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Panzer IV / 70(A)
History: The Panzer IV/70(A) was the Alkett version of a
tankdestroyer mounting the long-barrelled 75mm PaK42. It was mounted on the normal
chassis of the Panzer IV from the same production line producing normal Panzer IV ausf J
at Nibelungenwerke. The Panzer IV/70(V) and (A) were produced simultaneously from
August 1944 to March 1945
Specific features: The panzer IV/70(A) had a chassis unaltered from the Panzer IV
series. The superstructure was of similar design to that on the panzer IV/70(V) and
differed only in that the lower superstructure was vertical, extending out over the
tracks, and a visor was provided for the driver. The gun was mounted in the
front of the sloped, upper superstructure, in the same type of mount used for the Panzer
IV/70(V). The Panzer IV/70(A) was nose-heavy and was, therefore, fitted with
steel-rimmed wheels on the first four bogie stations.
Combat service: The Panzer IV/70(A) was employed in the same manner as the normal
Panzer IV in tank detachments, or as an assault gun in place of the tank-hunter in
independent assault gun brigades. Most of them were issued to or were replacements
for units fighting in the East.
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