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Panzer IV ausf F2
History: In November 1941, plans were made to improve the armament
of the Panzer IV by installing a long-barrelled 7,5cm KwK. This change was to ahve
taken place with the ausf G. Because of the superiority of the Russian KV-1 and
T-34, an order was issued to mount the 7,5cm KwK40 as quickly as possible. This
resulted in the loss of a month's production in March 1942, and the ausf F series was
completed with 7,5cm KwK L/43, and was designated ausf F2.
Specific features: The differences between the ausf F1 and the F2 related to the
introduction of the new gun. Ammunition storage was modified to stow the larger
rounds, the amount of ammunition carried was increased and the gunner's and commander's
seats were changed to allow more room. The elevation mechanism was modified and an
auxiliary hand traverse was installed for the loader. Because of the long barrel, a
coil-spring counter-balance was installed for the 7,5cm KwK40.
Combat service: While some ausf F2 were issued to several newly formd tank
detachments and were given to the motorized infantry divisions, the majority went to
front-line units to replace losses. This provided a Panzer which was superior to the
Russian, British and American armour used at the fronts in the summer of 1942.
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