Difference between revisions of "Panther F"

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(Revisited pros and cons as well as advised playstyle.)
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|usage-1 = other uses
 
|usage-1 = other uses
 
|link-1 = Panther (Disambiguation)
 
|link-1 = Panther (Disambiguation)
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|usage-2 = other vehicles of the family
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|usage-2 = other versions
 
|link-2 = Panther tank (Family)
 
|link-2 = Panther tank (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_pzkpfw_V_ausf_f_panther
 
|code=germ_pzkpfw_V_ausf_f_panther
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.''-->
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ('''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before [[Update 1.41]]. As of [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]], it became the last Panther in the German tech tree due to the removal of the [[Panther II]].
+
The '''Panzerkampfwagen V Ausführung F (Panther F)''' ([[Abbreviations#.28DE.29 Sd.Kfz. Index|Sd.Kfz. Index:]] '''Sd.Kfz. 171''') is the fourth production variant of the iconic [[Panther tank (Family)|Panzerkampfwagen V Panther medium tank family]]. In November 1943, Rheinmetall designed a new turret with a narrow front plate 120 mm (4.72 in) thick. From a distance, the narrow turret presented a smaller target for the enemy. In March 1944, the design was revised under the name Schmale Blende Turm-Panther. This was one of several designs that were eventually dubbed "Schmalturm" (narrow turret). The Schmale Blende appears to be a modification that served as one of numerous proposals for the [[Panther II|Panzerkampfwagen V Ausfuehrung II (Panther II)]]. This updated turret design weighed less than the original Panther turret (from 7,665 kg to 7,565 kg) and reduced the area of frontal armour while maintaining interior crew space. It also reduced production time by around 30-40%. However, due to the end of World War II, the Panther F did not see serial production, but eight hulls and three turrets were completed in 1945.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the Panther F improves on the Panther series by improved frontal protection, reload time and the inclusion of an optical rangefinder, allowing quicker and more accurate rangefinding at ranges up to 4 km.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
−
<!-- Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
  
−
If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour. -->'''Armour type:'''
+
'''Armour type:'''
  
−
*Rolled homogeneous armour
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* Rolled homogeneous armour
−
*Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, cupola)
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* Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, cupola)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
!Armour!!Front (Slope angle)!!Sides (Slope angle)!!Rear (Slope angle)!!Roof
+
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Hull||80 mm (55°) ''Front glacis''
+
| Hull || 80 mm (55°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 50 mm (56°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50 mm (30°) ''Top'' <br> 41.5 + 5 mm ''Lower'' || 40 mm (24°) || 25 mm
−
50 mm (56°) ''Lower glacis''
 
−
|50 mm (30°) ''Top''
 
−
41.5 + 5 mm ''Lower''
 
−
|40 mm (24°)||25 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Turret||120 mm
+
| Turret || 120 mm <br> 100 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 60 mm || 60 mm || 40 mm
−
100 mm ''gun mantlet''
+
|-
−
|60 mm||60 mm||40 mm
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| Cupola || colspan="4" style="text-align:center" | 80 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
|Cupola||80 mm
 
−
!
 
−
!
 
−
!
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
From the hull up, the F variation of the Panther is similar to previous models. However, the biggest and most noticeable change is seen in the turret design. Instead of the transverse-cylindrical mantlet of the [[Panther D|D]] and [[Panther A|A]] models or the chinned mantlet of the [[Panther G|G]] model, the Panther F features a brand new trapezoidal turret named the ''Schmaltürme'' (or "Narrow Turret"). This new turret features a bevy of positives over its previous iterations, including beefier armour and the removal of the prominent shot trap caused by the cylindrical nature of the previous model's mantlet. Although this new turret is a welcome addition, it is not without its weaknesses.  
+
From the hull up, the F variation of the Panther is similar to previous models. However, the biggest and most noticeable change is seen in the turret design. Instead of the transverse-cylindrical mantlet of the [[Panther D|D]] and [[Panther A|A]] models or the chinned mantlet of the [[Panther G|G]] model, the Panther F features a brand new trapezoidal turret named the ''Schmalturm'' (or "Narrow Turret"). This new turret features a bevy of positives over its previous iterations, including beefier armour and the removal of the prominent shot trap caused by the cylindrical nature of the previous model's mantlet. Though stronger than the turret of previous Panthers, the Schmalturm can still be penetrated by numerous vehicles commonly seen around its battlerating.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 930|rbMinHp= 531|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}Mediocre mobility.
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=930|rbMinHp=531}}
  
−
Like all Panthers it is not very responsive and the reduced enginer power at 600 hp results in a 13 hp/ton ratio..
+
As expected of the Panther series, it features good mobility as a result of its decent power to weight ratio of 13 hp/t. However, it should be noted that the very poor reverse speed of 4 km/h has not been improved, and as such, great care must be taken to not overextend into an unfavourable position.
−
 
 
−
This is enough to go where you need to, but other medium tanks and maybe even some heavies will move around the battlefield more quickly.
 
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
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{{main|KwK44 (75 mm)}}The KwK 44 is an incredibly effective gun when engaging enemy armour due to its penetration. Although not as effective as the later legendary [[KwK43 (88 mm)|KwK43]], it's enough to penetrate most enemies it will face, resulting in many one or two-shot kills with the help of the PzGr 39's explosive filler. The penetration combined with the excellent accuracy and rangefinder makes it an ideal sniping cannon too.
+
{{main|KwK44 (75 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The KwK44 is a highly effective gun when engaging enemy armour due to its high penetration. Although not as effective as the legendary [[KwK43 (88 mm)|KwK43]], it's enough to penetrate most enemies it will face, resulting in many two-shot kills with the help of the PzGr 39's explosive filler. The gun's high penetration values, excellent muzzle velocity and the addition of an optical rangefinder makes the Panther F excel in long range combat.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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{{:KwK44 (75 mm)/Ammunition|PzGr 39/42, PzGr 40/42, Sprgr. 42}}It is recommended to use primarily the Pzgr. 39 APCBC-HE shell in the Panther F, as Pzgr. 40 APCR, while having higher penetration against flat armour at close range, has reduced effectiveness against sloped armour and poor spalling post-penetration.
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39/42 || APCBC || 192 || 188 || 173 || 156 || 140 || 126
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40/42 || APCR || 228 || 224 || 204 || 182 || 162 || 145
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 42 || HE || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 39/42 || APCBC || 935 || 6.8 || 1.2 || 14.0 || 28.9 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| PzGr 40/42 || APCR || 1,120 || 4.75 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Sprgr. 42 || HE || 700 || 5.74 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 725 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Note''':
  
−
Right side empty: 50&nbsp;''(+32)'' or both sides empty: 22&nbsp;''(+60)''
+
* Right side empty: 50&nbsp;''(+32)'' shells.
 +
* Both sides empty: 22&nbsp;''(+60)'' shells.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
−
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
+
{{main|MG42 (7.92 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[MG34 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG34]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[MG42 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG42]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 3,000 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (150) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
−
Despite its slower turret traverse speed and mobility over the Panther A, it receives better turret armor, a rangefinder and faster reload.
+
In downtiers, the Panther F is an apex predator. With strong armour and significant firepower, the Panther can frontally take on most of the competition. It can be used effectively for engaging from long range or contesting capture points. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, and as much as possible point your strongest armour towards the enemy. Overextending in the Panther can be particularly lethal due to its poor reverse speed and weak side armour. 
  
−
The Panther F is classified as a medium tank but in reality plays like a heavy tank and is probably the best one for its BR actually.
+
Angling the turret slightly can greatly increase the likelihood of bouncing certain common enemy cannons, like the american 76mm and soviet 85mm tank guns.
  
−
Your front plate can withstand almost everything up to around 180mm pen, which means that you are safe from a lot of enemies but also have to watch out for high pen guns like found on the T-26E1, IS-2, Centurion Mk 1 and most of the French tanks at and above your BR as they can punch right through your armor.
+
In uptiers, the Panther F should be played very carefully, as a large part of the competition can frontally defeat it with relative ease. In these matchups, the player should seek to make use of the Panther's decent mobility characteristics to get into advantageous positions targeting the enemy's side, while being careful not to get enveloped by advancing enemy forces. Engaging enemy heavy tanks can be particularly troublesome, as many are largely frontally resistant to the Kwk 44.  
  
−
If you are being shot at, wiggle your turret and hull, it greatly improves the chance of bouncing the enemies round.
+
'''Notable opponents'''
  
−
At close range the faster reload and high pen gun will allow you to push enemies and kill them from the front.
+
* [[IS-2]] - The IS-2's powerful 122mm gun can easily penetrate the Panther's frontal arc, and, on penetration, doesn't allow any second chances. IS-2s of the early pattern can be penetrated reliably through the lower front plate and turret.
−
 
+
* [[IS-2 (1944)]] - Compared to the earlier pattern IS-2, the '44 model has improved frontal protection - the lower frontal plate is now together with the externally mounted tracks a rather risky shot, particularly when angled or engaged at longer ranges.
−
If the map allows it and you prefer this kind of playstyle, the Panther F also excels at sniping.
+
* [[M26]] - The Pershing's strong armour makes it resistant to the Kwk 44, while its 90mm easily penetrates the Schmalturm in return. Considerations should be made before engaging one frontally. It can be penetrated frontally through the hull machinegun and the right/left edges of the lower plate. These weakspots are also present on the [[T29 Heavy Tank (Family)]].
−
 
+
* [[T26E5]] & [[T26E1-1]] - The two uparmoured Pershings are likewise highly resistant to the Kwk44 frontally, and direct frontal engagements with these should largely be avoided if possible.
−
The distance will make your armor almost impenetrable to a lot of guns while being able to use the rangefinder, high muzzle velocity and great optics to pick off enemies.
+
* [[T-44]] - The T-44 is, despite its excellent mobility, well protected. It can be penetrated reliably through the front of the turret face.
−
 
+
* 76mm cannons (Found on [[M4 Sherman (Family)]] and [[M18 GMC]], among others) - Angling the turret against these weapons can make the Panther F a very hard nut to crack.  
−
While the gun is great, it cannot penetrate everything from the front.
 
−
 
 
−
Common opponents (that have effective armor against your gun) you will find and where to shoot them:
 
−
 
 
−
T-26E1: Gun barrel, there's not much you can do against this tank frontally
 
−
 
 
−
IS-1/2: Lower front plate, the upper plate is not reliable and the turret angles can bounce your shot quite often
 
−
 
 
−
Sherman Jumbo: Turret front or upper front plate at close range, lower side (slightly above the tracks) if angled.
 
−
 
 
−
At further ranges the Jumbo will be somewhat immune for your APCBC.
 
−
 
 
−
ARL-44: Turret cheeks, the upper front plate is 120mm thick and angled so even the long 88 gun will not punch through it
 
−
 
 
−
Centurion Mk 1: Lower front plate, the upper one can maybe be penetrated at close range and the turret cheeks will work with a careful shot
 
−
 
 
−
Pretty much everything can penetrate your turret face if at close range, so avoid standing still and give the enemy a well aimed shot at it.
 
−
 
 
−
In return you will be able to deal with almost everything frontally and even at a distance.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Special tactic: The Panther F's gun breech is almost impossible to knock out from the front due to the cone shaped mantlet in front of it. If your turret crew is knocked out and you have an enemy in front of you, don't be afraid to push him (if he can't pen your UFP that is) as your breech is almost guaranteed to stay intact.'''
 
−
 
 
−
'''His followup shot will often hit your dead crew while you replace your gunner and shoot back!'''
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* New turret removes the shot trap which plagued earlier models
+
* Excellent protection, the hull is resistant to many guns commonly found at around the tier
−
* Very good frontal armor, exceeds the Tiger
+
* 75 mm KwK44 is highly capable, able to penetrate many targets with relative ease
−
* 75 mm KwK 44 is a very high pen and easy to use gun, can deal with almost everything (some exceptions listed above)
+
* Slightly faster reload than the previous models of Panthers
−
* HE filler on PzGr 39 shell allows for easy one or two shot kills
+
* Optical rangefinder allows faster and more accurate ranging of targets out to 4 km
−
* Has neutral steering
 
−
* Optical rangefinder, allows your to measure the range faster than the normal rangefinder and up to 2200/2500m (lv 150 expert/ace crew)
 
−
* Slightly faster reload than the other models of Panthers
 
−
* Can still work in max uptiers thanks to the great gun
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Terrible reverse speed at only 3 kph
+
* Turret is weak to many guns found at and above its battlerating.
−
* Rather slow acceleration and steering, most other medium and even some heavy tanks will outclass your mobility
+
* 75 mm KwK44 can struggle against certain heavily-armoured vehicles seen primarily in uptiers
−
* Turret front, while well armored and trolly, is still a weakspot so do not rely on it too much
+
* Pitiful reverse speed
−
* Slower turret traverse than the Panther A and G,
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's devblog entry (if applicable) and the ingame encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
−
In the autumn of 1944, production of a new variant of the Panther was planned, the Ausf. F variant. This version had stronger front armor on its hull (80 mm), its sides (50 mm), and the front part of its roof (25 mm). The Schmalturm 605 turret, developed by the company Daimler-Benz AG, was slightly smaller than the standard Panther turret. This allowed the forward armor to be reinforced up to 120 mm, at an inclination of 20°. The sides of the new turret had a thickness of 60 mm and an inclination of 25°, and the thickness of the gun mantlet reached 150 mm. Stereoscopic rangefinders produced by the company Zeiss were mounted on the sides of the turret. The vehicle was armed with a 75 mm KwK 42/1 L/70 or KwK 44/1 L/70 gun in a new mantlet.
+
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
In the autumn of 1944, production of a new variant of the Panther was planned, the Ausf. F variant. This version had stronger front armour on its hull (80 mm), its sides (50 mm), and the front part of its roof (25 mm). The Schmalturm 605 turret, developed by the company Daimler-Benz AG, was slightly smaller than the standard Panther turret. This allowed the forward armour to be reinforced up to 120 mm, at an inclination of 20°. The sides of the new turret had a thickness of 60 mm and an inclination of 25°, and the thickness of the gun mantlet reached 150 mm. Stereoscopic rangefinders produced by the company Zeiss were mounted on the sides of the turret. The vehicle was armed with a 75 mm KwK42/1 L/70 or KwK44/1 L/70 gun in a new mantlet.
  
 
A project was launched to equip the Panther with the longer 75 mm KwK L/100. Instead of a directional machine gun, the radio operator/gunner used an MP 44 assault rifle. Production plans stipulated that production Ausf. F tanks would only be released with road wheels with internal shock absorbers. During mass production, the tank was supposed to be fitted with a periscope sight with an optical stabilizer. Each tank could, if necessary, be equipped with an FG 1250 night vision device.
 
A project was launched to equip the Panther with the longer 75 mm KwK L/100. Instead of a directional machine gun, the radio operator/gunner used an MP 44 assault rifle. Production plans stipulated that production Ausf. F tanks would only be released with road wheels with internal shock absorbers. During mass production, the tank was supposed to be fitted with a periscope sight with an optical stabilizer. Each tank could, if necessary, be equipped with an FG 1250 night vision device.
  
 
In October 1944, production of the Ausf. F was set to launch in the Daimler-Benz plant in Berlin in March 1945. But by January 1945, a single Panther Ausf. G prototype with a Schmallturm turret was ready. Due to the overall difficulty of Germany's situation at the time, only a few prototypes with a narrow turret and 8 tank hulls had been constructed by the end of the war. Some sources indicate that several Ausf. F variants were completed by Daimler-Benz between April 20 and 23, 1945, and they may have been used in combat operations.
 
In October 1944, production of the Ausf. F was set to launch in the Daimler-Benz plant in Berlin in March 1945. But by January 1945, a single Panther Ausf. G prototype with a Schmallturm turret was ready. Due to the overall difficulty of Germany's situation at the time, only a few prototypes with a narrow turret and 8 tank hulls had been constructed by the end of the war. Some sources indicate that several Ausf. F variants were completed by Daimler-Benz between April 20 and 23, 1945, and they may have been used in combat operations.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_pzkpfw_V_ausf_f_panther Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer MAN AG}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}
 
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 22:08, 24 November 2024

This page is about the German medium tank Panther F. For other uses, see Panther (Disambiguation). For other versions, see Panther tank (Family).
Panther F
germ_pzkpfw_v_ausf_f_panther.png
GarageImage Panther F.jpg
ArtImage Panther F.png
Panther F
Germany flag.png Germany
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.0 6.0
Class:
Research:31 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Panzerkampfwagen V Ausführung F (Panther F) (Sd.Kfz. Index: Sd.Kfz. 171) is the fourth production variant of the iconic Panzerkampfwagen V Panther medium tank family. In November 1943, Rheinmetall designed a new turret with a narrow front plate 120 mm (4.72 in) thick. From a distance, the narrow turret presented a smaller target for the enemy. In March 1944, the design was revised under the name Schmale Blende Turm-Panther. This was one of several designs that were eventually dubbed "Schmalturm" (narrow turret). The Schmale Blende appears to be a modification that served as one of numerous proposals for the Panzerkampfwagen V Ausfuehrung II (Panther II). This updated turret design weighed less than the original Panther turret (from 7,665 kg to 7,565 kg) and reduced the area of frontal armour while maintaining interior crew space. It also reduced production time by around 30-40%. However, due to the end of World War II, the Panther F did not see serial production, but eight hulls and three turrets were completed in 1945.

Introduced in the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41, the Panther F improves on the Panther series by improved frontal protection, reload time and the inclusion of an optical rangefinder, allowing quicker and more accurate rangefinding at ranges up to 4 km.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull50 / 40 / 16
Turret120 / 60 / 60
Crew5 people
Visibility125 %

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 80 mm (55°) Front glacis
50 mm (56°) Lower glacis 		50 mm (30°) Top
41.5 + 5 mm Lower 		40 mm (24°) 25 mm
Turret 120 mm
100 mm Gun mantlet 		60 mm 60 mm 40 mm
Cupola 80 mm

From the hull up, the F variation of the Panther is similar to previous models. However, the biggest and most noticeable change is seen in the turret design. Instead of the transverse-cylindrical mantlet of the D and A models or the chinned mantlet of the G model, the Panther F features a brand new trapezoidal turret named the Schmalturm (or "Narrow Turret"). This new turret features a bevy of positives over its previous iterations, including beefier armour and the removal of the prominent shot trap caused by the cylindrical nature of the previous model's mantlet. Though stronger than the turret of previous Panthers, the Schmalturm can still be penetrated by numerous vehicles commonly seen around its battlerating.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB51 / 4 km/h
RB and SB46 / 4 km/h
Number of gears7 forward
1 back
Weight45.5 t
Engine power
AB1 145 hp
RB and SB600 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB25.2 hp/t
RB and SB13.2 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 51 4 45.5 930 1,145 20.44 25.16
Realistic 46 4 531 600 11.67 13.19

As expected of the Panther series, it features good mobility as a result of its decent power to weight ratio of 13 hp/t. However, it should be noted that the very poor reverse speed of 4 km/h has not been improved, and as such, great care must be taken to not overextend into an unfavourable position.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 964 → 4 090 Sl icon.png
RB3 552 → 4 901 Sl icon.png
SB4 540 → 6 265 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications52 700 Rp icon.png
91 100 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 180 / 210 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 700 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
75mm_kwk_42_APCR_ammo_pack
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank rangefinder.png
Rangefinder
Research:
3 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 900 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

75 mm KwK44 cannon
Ammunition82 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 20°
Main article: KwK44 (75 mm)

The KwK44 is a highly effective gun when engaging enemy armour due to its high penetration. Although not as effective as the legendary KwK43, it's enough to penetrate most enemies it will face, resulting in many two-shot kills with the help of the PzGr 39's explosive filler. The gun's high penetration values, excellent muzzle velocity and the addition of an optical rangefinder makes the Panther F excel in long range combat.

75 mm KwK44 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 82 -8°/+20° ±180° N/A 14.28 19.76 24.00 26.55 28.24 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 8.93 10.50 12.75 14.10 15.00

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
PzGr 39/42 APCBC 192 188 173 156 140 126
PzGr 40/42 APCR 228 224 204 182 162 145
Sprgr. 42 HE 13 12 11 11 11 11
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
PzGr 39/42 APCBC 935 6.8 1.2 14 28.9 48° 63° 71°
PzGr 40/42 APCR 1,120 4.75 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Sprgr. 42 HE 700 5.74 0.2 0.1 725 79° 80° 81°
It is recommended to use primarily the Pzgr. 39 APCBC-HE shell in the Panther F, as Pzgr. 40 APCR, while having higher penetration against flat armour at close range, has reduced effectiveness against sloped armour and poor spalling post-penetration.

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Panther F
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
82 80 (+2) 74 (+8) 62 (+20) 50 (+32) 38 (+44) 26 (+56) 22 (+60) 12 (+70) 4 (+78) 1 (+81) Yes

Note:

  • Right side empty: 50 (+32) shells.
  • Both sides empty: 22 (+60) shells.

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG42 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main article: MG42 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm MG42
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 3,000 (150) 1,200 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

In downtiers, the Panther F is an apex predator. With strong armour and significant firepower, the Panther can frontally take on most of the competition. It can be used effectively for engaging from long range or contesting capture points. It is important to be aware of your surroundings, and as much as possible point your strongest armour towards the enemy. Overextending in the Panther can be particularly lethal due to its poor reverse speed and weak side armour. 

Angling the turret slightly can greatly increase the likelihood of bouncing certain common enemy cannons, like the american 76mm and soviet 85mm tank guns.

In uptiers, the Panther F should be played very carefully, as a large part of the competition can frontally defeat it with relative ease. In these matchups, the player should seek to make use of the Panther's decent mobility characteristics to get into advantageous positions targeting the enemy's side, while being careful not to get enveloped by advancing enemy forces. Engaging enemy heavy tanks can be particularly troublesome, as many are largely frontally resistant to the Kwk 44.

Notable opponents

  • IS-2 - The IS-2's powerful 122mm gun can easily penetrate the Panther's frontal arc, and, on penetration, doesn't allow any second chances. IS-2s of the early pattern can be penetrated reliably through the lower front plate and turret.
  • IS-2 (1944) - Compared to the earlier pattern IS-2, the '44 model has improved frontal protection - the lower frontal plate is now together with the externally mounted tracks a rather risky shot, particularly when angled or engaged at longer ranges.
  • M26 - The Pershing's strong armour makes it resistant to the Kwk 44, while its 90mm easily penetrates the Schmalturm in return. Considerations should be made before engaging one frontally. It can be penetrated frontally through the hull machinegun and the right/left edges of the lower plate. These weakspots are also present on the T29 Heavy Tank (Family).
  • T26E5 & T26E1-1 - The two uparmoured Pershings are likewise highly resistant to the Kwk44 frontally, and direct frontal engagements with these should largely be avoided if possible.
  • T-44 - The T-44 is, despite its excellent mobility, well protected. It can be penetrated reliably through the front of the turret face.
  • 76mm cannons (Found on M4 Sherman (Family) and M18 GMC, among others) - Angling the turret against these weapons can make the Panther F a very hard nut to crack.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent protection, the hull is resistant to many guns commonly found at around the tier
  • 75 mm KwK44 is highly capable, able to penetrate many targets with relative ease
  • Slightly faster reload than the previous models of Panthers
  • Optical rangefinder allows faster and more accurate ranging of targets out to 4 km

Cons:

  • Turret is weak to many guns found at and above its battlerating.
  • 75 mm KwK44 can struggle against certain heavily-armoured vehicles seen primarily in uptiers
  • Pitiful reverse speed

History


Archive of the in-game description

In the autumn of 1944, production of a new variant of the Panther was planned, the Ausf. F variant. This version had stronger front armour on its hull (80 mm), its sides (50 mm), and the front part of its roof (25 mm). The Schmalturm 605 turret, developed by the company Daimler-Benz AG, was slightly smaller than the standard Panther turret. This allowed the forward armour to be reinforced up to 120 mm, at an inclination of 20°. The sides of the new turret had a thickness of 60 mm and an inclination of 25°, and the thickness of the gun mantlet reached 150 mm. Stereoscopic rangefinders produced by the company Zeiss were mounted on the sides of the turret. The vehicle was armed with a 75 mm KwK42/1 L/70 or KwK44/1 L/70 gun in a new mantlet.

A project was launched to equip the Panther with the longer 75 mm KwK L/100. Instead of a directional machine gun, the radio operator/gunner used an MP 44 assault rifle. Production plans stipulated that production Ausf. F tanks would only be released with road wheels with internal shock absorbers. During mass production, the tank was supposed to be fitted with a periscope sight with an optical stabilizer. Each tank could, if necessary, be equipped with an FG 1250 night vision device.

In October 1944, production of the Ausf. F was set to launch in the Daimler-Benz plant in Berlin in March 1945. But by January 1945, a single Panther Ausf. G prototype with a Schmallturm turret was ready. Due to the overall difficulty of Germany's situation at the time, only a few prototypes with a narrow turret and 8 tank hulls had been constructed by the end of the war. Some sources indicate that several Ausf. F variants were completed by Daimler-Benz between April 20 and 23, 1945, and they may have been used in combat operations.


Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg Aktiengesellschaft (MAN AG)
Medium tanks 
Panther  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Ersatz M10 · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Panther II
Export/captured 
USSR  ▂T-V
France  Panther "Dauphiné"

Germany medium tanks
Pz.III  Pz.III B · Pz.III E · Pz.III F · Pz.III J · Pz.III J1 · Pz.III J1 TD · Pz.III L · Pz.III M · Pz.III N
Pz.IV  Pz.IV C · Pz.IV E · Pz.IV F1 · Pz.IV F2 · Pz.IV G · Pz.IV H · Pz.IV J · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J
Pz.V  VK 3002 (M) · Panther A · Panther D · Panther F · Panther G · Ersatz M10 · Panther II
M48 upgrades  M48A2 G A2 · M48 Super
Leopard 1  Leopard I · Leopard A1A1 · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 1A5 · C2A1 · Turm III
Leopard 2  PT-16/T14 mod. · Leopard 2K · Leopard 2AV
  Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M · Leopard 2 PL · Leopard 2A5 · Leopard 2 PSO · Leopard 2A6 · Leopard 2A7V
Trophies  ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r)
Other  Nb.Fz. · KPz-70
USA  mKPz M47 G · M48A2 C
USSR  ◊T-72M1

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