The Panzer IV als Tauchpanzer or Panzerkampfwagen IV als Tauchpanzer
or abbreviated to Pz.Kpfw. IV als Tauchpanzer
42 Panzer IV als Tauchpanzer were converted in the same way
as the underwater version of the Panzer
III als Tauchpanzer. Extra waterproofing was provided
for the engine air intakes, and the exhaust was fitted with
nonreturn valves in place of the normal mufflers. The cupola,
mantlet and machine gun mountings were all covered with a
waterproof fabric. The driver's visor was made watertight
by a special cover with a vision block. An inflatable rubber
tube was also used to seal the turret ring. The air was drawn
from the usual surface float.
The were Tauchpanzer designed and converted for Operation
Sea Lion the invasion of United Kingdom once the operation
was cancelled, the Panzerkampfwagen IV als Tauchpanzer were
issued to ordinary Panzer units. The majority of them went
to the 18. Panzer-Division, while the remainder were issued
to the Panzer-Regiment 6 of the 3. Panzer-Division. The 18.
Panzer-Division crossed the River Bug underwater on 22
June 1941 during operation Barbarossa.
Gallery:
Panzer IV als Tauchpanzer Heer Comments
Sources:
German Military Vehicles.
ISBN-10: 087349783X
Armoured Fighting Vehicles of Germany World War II.
ISBN-10: 0214203077
Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World Two.
ISBN-10: 1854095188
