The StuG 40 further improved on the successful StuG design, becoming the pinnacle model of the series. By Staff Writer
The StuG 40 (or StuG IV) was a further refinement of the successful StuG III tank destroyer / assault gun. The system sported a powerful L/48 75mm main gun and kept the low profile of its predecessor. The system was fielded in December of 1943 and would see production up until the final months of the war.
Among other features that distinguished this new StuG addition was the use of the Panzer IV hull. The turretless design meant that the system was easier and more efficient to produce in large numbers. 6 smoke grenade dischargers were added for self-defense as were two 7.92mm anti-infantry machine guns (one with a new folding shield). Side-skirting was made standard and frontal armor was addressed further. Power was still derived from the Maybach HL 300 horsepower engine and an all new "pig's head" mantlet cover was fitted to the base of the main gun. Ammunition carried aboard was also upped to 54 rounds from 44 in previous models. Zimmerit paste coating was applied to the armor for protection against "sticky" grenades and mines.
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Armored Vehicle Quick Profile
1943
Designation:SdKfz 142/1 StuG 40 (StuG IV) Classification Type:Assault Gun / Tank Destroyer Contractor:Daimler-Benz / Alkett - Germany Country of Origin: Nazi Germany Number Built: Not Available
Operators: Nazi Germany
Variants
StuG III Ausf A - 30 examples produced; fitted with L/24 main gun.
StuG III Ausf B - 320 examples produced; fitted with L/24 main gun.
StuG III Ausf C - 50 examples produced.
StuG III Ausf D - 150 examples produced.
StuG III Ausf E - 272 examples produced.
StuG III Ausf F - Assault Gun / Tank Destroyer Designation; fitted with L/43 main gun; later models with L/48 type main gun; improved armor protection and commander visibility.
StuG IV (StuG 40) - Based on the Panzer IV tank with a 75mm StuK 40 L/48 main gun.
StuG 40 Ausf G - SdKfz 142/1 designation; StuK 40 L/48 main gun; smoke grenade dishcargers; folding machine gun shield; cast pig's mantlet gun cover; side-skirting as standard; implementation of new cylindrical hatch.
"Sturmhaubitze 42" - 4.1in howitzer mated to the existing StuG III hull design.
SU-76 - Soviet modified assault guns of captured StuG IIIs; fitted with Soviet 76.2mm main gun.
SG122A - Soviet modified assault guns of captured StuG IIIs; fitted with 122mm main gun.
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