Comparing: Pz.Kpfw. IV Schmalturm vs. VK 30.02 (M)

In November 1944 the Krupp company presented several avant-projects aimed to upgrade armament of tanks and tank destroyers in service. Among them there was a project of mounting a Panther's Schmalturm (tight turret) on the Pz IV Ausf. J. The project was canceled due to phasing out the Pz IV production.

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.