StuG III Ausf. E

The Sturmgeschütz III Ausführung E (StuG III Ausf. E), designated Sd.Kfz. 142, was the final variant of the short-barreled StuG III series and the direct successor to the Ausf. D. Manufactured by Alkett from September 1941 to February 1942, a total of 272 units were produced.
The defining feature of the Ausf. E was its widened armored superstructure.

The extended, box-like armored panniers (sponsons) on both sides of the casemate were enlarged and extended forward over the track mudguards.

This structural modification allowed the installation of a second radio set and intercom system, enabling the StuG III to serve effectively as an armored command vehicle (Befehlswagen) without sacrificing ammunition capacity.

To offset the additional weight of the expanded superstructure, the side armor thickness of the casemate extensions was reduced from 30 mm to 20 mm, while the core 50 mm frontal armor was retained. Additional detail changes included simplified, outward-opening crew hatches, an integrated armored box for the radio gear on the left side, and extra internal stowage racks for an increased ammunition capacity of up to 54 rounds.

The Ausf. E was the last production model built exclusively as a low-velocity, direct-fire infantry support assault gun before the platform transitioned to long-barreled anti-tank guns in the Ausf. F.