(Sd. Kfz. 140) Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) G late (Feb 1942)

[Chomusuke1 1,221]

The Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) (Sd. Kfz. 140) light tank was designed during the 1930s and saw extensive service during World War II. Developed by CKD in Czechoslovakia, this design was adopted by Germany following the annexation of Czechoslovakia in 1938. In War Thunder, the current Panzer 38(t) presently found in the game is a May - October 1941 Ausführung  F example, which you can clearly see below:

 

 

Instead of depicting the definitive, most refined & produced final model example (Ausführung G ) produced during the peak of Panzer 38(t) production, Gaijin instead has decided to provide the German faction player with an earlier, lesser produced variant with weaker features such as appliqué bolted on armor that is face hardened instead of homogeneous. Therefor, I am making this topic in order to introduce a proper Panzer 38(t) G example into this game, one produced during the peak of Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) G production (Feb 1942):

 

 

This suggestion is specifically for a  February 1942 Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) G final production model. Main improvements of this final model Panzer 38(t) G over the current earlier one present in this game would be:

 

Solid 50 mm armor replacing the bolted 25 mm + 25 mm armor

Rolled homogeneous armor replacing the frontal face hardened armor
Reduced bolting & riveting and more extensive use of welding of the armor

Spare track link rack mounted on the hull & glacis

Improved engine air filter

Sliding cover for air intake grille

Relocated Notek light

Strengthened leaf spring suspension with reinforced bracket/cap

 

Some more information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources used:

Panzer Tracts 23 Panzer Production from 1933 to 1945
Panzertracts No. 18 Panzerkampfwagen 38 (t) Ausf. A to G and S
Osprey - New Vanguard 215 - Panzer 38(t)
Panzerkampfwagen 35t u.38t und Ihre Abarten
Československá obrněná vozidla 1918-1948
German Leichte Panzer at War (Concord 7066)
Panzer 38(t)Swiss LTL-H Pz.Kpfw.38(t)

Variations In Action (Squadron Signal 12052)

http://www.panzernet.net/panzernet/stranky/tanky/pz38tverzeeng.php

Encyclopedia of German tanks of World War Two

[Thatz 637]

Open for Discussion 
(Please do not link to websites where you can download pirated books)

[Milocat 4,855]

+1, would love to have an upgraded Panzer 38(t).

[infiDell 251]

+1 Definitely time for a better 38

Edited September 23, 2022 by infiDell

[G1label 143]

The ultimate 38(t)

[Chomusuke1 1,221]