Panzerkampfwagen IV Identification Guide

John Winner© 2012

This is a basic guide to help in the identification of the different modles of the Panzerkampfwagen IV. This particular tank was built in 10 Ausführungen [Ausf.] (def: model or variation). I have put this guide together to allow the reader to differentiate and identify the different models of this particular tank.

Ausf. A page 3Ausf. B page 5Ausf. C page 6Ausf. D page 8

Ausf. E page 10 Ausf. F1 and F2 page 11 Ausf. G page 13 Ausf. H page 15 Ausf. J page 17

Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. A

Upper deck Ausf. A

Turret Ausf. A

Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. B

Upper deck Ausf. B

Drive sprocket Ausf. A, B and C

Idler wheel Ausf. A, B and C

Turret Ausf. B

Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. C

Turret Ausf. C

Exaust Ausf. A – E

Pz.Kpfw. Ausf. D

Upper deck Ausf. D

Ausf.D with add-on armor

Ausf. D turret with new mantlet and antenna deflector

Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. E

Ausf. E new driver view port and steering brake cover hinges

Ausf. E new drive sprocket

Ausf. E turret with added smoke ventalation

Pz.Kpfw. Ausf. F1 and F2

Ausf. F1

Ausf. F1 turret with new split doors and stowage box

New drive and idler wheels, Ausf. F1, F2 and G (retofitted to Ausf. D and E)

Ausf. F2 new turret with 7,5 cm KwK L/43

Ausf. F2 muzzle break

Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. G

Ausf. G turret

Ausf. G muzzle break

Ausf. G turret with 7,5 cm KwK L/43

Pz.Kpfw. Ausf. H

Ausf. H – J turret with 7,5 cm KwK L/48

Radio antenna Ausf. H – J

Drive Sprocket Ausf. H – J

Exaust Ausf. F – J (with armored antenna base for Pz.Beob.Wg. Ausf. J)

Pz.Kpfw. Ausf. J

New idler and steel return rollers on Ausf. J

Ausf. H and J are very similar, most differences are in construction and internal components. On late Ausf. G the exaust system was changed to the Flammentöter system.

There are also many subtle differences that can be used to determine the model of a Panzer IV, especially G – J. I would suggest Osprey Publishing, New Vangaurd 39, Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf. G, H and J, by Jentz and Doyle.