FHSW: Panthers and the E-50 & E-75
Eight months have passed since the last FHSW update from Japan. It was the release of version 0.73, after which the FHSW Europe community quickly adapted the Mini Mod and the Sound and Texture Pack for a more immersive gameplay experience.
We've now arrived in the new year 2026, and the FHSW-Japan community hasn't forgotten us, as they have news from the tank corner. More on that in the following original message:
Major changes have been made to ground combat not just for Germany with several new Panther tank models, the E-50 & E-75 and the introduction of fire extinguishers.
Panther Ausf. D:
The earliest version of the Panther first introduced in 1943 in the war against the Soviet Union. It boasted thick and sloped frontal armour and a powerful 75 mm gun. Unique features of this particular model are the smoke dischargers on the turret and the absence of a ball mount for the machine gun in the front hull.
Panther Ausf. A:
The second production model refined the design. The main differences are the turret cupola which is also now outfitted with a machine gun and the ball mount on the front hull plate. The game model is also reinforced with tracks on the the sides of the turret and hull.
Panther Ausf. G:
The G variant was the most numerous variant of the Panther tank. The lower part of the gun mantlet has been redesigned so that it would not act as shot trap, on a circular gun mantlet it was possible for a shot to ricochet and strike down into the hull. This example has also been fitted with additional top armour on the turret and the engine deck, this was an authorized field modification.
Jagdpanther 1 and 2:
The Jagdpanther tank destroyer had the firepower of a Tiger II tank while being lighter and less complex. FHSW has had a improved Jagdpanther with an auto loader which will be replaced by a more extensive upgrade built on the Panther II chassis. On top of the auto loader it now has more armour and a remote controlled twin MG 34 turret.
Turret bunker:
The Panther turret bunker has also been changed. It is now a unique model with extra thick roof armour to better withstand artillery fire and other threats.
Captured Panthers:
Several Panther tanks were captured and put back into use. In FHSW there have been captured examples used by the Polish in the Warsaw Uprising and by the French in a post-WWII scenario. The Polish model has now been updated and two new captured examples have been added. The Soviets will now have the T-V-85 which was developed during the war to rearm captured Panther tanks with Soviet weaponry. The Western allies continued to use the original armament.
Panthers for the Axis:
While only Hungary ended up recieving Panther tanks from Germany, Japan did buy a complete tank and blueprints. There were also some discussions of starting tank production in Italy under license in 1943. Because of this all three nations will get to use the Panther tank in some capacity.
Panther Ausf. F:
The Ausf. F was the planned variant after the G model but did not enter production. Its most recognisable feature is the Schmalturm turret, the shape made it possible to reduce weight while increasing protection. It is also outfitted with stereoscopic range finders that stick out on the sides to increase accuracy.
The standard example has also been outfitted with an auto loader for the main gun to increase the rate of fire. There is also the second plan. This fits the long 88 mm gun in a larger turret increasing the firepower considerably.
Panther with GT 102 gas turbine engine:
FHSW has had a variant of the Panther Ausf. G with a GT 101 engine for some time, this engine dramatically increased mobility of tank with the main limit being how well you could steer the thing. This variant will be replaced by one with a GT 102 engine and visually distinct engine deck. This engine upgrade has also been combined with the 15 cm Sturmpanther variant, offering the firepower of the Sturmpanzer IV with the utility of a turret.
Panther II:
The Panther II was a prototype which would have made it more similar to the Tiger II, increasing the armour protection and utilizing some of the same parts including road wheels and suspension system. The armament of the would have remained the same as in prior versions. Still, the FHSW team decided to also make a version with a long 88 mm gun which might have happened if the project continued.
Flakpanzer V:
The Flakpanzer V "Coelian" also recieves a new model. Initially armed with two 3.7 cm guns this version has two 5.5 cm automatic cannons. The old model also had two 20 mm MG151 but they have been removed.
8.8 cm Flak 41 (Sf):
A competely new anti-aircraft tank is this vehicle armed with 8.8 cm Flak gun in an enclosed turret. The armour is light compared to a regular Panther tank.
E-series
The Entwicklung series was a project to everything from light tank destroyers, medium tanks and super heavy tanks using standardized parts. Like in the Panther II project that came before it Tiger II parts would be used prominently. The E-10 and E-25 were introduced in FHSW v0.6 and now it is time for the E-50 and E-75. Something special with these two is that the hull and turret of these vehicles have the same outer dimensions but the armour thickness and the components differ.
E-50:
The E-50 would have replaced the Panther as the latest medium tank. With a long 88 mm gun, GT 102 gas turbine engine and steroscopic range finder it has all the aforementioned upgrades for the Panther. It is also longer and roomier which makes loaders work a bit easier, increasing the rate of fire.
E-75:
The E-75 would have been the new heavy tank replacing the Tiger II. In FHSW it has the same 105 mm gun as the improved King Tiger. The thickness of the armour made it well protected but limits space inside.
Fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers will be a new feature for vehicle combat. They are single use items that can be used to quickly save a burning vehicle by repairing it. The tank commander kits will have a handheld one and some vehicles will have three of them installed.
Twitter FHSWdev:
We've introduced new "vehicle fire extinguishers" and "handheld fire extinguishers." When used, they quickly restore a small portion of your tank's durability, allowing you to continue the fight. Only some tanks are equipped with vehicle fire extinguishers, but tank crews of all nations carry handheld fire extinguishers. The vehicle fire extinguisher can be used three times, the handheld fire extinguisher once.
For a video demonstration:
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5.) FHSW Mini Mod 0.82 Sound & Texture Pack 06/25: Download
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Author: FHSWdev & FHSW-Europe Community
