Difference between revisions of "Pz.IV J"

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{{About
 +
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Pz.IV (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_pzkpfw_IV_ausf_J
 
|code=germ_pzkpfw_IV_ausf_J
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ('''Panzer IV J''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. A retrograde of its [[Pz.IV H|predecessor]], the Ausf. J removes the powered traverse for a simpler manual one, though retains the [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|75 mm L/48]] gun for the same lethality.
+
The '''Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausführung J''' ([[Abbreviations#.28DE.29_Sd.Kfz._Index|Sd.Kfz. Index:]] '''Sd.Kfz. 161/2''') is the ninth and the last variant of the [[Pz.IV (Family)|Panzerkampfwagen IV medium tank family]]. It was manufactured solely at the Nibelungenwerk factory in Sankt Valentin, northern Austria, from January 1944 to the end of April 1945. This variant was distinguished by numerous simplifications made to prior variants to accelerate production and conserve valuable materials. Instead of making further advancements, the Panzer IV J variant is a retrograde development from the previous [[Pz.IV H|Panzer IV H variant]]. This last variant included replacing the single-speed turret traverse electric power drive with a two-gear manual traverse, with the extra space used for fuel storage. This was a last-ditch effort to increase Panzer IV production rate and compensate for tank losses.
−
 
 
−
The Panzer IV Ausf. J is a shadow of the infamous [[Pz.IV F2|F2]] variant. The tank has a new gun which doesn't have that much of a difference, and the armour is lacking. With 80 mm of armour at the front, the Panzer IV J will be an easy target for [[IS-1]], [[M4A3E2|M4A3E2 Jumbo]], [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2]]s and many other powerful tanks. But despite those flaws, Ausf. J can still pack a mean punch for enemies that might not take too much notice. The fact that the Panzer IV J will be thrown against more powerful opponents can be an advantage because many players would rather focus on the most lethal threats rather than a lowly Panzer IV. Ensure that the opponents are focused on the stronger tanks from the team, then flank them and engage. Using these tactics, the Panzer IV J can become a game changer. Be warned and always mindful that this tank has an utterly poor turret traverse rate. Check the surroundings and pre-aim the 75 mm gun to expected enemy positions.
 
−
 
 
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The mobility of this tank is another flaw (being the heaviest of the entire Panzer 4 series). Although it can achieve a decent speed, it will take time for it to accelerate to top speed. Engine is under powered and the tracks are narrow, which results in poorer cross-country performance than many heavier tanks.
 
−
 
 
−
The Panzer IV Ausf. J on the outside shares many features with the older Panzer IV series. It brings back the distinctive ''Dunkelgelb'' yellow coat on the default body (and would be changed with alternate camouflages), has a double-baffle muzzle brake on the 75 mm KwK 40 L/48 gun, and still has the turret offset to the left of the main body. The ''Schürzen'' skirts are only present on the turret, the hull left exposed without the skirts.
 
  
−
The biggest difference to the Panzer IV Ausf. J compared to the others is the lack of a powered turret traverse, part of the retrograde program with the tank for simpler production. This causes the turret slew rate to be significantly reduced in the Panzer IV J compared to the others, with a stock traverse rate of only 3.6°/s compared to the other's 8.3°/s
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.43]], the Panzer IV J variant is a retrograde development from the Panzer IV H variant. To conserve valuable steel, the 5 mm side skirts, known as Schürzen, were removed. The original single-speed electric power drive for the turret traverse was also removed and replaced by a two-gear manual traverse, resulting in an enormous reduction in turret traverse speed. During close-quarters battles, players will have difficulty turning and placing the gun on enemy tanks in time. Other minor changes include reducing the number of spare return rollers on the top tracks from four to three. The hatch on the commander's cupola is now a one-piece cast armour plate rather than the traditional two-piece hatch. Overall, players may struggle to adapt to the Panzer IV J because many features of prior Panzer IV variants have been removed or abandoned. It is not recommended to use this tank on maps with a lot of buildings and coverings, as the tank may struggle to engage if opponent tanks approach unexpectedly around the corners.
−
 
 
−
Though some details are seen distinctive to the Panzer IV Ausf. J model compared to the others. The biggest sign is in the number of return rollers on the top tracks, reduced to three instead of the usual four. On the turret top, the presence of a ''Nahverteidigungswaffe'' discharger was present next to the turret ventilator. The commander's hatch on the cupola is also now a one-piece design rather than the usual two-piece design. The wheel rack on the hull left side is repurposed to hold extra jerry cans.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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| Turret || 50 mm (11°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50 mm (7-29°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 30 (23-26°) + 5 (0-1°) mm || 30 (15-17°) + 5 mm || 16 mm ''Front'' <br> 10 mm ''Rear''
 
| Turret || 50 mm (11°) ''Turret front'' <br> 50 mm (7-29°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 30 (23-26°) + 5 (0-1°) mm || 30 (15-17°) + 5 mm || 16 mm ''Front'' <br> 10 mm ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || 95 mm || 95 mm || 95 mm || 10 mm
−
|-
 
−
| Cupola || 95 mm || 10 mm
 
 
|}
 
|}
 
'''Notes:'''
 
'''Notes:'''
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Alternatively, aim at the Panzer IV from its long vulnerable sides in cases where its slow turret traverse cannot keep up with a flanking manoeuvre or catching it in an ambush. The interior is fully stocked with ammo racks even when the user is taking a minimum load. Moreover, the fuel tank resides at the very bottom of the center of the tank, so a penetrating shot with APHE will either detonate the ammunition, set the tank on fire, or knock out a good portion of the crew, if not fully destroy the tank with all three effect.
 
Alternatively, aim at the Panzer IV from its long vulnerable sides in cases where its slow turret traverse cannot keep up with a flanking manoeuvre or catching it in an ambush. The interior is fully stocked with ammo racks even when the user is taking a minimum load. Moreover, the fuel tank resides at the very bottom of the center of the tank, so a penetrating shot with APHE will either detonate the ammunition, set the tank on fire, or knock out a good portion of the crew, if not fully destroy the tank with all three effect.
  
−
In every case scenario, it is to the benefit of the surviving player to fire the first shot against the Panzer IV Ausf. G above all else, as it would deny the Panzer IV G even a chance to use its high-penetrating 75 mm gun.
+
In every case scenario, it is to the benefit of the surviving player to fire the first shot against the Panzer IV Ausf. J above all else, as it would deny the Panzer IV J even a chance to use its high-penetrating 75 mm gun.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
As with most tanks make sure to research ''Parts'' and ''FPE''. Then focus on researching ''Pz.Gr 40'' (APCR shells) so the tank can stand the chance against heavily armoured vehicles like the M4A3E2 Jumbo. After progressing this far into the unlock tree artillery should be taken swiftly as well. Accuracy is decent, so sidestepping over to the mobility upgrades to address the bad acceleration is not a bad idea, in particular filters and transmission are useful.
+
As with most tanks make sure to research Parts and FPE. Then focus on researching Pz.Gr 40 (APCR shells) so the tank can stand the chance against heavily armoured vehicles like the M4A3E2 Jumbo. After progressing this far into the unlock tree artillery should be taken swiftly as well. Accuracy is decent, so sidestepping over to the mobility upgrades to address the bad acceleration is not a bad idea, in particular filters and transmission are useful.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
−
{{main|KwK40 (75 mm)}}
+
{{main|KwK40 L48 (75 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[KwK40 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK40]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="5" | [[KwK40 L48 (75 mm)|75 mm KwK40 L48]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 87 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.7 || 7.9 || 9.6 || 10.6 || 11.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
+
| rowspan="2" | 87 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 9.5 || 13.2 || 16.0 || 17.7 || 18.8 || rowspan="2" | 7.67 || rowspan="2" | 6.79 || rowspan="2" | 6.25 || rowspan="2" | 5.90
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 3.6 || 4.2 || 5.1 || 5.6 || 6.0
+
| 5.9 || 7.0 || 8.5 || 9.4 || 10.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
 +
 
*'''PzGr 39''' - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour Piercing Ballistic Cap}} shell - This is the main ammo type, always use this if confident it can penetrate enemy armour. It deals the most damage because of its explosive filler.
 
*'''PzGr 39''' - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour Piercing Ballistic Cap}} shell - This is the main ammo type, always use this if confident it can penetrate enemy armour. It deals the most damage because of its explosive filler.
 
*'''Hl.Gr 38B''' - {{Annotation|HEAT|High Explosive Anti-Tank}} shell - it is recommended to completely avoid this kind of shell as its performance is vastly inferior in all aspects compared to APCBC or APCR ammo used by this tank.
 
*'''Hl.Gr 38B''' - {{Annotation|HEAT|High Explosive Anti-Tank}} shell - it is recommended to completely avoid this kind of shell as its performance is vastly inferior in all aspects compared to APCBC or APCR ammo used by this tank.
 
*'''PzGr 40''' - {{Annotation|APCR|Armour Piercing Composite Rigid}} shell - This type of ammo should be used only if there is trouble penetrating the opponent, or trying to hit a fast moving tank at some distance. However, its damaging potential is much lower because it has no explosive filler to further enhance damage after the penetration.
 
*'''PzGr 40''' - {{Annotation|APCR|Armour Piercing Composite Rigid}} shell - This type of ammo should be used only if there is trouble penetrating the opponent, or trying to hit a fast moving tank at some distance. However, its damaging potential is much lower because it has no explosive filler to further enhance damage after the penetration.
 
*'''Sprgr. 34''' - {{Annotation|HE|High Explosive}} shell - Carry only very few of these. They are useless against anything other than unarmoured AA vehicles, to which it is lethal.
 
*'''Sprgr. 34''' - {{Annotation|HE|High Explosive}} shell - Carry only very few of these. They are useless against anything other than unarmoured AA vehicles, to which it is lethal.
 +
* '''K.Gr.Rot Nb.''' - Smoke shells are useful to blind enemy vehicles that block your advance while being being too remote for you to disable.
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:KwK40 L48 (75 mm)/Ammunition|PzGr 39, Hl.Gr 38B, PzGr 40, Sprgr. 34, K.Gr.Rot Nb.}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39 || APCBC || 140 || 137 || 125 || 112 || 100 || 89
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hl.Gr 38B || HEAT || 80 || 80 || 80 || 80 || 80 || 80
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 166 || 162 || 146 || 128 || 112 || 98
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 34 || HE || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10 || 10
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39 || APCBC || 750 || 6.8 || 1.2 || 14 || 28.9 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Hl.Gr 38B || HEAT || 450 || 4.4 || 0 || 0.1 || 872.1 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40 || APCR || 930 || 4.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 34 || HE || 550 || 5.74 || 0 || 0.1 || 686 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| K.Gr.Rot Nb. || 540 || 6.2 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.16''' -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Pz.IV_H.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the Pz.IV H (identical).]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.5.1.106''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
| '''87''' || 84&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 82&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 80&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 72&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 63&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 54&nbsp;''(+33)''
 +
|-
 
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
! 8th<br>rack empty
 
! 8th<br>rack empty
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! 11th<br>rack empty
 
! 11th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''87''' || 84&nbsp;''(+3)'' || 82&nbsp;''(+5)'' || 80&nbsp;''(+7)'' || 72&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 63&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 54&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 46&nbsp;''(+41)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+57)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+63)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+86)'' || No
+
| 46&nbsp;''(+41)'' || 38&nbsp;''(+49)'' || 30&nbsp;''(+57)'' || 24&nbsp;''(+63)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+86)'' || No
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
[[File:Ammoracks_Pz.IV_H.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
+
'''Notes:'''
  
−
Sides empty: 30&nbsp;''(+57)''
+
* Racks are modeled by sets of 2 and disappear after both shells in the set having been shot or loaded.
−
 
+
* Sides empty: 30&nbsp;''(+57)'' shells.
−
<!--==== [[Optics]] ====
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
 
−
|-
 
−
!
 
−
! Default magnification
 
−
! Maximum magnification
 
−
|-
 
−
! Main Gun optics
 
−
| X1.8 || X3.5
 
−
|-
 
−
! Comparable optics
 
−
| colspan="2" | ___
 
−
|-
 
−
|} -->
 
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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| Coaxial || 3,150 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
 
| Coaxial || 3,150 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 2,000 (150) || 900 || -10°/+25° || ±180°
+
| Pintle || 2,100 (150) || 900 || -10°/+20° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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Tactics-wise, the Panzer IV J is perfect for sniping and ambushes, where the slower turret traverse rate affects its combat performance less. Attack from a distance, especially while that enemy is focused on other allies in the team. Ambushes can also work in close-range events when watching corners, street intersections, and choke points, but be wary of any enemies trying to outmanoeuvre the Panzer IV J as it would require drastic action with the slow turret rate. Try not to engage the enemy in a straight-up front confrontation as most enemies would be able to easily cleave through the front armour and end the vehicle.
 
Tactics-wise, the Panzer IV J is perfect for sniping and ambushes, where the slower turret traverse rate affects its combat performance less. Attack from a distance, especially while that enemy is focused on other allies in the team. Ambushes can also work in close-range events when watching corners, street intersections, and choke points, but be wary of any enemies trying to outmanoeuvre the Panzer IV J as it would require drastic action with the slow turret rate. Try not to engage the enemy in a straight-up front confrontation as most enemies would be able to easily cleave through the front armour and end the vehicle.
  
−
Although any tank of Rank III can destroy the Panzer IV J pretty quickly, the tanks that mostly need to avoided in open combat are [[IS-2]]s, [[KV-2 (1939)|KV-2s]], [[SU-152]]s, [[Tiger H1|Tigers]] and [[Panther D|Panthers]].
+
Although any tank of Rank III can destroy the Panzer IV J pretty quickly, the tanks that mostly need to avoided in open combat are [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]], [[KV-2 (Family)|KV-2]], [[SU-152]], [[Tiger H1|Tiger]] and [[Panther D|Panther]] tanks.
  
 
Most of the [[:Category:Heavy tanks|heavy tanks]] that it will face include Tigers, the last of [[KV-85|KV series]], [[IS-1]]s, and even some [[IS-2]]s. Particularly IS-2s will be the toughest opponent, and can take out the Panzer IV with one hit. Avoid frontal confrontation at all cost. Instead try to be sneaky and attack them from the sides where they become vulnerable.
 
Most of the [[:Category:Heavy tanks|heavy tanks]] that it will face include Tigers, the last of [[KV-85|KV series]], [[IS-1]]s, and even some [[IS-2]]s. Particularly IS-2s will be the toughest opponent, and can take out the Panzer IV with one hit. Avoid frontal confrontation at all cost. Instead try to be sneaky and attack them from the sides where they become vulnerable.
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* The KwK 40 L/48 cannon provides enough muzzle velocity to penetrate most enemies in the BR range at far range.
+
* The KwK40 L/48 cannon can penetrate most enemies at the BR at long range with above average muzzle velocity, making aiming a bit easier
−
* PzGr 40 (APCR) offers great penetration in case PzGr 39 (APCBC) fails.
+
* PzGr 40 (APCR) offers great penetration in case PzGr 39 (APCBC) fails against heavily armoured targets
−
* Sometimes under tiered.
+
* The transmission provides good acceleration
−
* Synchromesh ZF SSG 77 transmission provides good acceleration.
+
* Satisfactory off-road and on-road mobility
−
* Satisfactory performance on off road and on road terrains.
+
* Turrets have Schürzen (side skirts), which can offer some protection from HEAT or HE rounds
−
* Turrets have Schürzen (side skirts), which can offer some protection from HEAT or HE rounds.
+
* 2 crew members in the hull often saves the vehicle from destruction when the turret is penetrated and everyone up there dies
−
* 5 crew members are present in the tank. (Commander, gunner, driver, loader, machinegunner.)
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Turret traverse is the slowest compared to all the other Panzer IV models.
+
* Turret traverse is slow compared to medium tanks at this BR
−
* Schürzen (side skirts) only protects the turret.
+
* Side skirts (Schürzen) only protect the turret, no side side skirts on the hull
−
* Lacks a gun mantle.
+
* Lacks gun mantlet armour
−
* Armour protection is poor, able to be penetrated by all the tanks it encounters even frontally.
+
* Armour protection is poor, able to be penetrated by all the tanks it encounters even frontally and vulnerable to overpressure
−
* Unable to traverse fast in rough terrains.
+
* Unable to traverse fast in rough terrains
−
* Generally out performed by the vehicle it faces and fights with.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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The '''Pz.Kpfw. IV''' was designed and approved for production in 1936. Envisioned as a support tank, it was equipped with a 75 mm howitzer at its initial stages. MAN, Krupp, and Rheinmetall-Borsig worked on the development of the Panzer IV, with Krupp's model finalized as the basis of the Panzer IV, using a leaf-spring double-bogie system for its suspension. The main armament was the KwK 37 L/24 75 mm howitzer. The vehicle held a crew of five, the commander, gunner, loader, radio operator (and hull machine gunner), and driver. Though it looked symmetrical, the Panzer IV turret was actually offset to the left of the chassis center line a bit while the engine was also offset to the right, this was to allow the torque shaft to turn the turret. The offset also meant that more of the ammo is held on the right side of the tank in storage areas. Nevertheless, the Panzer IV, with about 8,553 units made from 1936 to the end of World War II in 1945, it remained as one of Germany's main battle tank of the war, despite newer replacements such as the [[Panther G|Panther]] tank.
 
The '''Pz.Kpfw. IV''' was designed and approved for production in 1936. Envisioned as a support tank, it was equipped with a 75 mm howitzer at its initial stages. MAN, Krupp, and Rheinmetall-Borsig worked on the development of the Panzer IV, with Krupp's model finalized as the basis of the Panzer IV, using a leaf-spring double-bogie system for its suspension. The main armament was the KwK 37 L/24 75 mm howitzer. The vehicle held a crew of five, the commander, gunner, loader, radio operator (and hull machine gunner), and driver. Though it looked symmetrical, the Panzer IV turret was actually offset to the left of the chassis center line a bit while the engine was also offset to the right, this was to allow the torque shaft to turn the turret. The offset also meant that more of the ammo is held on the right side of the tank in storage areas. Nevertheless, the Panzer IV, with about 8,553 units made from 1936 to the end of World War II in 1945, it remained as one of Germany's main battle tank of the war, despite newer replacements such as the [[Panther G|Panther]] tank.
  
−
The Panzer IV started with only minimum armour, 14.5 mm on the Ausf. A. This was upgraded to 20 mm on the [[Pz.IV C|Ausf. C]]. As the war moves on to 1940, the 20 mm armour was deemed insufficient, so 30 mm extra steel plates were bolted or welded on on the [[Pz.IV E|Ausf. E]] variant, becoming a permanent feature as a single 50 mm plate on the [[Pz.IV F1|Ausf. F]]. As the war moves to the Invasion of Barbarossa, the German tank forces were unprepared for the appearance of the Soviet [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]] and [[KV-1 (L-11)|KV-1]] tanks, which could shrug the 75 mm howitzer on the Panzer IV. An upgrade was done on the gun to mount the newer and better KwK 40 L/43 cannon on the [[Pz.IV F2|Ausf. F2]], which balanced the disparity on tank firepower. The Panzer IV was upgraded again in 1942 to the [[Pz.IV G|Ausf. G]] with an extra 30 mm steel plate applied to the 50 mm glacis, bringing the armour to 80 mm thick, plus a newer KwK 40 L/48 gun that was slightly more powerful. Then in 1943, the most produced variant [[Pz.IV H|Ausf. H]] was finalized with a single-piece 80 mm glacis plate, ''Zimmerit'' paste, and ''Schürzen'' side armour skirts.
+
The Panzer IV started with only minimum armour, 14.5 mm on the Ausf. A. This was upgraded to 20 mm on the [[Pz.IV C|Ausf. C]]. As the war moves on to 1940, the 20 mm armour was deemed insufficient, so 30 mm extra steel plates were bolted or welded on on the [[Pz.IV E|Ausf. E]] variant, becoming a permanent feature as a single 50 mm plate on the [[Pz.IV F1|Ausf. F]]. As the war moves to the Invasion of Barbarossa, the German tank forces were unprepared for the appearance of the Soviet [[T-34 (1941)|T-34]] and [[KV-1 (L-11)|KV-1]] tanks, which could shrug the 75 mm howitzer on the Panzer IV. An upgrade was done on the gun to mount the newer and better KwK40 L/43 cannon on the [[Pz.IV F2|Ausf. F2]], which balanced the disparity on tank firepower. The Panzer IV was upgraded again in 1942 to the [[Pz.IV G|Ausf. G]] with an extra 30 mm steel plate applied to the 50 mm glacis, bringing the armour to 80 mm thick, plus a newer KwK40 L/48 gun that was slightly more powerful. Then in 1943, the most produced variant [[Pz.IV H|Ausf. H]] was finalized with a single-piece 80 mm glacis plate, Zimmerit paste, and Schürzen side armour skirts.
  
 
=== Panzer IV Ausf. J ===
 
=== Panzer IV Ausf. J ===
−
However many Panzer IV the German Army fielded, the war was not looking their way by 1944. The Allied had landed in France in part of Operation Overlord, and the Soviet offensive in Operation Bagration had costed the Wehrmacht lots of land, personnel, and materiel. To replace the decimated armoured forces, the Panzer IV was once again revised not to be better, but for a more easily produced vehicle, the end result was a retrograde from the Panzer IV Ausf. H, the '''Panzer IV Ausf. J'''. The Panzer IV Ausf. J had the electric turret traverse and its associated auxiliary engine removed for an auxiliary fuel tank (although a dual speed hand-traverse was installed to compensate for this loss). The pistol and vision ports on the turret were removed, the engine radiator housing was simplified, a ''Nahverteidigungswaffe'' device was added for self-defense device (firing smoke or high-explosive shells on its surrounding). The armour on the tank roof was increased, the return rollers were reduced from four to three, the ''Schürzen'' skirts were changed from solid plates to wire-meshes. All of these were made to increase productivity of the Panzer IV while keeping combat survivability high.
+
However many Panzer IV the German Army fielded, the war was not looking their way by 1944. The Allied had landed in France in part of Operation Overlord, and the Soviet offensive in Operation Bagration had costed the Wehrmacht lots of land, personnel, and materiel. To replace the decimated armoured forces, the Panzer IV was once again revised not to be better, but for a more easily produced vehicle, the end result was a retrograde from the Panzer IV Ausf. H, the '''Panzer IV Ausf. J'''. The Panzer IV Ausf. J had the electric turret traverse and its associated auxiliary engine removed for an auxiliary fuel tank (although a dual speed hand-traverse was installed to compensate for this loss). The pistol and vision ports on the turret were removed, the engine radiator housing was simplified, a "Nahverteidigungswaffe" device was added for self-defense device (firing smoke or high-explosive shells on its surrounding). The armour on the tank roof was increased, the return rollers were reduced from four to three, the Schürzen skirts were changed from solid plates to wire-meshes. All of these were made to increase productivity of the Panzer IV while keeping combat survivability high.
  
−
Despite these features, the Panzer IV has already met its maximum limit. An attempt to mount the ''Schmalturm'' found on the [[Panther F|Panther Ausf. F]] failed and only further proved this point. The Ausf. J's new features did not increase its survivability, nor was it able to replace the combat losses suffered on the German Panzer forces.
+
Despite these features, the Panzer IV has already met its maximum limit. An attempt to mount the Schmalturm found on the [[Panther F|Panther Ausf. F]] failed and only further proved this point. The Ausf. J's new features did not increase its survivability, nor was it able to replace the combat losses suffered on the German Panzer forces.
  
 
15 Panzer IV Ausf. J were bought by Finland for about twice its production price. Ironically, they arrived too late to fight the Soviets and instead were used against the Germans during the Lapland War between Finland and Germany. After the war, around 130 Panzer IVs of various variants made it to Syria in the 1950s and 1960s. These Panzer IVs served the Syrians alongside [[T-34-85]]s, [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]s, and T-55s during the Six-Day War against Israel.
 
15 Panzer IV Ausf. J were bought by Finland for about twice its production price. Ironically, they arrived too late to fight the Soviets and instead were used against the Germans during the Lapland War between Finland and Germany. After the war, around 130 Panzer IVs of various variants made it to Syria in the 1950s and 1960s. These Panzer IVs served the Syrians alongside [[T-34-85]]s, [[T-54 (1951)|T-54]]s, and T-55s during the Six-Day War against Israel.
  
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=== In-game description ===
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{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
The final serial modification to the Pz.Kpfw.IV medium tank. It was a simplified version that was designed to be as easy as possible to produce. For example, the tank had no backup engine for rotating the turret, so it had to be rotated manually using flywheels. A metal mesh was frequently used instead of screens.
 
The final serial modification to the Pz.Kpfw.IV medium tank. It was a simplified version that was designed to be as easy as possible to produce. For example, the tank had no backup engine for rotating the turret, so it had to be rotated manually using flywheels. A metal mesh was frequently used instead of screens.
  
 
The tank was produced between June, 1944 and March, 1945. 1,700 tanks were released.
 
The tank was produced between June, 1944 and March, 1945. 1,700 tanks were released.
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{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=germ_pzkpfw_IV_ausf_J Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_pzkpfw_IV_ausf_J Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Sights
 
;Sights
 +
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic gunsight (TZF4a, TZF 5a/b/d/e/f/f2, TZF 9b/b1/c/d, TZF 12/a) for Pzkpfw II, Pzkpfw III, Pzkpfw IV, Pzkpfw V, Pzkpfw VI]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|8zX4mPAxGfg|'''Lookback: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Orangefan''|gsDaAuhxaqA|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}
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{{Youtube-gallery|8zX4mPAxGfg|'''Lookback: Pz.IV J''' - ''Orangefan''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 02:50, 29 August 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the German medium tank Pz.IV J. For other versions, see Pz.IV (Family).
Pz.IV J
germ_pzkpfw_iv_ausf_j.png
GarageImage Pz.IV J.jpg
ArtImage Pz.IV J.png
ArtImage2 Pz.IV J.png
Pz.IV J
Germany flag.png Germany
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 3.7 3.7
Class:
Research:6 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausführung J (Sd.Kfz. Index: Sd.Kfz. 161/2) is the ninth and the last variant of the Panzerkampfwagen IV medium tank family. It was manufactured solely at the Nibelungenwerk factory in Sankt Valentin, northern Austria, from January 1944 to the end of April 1945. This variant was distinguished by numerous simplifications made to prior variants to accelerate production and conserve valuable materials. Instead of making further advancements, the Panzer IV J variant is a retrograde development from the previous Panzer IV H variant. This last variant included replacing the single-speed turret traverse electric power drive with a two-gear manual traverse, with the extra space used for fuel storage. This was a last-ditch effort to increase Panzer IV production rate and compensate for tank losses.

Introduced in Update 1.43, the Panzer IV J variant is a retrograde development from the Panzer IV H variant. To conserve valuable steel, the 5 mm side skirts, known as Schürzen, were removed. The original single-speed electric power drive for the turret traverse was also removed and replaced by a two-gear manual traverse, resulting in an enormous reduction in turret traverse speed. During close-quarters battles, players will have difficulty turning and placing the gun on enemy tanks in time. Other minor changes include reducing the number of spare return rollers on the top tracks from four to three. The hatch on the commander's cupola is now a one-piece cast armour plate rather than the traditional two-piece hatch. Overall, players may struggle to adapt to the Panzer IV J because many features of prior Panzer IV variants have been removed or abandoned. It is not recommended to use this tank on maps with a lot of buildings and coverings, as the tank may struggle to engage if opponent tanks approach unexpectedly around the corners.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull30 / 30 / 20
Turret50 / 30 / 30
Crew5 people
Visibility99 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 80 mm (11°) Front plate
20 mm (72°) Front glacis
80 mm (12-64°) Lower glacis 		30 mm 30 mm (4-15°) 26 mm Front
10 mm Rear and hatches
Turret 50 mm (11°) Turret front
50 mm (7-29°) Gun mantlet 		30 (23-26°) + 5 (0-1°) mm 30 (15-17°) + 5 mm 16 mm Front
10 mm Rear
Cupola 95 mm 95 mm 95 mm 10 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels are 15 mm thick while tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • The turret sides are protected by an extra 5 mm thick plate to provide protection against HEAT and HE rounds.
  • Barrel shroud around gun barrel is 20 mm thick.
  • Add-on Armour gives an additional 20 mm of armour can be added to the front facing surfaces.
  • Belly armour is 10 mm thick.

The Panzer IV Ausf. J is vulnerable to most front shot engagement, especially so if no serious attempt is made in compound angling. The front plate in its unsloped format is an enticing target, but beware to not hit the front sloping glacis right in front of it as that area has a tendency to bounce everything. Also avoid hitting straight into the ball machine gun and driver's port in the front as these also have a tendency to nullify an armour-piercing shot. When using APHE rounds, simply hit center mass of the front plate and let the post-penetration effect do the rest.

In the case of a vehicle with a gun simply unable to penetrate this front plate, aim towards the turret that still retains a 50 mm front plate. Even the weaker non-autocannon armaments can penetrate through this front plate and incapacitate the turret crew. Aim for the turret left side (right side when shooting it) to knock out the gunner and deny their firepower, then chip away at weak spots until the threat is destroyed.

Alternatively, aim at the Panzer IV from its long vulnerable sides in cases where its slow turret traverse cannot keep up with a flanking manoeuvre or catching it in an ambush. The interior is fully stocked with ammo racks even when the user is taking a minimum load. Moreover, the fuel tank resides at the very bottom of the center of the tank, so a penetrating shot with APHE will either detonate the ammunition, set the tank on fire, or knock out a good portion of the crew, if not fully destroy the tank with all three effect.

In every case scenario, it is to the benefit of the surviving player to fire the first shot against the Panzer IV Ausf. J above all else, as it would deny the Panzer IV J even a chance to use its high-penetrating 75 mm gun.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB43 / 9 km/h
RB and SB39 / 8 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
1 back
Weight25.4 t
Engine power
AB572 hp
RB and SB300 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB22.5 hp/t
RB and SB11.8 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock AoA Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 43 9 25 0.4 465 572 18.6 22.52
Realistic 39 8 265 300 10.6 11.81

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB743 → 1 099 Sl icon.png
RB877 → 1 297 Sl icon.png
SB1 104 → 1 633 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications13 810 Rp icon.png
19 950 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost860 Ge icon.png
Crew training9 200 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces270 Ge icon.png
Research Aces250 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 80 / 90 % Sl icon.png
130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank traks.png
Ostketten
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank additional armor.png
Add-on Armor
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_kwk_37_40_HEAT_ammo_pack
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
620 Rp icon.png
Cost:
890 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_kwk_40_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_ger_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png

As with most tanks make sure to research Parts and FPE. Then focus on researching Pz.Gr 40 (APCR shells) so the tank can stand the chance against heavily armoured vehicles like the M4A3E2 Jumbo. After progressing this far into the unlock tree artillery should be taken swiftly as well. Accuracy is decent, so sidestepping over to the mobility upgrades to address the bad acceleration is not a bad idea, in particular filters and transmission are useful.

Armaments

Main armament

75 mm KwK40 L48 cannon
Ammunition87 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.6 → 5.9 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: KwK40 L48 (75 mm)
75 mm KwK40 L48 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 87 -10°/+20° ±180° N/A 9.5 13.2 16.0 17.7 18.8 7.67 6.79 6.25 5.90
Realistic 5.9 7.0 8.5 9.4 10.0

Ammunition

  • PzGr 39 - APCBC shell - This is the main ammo type, always use this if confident it can penetrate enemy armour. It deals the most damage because of its explosive filler.
  • Hl.Gr 38B - HEAT shell - it is recommended to completely avoid this kind of shell as its performance is vastly inferior in all aspects compared to APCBC or APCR ammo used by this tank.
  • PzGr 40 - APCR shell - This type of ammo should be used only if there is trouble penetrating the opponent, or trying to hit a fast moving tank at some distance. However, its damaging potential is much lower because it has no explosive filler to further enhance damage after the penetration.
  • Sprgr. 34 - HE shell - Carry only very few of these. They are useless against anything other than unarmoured AA vehicles, to which it is lethal.
  • K.Gr.Rot Nb. - Smoke shells are useful to blind enemy vehicles that block your advance while being being too remote for you to disable.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
PzGr 39 APCBC 145 143 130 116 104 93
Hl.Gr 38B HEAT 80 80 80 80 80 80
PzGr 40 APCR 182 177 159 140 122 107
Sprgr. 34 HE 10 10 10 10 10 10
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
PzGr 39 APCBC 770 6.8 1.2 14 28.9 48° 63° 71°
Hl.Gr 38B HEAT 450 4.4 0.05 0.1 872.1 62° 69° 73°
PzGr 40 APCR 990 4.1 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Sprgr. 34 HE 550 5.74 0 0.1 686 79° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
K.Gr.Rot Nb. 540 6.2 13 5 20 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Pz.IV H (identical).
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty
87 84 (+3) 82 (+5) 80 (+7) 72 (+15) 63 (+24) 54 (+33)
7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
46 (+41) 38 (+49) 30 (+57) 24 (+63) 1 (+86) No

Notes:

  • Racks are modeled by sets of 2 and disappear after both shells in the set having been shot or loaded.
  • Sides empty: 30 (+57) shells.

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG34 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 150 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
7.92 mm MG34 machine gun
Ammunition2 100 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: MG34 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm MG34
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,150 (150) 900 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,100 (150) 900 -10°/+20° ±180°

Usage in battles

The Panzer IV J suffers compared to its other variants due to its slow, manual turret traverse rate. This causes the Panzer IV J to lose flexibility in reacting to close encounters without turning the entire hull around. As such, it is recommended not to use the Panzer IV J as a front-line assaulter in combat.

Tactics-wise, the Panzer IV J is perfect for sniping and ambushes, where the slower turret traverse rate affects its combat performance less. Attack from a distance, especially while that enemy is focused on other allies in the team. Ambushes can also work in close-range events when watching corners, street intersections, and choke points, but be wary of any enemies trying to outmanoeuvre the Panzer IV J as it would require drastic action with the slow turret rate. Try not to engage the enemy in a straight-up front confrontation as most enemies would be able to easily cleave through the front armour and end the vehicle.

Although any tank of Rank III can destroy the Panzer IV J pretty quickly, the tanks that mostly need to avoided in open combat are IS-2, KV-2, SU-152, Tiger and Panther tanks.

Most of the heavy tanks that it will face include Tigers, the last of KV series, IS-1s, and even some IS-2s. Particularly IS-2s will be the toughest opponent, and can take out the Panzer IV with one hit. Avoid frontal confrontation at all cost. Instead try to be sneaky and attack them from the sides where they become vulnerable.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The KwK40 L/48 cannon can penetrate most enemies at the BR at long range with above average muzzle velocity, making aiming a bit easier
  • PzGr 40 (APCR) offers great penetration in case PzGr 39 (APCBC) fails against heavily armoured targets
  • The transmission provides good acceleration
  • Satisfactory off-road and on-road mobility
  • Turrets have Schürzen (side skirts), which can offer some protection from HEAT or HE rounds
  • 2 crew members in the hull often saves the vehicle from destruction when the turret is penetrated and everyone up there dies

Cons:

  • Turret traverse is slow compared to medium tanks at this BR
  • Side skirts (Schürzen) only protect the turret, no side side skirts on the hull
  • Lacks gun mantlet armour
  • Armour protection is poor, able to be penetrated by all the tanks it encounters even frontally and vulnerable to overpressure
  • Unable to traverse fast in rough terrains

History

Development

The Pz.Kpfw. IV was designed and approved for production in 1936. Envisioned as a support tank, it was equipped with a 75 mm howitzer at its initial stages. MAN, Krupp, and Rheinmetall-Borsig worked on the development of the Panzer IV, with Krupp's model finalized as the basis of the Panzer IV, using a leaf-spring double-bogie system for its suspension. The main armament was the KwK 37 L/24 75 mm howitzer. The vehicle held a crew of five, the commander, gunner, loader, radio operator (and hull machine gunner), and driver. Though it looked symmetrical, the Panzer IV turret was actually offset to the left of the chassis center line a bit while the engine was also offset to the right, this was to allow the torque shaft to turn the turret. The offset also meant that more of the ammo is held on the right side of the tank in storage areas. Nevertheless, the Panzer IV, with about 8,553 units made from 1936 to the end of World War II in 1945, it remained as one of Germany's main battle tank of the war, despite newer replacements such as the Panther tank.

The Panzer IV started with only minimum armour, 14.5 mm on the Ausf. A. This was upgraded to 20 mm on the Ausf. C. As the war moves on to 1940, the 20 mm armour was deemed insufficient, so 30 mm extra steel plates were bolted or welded on on the Ausf. E variant, becoming a permanent feature as a single 50 mm plate on the Ausf. F. As the war moves to the Invasion of Barbarossa, the German tank forces were unprepared for the appearance of the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks, which could shrug the 75 mm howitzer on the Panzer IV. An upgrade was done on the gun to mount the newer and better KwK40 L/43 cannon on the Ausf. F2, which balanced the disparity on tank firepower. The Panzer IV was upgraded again in 1942 to the Ausf. G with an extra 30 mm steel plate applied to the 50 mm glacis, bringing the armour to 80 mm thick, plus a newer KwK40 L/48 gun that was slightly more powerful. Then in 1943, the most produced variant Ausf. H was finalized with a single-piece 80 mm glacis plate, Zimmerit paste, and Schürzen side armour skirts.

Panzer IV Ausf. J

However many Panzer IV the German Army fielded, the war was not looking their way by 1944. The Allied had landed in France in part of Operation Overlord, and the Soviet offensive in Operation Bagration had costed the Wehrmacht lots of land, personnel, and materiel. To replace the decimated armoured forces, the Panzer IV was once again revised not to be better, but for a more easily produced vehicle, the end result was a retrograde from the Panzer IV Ausf. H, the Panzer IV Ausf. J. The Panzer IV Ausf. J had the electric turret traverse and its associated auxiliary engine removed for an auxiliary fuel tank (although a dual speed hand-traverse was installed to compensate for this loss). The pistol and vision ports on the turret were removed, the engine radiator housing was simplified, a "Nahverteidigungswaffe" device was added for self-defense device (firing smoke or high-explosive shells on its surrounding). The armour on the tank roof was increased, the return rollers were reduced from four to three, the Schürzen skirts were changed from solid plates to wire-meshes. All of these were made to increase productivity of the Panzer IV while keeping combat survivability high.

Despite these features, the Panzer IV has already met its maximum limit. An attempt to mount the Schmalturm found on the Panther Ausf. F failed and only further proved this point. The Ausf. J's new features did not increase its survivability, nor was it able to replace the combat losses suffered on the German Panzer forces.

15 Panzer IV Ausf. J were bought by Finland for about twice its production price. Ironically, they arrived too late to fight the Soviets and instead were used against the Germans during the Lapland War between Finland and Germany. After the war, around 130 Panzer IVs of various variants made it to Syria in the 1950s and 1960s. These Panzer IVs served the Syrians alongside T-34-85s, T-54s, and T-55s during the Six-Day War against Israel.


Archive of the in-game description

The final serial modification to the Pz.Kpfw.IV medium tank. It was a simplified version that was designed to be as easy as possible to produce. For example, the tank had no backup engine for rotating the turret, so it had to be rotated manually using flywheels. A metal mesh was frequently used instead of screens.

The tank was produced between June, 1944 and March, 1945. 1,700 tanks were released.


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Lookback: Pz.IV J - Orangefan

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Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1

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