An order to create a combat tracked vehicle weighing 15 tons with cannon armament was received back in 1935. And although the mass of Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E has already reached 19.5 tons, its design has been recognized as successful, and the number of cars in the series has reached 96. Subsequent modifications were produced in even larger batches, resulting in Pz. Kpfw. III became the most massive tank of the Wehrmacht.
It is interesting to note that according to the order issued in January 1939, for the manufacture of Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E. German industry was to produce 1250 Pz.III tanks. However, due to the fact that by the end of May only 10 cars were made, the order was reduced by 500 units. In the next two months, only 19 military vehicles left the factory shops, and the order was reduced by another 200 units. It was not possible to complete it before the outbreak of World War II.
Panzer kampf wagen III – a German medium tank of the time of the Second World War, mass-produced from 1938 to 1943. The abbreviated names of this tank were PzKpfw III, Panzer III, Pz III. In the departmental heading of military equipment of Nazi Germany, this tank was designated Sd.Kfz. 141 (Sonderkraftfahrzeug 141 – Special Purpose Vehicle 141). In Soviet historical documents and popular literature, PzKpfw III was referred to as Type 3, T-III, or T-3.
To the German light tank Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E A completely new undercarriage was used, including six twin rubberized road wheels onboard and a torsion bar suspension. In the suspensions of the first and sixth road wheels, shock absorbers were installed. Support rollers and sloths have changed. The tank was equipped with a Maybach HL 120TR engine with 300 hp. and a ten-speed gearbox Variorex SRG 328-145.
The course machine gun was housed in the new Kugelblende 30 ball system. The driver mechanic received the Fahrersehklappe 30 combined observation (triplex and periscope) surveillance device. The doors of the side tower hatches became double-wing. Evacuation hatches appeared in the lower side sheets of the hull between the upper track branch and the road wheels. The hatches of the engine compartment were slightly modified. The remaining components and assemblies of the tank, including weapons, have not changed. In 1940–1941, part of the modification E vehicles was re-equipped with 50 mm KwK 38 cannons.
These fighting vehicles were used by the Wehrmacht from the first day of World War II. The latest records of the combat use of PzKpfw III in the staff of the Wehrmacht units date from mid-1944, single tanks fought until the surrender of Germany. From mid-1941 to early 1943, the PzKpfw III was the basis of the Wehrmacht armored forces (panzerwaffe) and, despite the relative weakness compared to modern tanks of the anti-Hitler coalition countries, it made a significant contribution to the success of the Wehrmacht of that period. Tanks of this type were delivered to the armies of the allies of Germany on the Axis. Captured PzKpfw III with good results were used by the Red Army. On the basis of the PzKpfw III in Germany and the USSR, self-propelled artillery installations (ACS) for various purposes were created.
In the online game world of tanks, the German light tank Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E is at level 3. Its main advantage is the tank speed. It must be used wisely. The tank must move quickly, sometimes choosing a place to stop and fire. It is advisable to avoid open collisions with the enemy one on one. It is better to get around it, noticing the danger at a distance. The tank overview allows you to detect enemy tanks, in some cases ahead of yourself. It will be useful to get to the enemy artillery. Its destruction will not only deprive the enemy of the main firepower, but will bring confusion and panic to the enemy ranks. When playing in locations where there are hills, it is advisable to use your speed to the maximum, trying to occupy different hills: mountains, hills, etc. From them it is not only possible to conduct effective observation and reconnaissance of enemy positions, but also easier to attack, moving down from the top. The descent increases speed, and the lightning speed of the attack is the key to the victory of the team!
German light tank Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E can fully operate in two main tactics: the tactics of a light reconnaissance tank, and the tactics of a medium tank. Good visibility, a good walkie-talkie and excellent top speed help to play off intelligence tactics. When playing from the tactics of an average tank, one already feels good one-time damage, the ability to raid the rear and transfer from flank to flank.
On the battlefield, there are mainly tanks of the same class. If the enemy is lower in level, and superiority in technology is felt, then you can safely enter the battle. The main advantage is speed, and therefore gently be in constant motion. What would be more difficult for the enemy to aim. A powerful gun will allow you to quickly deal with the enemy, if Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. E will be close to the enemy. The most effective is shooting at the sides and stern, where the armor is the thinnest. If the adversary is clearly stronger, it is recommended to avoid the collision.
