Nashorn is a German Anti-tank unit in Steel Division II.
Background[ | ]
The workhorse of the Nazi war machine, Panzer IV started its long service in 1936 as a fire support tank, equipped with a short-barreled 7.5 cm KwK 37 L/24 howitzer. In this role, Panzer IV would focus on taking out enemy fortifications, anti-tank emplacements, and infantry from a long range, protecting the lighter, faster Panzer III tanks focusing on taking out enemy armor. However, following Fall Barbarossa and the shock of fighting against superior Soviet tanks, it quickly displaced Panzer III as the primary battle tank. Krupp's design was larger, sturdier, and could readily accept significant armor upgrades and long-barreled guns capable of defeating Soviet armor. The Panzer IV chassis was used as the base for many other fighting vehicles. 8,553 Panzer IVs of all versions were built during World War II, a production run in Axis forces only exceeded by the StuG III assault gun with 10,086 vehicles. A significant number of these tanks was also transferred to Axis allies and continued to used in various militaries worldwide after the War ended.
The Nashorn (Rhino) was a German tank destroyer designed to counter the Soviet T-34 and KV series tanks. Alkett (Apoltmärkische Kettenwerke GmbH) placed a 8,8 cm Panzerjägerkanone 43/1 L/71 in a Geschützwagen III/IV, creating the new destroyer in February 1942. The powerful gun gave it immense firepower, but the Nashorn was poorly protected: The crew compartment was defended only by a gun shield and superstructure, only enough for small arms and shrapnel. As such, these tank destroyers were not designed to fight it out with tanks, but use its gun to engage enemy targets at long range.
Presented to Hitler in October 1942, the Nashorn - then called Hornisse or Hornet - entered production in early 1943 and distinguished itself as a lethal ambusher, capable of penetrating the front armor of any vehicle from well outside their maximum range. It performed best on the open steppes of Eastern Europe. The hills of Italy, its other major area of operations, hampered the Nashorn's long range effectiveness. As such, it was replaced in its role by the considerably better armored Jagdpanzer IV and the Jagdpanther. Only a total of 473 were produced, only slightly more than the Jagdpanthers.
Usage[ | ]
These tank destroyers were used in Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilungen. In game, these Nashorn were from Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilungen 519.
Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 525 supported 1. Fallschirmjäger.