Tank origin

After the StuIG 33b proved less successful against fortified structures than hoped, the design firm Alkett proposed an updated concept for a heavy infantry support vehicle, one that married a Panzer IV chassis to a 15cm StuH 43 L/12 gun with the aid of a box-shaped superstructure. The Sturmpanzer IV later became known as the Brummbär, which has been translated as “grizzly bear” or “grumbling bear.” Initial production began in 1943, with the vehicle first seeing action in the Battle of Kursk.