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Panzerbefehlswagen mit 7,5cm KwK L/48 - Panzerbeobachtungswagen IV
History: By 1944, the number of Pz Bef Wg based on the Panzer III was insufficient,
and a more suitable command vehicle which would be inspicious alongside the Panzer IV was
required. The aerial for the FuG5 was mounted on the top of the turret roof, and a
star antenna for the additional radio was fitted to the right-hand side of the tail plate
of the hull. A TSF 1 periscope was fitted in the turret roof. The
Beobachtungspanzerwagen was a similar vehicle, carrying different radio equipment.
It was introduced shortly after conversion of old Panzer III to Beob Wg had been halted
because of unavailability of Panzer III.
Specific features: Additional radio mast on the rear hull plate, and relocation of
the aerial to the turret roof. A rotating mount for the periscope was fitted on the
left side of the turret.
Combat service: Pz Bef Wg served with tank detachments equipped with Panzer IV,
while the Beob Wg were issued as replacements to the Hummel (bumble-bee) batteries.
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