STURMGESCHÜTZ IV (Sd.Kfz 167)

STURMGESCHÜTZ IV (Sd.Kfz 167)
Image: Sturmgeschütz IV (Bundesarchiv)
YearDecember 1943
Vehicle TypeMedium Assault Gun
Origin & DesignerGermany/Krupp-Gruson
Numbers Produced1.139
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 75mm L/48 StuK 40 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-6° to +20°
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse10° Left & Right
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightSlfZF1a
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm MG34 (Replaced by a Remote Control version in 1944)
Smoke Discharger1 x Nahverteidigundswaffe (Late Models)(Close Support Weapon)
Ammunition Carried63 x 75mm & 600 x 7.92mm
Height2.20m
Width2.95m
Length6.70m
Combat Weight23.000 kg
Ground Clearance0.40m
Fording Depth1.0m
Trench Crossing2.30m
Obstacle Clearance0.60m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioFuG-15 or 16
ArmourHull Front: 80mm
Hull Sides: 30mm
Hull Rear: 30mm
Hull Top: 10mm
Hull Bottom: 10mm
Gun Compartment: Gun Mantle: 80mm (Saukopf)
Front: 80mm
Sides: 30mm
Rear: 30mm
Top: 10mm
EngineMaybach HL 120 TRM (Petrol)
Transmission6 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range210 km
Maximum Cross Country Range130 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed38 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed21 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Sturmgeschütz IV was developed to supplement the supply of StuG IIIs which had been reduced due to allied bombing. Hitler had received reports about the effectiveness of the StuG III in action and wanted to build as many tank hunters as possible. The StuG IV had the same fighting compartment and superstructure associated with the StuG III Ausf G, except for an armoured cab provided for the driver. It was also armed with the excellent 75mm StuK 40 gun which was mounted in a Saukopfblend mount. Early versions had a roof mounted splinter shield to house an MG but in 1944 some models had a remote controlled MG and Nahverteidigungswaffe and the usual Schürzen armour. The StuG IV was used in the same manner as the StuG III and served on all major fronts.