Jagdpanzer IV L/70 V 1:35 Border Model BT049

Plastic military model kit: Jagdpanzer IV L/70 V 1:35 Border Model BT049

The Jagdpanzer IV, also known as Sd.Kfz. 162, was a German tank destroyer based on the chassis of the Panzer IV tank. It was designed as a replacement for the Sturmgeschutz III (StuG III), despite the opposition of Heinz Guderian, the Inspector General of Armored Forces, who believed that the StuG III still fulfilled its role. The Jagdpanzer IV was produced in three main variants, the most important of which was the model armed with the Pak 42 L/70 gun.

The Jagdpanzer IV utilized a modified Panzer IV Ausf. H chassis, with the vertical front plate replaced by sloped armor plates, which increased protection. The new superstructure had 80 mm thick armor, providing better protection than the vertical armor of 100 mm thickness. The design of the superstructure was simplified by using large, interlocking plates welded together.

The main armament consisted of a 7.5 cm gun that fired Fixed QF 75 × 640 mm R ammunition. Initially, older guns such as the 7.5 cm Pak 39 L/43 and L/48 were used before the introduction of the Pak 42 L/70. The use of the heavier Pak 42 gun made the Jagdpanzer IV front-heavy, making maneuvering in difficult terrain challenging. To counteract the issues with the running wheels, later versions used steel road wheels at the front.

The Jagdpanzer IV was used against Allied forces in Normandy and during the Battle of the Bulge, as well as against Soviet troops on the Eastern Front. Its low silhouette, precise gun, and good armor made it an effective tank destroyer, although it did not perform well as a substitute for tanks or assault guns supporting infantry.

After the war, several Jagdpanzer IV/70s ended up in Romania, where they were used until 1950, before being replaced by Soviet vehicles. Bulgaria also received these vehicles, which were used as fixed firing positions on the border with Turkey.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.