Panzer IV/70 (A)

Designations: Panzerwagen 604/9, Gerät 558
Manufacturer: Nibelungenwerke
Production: 278 from August 1944 to March 1945
Crew: 4
Weight: 28 t
Length/Width/Height(metres): 8,44/2,88/2,35
Engine: Maybach HL120TRM & TRM 112
Gearbox: 6 forward, 1 reverse
Speed: 38 km/h
Range: 320 km
Radio: FuG5
Armament: 7,5cm PaK42 L/70
Traverse: 10° both right and left
Elevation: -5° +15°
Sight: SflZF
Armour(mm/angle):
Front Side Rear Top/bottom
Superstucture 80/50° 40/30° 20/35° 20/90°
Lower 80/10° 40/30° 20/10° 10/90°
Hull 80/14° 30/0° 20/10° 10/90°
Gun Mantlet 80

History
The Panzer IV/70(A) was the Alket version of the Panzer IV Tank Destroyer mounting the 7,5cm PaK42 L/70 gun, what was used already on other populare project like the JagdPanzer IV and it’s KampfWagenKanone variant: The Panther. The chassis was the same as the Panzer IV. These Tank Destroyers were built on the latest generation Panzer IV Ausf. J at Nibelungenwerke. Both (V) [This is the Jagdpanzer IV, what we have in-game now] and (A) were produced from August 1944 to March 1945.

Developement/Features
The Panzer IV/70 (A) had a chassis unaltered from the PZ Kpfw IV series. It was considered to be a more heavier and bulkier edition, along with larger capacity to carry more ammunition.(roughly 90 rounds) Mobility stayed the same after all modifictaions, expect the range, because it was far better compared to the (V) version’s 210km. The superstucture was similar to the Panzer IV/70 (V)’s design in many aspects, but it’s superstucture was vertical, it extended out over the tracks. Also the driver recieved a visor to provide a better viewrange, this was superior to the (V) design. The gun was mounted on the upper part of the superstucture as seen before, this was the same type of mount for the Panzer IV/70 (V). The (A) was nose-heavy as the (V) version and therefore, it was fitted with steel-rimmed wheels on the first four bogie stations. Alkett was developing a twin for the L/70 (A) version, but mounting it with the 88mm Pak 43/3 L/71. It was impossible to construct, because the chassis weren’t able to carry such a large weapon, so this remeained forever as a Blueprint.

Combat Service
Jagdpanzer IV/70(A) was issued first in September of 1944. It was issued as regular tank to Panzer Abteilungs or as a replacement assault gun to Panzer and Stug Brigades. It was used as an anti-tank support vehicle for regular battle tanks. Most of the vehicles saw service on the Eastern Front. On April 10th of 1945, there were still 285 Jagdpanzer IV/70 in service with the German Army, 274 on the Eastern Front, 8 in Italy and 3 on the Western Front. After the war, approximately 6 Jagdpanzer IVs (L/48 and L/70) found their way to Syria.

After War
Only one Panzer IV/70 (A) survived the War, now it is located at the Musee Blindes in Saumur, France.
How will it look like in WoT?
We have still no information, if it is going to appear in the game, but it has a high chance, that with the introduction of „Hull-Modules” it will be available as a part of the 3 main Designs of the JagdPanzer Ivs.

But if it makes a stand-alone appearance, it is going to be like this:
Guns: 75mm PaK 42 L/70 and 8.8cm Pak 43/3 L/71 (Finally something good would happen to the TD line after JagdPanzer IV’s laughable implement)
Engine: Maybach HL 108 TR, Maybach HL 120 TR, Maybach HL 120 TRM
Radio: FuG 5, FuG 7
Chassis: Panzer IV/70 (A) 1944, Panzer IV/70 (A) 1945 (or something like this)

Actually a Premium version on Tier 7 with the 8.8cm Pak 43/3 L/71 is very favourable choice for the same price as the Panther M10 and it does not need special mm, unlike the E-25 or the earlier mentioned M10.

Thanks for reading!
Ilosz

Very interesting read, thanks!