FHSW: Panzer IV Facelift

So far in FHSW all Panzer IV variants and derivates were still using the original model or parts of it from the vanilla game. Next to all the other German tanks it looked a bit outdated. Not anymore as the dev team has created new highly detailed models to replace all of them. The devs took that chance and created a couple of new vehicles that are based on the same chassis.

Ausf. D + Ausf. F1

Added details now make it easier to distinguish between Ausf. D and F1. In addition there is now a Ausf. D sub variant called “Vorpanzer” which was an interim solution with additional armor plates on the front and sides. This offers better protection against small caliber anti-tank guns on the early war maps.

Ausf. F2 + Ausf. H

Besides the more detailed models all performance and armor values for all existing variants were reviewed to be closer to its real counterpart.

Ausf. J

The Ausf. J receives a new shell type with more penetration called HEAT KLW which stands for Klappleitwerk (extendable fins).

That was a new technology for anti-tank shells in development by Germany at the end of World War II. This ammunition can be seen as the forerunner of the modern wing-stabilized shaped-charge warheads. In-game it has a penetrating power which is about 1.5 times higher than conventional HEAT ammunition.

Ausf. H with RfK 43

This variant has also been completely redesigned with special attention to the 3 cm MK103 gun which now has new firing effects that match the muzzle shape. For the recoilless guns to the left and right of the main gun there’s a new late war variant that fires HEAT KLW (Klappleitwerk).

Ostwind + 3.7 cm Flak 43

In addition to the refreshed Ostwind model the devs have also added its main gun as new static AA gun. Another change is that the gun will now fire AP rounds at a certain rate, so it has improved anti-tank capabilities compared to the current version.

Wirbelwind + Zerstörer 45 + 3 cm Flak 103/38

Besides the updated Wirbelwind and the already mentioned 3 cm MK103 FHSWman decided to combine both which results in the “Zerstörer 45”. This was the planned successor of the Wirbelwind. It offers a huge fire power increase but it should be considered that the amount of ammo it carries is very limited due to the size of the round.

Similar to the Ostwind there’s now also a new the stationary version of the Zerstörer’s main gun. It has no shield so be on alert when ground troops are close.

Dicker Max

This is a completely new vehicle that fits very well with the theme of the mod. It’s a 10.5 cm gun on a Panzer IV chassis which offers some armor and mobility and was intended to be used against bunkers. Two prototypes were built and one of them fought successfully until the end of 1942.

This vehicle gives the Germany another option against KV tanks on early war maps but the armor is thin so make sure you’re the first one to open fire.

Nashorn

The Nashorn is very similar to the Dicker Max above as it’s also equipped with a very powerful gun while having very thin armor. With a maximum of 30 mm it’s the definition of a glass canon, charging into a town or ahead of everyone else is a guaranteed suicide mission. It’s best to use it defensively or in the second line while attacking a position.

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Freitag, 9. Februar 2024