Panther F

This page is about the German medium tank Panther F. For other uses, see Panther (Disambiguation). For other versions, see Panther tank (Family).

Panther F

Panther G

Leopard I

Panther F

Panther G

Leopard I

Germany

IV Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
6.0	6.0	6.0

Class:

Medium tank

Research:31 000

Purchase:200 000

Show in game

Description

The Panzerkampfwagen V Ausführung F (Panther F) (Sd.Kfz. Index: Sd.Kfz. 171) is the fourth production variant of the iconic Panzerkampfwagen V Panther medium tank family. In November 1943, Rheinmetall designed a new turret with a narrow front plate 120 mm (4.72 in) thick. From a distance, the narrow turret presented a smaller target for the enemy. In March 1944, the design was revised under the name Schmale Blende Turm-Panther. This was one of several designs that were eventually dubbed "Schmallturm" (narrow turret). The Schmale Blende appears to be a modification that served as one of numerous proposals for the Panzerkampfwagen V Ausfuehrung II (Panther II). This updated turret design weighed less than the original Panther turret (from 7,665 kg to 7,565 kg) and reduced the area of frontal armour while maintaining interior crew space. It also reduced production time by around 30-40%. Unfortunately, due to the end of World War II, the Panther F did not see serial production, but eight hulls and three turrets were completed in 1945.

Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the Panther F is one of the redesigned Panthers that would eventually become the Panther II. However, due to the conclusion of World War II and Germany's lack of practically all resources, the Panther F did not see combat. Players can experience this one-of-a-kind Panther with much better turret cheek protection. Trap shot problems have also been resolved as the redesigned turret has no surface for shells to ricochet into the hull. It is also the first Panther tank to include an optical rangefinder, which allows players to measure ranges much faster than before, up to more than 2 kilometres.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades

Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle

Armourfront / side / back

Hull50 / 40 / 16

Turret120 / 60 / 60

Crew5 people

Visibility125 %

Armour type:

• Rolled homogeneous armour
• Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, cupola)

Armour	Front (Slope angle)	Sides	Rear	Roof
Hull	80 mm (55°) Front glacis 50 mm (56°) Lower glacis	50 mm (30°) Top 41.5 + 5 mm Lower	40 mm (24°)	25 mm
Turret	120 mm 100 mm Gun mantlet	60 mm	60 mm	40 mm
Cupola	80 mm

From the hull up, the F variation of the Panther is similar to previous models. However, the biggest and most noticeable change is seen in the turret design. Instead of the transverse-cylindrical mantlet of the D and A models or the chinned mantlet of the G model, the Panther F features a brand new trapezoidal turret named the Schmalturm (or "Narrow Turret"). This new turret features a bevy of positives over its previous iterations, including beefier armour and the removal of the prominent shot trap caused by the cylindrical nature of the previous model's mantlet. Although this new turret is a welcome addition, it is not without its weaknesses. The Panther will occasionally be facing enemies that can and will penetrate its turret from the front, namely the M26, T26E1-1, Tiger II, IS-2, Tortoise, AMX M4.

Mobility

Speedforward / back

AB51 / 4 km/h

RB and SB46 / 4 km/h

Number of gears7 forward

1 back

Weight45.5 t

Engine power

AB1 145 hp

RB and SB600 hp

Power-to-weight ratio

AB25.2 hp/t

RB and SB13.2 hp/t

Game Mode	Max Speed (km/h)		Weight (tons)	Engine power (horsepower)		Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
	Forward	Reverse		Stock	Upgraded	Stock	Upgraded
Arcade	51	4	45.5	930	1,145	20.44	25.16
Realistic	46	4		531	600	11.67	13.19

As expected of the Panther series, it features excellent mobility as a result of its very high power to weight ratio. However its mobility has been toned down a few notches due to the limiting of the engine to improve engine lifespan, which is unfortunately useless as reliability has no function in War Thunder. It is also important to note that the reverse has not improved from its lethargic 3 km/h, but the Panther's ability to neutral turn helps tremendously when trying to escape.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference

AB2 964 → 4 090

RB3 552 → 4 901

SB4 540 → 6 265

Total cost of modifications52 700

91 100

Talisman cost1 700

Crew training57 000

Experts200 000

Aces800

Research Aces520 000

Reward for battleAB / RB / SB

110 / 180 / 210 %

172 / 172 / 172 %

Modifications

Mobility	Protection	Firepower
Tracks Research: 3 500 Cost: 6 000 195 Suspension Research: 3 000 Cost: 5 200 170 Brake System Research: 3 000 Cost: 5 200 170 Filters Research: 3 300 Cost: 5 700 185 Transmission Research: 3 400 Cost: 5 900 190 Engine Research: 3 400 Cost: 5 900 190	Improved Parts Research: 3 500 Cost: 6 000 195 Improved FPE Research: 3 000 Cost: 5 200 170 Crew Replenishment Research: 3 300 Cost: 5 700 185	Horizontal Drive Research: 3 500 Cost: 6 000 195 Adjustment of Fire Research: 3 000 Cost: 5 200 170 Elevation Mechanism Research: 3 300 Cost: 5 700 185 Smoke grenade Research: 3 300 Cost: 5 700 185 Artillery Support Research: 3 400 Cost: 5 900 190 75mm_kwk_42_APCR_ammo_pack Research: 3 400 Cost: 5 900 190 Rangefinder Research: 3 400 Cost: 5 900 190

Armaments

Rangefinder

Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

75 mm KwK44 cannon

Ammunition82 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

8.7 → 6.7 s

Vertical guidance-8° / 20°

The KwK44 is an incredibly effective gun when engaging enemy armour due to its penetration. Although not as effective as the later legendary KwK43, it's enough to penetrate most enemies it will face, resulting in many two-shot kills with the help of the PzGr 39's explosive filler. The penetration combined with the excellent accuracy makes it an ideal sniping cannon.

75 mm KwK44					Turret rotation speed (°/s)					Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode	Capacity	Vertical	Horizontal	Stabilizer	Stock	Upgraded	Full	Expert	Aced	Stock	Full	Expert	Aced
Arcade	82	-8°/+20°	±180°	N/A	14.28	19.76	24.00	26.55	28.24	8.71	7.70	7.10	6.70
Realistic					8.93	10.50	12.75	14.10	15.00

Ammunition

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 39/42	APCBC	192	188	173	156	140	126
PzGr 40/42	APCR	228	224	204	182	162	145
Sprgr. 42	HE	13	12	11	11	11	11

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 39/42	APCBC	935	6.8	1.2	14	28.9	48°	63°	71°
PzGr 40/42	APCR	1,120	4.75	-	-	-	66°	70°	72°
Sprgr. 42	HE	700	5.74	0.2	0.1	725	79°	80°	81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Panther F

Full ammo	1st rack empty	2nd rack empty	3rd rack empty	4th rack empty	5th rack empty	6th rack empty	7th rack empty	8th rack empty	9th rack empty	10th rack empty	Visual discrepancy
82	80 (+2)	74 (+8)	62 (+20)	50 (+32)	38 (+44)	26 (+56)	22 (+60)	12 (+70)	4 (+78)	1 (+81)	Yes

Note:

• Right side empty: 50 (+32) shells.
• Both sides empty: 22 (+60) shells.

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG42 machine gun (coaxial)

Ammunition3 000 rounds

Belt capacity150 rounds

Reloadbasic crew → aces

10.4 → 8.0 s

Fire rate1 200 shots/min

7.92 mm MG42
Mount	Capacity (Belt)	Fire rate	Vertical	Horizontal
Coaxial	3,000 (150)	1,200	N/A	N/A

Usage in battles

The Panther is a great "hunter," locating weak (slow, damaged, or alone) tanks and taking them out is by far its greatest capability. Mobility is a big advantage and the tanker should use it to their advantage, especially when fighting higher-rank vehicles. You should find a suitable location as soon as possible; when you do this, you can easily push off advancing enemy tanks while heavier allies join the action. Just when you notice that you have strong opposition it is time to retreat. Your role is not to fight directly but rather spot weaknesses in the enemy defence. Once you learn how to take advantage of its speed and gun, you'll easily take out enemy targets by surprise.

Despite its slower turret traverse speed and mobility over the Panther A, it receives better turret armour, a rangefinder and faster reload.

Most of the heavy tanks that the Panther faces are not fast enough to counter its attacks. However, this does not mean that they are harmless. Be careful when approaching the enemy and always try to have the advantage. It is not advised to attack enemy heavy tanks directly or frontally; this is where they have most of their armour, and the Panther will probably not be able to penetrate it. It is better to retreat and try to find an alternative route before engaging the enemy.

The Panther has no anti-air capabilities, so it is best to find cover if there are enemy aircraft nearby that are equipped with bombs or rockets.

If the map allows it and you prefer this kind of playstyle, the Panther F also excels at sniping. Although having a slower turret traverse speed and mobility compared to the Panther A, the F version trades it for better turret armour, a rangefinder and faster reload. The distance will make your armour almost impenetrable to a lot of guns while being able to use the rangefinder, high muzzle velocity and great optics to pick off enemies.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Flat mantlet removes the shot trap which plagued earlier models
• Nigh impenetrable turret cheeks when facing from the front
• 75 mm KwK44 is an accurate and powerful gun
• Explosive filler on PzGr 39 shell allows for easy one- or two-shot kills
• APCR shell can allow the tank to compete with the heavier armour found in an uptier
• Features excellent, although toned down mobility as well as neutral steering
• Hull can become even more difficult to penetrate when angled properly
• Slightly faster reload than the previous models of Panthers
• Optical rangefinder, allows you to measure the range faster than the normal rangefinder and up to 2,200-2,500 m (depending on your crew qualification)

Cons:

• Turret is a massive weak spot
• Hull suffers similarly to turret; although good by itself, it becomes paper when facing higher tier guns
• 75 mm KwK44 can become difficult to use as a sniper in an uptier
• Pitiful reverse speed
• Slower turret traverse than the Panther A and G
• Turret cheeks can be penetrated by high penetration guns (German 88 mm or US 90 mm)

History

Archive of the in-game description

In the autumn of 1944, production of a new variant of the Panther was planned, the Ausf. F variant. This version had stronger front armour on its hull (80 mm), its sides (50 mm), and the front part of its roof (25 mm). The Schmalturm 605 turret, developed by the company Daimler-Benz AG, was slightly smaller than the standard Panther turret. This allowed the forward armour to be reinforced up to 120 mm, at an inclination of 20°. The sides of the new turret had a thickness of 60 mm and an inclination of 25°, and the thickness of the gun mantlet reached 150 mm. Stereoscopic rangefinders produced by the company Zeiss were mounted on the sides of the turret. The vehicle was armed with a 75 mm KwK42/1 L/70 or KwK44/1 L/70 gun in a new mantlet. A project was launched to equip the Panther with the longer 75 mm KwK L/100. Instead of a directional machine gun, the radio operator/gunner used an MP 44 assault rifle. Production plans stipulated that production Ausf. F tanks would only be released with road wheels with internal shock absorbers. During mass production, the tank was supposed to be fitted with a periscope sight with an optical stabilizer. Each tank could, if necessary, be equipped with an FG 1250 night vision device. In October 1944, production of the Ausf. F was set to launch in the Daimler-Benz plant in Berlin in March 1945. But by January 1945, a single Panther Ausf. G prototype with a Schmallturm turret was ready. Due to the overall difficulty of Germany's situation at the time, only a few prototypes with a narrow turret and 8 tank hulls had been constructed by the end of the war. Some sources indicate that several Ausf. F variants were completed by Daimler-Benz between April 20 and 23, 1945, and they may have been used in combat operations.

Media

Skins

• Skins and camouflages for the Panther F from live.warthunder.com.

See also

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;
• links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

• topic on the official game forum;
• other literature.

Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg Aktiengesellschaft (MAN AG)
Medium tanks
Panther	VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Ersatz M10 · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Panther II
Export/captured
USSR	▂T-V
France	Panther "Dauphiné"