Full Name | Sonderkraftfahrzeug 167 Sturmgeschütz IV |
Class | Heavy Vehicle |
Movement | 5 |
Armor Value | 4 |
Vs Infantry (RNG / FPR) | 5/6 |
Vs Vehicle (RNG / FPR) | 8/10 |
Traits | |
Period | Late 1943-1945 |
Theaters of Service |
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This German fixed superstructure assault gun (“Sturmgeschütz,” or “storm gun”) was identical in role and concept to the highly successful StuG III, but based on the Pz. IV chassis. Like the StuG III, the Germans used the StuG IV in both infantry support and anti-tank roles. Because of their low silhouette, StuG IVs were easy to camouflage and be hidden and were difficult targets to destroy. StuG and StuH assault guns were cost-effective compared to the heavier German tanks such as the Tiger I and Panther, although as anti-tank guns they were best used defensively as the lack of a traversable turret and its generally-thin armour was a severe disadvantage in the attack role. The StuG IV carried the high-velocity 7.5 cm StuK 40 L/48 main gun and one 7.93 mm MG 34 machine gun. German manufacturers produced 1,108 units (plus 31 conversions) from late 1943 through April 1945, and the Wehrmacht used them primarily on the Eastern and Western fronts. A crew of four operated the vehicle, and it had a top speed of 25 mph.