JAGDPANZER IV L/48(V) SDKFZ 162 TANK HUNTER IN 1/15 SCALE. The time had come to build an appropriate tank destroyer on the Panzer IV chassis. The Jagdpanzer IV L/48 75mm Pak 39 Sdkfz 162 represented the world's first truly real unique design capability in tank destroyer development, featuring a very low profile, exceedingly well sloped and heavy armor with a very good ballistic shape and center of gravity design, and was armed with a 75mm Pak 39 L/48 anti-tank gun capable of throwing a 75mm projectile with extremely pin-point accuracy. All the lessons that have been learned in tank versus tank combat experience have been incorporated into this vehicle design with explosive results. The resultant tank destroyer proved to be extremely effective, essentially a StuG IV in better form, the Jagdpanzer IV Pak 39 L/48 was made by the firm Vomag on a modified Panzer IV chassis. The most important feature was the redesign of the front armor layout. This armored fighting vehicle was very well received and liked by its crews and were ready to put theory into practice. This unique and capable design with its clean form and very low silhouette made it nearly invisible to the enemy and inflicted grievous losses to the allies obliterating allied armored columns at point-blank range. The importance of the German armored branch remained undiminished throughout the war, despite heavy losses, the introduction of formidable new tanks such as these tank hunters, and the enormous accumulated battle experience of young unit commanders, kept the employment of armor at the heart of German counter-offensive and defensive tactics on all fronts. German armor repeatedly tipped the balance of both minor and major engagements. The losses inflicted on Allied and Russian armor were incredibly high. Proving time and time again that quality and experience could outweigh greatly superior numbers. When the allies landed in France in June 1944 they brought with them a vast array of new armored vehicles manned by diligent and enthusiastic crews; but the minority of North African veterans among them also brought a deep respect for the enemy and his equipment. Once again, relatively small numbers of technically superior tanks crewed by German eastern front veterans would exact a high price for every mile the allies advanced.
Pictures of my collection:
JAGDPANZER IV L/48(V) SDKFZ 162 TANK HUNTER
