PANZERKAMPFWAGEN Mk IV AUSF A (Sd.Kfz 161)

PANZERKAMPFWAGEN Mk IV AUSF A (Sd.Kfz 161)
Image: Panzer Mk IV Ausf A
YearOctober 1937
Vehicle TypeInfantry Support Tank
Origin & DesignerGermany/Krupp-Gruson
Numbers Produced35
Crew5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Radio Operator & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 75mm L/24 KwK 37 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-10° to +30°
Turret Traverse360° (Electric)
Gun Traverse[@gun_traverse]
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightTZF-5b
Secondary Armament2 x 7.92mm MG34s (Coaxial & Bow)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried122 x 75mm + 3000 x 7.92mm
Height2.65m
Width2.90m
Length5.60m
Combat Weight18.400 kg
Ground Clearance0.42m
Fording Depth0.80m
Trench Crossing2.30m
Obstacle Clearance0.60m
Climbing Ability35°
RadioFuG-5
ArmourHull Front: 15mm
Hull Sides: 15mm
Hull Rear: 15mm
Hull Top: 12mm
Hull Bottom: 5mm
Gun Mantle: 15mm
Turret Front: 15mm
Turret Sides: 15mm
Turret Rear: 15mm
Turret Top: 10mm
EngineMaybach HL 108TR (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range150 km
Maximum Cross Country Range100 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed31 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed17 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesPz Mk IV Ausf A was armed with a 75mm KwK 37 and two MG34s and had a five man crew. The suspension consisted of eight road wheels on each side which ran in pairs, leaf suspension springs and four return rollers. Its main drawback was armour protection, which at 15mm was just enough to stop bullets and shell fragments. The Ausf A was only built in small numbers and these took part in the German invasion of Poland and later Holland, Belgium and France before being withdrawn from frontline action in early 1941.