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Panzerkampfwagen IV is a medium sized war tank that was developed in late 1930's during
Second World War in Nazi Germany. At the time of its design, Panzer IV was not intended to be
engaged as an enemy armor as this was supposed to be a support tank to be used against enemy
anti tank guns and fortifications. Due to existing flaws in the canon becoming obvious and in the
dawn of Soviet T-34 tanks, Panzer soon assumed fighting tank role.
What has lead to development of Panzer tanks? The main strategy of German military during the
war was to use fast moving motorized infantry and artillery which could be supported by dive
bombers in order to target one particular section of the enemy group. Once Adolf Hitler gained the
reins in 1933, the German government went ahead with its tank production. During spring time in
1934 the German army used Panzer tank I for the first time.
This was just the beginning as the years ahead witnessed the serial release of a line of Panzer
tanks. In the following year, Panzer II capable of carrying a three man crew was introduced. This
tank weighed 7.2 tons and consisted of a 20mm cannon and a machine gun in its turret. The
130hp engine enabled this machine to reach 25mph on a decent surface. However, this tank
underwent several changes until 1937 when Panzer III was introduced.
Panzer III weighed 15 ton and had a 230hp motor capable of carrying a five men crew and with a
37mm gun. Another tank to be introduced in this year was Panzer IV. Produced by Krupp, this
tank weighed 17.3 tons and was armed with a 75mm short gun along with two machine guns in
the turret and was able to carry a five men crew. The armour protection in this tank ranged from
8mm to 30mm in thickness while the 230hp engine gave it a speed of 18mph.
The ability and efficiency of Panzer force was proved in 1939 during the Poland invasion. It was
clear that Panzer I was most inappropriate to be used during war. While though Panzer II and
Panzer III were reliable, they were outgunned. The only tank that could overcome all hurdles was
Panzer IV. This tank had perfect mix of speed, agility, firepower and reliability. Panzer IV has
proved themselves on several occasions. During the invasions of Poland and France these tanks
have lived up to the expectations of military. Thus German Panzer tanks became the favourite of
the armed forces.
Soon, the later years saw wide manufacturing and deployment of German Panzer tanks in Second
World War. Thus Panzer IV tank became the base for many other war fighting vehicles like
destroyer tanks and self-propelled anti aircraft guns. This tough and dependable war tanker was
used in all combat theatres and is known to be the only German war tank that was produced
throughout the year.

2. About the author: Bill Snyder has a love for WW2 and military history...so much so that it inspired
him to design and create t shirts based on these interests. To see his designs go to:
http://achtungtshirt.com and http://achtungtshirt.wordpress.com.
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