ausf D). The first 40 tanks were built with the same engine as the Ausf B, the remaining tanks with an improved model of the same Maybach HL120 with better carburetion.
The production of the Ausf C meant that there were enough Panzer IVs for them to be integrated into the Panzer Divisions. Early in 1939 the second platoon of the light tank company (a) of each Panzer Regiment was allocated four to six Panzer IVs, and by the start of the Second World War these would be the only Panzer IVs in four of the Panzer Divisions. During 1939 both the 1st Panzer Division and the 1st Light Division were given medium companies, each equipped with Panzer IVs. As a result the 1st Panzer Division began the war with 28 Panzer IVs.
The Panzer IV Ausf C remained in service from 1939 until 1943, in ever decreasing numbers. After the fighting in Poland and France extra armour was bolted to the hull and superstructure sides to improve its survivability.
Names
Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf C
Sd Kfz 161
3 Serie BW
Stats
Number produced: 134
Produced: September 1938-August 1939
Hull Length: 5.92m
Hull Width: 2.83m
Height: 2.68m
Crew: 5
Weight: 19 tons
Engine: Maybach HL120TR & TRM
Max Speed: 40km/hr/ 25mph
Max Range: 200km
Armament: One 7.5cm KwK37 L/24 and one 7.92mm MG13s
Armour
| Armour | Front |
Side |
Rear |
Top/ Bottom |
Turret |
30mm/ 1.2in |
15mm/ 0.6in |
15mm/ 0.6in |
10mm/ 0.4in |
Superstructure |
30mm/ 1.2in |
15mm/ 0.6in |
15mm/ 0.6in |
12mm/ 0.5in |
Hull |
30mm/ 1.2in |
15mm/ 0.6in |
15mm/ 0.6in |
5mm/ 0.2in |
Gun mantlet |
30mm/ 1.2in |
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