Editing Jagdpanzer IV (section)

==Development==
{{further|Jagdpanzer}}
With experience gained during the initial phases of the [[Battle of Stalingrad]], in September 1942 the [[Wehrmacht]]'s arms bureau, the ''[[Waffenamt]]'', called for a new standard for heavy assault guns: 100&nbsp;mm of armor to the front, 40–50&nbsp;mm on the sides, wider tracks, ground clearance of {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}}, top speed of {{convert|26|km/h|abbr=on}} and the lowest possible firing positions. The new ''[[Panzerjäger]]'' ("tank hunter") design would be armed with the same 7.5&nbsp;cm gun as fitted to the [[Panther tank]]: the [[KwK 42|Pak 42 L/70]]. Initially a new chassis was planned, but that of the Panzer IV had to be used.

Previous efforts to mount bigger guns on smaller chassis resulted in the [[Marder I]], II and III series and the ''Sturmgeschütz'' III. The Marder series were tall and had open crew compartments. The new design had a low silhouette and completely enclosed, [[casemate]]-style fighting compartment.

The ''Jagdpanzer'' IV used a modified Panzer IV ''Ausf.'' H chassis, but the almost-vertical front hull plate was replaced by [[sloped armor]] plates. Internally, the layout was changed to accommodate the new superstructure, moving the fuel tanks and ammunition racks. Since the ''Jagdpanzer'' lacked a turret, the auxiliary engine which powered the Panzer IV's turret traverse mechanism could be eliminated.

The new superstructure had 80&nbsp;mm thick sloped armour, giving much greater protection than vertical armour of 100&nbsp;mm. To make the manufacturing process as simple as possible, the superstructure was made from large, interlocking plates that were welded together.