German Panzer III Ausf. H Main Battle Tank (Sd.Kfz. 141/1)

308 tanks of this type were produced from October 1940 until April 1941. The vehicle mounted the medium velocity 5 cm L.42 KwK 38 tank gun in a newly designed turret. The gun mantlet now had 30 mm of armour. Additional 30 mm armour plates were bolted to the superstructure front, hull front and rear. The British 2 pdr. anti-tank gun had great difficulty penetrating the frontal armour of the Panzer III H. Increased armour protection raised the weight of the Panzer III Ausf. H to 21,8 tons, and the extra weight required an improved suspension system.

In preparation for Operation Sea Lion, the Invasion of Britain, some Panzer III tanks received deep wading equipment; they were designed Tauchpanzer III. In 1942 and 1943 surviving Panzer III Ausf. H and earlier variants were fitted with the more powerful 5 cm L.60 KwK 39 of the Panzer III Ausf. J, known as Mark III Special to the British.

Available Scale Model Kits

Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. H (Eastern Front), 1:72 Admiral Toys AD72002

Technical Specifications

Panzerkampfwagen III Ausf. H
Type: Main Battle Tank
Fahrgestell-Nr.: 66001 - 66650
Motor: 12-cylinder Maybach HL 120 TRM, with 197,4 kw (300 hp)
Speed: 40 km/h on roads, 20 km/h cross-country
Fuel Capacity: 320 l
Cruising Range: 175 km on roads, 95 km cross-country
Length: 5520 mm
Width: 2950 mm
Height: 2500 mm
Weight: 21.800 kg
Track: 2510 mm
Track Width: 400 mm
Armament: 5 cm L.42 KwK 38, Hull MG 34, Turret MG 34
Armour Penetration at 0-100 m:
- 69 mm, using (A.P.) Panzergranate 39
- 115 mm, using (A.P.C.R.) Panzergranate 40
Crew: Commander, Driver, Gunner, Loader, Radio Operator
Production: October 1940 - April 1941 (308 units)

Bibliography

Der Panzerkampfwagen III und seine Abarten. Walter J. Spielberger
Panzerkampfwagen III Medium Tank 1936-1944. B. Perret, M. Badrocke (Illustrator)
Krupp Grusonwerk. Panzer aus Magdeburg 1933–1945. Axel Kühling
Modelling the Panzer III. Osprey Modelling Manuals
Panzer III. Die Deutschen Panzer - No. 4. UK Video (PAL)

Historical Employment

German Army, January 1941 - December 1942

Possible Conversions

Panzer III Ausf. H with 5 cm L.60 KwK 39

Panzer III Ausführung H served as a main battle tank in Europe and North Africa. Together with its earlier variants, Panzer III Ausf. H formed the backbone of the 1941–1942 armoured formations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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German Panzer III