File:Panzer IV G.jpg

The Panzer 4 was the backbone of the German Tank corps throughout the entire conflict for Nazi Germany, it was the most produced model of tank with over 8,500 produced across several different ausf. (marks).

This mark the Ausf. G was produced from May of 1942 to June of 1943 with almost 1,700 total tanks of the Mark G being produced. Specifics to this ausf. were the removal of the vision ports from the sides of the turrets, an updated muzzle brake, a system that allowed the transfer of coolant from one tank to another to assist in cold weather starting and smoke dischargers mounted on the turret sides instead of the hull rear. In January of 1943 the drivers episcope was eliminated. Schurzen which were thin plates of steel attached to the outside of the hull and the sides and rear of the turret, were introduced in 1943. The very late models of the Ausf. G received a new type drive sprocket, and the radio antenna was moved to the left hull rear which made it almost impossible to distinguish a late Ausf. G from and early Ausf. H.

'We have two versions of the same Panzer 4 in game one with and one without Schurzen armor plates. The use of the plates primaraly was to stop the 14.5mm PTRD russian anti-tank rifles in use at the time and would also be effective against hollow/shape charged style shells and other anti-tank weapons (panzerfausts) as an example. These plates were only around 4 to 6mm in thickness and so performed the above job fairly well. In addition these plates also had the chance to deform, deflect, or cause other AP shells to fail to penetrate completely due to loss in velocity or direction of flight. Loss of visibility in the turret is one con to this set up but on the off chance it may take a PIAT or Bazooka round the pros should outweigh the cons.'

The Ausf. G was armed with both the 7.5cm KwK L/43 and L/48 which was capable of knocking out almost all allied tanks from the front under 500 meters and from all sides but the front at under 1000 meters.

The only tank in game that is more or less impervious to the 7.5 L/43/48 is the Churchill IV at 500m but its cast turret is still weak IF you have a good gunner. All other allied tanks are not able to stop the L/43/48 from any distance measured up to 500m.

The Ausf. G is impervious to the British 2 Pounder and American 37mm from any distance from the front, However it is capable of being knocked out at all ranges up to 500m by the 6 pounder Mk. III which is the main gun for both the Cromwell and the Churchill. This also goes for the 17 Pounder which is the main gun of the FireFly.

In game as it did in real life the Panzer 4 is more than capable of going toe to toe with any of the allied tanks it was destined and did indeed meet on the field, a good commander and a quick and accurate gunner is more than enough to place you ahead in any fight you may find yourself in with this tank. As with any tank be wary about entering wooded areas and towns and attempt to keep Infantry close at hand or open terrain so that you can see enemy tanks and AT Infantry before they get within range, keeping in mind 100m is a stretch for both the PIAT and American Bazooka so distance and movement should carry you out of effective range and if either are to hit the schurzen plates should absorb the round without doing any damage to the tank itself.

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