What is the difference in a Pz IV e and d?
Recon

At the moment I don't have any detailed reference books on the Pz IV.

But my general reference book does say that

"The E was given thicker armor on the nose and turret, and a new cupola."

someone else will prob have more details to post.

I don't have my books handy, but if I recall correctly, the angle of the back plate of the turret was made closer to vertical and the cupola was changed to the newer style. The D had an extension welded on the back plate for the cupola to be mounted to. On the E, because of the angle change of the back armor plate, the need for the extension was eliminated and I'm sure there was a little more room in the turret too. I'm sure there are other differences that I can't remember off the top of my head, but I think these are the most obvious.
Plasticat

Another big difference was the glasis plate On the Ausf D the hull mg position was set back from the driver's position

On the Ausf E and above the driver's and hull mg's position were the same

Like others said the biggest change was the turret which was much more armoured then the D version and was a different shape due to the aformentioned rear plate.

Some of the smaller differences included......

Newer simplified drive sprocket.

Drivers visor was revised with a new design

20mm bolted on side armour.

Brake access hatches on glacis plate were flush mounted with bigger hinges.

Most of the vision ports were better armoured.

Just to name a few.

Hope that helps.

I´m afraid you are wrong there: the Ausf. D reintroduced the offset front superstructure after it was dismissed for Ausf. B and C.
The normal front was reintroduce with Ausf. F.

Changes from D to E included
-newer roadwheel caps
-a newer drive sprocket
-improved visor for the driver
-different rear of the turret (commander´s cupola does no longer "overhang" into the rear plate of the turret)
-different comander´s cupola
-introduction of a protective matlet for the smoke launchers
-intorduction of a ventilator in the turret roof
-30mm armor plates bolted onto the frontal armor
-20mm armora plates added to the side armor
-altered hatches for the acces to the brakes
-a stowage bin on the turret rear was introduced
-introduction of "Notek"-lights

I guess thats all, any additions welcome =)

best wishes, ekke


sources: -Standard Catalogue of German Military Vehicles, David Doyle
-Begleitwagen Panzerkampfwgen IV, Walter J. Spielberger
-Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WW II, H.L. Doyle

When was the "E" version fielded? I know "D" s were in use at Poland, how about the "E"s?

Ausf D production Oktober 1939-May 1941

Ausf E September 1940-April 1941

Ausf E also added

Fender support bracket
Final drive housing armour had more bolts
New turret side hatch retainer hooks
Right hand (loader) signalport in turret roof deleted
Ventilation hatch in turret roof (in front of cupola) deleted
Turret lift hooks replaced from back plate to side of turret.

And off course some of the tools were stowed in different places.

Source " Achtung Panzer #1 PzrKpfw IV "

Cheers

Henk