Comparing: M4 Improved vs. Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H

A variant of the M4 medium tank with angled hull and turret armor. It was developed by the Detroit Arsenal in August 1942. The changes were intended to improve the tank’s protection without increasing weight or degrading other technical characteristics. Existed only in blueprints.

The G variant of the Pz. IV was produced starting in May 1942. In April 1943 production began on the H variant—eventually the most massively produced version of the Pz. IV. The Ausf. H shared the upgraded gun of the Ausf. G, and utilized a single 80-mm front glacis plate instead of layered plates. A new transmission slightly reduced vehicle speed but was more reliable. The tanks of this variant also featured side screens, 5–8 mm thick, on the hull and turret sides. A total of 3,774 vehicles of the Ausf. H were built.