Germany's BW/7; Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf F1; PzKpfw IV Ausf F1; SdKfz 161; medium tank

Design

Original order was for 500 to be built by Krupp-Gruson. This was increased when Vomag received an order for 100 and Nibelungenwerke for 25. Before these were all completed the OKH ordered that the rest of the order have 7.5 cm KwK 40 L/43 installed as soon as possible and a total of 25 were converted to PzKpfw IV Ausf F2s.

A single plate of armor extended across the front of the superstructure. The revolver port in the front was replaced by a Kugelblende 50 (ball mounting) with a machine gun installed.

In the PzKpfw IV Ausf F1 the driver had a Fahrersehklappe 50 (visor) to look out.

The maintenance hatches in the glacis plate had air intake apertures installed in each door with a welded cast cowling protecting them.

The turret had the single door replaced by a double door with the front door having a vision port and the rear door having a pistol port.

Used a TZF 5f telescope that was mounted to the left of the main gun.

The AP round of the 75 mm gun weighed 15 lbs and had a muzzle velocity of 1,263'/sec.

The driving sprocket had the spokes bent outwards. The rear idler was constructed from 2.25" welded tubes. There were flat plates that were welded to the inside and outside sections.

Production

The first 20 PzKpfw IV Ausf Fs left the factory in February 1940.

The PzKpfw IV series production figures.

Usage

This model was up armored based on the encounters with British and French tanks in the West. Entered service in February 1941.

Was used to refit the 2nd and 5th Panzer Divisions. Also used as replacements to units at front.

Was first used in North Africa.

Specifications

	Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf F1
Crew	Commander, gunner, loader, driver, radio operator 5
Radio	FuG5
Physical Characteristics
Weight	49,163 lb 22.3 tons, 24.1 tons
Length	19.4', 19' 5.25" 5.92 m, 5.93 m
Height	8.5', 8' 8.5" 2.68 m
Width	9.4', 9' 4" 2.84 m, 2.88 m
Width over tracks
Ground clearance	15.75" 0.4 m
Ground contact length	138.5" 3.52 m
Ground pressure	0.88 (kg/cm2) 11 psi, 12.52 psi
Turret ring diameter	1.65 m
Armament
Main	75 mm KwK 37 L/24 75 mm L/24 75 mm KwK L/24
Secondary
MG	2: MGs 2: 7.92 mm MG34
MG - coaxial	7.92 mm MG34
MG - hull	7.92 mm MG34
Side arms
Quantity
Main	80 80 Pzgr, Sprgr+Nebel
Secondary
MG	2,700, 3,000 Patr SmK, 3,150
Side arms
Armor Thickness (mm)	Front: 1.2"+1.2", 50 Side: 0.8"+0.8", 30
Hull Front, Upper	50 50@10°
Hull Front, Lower	50@12°
Hull Sides, Upper	30 30@0°
Hull Sides, Lower	30@0°
Hull Rear	20 20@9° & 12°
Hull Top	10-11 12@85°-90°
Hull Bottom	10 10@90°
Turret Front	1.2" 50 50@11° Mantlet: 50@0°-30°
Turret Sides	0.8" 30 30@26°
Turret Rear	30 30@16°
Turret Top	10 10@83°-90°
Engine (Make / Model)	Maybach HL 120 TRM
Bore / stroke
Cooling	Water
Cylinders	V-12
Capacity
Net HP	300@3,000 rpm
Power to weight ratio
Compression ratio	6.5:1
Transmission (Type)	Synchromesh, ZF SSG 76 6 forward, 1 reverse.
Steering	Clutch brake
Steering ratio
Starter	Electric and inertia
Electrical system	Starting: 24-volt Lighting: 12-volt
Ignition	Magneto
Fuel (Type)	Gasoline
Octane
Quantity	105 gallons, 125 gallons 470 liters
Road consumption	1 mpg 100 km/235 liters
Cross country consumption	0.6 mpg
Performance
Traverse	360°, electric. Hand or electric
Speed - Road	25 mph, 26 mph 42 kph
Speed - Cross Country	18 mph 20 kph
Range - Road	124 miles 200 km, 210 km
Range - Cross Country	78 miles 130 km
Turning radius	5.92 m
Elevation limits	-11° to +21° -8° to +20°
Fording depth	39.4" 0.8 m, 1 m
Trench crossing	7.2' 2.2 m
Vertical obstacle	23.6" 60 cm
Climbing ability	30° (57%) slope
Suspension (Type)	Leaf springs Quarter elliptic springs
Wheels each side	8, 8x2
Return rollers each side	4, 4x2
Tracks (Type)	Dry pin Kgs. 61/400/120
Length
Width	15.75", 16" 400 mm
Diameter
Number of links	99
Pitch	4.9"
Tire tread
Track centers/tread	8.1' 2.45 m