Tier 5 German Medium Tank Review: Creation History, Game Features, Tactical Tips
The Pz-IVH is a Tier 5 German medium tank. It is very rarely possible to write a review on a truly fun tank that oppresses everyone. Everyone has some kind of flaw, or the engine snorts somehow disgustingly. But there are no such claims to the “Pantsir” – he just took it, pressed “Into battle” and began to drag wildly. And you immediately begin to feel how the cervical muscles relax after the French “cardboard”, and the chair begins to slowly cool down after the “art”. Even playing it is fun and not scary. “What’s the secret?” – you ask. Just one element turns another dull “groove” into an “imbu” – a 105-mm howitzer. And not on “BB-shkah”, but on “land mines”. Yes, yes, this is such a fast analogue of the Japanese “heavy”, which everyone has already managed to “fall in love”. But the Pz-IVH was earlier and managed to grab more fame.
Historical reference
The original Pz-IVs were more self-propelled guns with a rotating turret, as they had only 20 mm of armor and a short-barreled 76 mm cannon. However, the Polish and French campaigns have already shown that this is not enough to fully support the infantry. And actions in independent units were called into question. Fortunately, the chassis was designed for further upgrades, which soon followed. To begin with, the frontal armor was increased to 50 mm, thanks to the welded armor plates. Then the length of the gun barrel was increased.
But during the invasion of the USSR, it was necessary to carry out additional improvements to this tank in a hurry, since it often had to collide with the T-34 and KV on the line . As a result, the frontal armor was increased to 80 mm, which affected the passability and reliability of the chassis. In 1943, modification G was replaced by H, which became the most widespread. The first tanks, produced in April, were slightly improved constructively – the roof armor was increased and the chassis was strengthened.
Instead of spaced armor plates by 50 and 30 mm, during operation, they switched to 80 mm all-metal armor plate. In addition, 5-mm steel anti-cumulative shields were hung in the perimeter, which blocked the side view from the tower. Along the way, the whole tank was coated with zimmerite, so that any nasty thing would not stick, in the form of magnetic mines. During production, various changes were also introduced to reduce the cost and simplify production, such as non-rubberized carrier rollers and the elimination of the driver’s periscope viewing device.
In total, until 1944, 3839 tanks were produced and this modification became the most massive in the Wehrmacht. The machine has proven itself in all types of military operations during WWII and there is even a widespread opinion that if the production of these units continued at the same level, and were not replaced by more technically complex “Panthers” and “Tigers” , then everything is for tank troops could have developed differently. But even after the war, the “shell” continued to ignite in local conflicts in the Middle East and even managed to appear in the Iranian-Iraqi war in the 80s.
Some examples are still on the move
Game characteristics
In World of Tanks , the Shell has become a good front line assault tank. Let’s consider its characteristics in the context of the game:
Protection
The armor of modification H is not bad for the fifth level. There is an 80 mm steel plate in the front of the body. To rational angles, she’s like to Berlin with cancer, but it is worth applying a twist and – voila! The tower is a little let down – there is only 50 mm to the front, although there is also a gun mask, but most likely they will not hit it. Considering the flaps welded around the perimeter, cumulative and close explosions of land mines will not cause us much harm. Moreover, the screens cover not only the 30 mm side, but also the tower around the circumference. If you look soberly, they will punch us. Therefore, you often have to go for the exchange of HP. This will help us with durability, which is standard for ST at this level – 480 hit points.
Firepower
If everything is not so simple for us with protection, then firepower is beyond doubt. 10,5 cm Kw.K. The L / 28 is what this tank is for. Yes, there are quite good 75mm cannons there. They are quite accurate, punchy, fast-firing and have the right to life … But God, who did not ride the “land mines” on the “log launcher”, count it and never saw the game. How cool it can be to watch the next “heavy”, which crawls in absolute confidence in its impenetrability, and then bam and say goodbye to the sotochka. In this case, the damage from “land mines” does not fall with distance, reaching the target safe and sound.
The howitzer has three types of shells. It is better not to mention an armor-piercing misunderstanding, but a “cumulative” with a penetration of 104 mm and a “land mine” for 410 damage must be in your clip. Moreover, load most of the 59 shells on “land mines”, and only 10 pieces – on “cumulatives”. This is the only way you can farm decently. Because with a rate of fire of seven rounds per minute and damage of 350-400, DPM can reach hellish values for the fifth level of 3000 potentially taken hit points.
The rest of the 105-mm “log launcher” does not really shine with characteristics. At a distance, you will not give out “splashes”, because of the slow speed of the projectiles and the ballistic trajectory. Accuracy also leaves much to be desired – 0.55. At least the aiming time for such a caliber is quite satisfactory – 2.3 seconds, but there is no stabilization of the barrel, which reduces this parameter to zero. The only real joy is the elevation angles, which are some of the best at minus 10 degrees. But only in front, on the sides, the notorious screens interfere.
Dynamics
The “Pazik” motor undergoes changes until it turns into a Maybach HL 120 TRM , which produces 440 hp, which allows it to accelerate to a good 40 km / h. For a medium tank with such a load, this is a good indicator! The top tracks give an increase in carrying capacity by two tons and increase mobility by two degrees, bringing it up to 32 deg / s. The basic and advanced turrets rotate at the same speed of 44 deg / sec. The hull will have to be turned after the turret. A very maneuverable and running tank, with which it is convenient to go for a breakthrough.
Discovery and communication
The Germans always have a lot of radio stations, but we only need the top of the list in the form of FuG 12 , which establishes direct radio contact at a distance of 710 meters. The best indicator on the level! But the view is standard – 350 meters, plus invisibility also suffers due to the bulkiness of the structure. I think camouflage won’t save, but it will make life a little easier for 15 “gold”.
Bleeding and equipment
What’s the best way to learn Pz-IVH ? You can get on this tank through the Pz-IVD or Pz-38nA . There is nothing to take from the “Czech”, since it is a completely different platform, but from the previous “groove” at least you can remove the pre-top radio station and the top engine. Immediately redeem the tracks for free experience and plug in the purchased motor. Then you consistently pump out the 75-mm cannons, and through them you go to the top turret and 105-mm howitzer. That’s it, the tank is practically in an elite assembly. It remains only to download the last radio station, which is no longer so critical.
We have five people hanging out in the crew, which is quite good for pumping a medium tank. Initially, we take the team “Repair”, so as not to hang around on the “gusl” under fire, and to the officer – “Jack of all trades”. On the second level, there are perks: the commander “Eagle Eye”, the driver “Smooth ride”, the gunner “Smooth turn of the tower”, loading the “Desperate”, and the radio operator “Firefighting”. And at the end we pour this whole garnish with the sauce from the “Combat Brotherhood”.
As for the special equipment, we recommend the option for active firefights: “Large caliber rammer”, “Reinforced aiming drives” and “Ventilation”. Having pumped the crew, the fan should be changed to “Toolbox”. This setup will give you the ability to fire densely at close range. The game is conducive to experimentation, so you can have your own vision. There is also improved special equipment, but only for bonds obtained in ranked battles, so it is not particularly available. If you still decide to go broke, then we recommend either the “Experimental loading system” (minus 12.5% to the recharge), or the “Powder gas removal system” (plus 7.5% to all crew skills).
We place the following consumables: “Manual fire extinguisher”, “Small first aid kit”, “Large repair kit”. A large “repair”, even just heating the slot in the inventory, gives a plus 10 percent to repair. The fire hazard of the engine is high (20%), so only fearless and fire-resistant types like you can replace the fire extinguisher with “Chocolate”.
There is also a slot for “Pre-battle instructions” (for equipment and crew), but upgrades are available only for a special currency – bonds. They are earned only in ranked battles, so you should only buy instructions for tanks that are often rolled out of the hangar. For Pz-IVH, it is best to take the following equipment modifiers: “Rational ammo rack” (plus 2.5% to reload) and “Blowing air ducts” (plus 2.5% to all crew skills). For tankers, choose “The subtleties of the checkpoint” (enhances the “Smooth ride” skill) and “No sudden movements” (enhances the “Smooth turret rotation” skill).
Slaughter copy
Tactics tips
The Pz-IVH is a medium support tank that can both penetrate the front and develop forces in depth. Like all STs, he is unusually flexible tactically.
First, understand that you are on a team. Nobody expects from you heroic races on the rear of the enemy. Therefore, at the start, open the minimap and begin to determine the place where the main part of the allies will go by giving quick orders. If there is no coordination (and this is 90% of cases), then you simply join the tail of the next herd of deer. Don’t go forward! Take care of hit points, they will come in handy at a turning point in the battle.
When cloven-hoofed animals reach enemy cuckolds, they begin to mutually reduce their population. Your task in this business is to take a comfortable position on the second line and from there treat the enemy with delicious “high-explosive splashes”. It is not required to target the modules in particular, the main thing is that the projectile should fly into the silhouette. Therefore, you can practice “grandfather’s vertukhan”, that is, shooting without full attention. Even if you miss, there is always a chance to hit the carcass with a splash.
At the same time, try to help your team, targeting the “gusli” of especially arrogant and nimble enemies, for the subsequent joint analysis of the aviator. Be sure to close the barrel of some kind of “log thrower” a la KV-2 , so that it stops hitting anywhere at all. In general – criticize your opponents to the fullest. Armor and all sorts of cunning tricks (like “diamond”) will not save them from the holy “land mine”. And some hyped imbs, like the thin-walled T67 , will generally burst from one shot.
“Cumulative” should be used only in special and critical cases. For example, if you are rushing to KV and there is no time to make him a poultice of blasting substances. Then you can put in him a net damage of 350 hit points and repeat for an encore. For the rest, you should avoid using “gold”, as there is a risk of going negative even after a victorious battle. Otherwise, land mines should be enough for all occasions. If you especially adjust to their parabolic flight trajectory, then you can surprise the tanks well protected in front, the “suitcase” box right on the lightly armored roof or the engine compartment
In general, howitzer shooting requires certain skills. I will share with you one trick that will significantly increase your accuracy and survivability. How do shootouts usually take place on the “carapace”? You leave, with a huge sighting circle, and begin to reduce for half an hour while the enemy throws in his small bites. And after all, you will not move so as not to knock off the sight. Therefore, it is worth preparing for the departure in advance – press the R key once, and with a quiet move you crawl out from behind the shelter, balancing your stabilization on the go. They fired quickly and drove off to reload.
At the same time, you should avoid direct skirmishes and exchanges of health, since everyone will break through you. Turning the hull does not always help, since some of the shells still fly into the tower, and some into the large roller. In general, taxiing around the corner is still an art. If you make the corner very sharp, the barrel will hit the screen, and if you just try to jump sideways, you will be punished in the rink. Arta will aim at you, but she has practically no chance of hitting the moving “groove”. Do not make her work easier – go for cover and on the opposite slopes of the hills, try to glow as little as possible.
Try not to light up ahead of time
conclusions
Pros:
- Powerful drin instead of a barrel
- High alpha and DPM
- A bunch of shells and land mines
- Good dynamics
- Availability of screens
- Excellent radio station
- Full crew
Minuses:
- Ambiguous armor
- Insufficient armor penetration
- Oblique and unstable cannon
- Fire hazard engine
The Pz-IV is just a bomb for all beginners who have not yet learned the vulnerabilities of different vehicles. You can relax, lean back in your chair and just come down-shoot on the auto-aim. Professionals love this tank for one-shots, and switching attention from aiming to tactical movement around the map. The tank simply drives in all possible situations – in shootouts, in clinches, and in dog dumps. Here you don’t even need to think about it – take this imba to your hangar, without delay!
