- Yes
- No
SU-75 (V) - Soviet Jagd.Pz.IV (V)
Soviet Troops aboard trophy tank destroyer Jagd.Pz.IV (V)
Introduction
The Soviet Union captured several German Jagdpanzer IV/70 (V) assault guns during World War II, including the Jagd.Pz.IV (V), an advanced variant of the Jagdpanzer IV series. This heavily armored, well-armed vehicle mounted a 75mm Pak 42 L/70 gun, providing excellent anti-tank capabilities. Upon capture, the Soviet Army quickly recognized its effectiveness, incorporating it into their own forces. Soviet engineers and crews modified the vehicles for use on the Eastern Front, where they were deployed in combat against German tanks and infantry. Despite their German origins, these captured tanks became valuable assets, providing crucial firepower and enhanced protection for Soviet units.
History and Soviet Usage
The Jagdpanzer IV/70 (V), also known as the Jagd.Pz.IV (V), was a German self-propelled anti-tank vehicle developed during World War II to combat the increasing threat of Soviet armor on the Eastern Front. It was an evolution of the earlier Jagdpanzer IV, mounted on the chassis of the Panzer IV, which had been one of Germany’s most successful tanks. The Jagd.Pz.IV (V) was designed with improved armor and a more powerful 75mm Pak 42 L/70 gun, which was capable of engaging even the heaviest Soviet tanks, such as the T-34 and KV series, at long range.
The vehicle’s low profile and sloped armor made it difficult to hit, providing superior protection compared to earlier tank destroyers. Production of the Jagd.Pz.IV (V) began in 1944, and it was deployed primarily on the Eastern and Western Fronts. However, due to the increasing pressure on German resources and manufacturing capabilities, only about 278 units were built before the end of the war in 1945.
After the war, several Jagd.Pz.IV (V) vehicles were captured by the Allies, including the Soviet Union. The Soviets, who had experienced the devastating impact of these vehicles on their own forces, were eager to examine and reverse-engineer the German designs. The captured Jagdpanzer IVs were sent to Soviet research centers, where they were evaluated, and some were used in combat by Soviet forces near Lake Balaton. These captured vehicles provided valuable insights that influenced the development of Soviet armored vehicles in the post-war years.
Jagdpanzer IV and Turan tank in 1st Bulgarian Army service in late 1944/Early 1945
(chassis number 320662) supplied by the Soviets.
Captured Jagdpanzer IV, Sd.Kfz. 162 with Soviet trophy number 268. Lake Balaton, Hungary. 1945
Specifications
General Information
- Origin: Germany
- Crew: 4
- Number Captured: 20~
Weight:
- 28.5 tons
Dimensions:
- Length: 7.2 meters (with gun)
- Width: 3.2 meters
- Height: 2.2 meters
Armament:
- 75 mm Pak 42 L/70 gun (used for anti-tank purposes)
- 1 x 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun (coaxial)
Armor:
- Front: 80 mm (sloped)
- Sides: 40 mm
- Rear: 30 mm
- Top: 20 mm
- Bottom: 20 mm
Engine:
- Maybach HL 120 TRM, 12-cylinder gasoline engine
- Power: 265 hp (197 kW)
- Maximum speed: 38 km/h
- Range: 200 km
Sources
The use of captured German self-propelled guns in the Red Army at the final stage of World War II
Panzer IV/70(V) - Tank Encyclopedia
jagdpanzer IV 70 (v)
Bulgaria (WW2) - Tank Encyclopedia
Jagdpanzer IV - Wikipedia
Tank Archives: A Barrel Too Long
https://www.militaryimages.net/threads/captured-german-armor-in-russian-service.9711/