Jagdpanzer IV, SdKfz 162

As the production of the PzKpfw IV began, Krupp also developed a different type of combat vehicle using the same transmission and running gear of the PzKpfw IV chassis with a completely new and different hull and superstructure. It was to have cleanly-sloped welded armor surfaces to give maximum shot deflection, and a powerful gun for specialized tank-hunting missions. Vomag actually got the subcontract and was responsible for production of this new vehicle. It was supposed to house the same long gun as that of the Panther but during 1943 there was a shortage of the weapon so it had to settle for the 75mm L/48 instead; and the vehicle was designated Jagdpanzer IV. When the L/70 gun was installed in 1944 they were renamed Jagdpanzer IV/70 or sometimes as Panzerjäger IV. The longer gun actually made the vehicle nose-heavy and reduced mobility and overall performance. About 1,500 Jagdpanzer IVs and 300 IV/70s were eventually produced. Most of the vehicles went to the Eastern Front where they proved invaluable to the Panzer divisions. It was a powerful tank killer on a reliable chassis and was well-liked by crewmen.

Click on one of the thumbnails below to view the full picture.
	Technical data and/or diagram of Jagdpanzer IV.
	The early production Jagdpanzer IV had the muzzle brake still fitted. Later versions had the longer gun which overloaded the chassis.
	A Jagdpanzer IV of Panzerjäger Abteilung 228, 116th Panzer Division, Normandy, 1944.
	A Jagdpanzer IV with the long 75mm L/70 gun.

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