Difference between revisions of "Panther F"
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− | 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 ''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. |
=== 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) -->}} | + | {{tankMobility|abMinHp= 930|rbMinHp= 531|<!--AoAweight=(optional) -->}}Mediocre mobility. |
+ | |||
+ | Like all Panthers it is not very responsive and the reduced enginer power at 600 hp results in a 13 hp/ton ratio.. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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.'' --> | ||
− | {{main|KwK44 (75 mm)}} | + | {{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. |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
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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).'' --> | ||
− | The Panther is a | + | Despite its slower turret traverse speed and mobility over the Panther A, it receives better turret armor, a rangefinder and faster reload. |
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are being shot at, wiggle your turret and hull, it greatly improves the chance of bouncing the enemies round. | ||
+ | |||
+ | At close range the faster reload and high pen gun will allow you to push enemies and kill them from the front. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If the map allows it and you prefer this kind of playstyle, the Panther F also excels at sniping. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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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* New turret removes the shot trap which plagued earlier models | * New turret removes the shot trap which plagued earlier models | ||
− | * | + | * Very good frontal armor, exceeds the Tiger |
− | * 75 mm KwK 44 | + | * 75 mm KwK 44 is a very high pen and easy to use gun, can deal with almost everything (some exceptions listed above) |
− | * HE filler on PzGr 39 shell allows for easy two | + | * HE filler on PzGr 39 shell allows for easy one or two shot kills |
− | * | + | * 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 | |
− | * Slightly faster reload than the | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * | + | * Terrible reverse speed at only 3 kph |
− | * | + | * Rather slow acceleration and steering, most other medium and even some heavy tanks will outclass your mobility |
− | * | + | * Turret front, while well armored and trolly, is still a weakspot so do not rely on it too much |
− | + | * Slower turret traverse than the Panther A and G, | |
− | |||
== History == | == History == |
Revision as of 23:17, 5 March 2021
This page is about the German medium tank Panther F. For other uses, see Panther (Disambiguation). For other vehicles of the family, see Panther tank (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Pz.Kpfw. V Ausf. F (Panther F) is a rank IV German medium tank with a battle rating of 6.0 (AB/RB/SB). 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.
General info
Survivability and armour
Armour type:
- Rolled homogeneous armour
- Cast homogeneous armour (gun mantlet, cupola)
Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides (Slope angle) | Rear (Slope angle) | 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 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.
Mobility
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 |
Like all Panthers it is not very responsive and the reduced enginer power at 600 hp results in a 13 hp/ton ratio..
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
Armaments
Main armament
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 | 11 | 11 | 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 | 14.0 | 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
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 |
Right side empty: 50 (+32) or both sides empty: 22 (+60)
Machine guns
7.92 mm MG34 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
Coaxial | 3,000 (150) | 900 | N/A | N/A |
Usage in battles
Despite its slower turret traverse speed and mobility over the Panther A, it receives better turret armor, a rangefinder and faster reload.
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.
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.
If you are being shot at, wiggle your turret and hull, it greatly improves the chance of bouncing the enemies round.
At close range the faster reload and high pen gun will allow you to push enemies and kill them from the front.
If the map allows it and you prefer this kind of playstyle, the Panther F also excels at sniping.
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.
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:
- New turret removes the shot trap which plagued earlier models
- Very good frontal armor, exceeds the Tiger
- 75 mm KwK 44 is a very high pen and easy to use gun, can deal with almost everything (some exceptions listed above)
- HE filler on PzGr 39 shell allows for easy one or two shot kills
- 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:
- Terrible reverse speed at only 3 kph
- Rather slow acceleration and steering, most other medium and even some heavy tanks will outclass your mobility
- Turret front, while well armored and trolly, is still a weakspot so do not rely on it too much
- Slower turret traverse than the Panther A and G,
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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main
template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>
, 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 === Encyclopedia Info ===
, also if applicable).
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 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.
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
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
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;
- encyclopedia page on the tank;
- other literature.
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 |