Panzer IV

Panzer IV tank in a museum

The Panzer IV was the most common German tank of World War II. It was an excellent tank early in the war, particularly because of its advanced communications equipment (radios). During the war it received some upgrades, but by the time the Allies deployed the T-34 and Sherman tanks in large numbers, it was becoming obsolete. The replacement Panzer V (Panther) tank was never manufactured in enough numbers to turn the tide of the war.