The Sturmpanzer IV Sd.Kfz. 166, was based on a Panzerkampfwagen IV. It was used as an infantry support weapon in an urban environment. With its 100mm thick frontal armor, 50 mm on the side, 30 on the back and a 20 mm thick roof it could take a punch if confronted by enemy infantry. It could deliver one as well with its 15 cm Sturmhaubitze 43 L/12 gun (Eng: Howitzer Assault Gun).
On the 4th of May 1943 Adolf Hitler decided on its name, Sturmpanzer or Assault Tank. The Sturmpanzer IV used two types of ammunition. A 38kg high explosive shell designed to attack buildings, bunkers and field positions. Second it used a 25kg HEAT projectile designed to combat armored vehicles. A machine gun MG 34 in ball mount was used for close combat.
The early versions had a tapered barrel. The latter versions had a straight but stepped barrel. The “Brummbär” name was given by the Allied forces to the Sturmpanzer IV, the Germans named it StuPa (short for Sturmpanzer) or Sturmpanzer 43.
On this Sturmpanzer photographed in the Musée des Blindes in Saumur is a layer of Zimmerit applied, this is the ridged shaped layer on top. The Zimmerit seen on the photo’s is a paste coating used on mid- and late- German armor to prevent magnetic mines attaching to the metal armored vehicles. The ridged shape, sometimes waffle shaped, increased thickness and decreased magnetic efficiency. The Sturmpanzer is painted in its winter camouflage.
