Osprey New Vanguard 39 : Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf G, H and J 1942-1945

The Panzerkampfwagen IV was one of the most numerous and successful German tanks, and despite the introduction of the Panther and later Tiger tanks, the PzKpfw IV remained the backbone of the German armoured units until the end of the war. This book details all of the variants of the Panzerkampfwagen IV with the long guns 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 and L/48. Until 1942 armed with a short 7.5cm KwK L/24, it was used primarily in an infantry support role. However with the upgrading to the long 7.5cm it became the main battle tank of the Panzertroops replacing the PzKpfw. III. More than 7,300 Ausf G, H and J were built. Text by Hilary Louis Doyle with illustrations by Tony Bryan.

Contents

• Design and Development
• Production Modifications and Improvements 1942 to 1945
• Production History - Manufacturing plants of Krupp, Nibelungen and Vomag
• Capabilities in Combat
• Operational History
• Tactical Employment
• Organization
• Combat History
• Development of Variants - Panzerbefehlswagen IV Commander's Vehicle and Panzerbeobachtungswagen IV Artillery Observation Vehicle