Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf C, SdKfz 161:

Germany's PzKpfw IV

BW/3. Only 13412 were produced out of an order of 300. In August 1939, 6 chassis were given to the Inspectorate for Engineers to use for bridge laying tanks. Changes were an altered motor mount, improved turret race, redesigned gun mantlet housing, and an armored sleeve to protect the coaxial MG. Starting at chassis no. 80341 the engine was modified to improve carburation. Starting in late 1940 additional armor was bolted on to the hull and superstructure.

It was the first production model that started production in 1938.8 140 were produced, and these were the main type of PzKpfw IV used in Poland.8

Used FuG5 radio.4

14 were used by the 1st Panzer Division and 8 by the 1st Light Division in Poland. Increased armor on turret front.

  Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf C
Crew Commander, gunner, loader, driver, radio operator
52,4
Physical Characteristics  
Weight 41,887 lb
18.5 tons2, 19 tons4, 20 tons9
Length w/gun 19' 5.25"
5.87 m, 5.92 m2,4
Length w/o gun  
Height 8' 8.5"
2.59 m, 2.68 m2,4
Width 9' 3.25"
2.83 m2,4, 2.85 m
Width over trakcs  
Ground clearance 0.4 m2
Ground contact length 3.52 m
Ground pressure 10.95 psi
0.77 (kg/cm2)2
Turret ring diameter 1.65 m
Armament  
Main 75 mm KwK 37 L/244
75 mm L/242
75 mm KwK L/249
Secondary  
MG 7.92 mm MG34, coaxial9
MG2
7.92 mm MG344
Side arms  
Quantity  
Main 802
80 Pzgr, Sprgr+Nebel4
Secondary  
MG 2,4002
2,400 Patr SmK4
Side arms  
Armor Thickness (mm) Front: 307,9
Hull Front, Upper 302
30@7°4
Hull Front, Lower 30@12°4
Hull Sides, Upper 14.52
15@0°4
Hull Sides, Lower 15@0°4
Hull Rear 14.52
15@10°4
Hull Top 10-112
12@85°-90°4
Hull Bottom 82
5@90°4
Turret Front 302
30@10°4
Mantlet: 30@round4
Turret Sides 14.52
15@25°4
Turret Rear 14.52
15@0°-24°4
Turret Top 102
10@83°-90°4
Engine (Make / Model) Water cooled
Maybach HL 120 TR (early production)9
Maybach HL 120 TRM2,4,9
Bore / stroke  
Cooling  
Cylinders  
Capacity  
Net HP  
Power to weight ratio  
Compression ratio  
Transmission (Type) Synchromesh, ZF SSG 76
6 forward, 1 reverse.2,4
Steering  
Steering ratio  
Starter  
Electrical system  
Ignition  
Fuel (Type)  
Octane  
Quantity 105 gallons
470 liters2
Road consumption 100 km/235 liters
Cross country consumption  
Performance  
Traverse 360°, electric.4
Max speed 40 kph4, 42 kph2
25 mph
Cross country speed 20 kph
Road radius 125 miles
200 km4, 210 km2
Cross country radius 130 km2
Turning radius 5.92 m
Elevation limits -11° to +21°
-10° to +20°4
Fording depth 0.8 m2
2' 7.5"
Trench crossing 7' 7"
2.3 m
Vertical obstacle 0.6 m
2'
Climbing ability  
Suspension (Type) Leaf springs2
Wheels each side 8x22
Return rollers each side 4x2
Tracks (Type)  
Length  
Width 15.75"
380 mm2
Diameter  
Number of links  
Pitch  
Tire tread  
Track centers/tread 2.39 m
Production - August 1939: 13412

Sources:

  1. The Encyclopedia of Tanks and Armored Fighting Vehicles - The Comprehensive Guide to Over 900 Armored Fighting Vehicles From 1915 to the Present Day, General Editor: Christopher F. Foss, 2002
  2. Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1933-1942, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
  3. Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1943-1945, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
  4. Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Peter Chamberlain and Hilary Doyle, 1999
  5. Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
  6. The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
  7. Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles The Complete Guide, Leland Ness, 2002
  8. German Tanks of World War II, Dr. S. Hart & Dr. R. Hart, 1998
  9. Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
  10. Battle Winning Tanks, Aircraft & Warships of World War II, David Miller, 2000
  11. Tank Data, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, 1968?
  12. Panzers At War, Michael and Gladys Green, 2005
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