German self-propelled assault gun Sturmgeschütz IV Sd.Kfz. 167 COBI 2576 - World War II 1:28

You know that:

• Sturmgeschütz IV Sd. Kfz. 167 was developed in 1943 in response to the German Army's need for effective anti-tank weapons.
• This assault gun was based on the Panzer IV tank chassis, which made it easy to manufacture and maintain.
• The first working prototype was completed on 15 December 1943, and two days later the machine was presented to A. Hitler, who unreservedly approved it for series production.
• Interestingly, by the end of 1943, Krupp had produced 30 production units within 14 days.
• The Sturmgeschütz IV had armour up to 80 mm thick at the front, which enabled it to withstand fire from most anti-tank guns on the Eastern Front.
• The Sturmgeschütz IV quickly became popular with crews for its speed and maneuverability.
• During production, both its armour and weapons performance were improved. In 1944, versions of the Sturmgeschütz IV were developed with a fully hydraulic chassis, which improved its mobility and stability on rough terrain. These improvements also increased firing accuracy.
• By making technical modifications, the accuracy of firing at a 2x2.5 m target at a distance of 500 metres was 100%, at a distance of 1000 metres 99% and at a distance of 1500 metres 77%.
• The assault gun was factory-coated with a thick layer of Zimmerit anti-magnetic coating, although the Red Army had virtually no magnetic anti-tank mines, or possibly only a negligible amount of the captured HHL3 type.
• Later versions were even equipped with a Nahverteidigungswaffe grenade thrower.
• With the advent of more effective Allied weapons, crews tried to increase the armour's durability by installing reinforced concrete blocks, which were installed during standard maintenance in field repair shops.
• To increase safety, fuel was divided into three interconnected tanks.
• A total of 1,141 were produced in several versions.
• Today, there are only a few operational machines around the world.

Technical parameters:

• dimensions: length 6.70 m, width 2.95 m, height 2.2 m
• weight 23 000 kg
• armour up to 80 mm
• power unit 12-cylinder Maybach HL 120TRM V-12 engine with 221 kW
• number of gears 6 forward + 1 reverse
• maximum speed 38 km/h 
• fuel tank capacity 470 l
• range 210 km (130 km off-road)
• main armament STUK 40 L/48 cannon of 75 mm calibre (57 rounds)
• secondary armament MG 34 machine gun 7,92 mm calibre
• crew 4

From the memoirs of Commander Franz Kurowski:

"When I was sent to the front, I was tired and exhausted. But when I got to StuG IV, everything changed. I felt strong and fearless. That was the power of this machine."