German tank T-4: Pz.Kpfw.IV + bonus video

fw.IV Ausf.A on parade, 1938.

1. Year of creation: The T-4 tank was designed and built in secret by the German company Krupp in 1937 as a continuation of the Pz.Kpfw.III model.

2. Model Variations: During the Second World War, the T-4 tank underwent several modifications, including changes in weapons and armor. There were modifications of the Ausf. A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and J.

3. Use of the tank in the combat area: The T-4 tank was used on the Eastern and Western fronts during World War II. It was involved in a large number of hostilities, starting in 1939, and was successfully used both as an infantry support and as a combat vehicle to destroy enemy armored vehicles. Pz.Kpfw. The IV was equipped with a powerful 75 mm cannon that was capable of penetrating the armor of most allied tanks, and also had good maneuverability and defense against enemy guns. The tank was effective in battles both in open areas and in urban areas. It is widely used as the main battle tank of the German army and has been used in many battles, including the tank battles of Kursk, El Alamein and others.

4. Number of tanks built in history: Over 8,800 T-4 tanks were built during World War II. The tank was produced throughout the war, but its production was stopped in 1945. As an exception, in the same year, 28 tanks were produced at the Nibelungenwerke plant, but already under the control of the Soviet authorities, which were later transferred to Bulgaria.

5. The main advantages and disadvantages of the T-4 tank: The main advantages of the T-4 tank were its power and speed, which made it effective in battles against other tanks. However, the tank had some drawbacks, including armor problems, which made it vulnerable to anti-tank weapons. Also, the tank was not very convenient to operate due to its high cost and difficulty in maintenance. Nevertheless, the T-4 tank remains an important moment in the history of the development of tank technology and left its mark on the history of World War II.

6. Post-war use of the Pz.Kpfw. IV: After World War II, Pz.Kpfw. IV found use in many battles. It was used by the Israel Defense Forces, the Syrian Armed Forces and the armies of other Middle Eastern countries during conflicts in the years 1950-1970, such as the Israeli Wars of Independence of 1948-1949, the Suez conflict of 1956, the Six Day War of 1967 and other conflicts. Subsequently, he was involved in the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988, as well as during the fighting in Yugoslavia and Afghanistan between 1990 and 2000. These tanks were used by the armies of Europe, including Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, France, Croatia, Spain and other countries.

To be continued…