Panzer IV J is a German Tank unit. The last Panzer IV production version, it was a simplified model for mass production, in order to make up for the tank losses suffered by Nazi-Germany and saw service in the twillight years of Nazi-Germany. This retrograde development is reflected in the game stats: compared to the Panzer IV H, the Panzer IV J fires less accurately (4 acc) and is deployed more cheaply.
Overview
The workhorse of the Nazi war machine, Panzer IV started its long service in 1936 as a fire support tank, equipped with a short-barreled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 howitzer. In this role, Panzer IV would focus on taking out enemy fortifications, anti-tank emplacements, and infantry from a long range, protecting the lighter, faster Panzer III tanks focusing on taking out enemy armor. However, following Fall Barbarossa and the shock of fighting against superior Soviet tanks, it quickly displaced Panzer III as the primary battle tank. Krupp's design was larger, sturdier, and could readily accept significant armor upgrades and long-barreled guns capable of defeating Soviet armor.
Ausf. J was the last production model of the IV, produced exclusively by Nibelungenwerke. The final modifications included the replacement of the electric traverse with a two-gear manual traverse, with the resulting space used for additional fuel storage. The turret received additional roof armor and auxiliary smoke projectors. This last production version was not so much an improvement as it was a last-ditch effort to ramp up Panzer IV production and replace tank losses. In fact, the Panzer IV J was considered a retrograde from the Panzer IV H.
Strategy
- The Panzer IV J is an interesting choice in 2. Panzer's arsenal. Panzer IV H tanks are available, but limited to a handful in phases A and B, with no less than three groups of four Panzer IV H elite tanks in Phase C. The single, discounted pack of Panzer IV Js acts as cheap meat shielding or second-rate unit to patch up holes in the front line.
- Its gun is no less lethal than that of the Panzer IV H. It may be of situational use in close combat with enemy tanks, where accuracy is less important and losses are more acceptable. It is also useful in suppressing and pinning down enemy infantry.
- Like most 1000m range tanks, it is especially vulnerable to 1200m tank & anti-tank units: dedicated tank destroyers like the Wolverine, anti-tank guns and high-end tanks such as the Firefly.
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