Model L—In this model the loader’s visor in the right of the gun mantlet has been omitted as well as the vision openings on each side of the turret in front of the access doors. Spaced armor is always fitted on the front of the superstructure and fittings for spaced armor are provided on the gun mantlet, but the curved spaced plate is not always fitted in the latter position. The long 5.0 cm Kw.K. 39 is balanced by a torsion bar. The torsion bar compensator is mounted on the roof of the turret and connected to the gun by means of a link. On the cupola of this model a metal framework is attached, probably to serve as a rest for the gun. In other respects Model L is identical to Model J. German markings on this tank indicate that it was prepared for tropical or desert use. Preparation consisted of slight changes in the air-cooling system and addition of deflectors on the rear of the tank to prevent the exhaust gases and cooling air from striking the ground.
Model M—This model is similar to Model L with the exception that it has no loading doors fitted on the side of the hull.
Models N, O—Reports indicate the existence of these models but no details are available.
A few Model L tanks and many Model M and N tanks now mount the 7.5 cm Kw.K., which is the short gun formerly fitted in the Pz. Kpfw. IV. Recent models of the Pz. Kpfw. III now in service mount, therefore, either the 5 cm long gun or the 7.5 cm short gun. When the latter gun is mounted, the spaced armor plate on the gun mantlet and the fittings for it are omitted altogether. The mantlet is one of the Pz. Kpfw. III type without loader’s visor, but the recoil gear casing and armored protecting sleeve in front of the mantlet are of the type provided on the Pz. Kpfw. IV. In a captured Model N mounting a short 7.5 cm Kw.K., the sighting telescope was a T.Z.F. 5b, which is the type used with this gun in the older Pz. Kpfw. IV’s, Stu. G. 7.5 cm K.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Weight | 22 tons | |
| Length | 17 ft., 9 ins. | |
| Width | 9 ft., 8 ins. | |
| Height | 8 ft., 3 ins. | |
| Ground clearance | 14 ins. | |
| Tread centers | 8 ft., 2 1/2 ins. | |
| Ground contact | 9 ft., 4 1/2 ins. | |
| Width of track | 15 ins. | |
| Pitch of track | 4 3/4 ins. | |
| Track links | 90 | |
| Fording depth | 3 ft. | |
| Theoretical radius of action | ||
| Roads | 100 miles | |
| Cross-country | 60 miles | |
| Speed | ||
| Roads | 28 m.p.h. | |
| Cross-country | 15 m.p.h. | |
| Armor | ||
| Front plate | 50 + 20 mm | |
| Sides | 30 mm | |
| Armament | 7.5 cm Kw.K. 2 MG 34’s |
|
| Ammunition | 5.0 cm gun—78 rds. MG’s—4950 rds. |
|
| Engine | Maybach V-12, HL 120 TRM, 320 hp. | |
| Transmission | Manual operation, 6 speeds forward, 1 reverse. | |
| Steering | Epicyclic, clutch brake | |
| Crew | 5 |
German: p. 25