The Sturmgeschütz IV (or StuG IV) was based on the Pz.Kpfw. IV, the Wehrmacht's most mass-produced tank. The StuG IV was used as an assault gun. Moving in the military ranks of the advancing infantry, these machines with their 75-mm guns fired directly at enemy fortifications and firing points. They were also effective when firing at tanks from ambushes. Sturmgeschützes were much cheaper than tanks with a rotating turret and 0,5m lower than tanks, which reduced the chance of being hit by return fire. From December 1943 to April 1945 three German factories had built a total of 1141 StuG IV.
