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About this book:
In May 1941, the German Army commissioned the design of a new medium tank with the prototype to be ready for trials on Hitler’s birthday, April 20, 1942. The companies chosen were Porsche (VK4501P) and Henschel (VK4501H) and during trials it became obvious that the Henschel model was far superior and was subsequently selected for production. Designated Panzerkampfwagen VI, Tiger I, and fitted with a very powerful 88mm KwK36 L/56 gun, it became the most feared tank on the battlefield. A total of 1,348 were produced by Henschel from July 1942 until August 1944. A few were converted to Befelswagen (command tanks). Another version built was the 65-ton Sturmörser-Tiger, a heavy assault howitzer, but by 1945 only 18 had been completed. The later model Tiger II was fitted with a smooth streamlined turrent and an even more powerful 88mm Kwk L/71 gun (probably the best tank gun of the war). This massive tank was known to Allied troops as the King or Royal Tiger after the Germans nicknamed it Köenigs Tiger. A few were converted to command tanks. During the production period, January 1944 to March 1945, a total of 377 Tiger IIs were completed. 96 page softcover book with color and black & white photos throughout.