Pz.Kpfw. III Ausf. J

  Unit Properties of  General Information
 * Nation:     Germany
 * Category:   Tanks
 * Class:      Medium Tank
 * Role:       Anti-tank/Infantry Support/Heavy Reconnaissance
 * Primary Armament: 50mm KwK 39/1 L/60 (AP/HE)
 * Secondary Armament: 3 x 7.92mm MG-34 Machine gun 1 x Co-axel 1 x Hull 1 x Anti-Air
 * Armor:     50-10mm
 * Crew:       5


 * MP price:   16
 * Speed:      30
 * Fuel:       ?



History
The PzKpfw III Ausf. J was a variant of the original Pzkpfw III designed to extend its combat life as a main battle tank. It sported a new, long-barreled KwK 39 50 mm gun which was just capable of destroying a T-34-76 or Matilda, albeit at very short ranges. It was still a useful light tank and scouting tank. Many of them were upgraded with "Schurzen" armored side-skirts for protection of the tracks and side armor against anti-tank rifle rounds and HEAT shels.

In Game
Despite not being up to medium class standards, the Panzer III Ausf J can have an impact in battles; its main gun can penertrate the frontal armor of the Sherman, Cromwell and T-34 plus its HE shell is fairly effective. However with only 50mm of frontal armor it in turn can be penertrated by all medium tanks and a few light tanks. The Ausf J is a good choice of tank eary on in game but it will struggle as the game progresses, once more powerfull medium tanks are fielded it should be relegated to reconnaissance rolls, its 50mm KwK can still pack a punch side on and is capable of taking out heavy tanks with side hits, but it isnt adviseable to get that close as the majority of times you will loose the Panzer III before you get in range.