The Panzer IV was a mainstay of the German Panzerwaffe, seeing continuous combat from the opening days of World War II to its conclusion. Despite often being overshadowed by the more iconic Tiger and Panther tanks, the Panzer IV played a pivotal role in German armoured operations. Its straightforward design and ease of production made it the most widely manufactured German tank. Unlike the complex construction of the Tiger and Panther, the Panzer IV was produced in large numbers, even as German industry faced relentless Allied air raids.
Initially equipped with a short-barreled 7.5cm KwK L/24 gun, the tank’s armament proved inadequate against the robust Soviet T-34s and KV tanks during Operation Barbarossa. To counter this, the Panzer IV was progressively upgraded with the long-barreled 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 and later the L/48. Its armour was enhanced throughout its production, although it often remained vulnerable to enemy fire.
The Panzer IV chassis was the foundation for numerous specialized vehicles, including the Nashorn tank destroyer, the Hummel self-propelled howitzer, and the StuG IV assault gun. Additionally, variants like anti-aircraft tanks and armoured recovery vehicles were produced, further extending the tank’s versatility.
This extensive 3-volume set provides an in-depth exploration of all Panzer IV variants, from the earliest prototypes to specialized adaptations. Combat histories from select Wehrmacht and Waffen SS units are also featured. Richly illustrated with approximately 2,000 photographs, 1,000 detailed 2D and 3D drawings in 1:35 and 1:16 scales, and 64 colour pages per volume, this series is an essential resource for historians, modellers, and military enthusiasts.
Book Data
- Author: Waldemar Trojca & Gregor Trojca
- ISBN: 9788360041727
- Language: English & German
- Pages: 848 pages, with 64 pages in colour
- Photos: 2000
- Drawings: 1000
- Physical: Hardcover, 300x210mm, Portrait