The most widely manufactured German tank was the medium Panzer IV. It was in serial production from 1937 to 1945. During this period Krupp and other factories produced 8,686 such fighting vehicles. The Pz. IVH variant which appeared in April of 1943 became the most widespread model and was notable for its improved armor (at the front 80 mm). The 75mm KwK.40 L/48 gun allowed to fight effectively enemy tanks of similar classes.