Jagdpanzer (JgPz), German: "Hunting tank", is a name for German tank destroyers.It typically refers to designs based upon existing tank chassis with a well-armoured fixed superstructure, mounting an anti-tank gun with limited traverse in the front. The Jagdpanzer designs followed on from the more lightly armoured Panzerjager designs which took an anti-tank gun and mounted it on top of a tank chassis with supplementary armour fitted around the gun crew. Without the complexity of the rotating turret, Jagdpanzer designs could be quickly produced which was important in supplying fighting vehicles to the Russian front. However in lacking a turret the Jagdpanzers were more limited in use. Generally they were used as a second line or reserve in the attack or to form a defensive line.

The first prototype of the Jagdpanzer IV was presented to the German Fuehrer in October 1943, with production of an eventual 769 pieces commencing in January 1944 by Vomag. Based on the chassis, running gear and drive train of the Panzer IV, this specialist tank hunter was low-slung and had well-sloped armor. The vertical glacis of the Pz.Kpfw. IV was replaced by two angled plates that provided a sharp nose. The 24-ton Early-Production model mounted a 7.5cm PaK39 L/48 gun in a fixed superstructure.

All these distinctive features are evident in Dragon Armors latest 1/72 scale fully built-up rendition of a Jagdpanzer IV. While the unit cant be ascertained, it is known that it fought on the Eastern Front in 1944. What makes this Early-Production Jagdpanzer IV L/48 model stand out is the exquisite finish of its distinctive camouflage scheme. Sand-yellow blotches are painted over a base of olive green, while an extra dimension of camouflage color comes from a network of red-brown hatching. Other markings are confined to balkenkreuze on the superstructure sides. A further interesting aspect of this detailed model is the armored side skirts affixed to the hull sides. All in all, these features contribute to an eye-catching Jagdpanzer IV model from Dragon Armor. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-1/2-inches
Width: 1-3/4-inches

Release Date: September 2012