Preliminary Report No.15 Pz Kw IV

FOREWORD

This vehicle which is a Model "G" is of particular interest since it is the first Pz.Kw. IV mounting the long-barrelled 7.5 cm. gun to be received in this country. Otherwise in general construction the vehicle is similar to the earlier models examined except for the thickening up of the armour, the modification to the front vertical plate, and other detail changes outlined herein.

The progressive development of the welded fabrication of idler wheels on German tanks has always been a point of interest. An entirely new and novel tubular construction appears on this vehicle. A slightly improved finish is observed in the internal fittings in the fighting compartment particularly as regards the operating mechanism of hatches, etc.

The tank is in a good state of repair mechanically and structurally both as regards the vehicle itself, the power traverse installation and electrical components.

Special attention is directed to the heat transfer system referred to in Para. 17 of this report. The system appears to be a modified version of that referred to in an article in Issue No. 195 of "Die Panzertruppen" dated November, 1942. It is considered that this installation is worthy of investigation as it would be of considerable value in the operation of vehicles under extreme climatic conditions.

The power traverse installation of the Pz.Kw. IV has, we understand, several commendable features of performance.

The installation on this latest tank, whilst of generally similar design, incorporates several modifications in construction. The earlier example examined by Messrs. Merz & McLellan gives the impression of having been made in limited quantities only, whereas the later installation has been considerably "cleaned up" and seems to be a production job.

Preliminary Report No.1/0 Russian KV/I, Feb 1944

Preliminary Report No.2 German Pz.Kw.I, August 1942

Preliminary Report No.3?

Preliminary Report No.4 Self propelled mounting for 4.7cm. A/TK. Gun on Pz.Kw.I (model B) chassis, September 1942. 

Preliminary Report No.5 Pz Kw III, September 1942

Preliminary Report No.6 Pz Kw II, October 1942

Preliminary Report No.7 Pz Kw IV, November 1942

Preliminary Report No.8 German 4-wheeled armoured car (Sd. Kfz. 222), February 1943

Preliminary Report No.9 German Pz.Kw.I(Commander's Tank), March 1943

Preliminary Report No.10 German Pz.Kw.I(Model B), April 1945

Preliminary Report No.11 Italian Tank M.11/39, March 1943

Preliminary Report No.12 Italian armoured car Autoblinda 40, May 1943

Preliminary Report No.13 Lorraine S.P.Mounting, June 1943

Preliminary Report No.14 Semovente, July 1943

Preliminary Report No.15 Pz Kw IV (Special), August 1943

Preliminary Report No.16 German 7.5cm Strumgeschutz (Stu.G. 7.5 cm.K.), October 1943

Preliminary Report No.17 Italian Light Tanks L3/33 and L3/35, October 1943

Preliminary Report No.18 Italian Tank M 13/40, November 1943

Preliminary Report No.19 Pz Kw VI (Tiger), November 1943

Preliminary Report No.20 Russian T/34, February 1944

Preliminary Report No.21 German 8-wheeled armoured car: Sd. Kfz. 231, April 1944

Source:https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1500085974, and web pages.