Comparing: Pz.Kpfw. IV hydrostat. vs. Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H

This experimental version of the Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. G, incorporating hydrostatic drive, began development in 1944. Trials were discontinued due to the unreliability of the transmission and the lack of spare parts.

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.