Welcome to Wargaming.net Wiki!
Variants
/
/
Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J

Jump to: navigation, search











































































Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J

AnnoG10_PzIII_AusfJ.png
Battle Tier
1234567891011
Overview
Mouse over "
Well, the ones further down, of course.
" for more information
[Client Values; Actual values in
Specifically, the mismatch in crew values caused by commander's 10% crew skill bonus. Outside of a crew of 1 commander only, 100% crew is a fiction. The client values, given for 100% crew, will normally be taken into battle with 110% crew skill members aside from specific functions, causing their actual performance to deviate from the expected client value. These differences are taken into account in tooltip boxes.
]
138,000  Credits Cost
510108 HP Hit Points
18.05/19.2511.81/22.65 t Weight Limit
Crew
  1. Commander
  2. Gunner
  3. Driver
  4. Radio Operator
  5. Loader
Mobility
320440 hp Engine Power
64/20 km/h Speed Limit
4045 deg/s Traverse
17.7337.26 hp/t Power/Wt Ratio
NoNo Pivot
Armor
// mm Hull Armor
30/30/3030/30/30 mm Turret Armor
Armament







{{#ifeq:ARMOR_PIERCING_CR|ARMOR_PIERCING||



{{#ifeq:HIGH_EXPLOSIVE|ARMOR_PIERCING||


AP/APCR/HE







{{#ifeq:ARMOR_PIERCING_CR|ARMOR_PIERCING||



{{#ifeq:HIGH_EXPLOSIVE|ARMOR_PIERCING||


AP/APCR/HE
Shells




















0/800/6




















30/2000/18
Shell Cost
36/36/4270/70/90 HP Damage
40/74/1867/130/25 mm Penetration



|


|}}

|


|}}















26.09 r/m 

Standard Gun

Reload Times
Nominal: 2.3 s
50% Crew: 2.85 s
75% Crew: 2.49 s
100% Crew: 2.21 s
Rammer: 1.99 s
Vents: 2.16 s
Both: 1.95 s
Both and BiA: 1.9 s
Both and Max Crew %: 1.82 s

See Crew, Consumables, or Equipment for more information.



|


|}}

|


|}}















24 r/m 

Standard Gun

Reload Times
Nominal: 2.5 s
50% Crew: 3.1 s
75% Crew: 2.7 s
100% Crew: 2.4 s
Rammer: 2.16 s
Vents: 2.35 s
Both: 2.11 s
Both and BiA: 2.07 s
Both and Max Crew %: 1.98 s

See Crew, Consumables, or Equipment for more information.
Rate of Fire






|


|}}

|


|}}





























939.24

Standard Gun

Using Shell Type 1 (36 Damage):


Theoretical Damage Per Minute
Nominal DPM: 939.24
50% Crew: 758.16
75% Crew: 868.32
100% Crew: 979.56
100% Crew
Vents: 1001.52
Rammer: 1088.28
Both: 1112.76
Both and BiA: 1137.6
Both and Max Crew %: 1186.92

Advantageous Damage Per Minute
First-shot DPM: 975.24
50% Crew: 794.16
75% Crew: 904.32
100% Crew: 1015.56
100% Crew
Rammer: 1124.28
Vents: 1037.52
Both: 1148.76
Both and BiA: 1173.6
Both and Max Crew %: 1222.92

See here, here, or here for more information.

Standard Gun

Using Shell Type 2 (36 Damage):


Theoretical Damage Per Minute
Nominal DPM: 939.24
50% Crew: 758.16
75% Crew: 868.32
100% Crew: 979.56
100% Crew
Vents: 1001.52
Rammer: 1088.28
Both: 1112.76
Both and BiA: 1137.6
Both and Max Crew %: 1186.92

Advantageous Damage Per Minute
First-shot DPM: 975.24
50% Crew: 794.16
75% Crew: 904.32
100% Crew: 1015.56
100% Crew
Rammer: 1124.28
Vents: 1037.52
Both: 1148.76
Both and BiA: 1173.6
Both and Max Crew %: 1222.92

See here, here, or here for more information.

Standard Gun

Using Shell Type 3 (42 Damage):
With wholly penetrating hits

Theoretical Damage Per Minute
Nominal DPM: 1095.78
50% Crew: 884.52
75% Crew: 1013.04
100% Crew: 1142.82
100% Crew
Vents: 1168.44
Rammer: 1269.66
Both: 1298.22
Both and BiA: 1327.2
Both and Max Crew %: 1384.74

Advantageous Damage Per Minute
First-shot DPM: 1137.78
50% Crew: 926.52
75% Crew: 1055.04
100% Crew: 1184.82
100% Crew
Rammer: 1311.66
Vents: 1210.44
Both: 1340.22
Both and BiA: 1369.2
Both and Max Crew %: 1426.74

See here, here, or here for more information.






|


|}}

|


|}}





























1680

Standard Gun

Using Shell Type 1 (70 Damage):


Theoretical Damage Per Minute
Nominal DPM: 1680
50% Crew: 1355.9
75% Crew: 1553.3
100% Crew: 1752.1
100% Crew
Vents: 1791.3
Rammer: 1946.7
Both: 1990.8
Both and BiA: 2034.9
Both and Max Crew %: 2123.1

Advantageous Damage Per Minute
First-shot DPM: 1750
50% Crew: 1425.9
75% Crew: 1623.3
100% Crew: 1822.1
100% Crew
Rammer: 2016.7
Vents: 1861.3
Both: 2060.8
Both and BiA: 2104.9
Both and Max Crew %: 2193.1

See here, here, or here for more information.

Standard Gun

Using Shell Type 2 (70 Damage):


Theoretical Damage Per Minute
Nominal DPM: 1680
50% Crew: 1355.9
75% Crew: 1553.3
100% Crew: 1752.1
100% Crew
Vents: 1791.3
Rammer: 1946.7
Both: 1990.8
Both and BiA: 2034.9
Both and Max Crew %: 2123.1

Advantageous Damage Per Minute
First-shot DPM: 1750
50% Crew: 1425.9
75% Crew: 1623.3
100% Crew: 1822.1
100% Crew
Rammer: 2016.7
Vents: 1861.3
Both: 2060.8
Both and BiA: 2104.9
Both and Max Crew %: 2193.1

See here, here, or here for more information.

Standard Gun

Using Shell Type 3 (90 Damage):
With wholly penetrating hits

Theoretical Damage Per Minute
Nominal DPM: 2160
50% Crew: 1743.3
75% Crew: 1997.1
100% Crew: 2252.7
100% Crew
Vents: 2303.1
Rammer: 2502.9
Both: 2559.6
Both and BiA: 2616.3
Both and Max Crew %: 2729.7

Advantageous Damage Per Minute
First-shot DPM: 2250
50% Crew: 1833.3
75% Crew: 2087.1
100% Crew: 2342.7
100% Crew
Rammer: 2592.9
Vents: 2393.1
Both: 2649.6
Both and BiA: 2706.3
Both and Max Crew %: 2819.7

See here, here, or here for more information.
Damage Per Minute


|


|}}



0.46 m 

With 50% Crew: 0.57 m
With 75% Crew: 0.498 m
With 100% Crew: 0.441 m
With BiA: 0.431 m
With BiA and Vents: 0.422 m
Maximum possible: 0.404 m

For more details, see Crew


|


|}}



0.4 m 

With 50% Crew: 0.496 m
With 75% Crew: 0.433 m
With 100% Crew: 0.384 m
With BiA: 0.375 m
With BiA and Vents: 0.367 m
Maximum possible: 0.352 m

For more details, see Crew
Accuracy


|


|}}



1.7 s 

With 50% Crew: 2.106 s
With 75% Crew: 1.839 s
With 100% Crew: 1.63 s
With GLD: 1.482 s
With BiA: 1.594 s
With BiA and Vents: 1.559 s
With both and GLD: 1.418 s
Maximum possible: 1.359 s

For more details, see Crew or Equipment


|


|}}



2.3 s 

With 50% Crew: 2.849 s
With 75% Crew: 2.488 s
With 100% Crew: 2.205 s
With GLD: 2.005 s
With BiA: 2.157 s
With BiA and Vents: 2.11 s
With both and GLD: 1.918 s
Maximum possible: 1.839 s

For more details, see Crew or Equipment
Aim time
4644 deg/s Turret Traverse
360° Gun Arc
-10°/+20°-10°/+20° Elevation Arc
300140 rounds Ammo Capacity
General
2020 % Chance of Fire






330 m 

With 50% Crew: 259.3 m
With 75% Crew: 294.7 m
With 100% Crew: 330 m
With Recon and Situational Awareness: 346.7 m
With Coated Optics: 363 m
With Binocular Telescope: 412.5 m
Maximum possible: 472.4 m

For more details, see Skills or Equipment






330 m 

With 50% Crew: 259.3 m
With 75% Crew: 294.7 m
With 100% Crew: 330 m
With Recon and Situational Awareness: 346.7 m
With Coated Optics: 363 m
With Binocular Telescope: 412.5 m
Maximum possible: 472.4 m

For more details, see Skills or Equipment
View Range


|


|}}



310 m 

With 50% Crew: 250.2 m
With 75% Crew: 286.6 m
With 100% Crew: 323.3 m
With 100% Signal Boost: 372 m
When affected by 100% Relaying: 341 m
Maximum possible: 465.4 m

For more details, see Skills or Equipment


|


|}}



710 m 

With 50% Crew: 573.1 m
With 75% Crew: 656.4 m
With 100% Crew: 740.5 m
With 100% Signal Boost: 852 m
When affected by 100% Relaying: 781 m
Maximum possible: 1065.9 m

For more details, see Skills or Equipment
Signal Range
Values are Stock - click for Top


IV

AnnoG10_PzIII_AusfJ.png

138000

The Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J is a German tier 4 medium tank.

Production of the J variant started in March 1941. In addition to the enhanced armor, the vehicle received the new 50-mm KwK 38 gun, which was deemed extremely successful; 1,067 other vehicles featured the KwK 39 gun, the improved version with better penetration rate. An attempt to mount a 75-mm gun (the N variant) was recognized as a failure, and the most large-scale vehicles were the J, L, and M variants (with 50-mm guns that had an impeccable track record). A total of 5,691 vehicles were produced, among which 1,969 were equipped with long-barrel guns and 2,391 with short-barrel 50-mm guns.

Despite being a medium tank, it can be considered one of the best scout-gameplay tanks in the German tree, with excellent acceleration and turning giving a mobility rivaling the Luchs. Comparing the two, Panzer III has less maneuverability than the Luchs, potentially more firepower (but less standard penetration), thicker but flat armor. There are two guns: the 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 long-cannon with higher penetration and flanking is the best choice for newer players, but there is also an howitzer-like 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24; with HEAT being a near-necessity and requiring some extra skills and equipment. Both guns have their place on a fully upgraded Pz.Kpfw. III, it depends on player preference and playstyle. Competing with other tanks, its agility makes it very effective against other light and medium tanks, but its guns are almost useless against heavy tanks. Be sure to avoid engaging multiple opponents - flank, use cover, and only come out to shoot when you need to. Use this tank to learn the camo, spotting, and player-distraction techniques of the Leopard line.

The Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J leads to the VK 30.01 (H), and the Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H.

Modules / Available Equipment and Consumables

Modules

Ico_gun_alpha.png

Guns

Tier Gun Penetration
(mm)
Damage
(HP)
Rate of fire
(rounds/minute)
Dispersion
(m/100m)
Aiming time
(s)
Weight
(kg)
Price
(Credits)

IV 7,5 cm Kw.K. 37 L/24 43/87/38 110/110/175 13.95 0.55 2.3 780 10450
IV 5 cm Kw.K. 39 L/60 67/130/25 70/70/90 24 0.4 2.3 700 13970
II 2 cm Flak 38 39/51/18 11/11/42 162.16 0.45 1.4 110 3160
I 3,7 cm Kw.K. 36 L/46.5 40/74/18 36/36/42 26.09 0.46 1.7 100 0
III 5 cm Kw.K. 38 L/42 60/96/25 70/70/90 24 0.48 2.3 700 8570

Ico_engine_alpha.png

Engines

Tier Engine Engine Power
(hp)
Chance of Fire on Impact
(%)
Weight
(kg)
Price
(Credits)

IV Maybach HL 108 TR 320 20 450 9460
IV Maybach HL 120 TR 350 20 510 10430
IV Maybach HL 120 TRM 440 20 510 19900

Ico_suspension_alpha.png

Suspensions

Tier Suspension Load Limit
(т)
Traverse Speed
(gr/sec)
Rmin Weight
(kg)
Price
(Credits)

III Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J 19.25 40 B/2 7000 1900
IV Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. L 22.65 45 B/2 7000 4650

Ico_radio_alpha.png

Radios

Tier Radio Signal Range
(m)
Weight
(kg)
Price
(Credits)

III FuG 5 310 50 630
VI FuG 7 415 70 8160
IX FuG 12 710 150 43200

Compatible Equipment

Low Noise Exhaust System Class 3 Camouflage Net Class 3 Coated Optics Class 3 Experimental Optics Wear-Resistant Gun Laying Drive Venting System Enhanced Gun Laying Drive Class 3 Improved Hardening Class 3 Additional Grousers Class 3 Improved Ventilation Class 3 Binocular Telescope Class 3 Turbocharger Class 3 

Compatible Consumables

Automatic Fire Extinguisher Natural Cover Chocolate Optical Calibration Aim Tuning Experienced Firefighters 100-octane Gasoline 105-octane Gasoline Manual Fire Extinguisher Vent Purge Large First Aid Kit Large Repair Kit Duty Comes First Shell Organizer Focus on Target Increased Focus Small First Aid Kit Small Repair Kit Gearbox Intricacy Steady Hand Combat Course 


Player Opinion

Pros and Cons

Pros:


  • Very fast speed and traverse; can easily be a scout when needed
  • Upper front armor gives many at-tier enemies trouble
  • Fast firing, somewhat accurate 50mm gun with ridiculous APCR pen. boost
  • Some at tier and many below tier enemies fear the 75mm (espicially with HEAT loaded)
  • The turret has a large mantlet that might absorb some shells; sacrifices 1° of gun depression however


Cons:


  • Both the 50 and 75mm guns don't do well outside of tier IV without premium ammo
  • Frontal armor is a lie, lower plate is only 50mm; can't angle well due to weak side and rear armor
  • Typical Front mounted transmission, akin to many German tanks, gets destroyed by hits to the weak lower glacis
  • Many players get cocky with this tanks speed and die (primarily due to subpar view range and bad reverse speed)
  • Can't mount the deadly 7.5cm Kw. K 40 L/43 like the Pz.IV D; Underwhelming armory for a medium in general


Performance

The Panzer 3 is a decent flanker with speed/mobility and okay DPM. Once you purchase the Panzerkampfwagen III (or Panzer 3), you realize it is as fast as its predecessor and can be played similar to the parent Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E as a scout, but its view range is poorer for the tier. The addition of better armour can be 'lucky', but should only be used when necessary. In short, you will need to reevaluate your tactics against higher tier tanks.

The Panzer III's armour is an illusion. It suffers from very weak side, turret, and lower glacis armor, making it unreliable. Its frontal armor isn't sloped, which makes it insufficient against anything of equal tier or higher where penetration often exceeds 90mm. It is obvious why the Wehrmacht wanted to replace the turret: its can only fit a gun selection suited for combat against light tanks. Its best gun has 67mm of penetration and cannot penetrate any tanks above the tier IV level without premium ammo, for example having great difficulty damaging a Matilda. Therefore, it is recommended that the Pz.Kpfw. III equip the 75mm gun and load unhistorical HEAT rounds, for maximum alpha. It should be played as a flanker where aim time is not a problem, and only brawl in 1v1s; but if you have a good crew, you can be a sniper-flanker with the 5cm L60 at a longer range as well.

Hang back and spot while you evaluate your team spread at the start, while looking for deficiencies in your enemy's team composition or locations! Your spotting range won't be good enough without Commander skills and vision, which you need to work on. You are more deadly at the end of the battle when you can attack lone tanks, and can flank around into enemy TDs and SPGs: so don't try to out-duel other tanks at the start! Even if you encounter an lone enemy, do not engage from the front the tide will quickly turn against you due to your poor damage over time. Instead, poke-and-spot in under-populated lanes, harassing by secondary more hilly lanes if they are empty to support the team's pushes. If you have enough warning, your superior forwards speed allows you to retreat and avoid damage, but if you are too late your 20km/h is insufficient and you will have to deal with the enemies as they come. You are no light tank, but this is why vision equipment is vital! The Panzer III is also a great interceptor, it can destroy enemy scouts very effectively with its strong frontal hull and agility.

There are now some specific information on situations this tank can encounter:

In a game where the Pz.Kpfw. III is the top tier tank, it becomes a very deadly machine. While its speed is that of a scout tank, and thanks to its frontal armor it can prove more than a match for tier 4 and lower tier tanks head on, With the addition of better guns than the Ausf. A, you'd find yourself the most mobile and possibly the best flanking/scouting tank at your tier. Its 70mm frontal armor can deflect many shots and its speed enables it to be played very aggressively. However, be careful not to get overextended in these games because the side armor of this tank is still an issue at lower tiers. Still, with the gun selection of the tank, it is quite easy to overwhelm weaker light/medium tanks and seize objectives quickly for your allies to follow up upon.

In contrast, in a match where the Pz.Kpfw. III is at the bottom of the list, it really should be played as a scout. Due to the insuffecient gun selection, the tank should be played cautiously. Players should make use of the tank's low silhouette and speed to scout the enemy and allow their allies to do the heavy hitting. Don't underplay the tank and be too cautious though, because the Pz.Kpfw III should still take opportunities to flank enemy tanks where its weaker guns can make its mark.

The best two guns of Pz.Kpfw. III uses are the 7.5 KwK 37 L/24 and the 5 KwK 39 L/ 60. It is recommended that when equipped with the 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24, it should only use HE rounds, since the AP rounds will have about the same penetration and less damage. A well aimed HE shot can destroy many open-top vehicles such as the Marder II or the SU-76, in a single hit. However, this gun has horrible penetration for its tier and its accuracy isn't so great when you are at top speed. The 5 cm KwK L/60 has much better penetration, but its damage is somewhat less. However, it breaches a higher DPM level on average, because it has such an extreme Rate of Fire. It's better suited for targeting critical areas on a tank such as the track or turret, or if the player has enough accuracy, the viewports and cupola.


Early Research

The Engine should be researched first (in order to fulfil your role as a scouting medium tank), for it will give plenty more acceleration followed by the Tracks, from there, research the turret and the guns, the radio can be costly to research, so save it for last.


Suggested Equipment


Improved Ventilation Class 2Enhanced Gun Laying Drive Coated Optics Additional Grousers Medium Spall Liner "Wet" Ammo Rack Class 1 Enhanced Torsion Bars 3 t Class Binocular Telescope 


Gallery

Historical Info

PzKpfw III Ausf M, display at Deutsches Panzermuseum

Following specifications laid down by Heinz Guderian in 1934, the Army Weapons Department drew up plans for a medium tank with a maximum weight of 24,000 kg and a top speed of 35 kilometers per hour (21.75 mph). It was intended to be the main tank of the German Panzer divisions, capable of engaging and destroying opposing tank forces. Daimler-Benz, Krupp, MAN, and Rheinmetall all produced prototypes. Testing of the prototypes took place in 1936 and 1937, leading to the Daimler-Benz design being chosen for production. The first model of the Panzer III, the Ausf A, came off the assembly line in May 1937, while mass production of the Ausf F version began in 1939. Much of the early development work on the Panzer III was a quest for a suitable suspension. Several varieties of leaf-spring suspensions were tried on Ausf A through Ausf D before the torsion-bar suspension of the Ausf E was standardized. The Panzer III, along with the Soviet KV heavy tank, was one of the first tanks to use this suspension design.

A distinct feature of the Panzer III was its three-man turret. This meant the commander was not distracted by the loader's or gunner's tasks and could fully concentrate on maintaining situational awareness. Other tanks of the time did not have this capability, providing the Panzer III with a potential combat advantage.
PzKpfw III Panzerbefehlswagen (command tank) III Ausf E or F somewhere in Greece 1940. Fitted with a 37 mm gun and two coaxial machine guns
For example, the Somua S-35 had a one-man turret crew, while the original Soviet T-34 featured a two-man turret. Also, the Panzer III, as opposed to the Pz.Kpfw. IV, had no turret basket, merely a foot rest platform for the gunner.

The Panzer III was intended as the primary battle tank of the German forces. However, when it initially met KV and T-34 tanks, it proved to be inferior in both armor and gun power. To meet the growing need to counter these tanks, the Panzer III was up-gunned with a longer and more powerful 50-millimeter cannon and received more armor, although this failed to effectively address the problem caused by the KV tanks. As a result, production of self-propelled guns, as well as the up-gunning of the Panzer IV, was initiated.

In 1942, the final version of the Panzer III, the Ausf N, was created with a 75-millimeter KwK 37 L/24 cannon: a low-velocity gun designed for anti-infantry and close-support work. For defensive purposes, the Ausf N was equipped with HEAT ammunition that could penetrate 70 to 100 millimeters of armor, but these were strictly used for self-defense as this variant of the tank was not intended for an anti-tank role.

Starting with the Ausf E, from December 1938 through February 1943, a total of 4958 tanks and 321 commander's vehicles were produced.

Armour and Mobility

PzKpfw III AUSF-N

The Panzer III Ausf A through C had 15 millimeters of homogeneous steel armor on all sides with 10 millimeters on the top and 5 millimeters on the bottom. This was quickly determined to be insufficient, and was upgraded to 30 millimeters on the front, sides, and rear in the Ausf D, E, F, and G models, with the H model having a second 30-millimeter layer of face-hardened steel applied to the front and rear hull. The Ausf J model had a solid 50-millimeter (1.97 in) plate on the front and rear, while the Ausf J¹, L, and M models had an additional layer of 20 millimeters (0.79 in) of armor on the front hull and turret. This additional frontal armor gave the Panzer III frontal protection from most British and Soviet anti-tank guns at all but close ranges. The sides were still vulnerable to many enemy weapons, including anti-tank rifles at close ranges.

The Panzer III Ausf A through C were powered by a 250 horsepower (183.87 kW) 12-cylinder Maybach HL 108 TR engine, giving a top speed of 32 kilometers per hour (19.88 mph), and a range of 150 kilometers (93.21 mi). All later models were powered by the 300 horsepower (220.65 kW) 12-cylinder Maybach HL 120 TRM engine. Top speed varied, depending on the transmission and weight, but was around 40 kilometers per-hour. The range was generally around 155 kilometers.

Firepower

PzKpfw III Ausf M somewhere in southern USSR 1943. Note the armor skirts on the sides and turret.

The Panzer III was intended to fight other tanks: in the initial design stage, a 50-millimeter cannon was specified. However, the infantry at the time were being equipped with the 37-millimeter PaK 36, and it was thought that in the interest of standardization, the tanks should carry the same armament. As a compromise, the turret ring was made large enough to accommodate a 50-millimeter cannon, should a future upgrade be required. This single decision would later assure the Panzer III a prolonged life in the German army. The Ausf A to early Ausf F were equipped with a 3.7 cm KwK 36 L/46.5, which proved adequate during the campaigns of 1939 and 1940. The later Ausf F to Ausf J were upgraded with the 5 cm KwK 38 L/42, and the Ausf J to M with the longer 5 cm KwK 39 L/60 cannon in response to increasingly better armed and armored opponents.

By 1942, the Panzer IV was becoming Germany's main medium tank because of its better upgrade potential. The Panzer III remained in production as a close support vehicle. The Ausf N model mounted a low-velocity 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 cannon, the same used by the early Panzer IV Ausf A to F models. These guns had originally been fitted to older Panzer IV Ausf A to F1 models, and had been placed into storage when those tanks had also been up-armed to longer versions of the 75mm gun.

All early models up to and including the Ausf F had two 7.92 mm MG 34 machine guns mounted coaxially with the main gun, and a similar weapon in a hull mount. Models from the Ausf G and later had a single coaxial MG34 and the hull MG34.

Combat history

PzKpfw III Ausf G(tp) during the North African campaign.jpg

The Panzer III was extensively used in the campaigns against Poland, France, the Soviet Union, and in North Africa, while a handful were still in use in Normandy and at Arnhem in 1944. In the Polish and French campaigns, the Panzer III formed a small part of the German armored forces. Only a few hundred Ausf A through Fs were available in these campaigns: most armed with the 37-millimeter gun. They were the best medium tanks available to the Germans and outclassed most of their opponents, such as the Polish 7TP and French R-35 and H-35 light tanks.

PzKpfw III Ausf G captured by the British in North Africa (1941).jpg

Prior to the invasion of the Soviet Union, the Panzer III was numerically the most important German tank. At this time, the majority of the available tanks had the 50 millimeter KwK 38 L/42 cannon, which also equipped the majority of the tanks in North Africa. Initially, the Panzer IIIs were outclassed and outnumbered by Soviet T-34 and KV tanks. However, the most numerous Soviet tanks were the T-26 and BT tanks. This, along with superior German tactical skill, crew training, and the good ergonomics of the Panzer III, contributed to an approximate 6:1 favorable kill-ratio for German tanks of all types in 1941.

With the appearance of T-34 and KV tanks, re-arming the Panzer III with a longer, more powerful 50-millimeter cannon was prioritized. The T-34 was generally invulnerable in frontal engagements against the Panzer III until the 50 mm KwK 39 L/60 gun was introduced on the Panzer III Ausf J¹ in the spring of 1942. This cannon could penetrate the T-34 frontally at ranges under 500 metres. Against the KV, it was a threat if armed with special high-velocity tungsten rounds. In addition, in 1943 the Ausf L version began the use of spaced armour skirts around the turret and on the hull sides to counter anti-tank rifles. However, due to the introduction of the up-gunned and up-armoured Panzer IV, the Panzer III was relegated to secondary roles after the Battle of Kursk and replaced as the main German medium tank by the Panzer IV and the Pz.Kpfw. V Panther.

The Panzer III chassis was the basis for the turretless StuG III assault gun, one of the most successful self-propelled guns of the war, and the single most-produced German armored fighting vehicle design of World War II.

By the end of the war, the Panzer III had almost no frontline use and many had been returned to the factories for conversion into StuG assault guns, which were in high demand due to the defensive warfare style adopted by the German Army.


Historical Gallery

Historical Accuracy Errata

The following are consensus errors or inconsistencies which have been identified with the configuration of the vehicle in question and conflict with information available on the public record. The causes for these divergences in the game are normally not disclosed and may be rooted in game balance.

* One of the PzKpfw III's historical modifications, the Schürzen side-armour panels, are missing.
  • Only the Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. N had the 7,5cm Kw.K. 37 L/24, which was considered as a bad decision.


Sources and External Links

Germany
Light Tanks ILeichttraktor IIPz.Kpfw. II Ausf. D IIMKA IIPz.Kpfw. 35 R IIPz.Kpfw. 38H 735 (f) IIPz.Kpfw. 35 (t) IIPz.Kpfw. I IIPz.Kpfw. II III43 M. Toldi III IIIPz.Kpfw. M 15 IIIPz.Kpfw. 38 (t) IIIPz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E IIIPz.Kpfw. II Ausf. J IIIPz.Kpfw. I Ausf. C IIIPz.Kpfw. II Ausf. G IIIPz.Kpfw. T 15 IVPz.Kpfw. 38 (t) n.A. IVPz.Kpfw. II Luchs VVK 16.02 Leopard VIVK 28.01 mit 10,5 cm L/28 VIVK 28.01 VIIAufklärungspanzer Panther VIISpähpanzer SP I C VIIIleKpz M 41 90 mm VIIIleKpz M 41 90 mm GF VIIIHWK 12 VIIIHWK 30 IXSpähpanzer Ru 251 XRheinmetall Panzerwagen
Medium Tanks IIIGroßtraktor - Krupp IIIPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. A IIIPz.Kpfw. S35 739 (f) IVPz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J IVPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D IVVK 20.01 (D) VPz.Kpfw. III Ausf. K VTurán III prototípus VPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H Ankou VPz.Kpfw. III/IV VPz.Kpfw. IV hydrostat. VPz.Kpfw. V/IV VPz.Kpfw. V/IV Alpha VPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H VPz.Kpfw. T 25 VVK 30.01 (H) VIPz.Kpfw. IV Schmalturm VIVK 30.01 (D) VIVK 30.02 (M) VIIPanther/M10 VIIPanther VIIVK 30.02 (D) VIIIPanther mit 8,8 cm L/71 VIIIPanzer 58 VIIISchwarzpanzer 58 VIIIPanzer 58 Mutz VIIIM48A2 Räumpanzer VIIIKampfpanzer 07 RH VIIIIndien-Panzer VIIIPanther II IXE 50 IXT 55A IXKampfpanzer 50 t IXKunze Panzer IXLeopard Prototyp A XE 50 Ausf. M XLeopard 1
Heavy Tanks IVPz.Kpfw. B2 740 (f) IVDurchbruchswagen 2 VITiger 131 VIVK 30.01 (P) VIVK 36.01 (H) VIIVK 45.03 VIITiger I VIITiger (P) VIIIVK 100.01 (P) VIIIVK 168.01 (P) VIIIVK 168.01 Mauerbrecher VIIIVK 75.01 (K) VIIIE 75 TS VIIILöwe VIIITiger II VIIIVK 45.02 (P) Ausf. A IXE 75 IXMäuschen IXVK 45.02 (P) Ausf. B XE 100 XPz.Kpfw. VII XMaus XVK 72.01 (K)
Tank Destroyers IIPanzerjäger I IIIMarder II IVStuG III Ausf. B IVPz.Sfl. IC IVJagdpanzer 38(t) Hetzer IVMarder 38T VStuG IV VPz.Sfl. IVc VStuG III Ausf. G VIDicker Max VIJagdpanzer IV VINashorn VIIE 25 VIIKrupp-Steyr Waffenträger VIIJagdpanther VIISturer Emil VIIIFerdinand VIIIKanonenjagdpanzer 105 VIIIRheinmetall Skorpion G VIIIRheinmetall Skorpion VIIIJagdpanther II VIII8,8 cm Pak 43 Jagdtiger VIIIRhm.-Borsig Waffenträger IXJagdtiger IXWaffenträger auf Pz. IV XGrille 15 XJagdpanzer E 100 XWaffenträger auf E 100
Self-Propelled Artillery IIG.Pz. Mk. VI (e) IIISturmpanzer I Bison IIIWespe IVPz.Sfl. IVb IVSturmpanzer II VGrille VIHummel VIIG.W. Panther VIIIG.W. Tiger (P) IXG.W. Tiger XG.W. E 100
Medium Tanks
USA IIT2 Medium Tank IIIConvert. Medium Tank T3 IIIM2 Medium Tank IVT6 Medium IVM3 Lee VM4 Improved VM4A2E4 Sherman VM4A1 Sherman VRam II VIM4A3E8 Fury VIM4A3E8 Thunderbolt VII VIM4A3E8 Sherman VIM4A3E2 Sherman Jumbo VIIT26E3 Eagle 7 VIIT20 VIIT23E3 VIIIT25 Pilot Number 1 VIIITL-1 LPC VIIIT42 VIIIASTRON Rex 105 mm VIIIAMBT VIIIM46 Patton KR VIIIM26 Pershing VIIIT26E4 SuperPershing VIIIT69 VIIIT95E2 IXM46 Patton XM48A5 Patton XM60 XT95E6
UK IVickers Medium Mk. I IIVickers Medium Mk. II IIIVickers Medium Mk. III IVMatilda IVMatilda LVT IVGrant IVAC 1 Sentinel VCavalier VValiant VSherman III VMatilda Black Prince VISherman Firefly VICromwell VIAC 4 Experimental VICromwell B VISherman VC Firefly VIIComet VIIICenturion Mk. I VIIIFV4202 VIIIChieftain/T95 VIIICenturion Mk. 5/1 RAAC VIIIChimera IXCobra IXCenturion Mk. 7/1 XCenturion Action X
Germany IIIGroßtraktor - Krupp IIIPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. A IIIPz.Kpfw. S35 739 (f) IVPz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J IVPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. D IVVK 20.01 (D) VPz.Kpfw. III Ausf. K VTurán III prototípus VPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H Ankou VPz.Kpfw. III/IV VPz.Kpfw. IV hydrostat. VPz.Kpfw. V/IV VPz.Kpfw. V/IV Alpha VPz.Kpfw. IV Ausf. H VPz.Kpfw. T 25 VVK 30.01 (H) VIPz.Kpfw. IV Schmalturm VIVK 30.01 (D) VIVK 30.02 (M) VIIPanther/M10 VIIPanther VIIVK 30.02 (D) VIIIPanther mit 8,8 cm L/71 VIIIPanzer 58 VIIISchwarzpanzer 58 VIIIPanzer 58 Mutz VIIIM48A2 Räumpanzer VIIIKampfpanzer 07 RH VIIIIndien-Panzer VIIIPanther II IXE 50 IXT 55A IXKampfpanzer 50 t IXKunze Panzer IXLeopard Prototyp A XE 50 Ausf. M XLeopard 1
France IIID2 IIISomua S35 IVSARL 42 VRenault G1 VIBretagne Panther VIM4A1 FL 10 VIIIBat.-Châtillon Bourrasque VIIIAltProto AMX 30 VIIILorraine 40 t VIIIAMX Chasseur de chars VIIIM4A1 Revalorisé IXAMX 30 1er prototype IXChar Futur 4 IXBat.-Châtillon 25 t AP XBat.-Châtillon 25 t XAMX 30 B
USSR IIIT-29 IVA-32 IVT-28E with F-30 IVT-34 with L-11 IVT-28 VMatilda IV VT-34 shielded VM4-85 VT-34 VIA-43 VIT-34-85M VIT-34-85 Rudy VILoza's M4-A2 Sherman VIT-34-85 VIIA-44 VIIKV-13 VIIT-43 VIIT-44-122 VIIIObject 416 VIIIT-54 first prototype VIIIT-44-100 Igrovoy VIIIT-44-100 (R) VIIISTG VIIISTG Guard VIIIObject 274a VIIIT-44 IXObject 430 Version II IXObject 430 IXT-54 XObject 140 XObject 907 XT-22 medium XK-91 XObject 430U XT-62A
China VType T-34 VIType 58 VIIT-34-1 VIIIType 59 VIIIT-34-2 VIIIT-34-3 VIII59-Patton VIII122 TM VIIIType 59 G IXWZ-120 X121 X121B
Japan IIChi-Ni IIType 89 I-Go/Chi-Ro IVType 1 Chi-He VType 3 Chi-Nu VType 3 Chi-Nu Kai VIType 4 Chi-To VIIType 5 Chi-Ri VIIISTA-1 VIIISTA-2 IXType 61 XSTB-1
Czechoslovakia IVST vz. 39 VŠkoda T 24 VIŠkoda T 40 VIŠkoda T 25 VIIKonštrukta T-34/100 VIIITVP VTU Koncept VIIIŠkoda T 27 IXŠkoda T 50 XTVP T 50/51
Sweden IVLago VStrv m/42 VIStrv m/42-57 Alt A.2 VIStrv 74 VIILeo VIIIStrv 81 VIIIPrimo Victoria VIIILansen C VIIIUDES 14 Alt 5 IXUDES 16 XUDES 15/16
Italy IIM14/41 IIIM15/42 IVP26/40 VP.43 VIP.43 bis VIIP.43 ter VIIIProgetto M35 mod. 46 VIIIP.44 Pantera IXPrototipo Standard B XProgetto M40 mod. 65 XCarro da Combattimento 45 t
Poland V25TP KSUST II VDS PZInż VIPudel VI40TP Habicha VIT-34-85 Rudy VIB.U.G.I. VIICS-44 VIIICS-52 LIS VIIICS-53 IXCS-59 XCS-63
ja:Tank:G10 PzIII AusfJ