The Pz.KpfwVI Tiger-II: A Formidable Force in Berlin
492 Tiger II tanks were built. This model was meant to replace the Tiger I. The combination of devastating firepower in the form of the long-barreled 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun and thick sloped armour made it a terrifying opponent on the battlefield.
Design and Firepower
Its main drawbacks were its weight, mechanical complexity, a steel of lesser quality than the one used in the construction process of the original Tiger I, and the fact that while the Tiger Is were only handed over to elite crews, many Tiger IIs were handed over to less experienced crew members.
Performance in Battle
Nevertheless, in the hands of experienced men, this tank had great mobility and on more than one occasion, did defeat enemy tanks over distances of 2 kilometres. No Tiger II was ever recorded to have had its frontal plate penetrated… But the turret was easily penetrated from the side due to poor quality steel and welding.
This post is fresh from the Archives: First published in 2015!
-RBM
