Guide to Tanks and their Variants - Panzer III

[ReachForTheSky 3,825]

For players new to the game, new to tanks in general, or curious players who simply want to know more about the tanks they are driving, this is the first in a series of guides that explains the differences between variants of a vehicle. I'll include only the variants included in game, and try to update them as more are added to War Thunder.

 

                                                                                     [video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCfCBXjCcsk[/video]

 

          Panzerkampfwagen III - Brief summary

 

The Panzer III began as a small, fast, lightweight medium tank designed to fill a number of roles, from infantry support to anti-tank duties. The Panzer IV, in contrast, was a larger, slower vehicle designed to support infantry and attack enemy static defences and fortifications, which is why early variants were armed with the short-barreled 75mm KwK 37 L/24 with a more powerful explosive shell than the Panzer III's 37mm and later 50mm cannons.

 

As time progressed it became obvious that the 37mm cannon mounted on earlier variants was inadequate against enemy armour. A more powerful 50mm gun with a longer barrel, higher muzzle velocity and enhanced penetrating power was fitted from the Ausf. J onwards.

 

The Panzer III began life as a general-purpose support weapon, was adapted into a dedicated armour killer, but ultimately became a close support vehicle, the final version (the Ausf. N) armed with the same 75mm L/24 the Panzer IV was armed with, although 200 of these were converted into flamethrower tanks. Ironically, the Panzer III and IV had switched roles by 1943, the Panzer IV becoming more proficient at destroying armour and the Panzer III becoming an infantry support weapon.

 

 

Variants featured in War Thunder

 

Ausf. E - Tier I, Battle Rating 1.7

 

Armed with a 37mm KwK 36 L/45, which struggled to penetrate T-34s and KV-1s at any range with standard AP shells.

 

Variants A to E had few changes. Suspension was improved incrementally, beginning with coil and leaf springs, but the E introduced torsion bars, resulting in a smoother ride and more durability.

 

 

Ausf. F - Tier I, Battle Rating 2.0

 

Armed with a 50mm KwK 38 L/42, which offered improved penetration, but could not penetrate T-34s (let alone KV-1s) reliably

 

Aside from the change in armament, both the E and F variants were almost identical.

 

Ausf. L - Tier II, Battle Rating 3.3

 

Armed with with a 50mm KwK 39 L/60, which could reliably penetrate the T-34 at combat ranges, but could not penetrate the KV-1 at combat ranges unless firing APCR.

 

The upgrade to armament with the Ausf. L provided a much-needed boost to the Panzer III's penetrating power, although KV-1s were, more often than not, very tough opponents. From the Ausf. H onwards,  armour thickness was increased on the front of the tank's superstructure, and rear of the hull, behind the engine, to 50mm. Top speed and acceleration took a hit, as the weight increased but the engine stayed the same.

 

With the Ausf. L came a further increase in armour protection, with an additional 20mm plate attached to the front of the superstructure and turret mantlet, comprising a total of 70mm frontal hull and turret armour.

 

 

Ausf. M - Tier III, Battle Rating 3.7

 

Similar to the L, but with the addition of armoured Schürzen skirts, 8mm-thick around the turret and 5mm-thick on the hull side. Also included was an exhaust for deep-wading (river crossings, etc.).

 

Ausf. N - Tier II, Battle Rating 3.0, Premium Vehicle

 

Identical to the M, but armed with the 75mm L/24 which was capable of firing HEAT shells.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed! 

Edited April 17, 2019 by ReachForTheSky

[ZejfiCZ 354]

Nice reading after few hours of raping by Stronk T-34 from +2000 meters.  :good:

[lisovp 958]

+1...Screw the Panther,Tiger,Shermie,T-34.My favorite tank of WWII is the Pz.III.

[kevQC 2,814]

Good read! :salute:

 

There is a typo though. the last variant you put Ausf. M instead of Ausf. N.

 

 

[ReachForTheSky 3,825]

Got it, thanks!

[Szaddam 220]

Another typo, the Ausf M is tier III.

[ReachForTheSky 3,825]

Thank you.

[Aristocat_C 150]

WOW great topic mate. Keep it up. I would definitely be more interested to read further... +1

[ReachForTheSky 3,825]

Thanks for all the positive feedback (and for pointing out the typos!), Panzer IV is up next, then I'll do the T-34.

[Haineko1 641]

"Reliably penetrate T34s on standard combat range".

 

And that is perfectly modeled in the game! Or is it?...

[Oscaraz 3]

Great post, please continue.

[Firaxin 3,181]

The Pz. III ausf. J is also on the release tree, but not yet in game. Perhaps you'd be kind enough to give us a preview?  :salute:

[StukaRakuda 173]

Awesome reading and great materiel mate. Looking forward for the next one   :good:

[McGrail 0]

Nice reading mate, thank you.

[panos76 38]

Awesome stuff mate. Thank you very much. 

 

PZ III L has become my favourite tank. Is pretty hard nut to crap and the gun is good enough to do the job. 

Having hold alone versus 10 last night, killing 6 and 4 assists, is the one battle you need to fall in love with a tank :D

 

Those KV1 and T34 1941/42 are still burning :)

[darkbud 1,223]

I'd like to make a suggestion.  You should do your screenshots in a test drive so you can move the tank to get decent lighting on it.  The "Hangar" section has some pretty bad lighting, so it can make it hard to see specific things at times.  Example, the exhaust parts.

 

Other than that, cool stuff.

[ReachForTheSky 3,825]

Yeah, I'll keep that in mind next time.

[Kerotomas_HUN 6]

Nice topic mate, keep it up :)

Guys,if you like the PZ3 L now, in CBT it had a 2.7 battle rating and not 3.3 as it is now :) also the M had only 3.0 and was a tier 2 :D It was so fun, derping those pesky russian tonks.

[ReachForTheSky 3,825]

Thanks!