Comparing: VK 30.02 (M) vs. AC 4 Experimental

A medium tank, developed by the MAN company and designed as a 30-ton tank. Simultaneously, the Daimler-Benz company developed a competing project. On May 13, 1942, the two projects were submitted to the Ministry of Armaments and War Production. The MAN design was preferred, and the tank eventually entered service as the Pz.Kpfw. V Panther.

The tank was developed in 1943. An order was placed for 400 vehicles. The prototype was created on the basis of the AC 1 tank with an enlarged superstructure, which allowed mounting a modified turret from the AC 3 tank with a 17-pounder gun. In July 1943, the work on the project was stopped at the final stage, as the program for creating the Australian cruiser tank was discontinued.