Comparing: Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. A vs. Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D vs. Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H

Development of the vehicle started in 1935. It was nicknamed Pz Kpfw IV in April 1936. Mass production began in the fall of 1937, and the first vehicles saw service starting in 1938. A total of 35 vehicles were manufactured and were in service until 1941.

This modification of the Pz IV was developed in October 1939. The vehicle had enhanced armor and an improved, external gun mantlet. The tank was mass-produced until May 1940, with a total of 229 vehicles manufactured.

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.