Schmalturm for the Panzer V, Panther and Panzer IV. Narrow Turret or smaller turret, the latest design in turret construction was never put to use. It was meant for Panzer V, the Panthers, existing and upcoming types, and the Panzer IV. If used in the Panzer IV the tank had a real good upgrade in gun for the 75 mm Panther gun had a greater penetrating capability and a flat trajectory shot which made it easier to hit enemies. On the other hand it would probably not have fitted on the Panzer IV for the chassis was greatly overburdened in the last years of the war.
The Schmalturm (literally “narrow turret”) was a modified turret design developed for the Panzer V Panther tank during the later stages of World War II. Introduced in 1944, the Schmalturm aimed to reduce the overall width and weight of the tank while maintaining its combat effectiveness, particularly in terms of armor and firepower. This design modification was in response to the increasing need for improved mobility and logistical ease, as well as to address issues related to the Panther’s turret weight and mechanical reliability.
The Schmalturm featured a slimmer profile compared to the earlier, wider Panther turrets, allowing for a more compact and streamlined design. This new turret design still retained the powerful 75 mm KwK 42 L/70 gun, a high-velocity weapon capable of engaging enemy tanks at long ranges. The turret also incorporated revised armor, typically 50 mm to 70 mm thick, which provided robust protection while maintaining a more balanced weight distribution.
Powered by a 700-horsepower Maybach HL230 P30 engine, the Panther tank with the Schmalturm still had a top speed of about 55 km/h (34 mph) and a range of 200 km (125 miles). Although only a small number of these turrets were produced, the Schmalturm represented a step toward optimizing the Panther’s design, contributing to its role as one of the most formidable medium tanks of the war.
