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Germany's Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf C, SdKfz 161:
PzKpfw IV Ausf C: |
Design
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.
Used FuG5 radio.4
Production
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
Usage
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 52,4,5 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weight | 41,887 lb 18.5 tons2, 19 tons4, 20 tons9,13 |
| Length w/gun | 19' 3"13, 19' 5.25" 5.87 m13, 5.92 m2,4 |
| Length w/o gun | |
| Height | 8' 6"13, 8' 8.5" 2.59 m13, 2.68 m2,4 |
| Width | 9' 3.25", 9' 4"13 2.83 m2,4, 2.85 m13 |
| 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/242,13 75 mm KwK L/249 |
| Secondary | |
| MG | MG2 7.92 mm MG344 2: 7.92 mm MG13 |
| MG - coaxial | 7.92 mm MG 349 |
| Side arms | |
| Quantity | |
| Main | 802,13 80 Pzgr, Sprgr+Nebel4 |
| Secondary | |
| MG | 2,4002, 2.70013 2,400 Patr SmK4 |
| Side arms | |
| Armor Thickness (mm) | Front: 307,9 |
| Hull Front, Upper | 302,13 30@7°4 |
| Hull Front, Lower | 30@12°4 |
| Hull Sides, Upper | 14.52,13 15@0°4 |
| Hull Sides, Lower | 15@0°4 |
| Hull Rear | 14.52 15@10°4 |
| Hull Top | 10-112, 1113 12@85°-90°4 |
| Hull Bottom | 82 5@90°4 |
| Turret Front | 302,13 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 | 30013 |
| 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 | 24.8 mph13, 25 mph 40 kph4,13, 42 kph2 |
| Cross country speed | 20 kph |
| Road radius | 124 miles13, 125 miles 200 km4,13, 210 km2 |
| Cross country radius | 80.7 miles13 130 km2,13 |
| 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"13, 15.75" 380 mm2,13 |
| Diameter | |
| Number of links | |
| Pitch | |
| Tire tread | |
| Track centers/tread | 8' 7"13 2.39 m, 2.62 m13 |
Sources:
- 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
- Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1933-1942, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
- Panzer Truppen The Complete Guide to the Creation and Combat Employment of Germany's Tank Force 1943-1945, Thomas L. Jentz, 1996
- Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War Two, Peter Chamberlain and Hilary Doyle, 1999
- Tanks of the World, 1915-1945, Peter Chamberlain, Chris Ellis, 1972
- The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
- Jane's World War II Tanks and Fighting Vehicles The Complete Guide, Leland Ness, 2002
- German Tanks of World War II, Dr. S. Hart & Dr. R. Hart, 1998
- Tanks of World War II, Duncan Crow, 1979
- Battle Winning Tanks, Aircraft & Warships of World War II, David Miller, 2000
- Tank Data, Aberdeen Proving Grounds Series, 1968?
- Panzers At War, Michael and Gladys Green, 2005
- Airfix Magazine Guide #8 German Tanks of World War 2, Terry Gande and Peter Chamberlain, 1975
