Panzer III

The Panzerkampfwagen III, known as the Panzer III and designated Sd.Kfz. 141, was a German medium tank developed in the 1930s and used extensively in World War II. Following specifications laid down by Heinz Guderian, it was meant to engage opposing tank forces while the Panzer IV supported infantry. Daimler-Benz won the design competition and the first model left the line in May 1937. Early guns of 3.7 cm gave way to the 5 cm KwK 38 and later 5 cm and 7.5 cm weapons as Soviet armour outclassed it, and Maybach 12-cylinder engines drove every version. Alkett, the Berlin armoured vehicle maker, took part in producing the later Ausf. F, G, H, J and L models. Its chassis became the basis of the Sturmgeschütz III assault gun, and production of the tank ceased in 1943.