The Formidable Beast: Tiger German Army Heavy Tank in World War II

During World War II, the German Army introduced a fearsome tank that would become an icon of military might and engineering excellence – the Tiger Heavy Tank. This formidable beast, also known as the Tiger I, was first deployed in 1942 and struck fear into the hearts of Allied forces on many battlefields. With its imposing size, thick armor, and powerful armament, the Tiger tank became a symbol of German armored supremacy during the war.

Understanding the Origins

The Tiger tank was developed by Henschel & Son, a German manufacturing company known for its expertise in locomotives, steam turbines, and engines. The technical specifications provided by the German Army emphasized the need for a tank that could outperform Soviet tanks and the British Matilda II, which were causing havoc for German forces.

The result was the Tiger I, an impressive heavy tank weighing around 56 tons and reaching a length of over 8 meters. Its armor boasted a maximum thickness of 100 mm, making it almost impenetrable by most Allied tanks of the time. This tank was equipped with a powerful 88 mm KwK 36 cannon, enabling it to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles from a distance.

Tiger I, German Army Heavy Tank: Eastern Front, 1942 (TankCraft)

by Dennis Oliver(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	90357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	66 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Tiger Tank on the Battlefield

The Tiger tank made its combat debut during the Battle of Leningrad in August 1942. Its presence on the battlefield was met with astonishment and fear by Allied soldiers. The Tiger's thick armor offered protection against enemy fire, and it had a strong offensive capability that could penetrate enemy tanks with ease.

In subsequent battles, such as the Battle of Kursk and the Battle of Normandy, the Tiger tank continued to dominate the battlefield. Its psychological impact on the enemy was immense, as its mere presence created panic and disarray among the Allied troops. Soldiers often reported feeling helpless when facing a Tiger tank, knowing that their own tanks stood little chance against its might.

The Tiger's Weaknesses

Despite its unrivaled firepower and armor, the Tiger tank was not without its flaws. It had a complicated and expensive production process, making it difficult for the Germans to manufacture enough tanks to make a substantial impact on the war. Additionally, its massive size made it less mobile and prone to mechanical breakdowns.

The Tiger tank's weight caused strain on its tracks, resulting in frequent replacements and lengthy repair times. Its limited fuel capacity also restricted its operational range, making it less effective in long-distance operations. These weaknesses, coupled with Allied advancements in tank technology and tactics, gradually reduced the Tiger tank's impact on the war.

Legacy of the Tiger Tank

Despite its eventual decline in relevance, the Tiger tank undeniably left an indelible mark on military history. Its fearsome reputation and impressive performance led to numerous books, movies, and video games dedicated to its legacy. Today, several Tiger tanks are preserved in museums around the world, allowing future generations to marvel at the engineering marvel that defined German armored warfare during World War II.

, the Tiger German Army Heavy Tank, with its formidable armor and powerful armament, stands as an epitome of German engineering prowess during World War II. Its impact on the battlefield, although limited in the grand scheme of the war, cannot be understated. The Tiger tank showcased the capabilities of German tank design and profoundly influenced the development of future armored vehicles.

Tiger I, German Army Heavy Tank: Eastern Front, 1942 (TankCraft)

by Dennis Oliver(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	90357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	66 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

The Tiger I and Tiger II tanks are probably the most famous German armoured fighting vehicles of the Second World War and despite the relatively small numbers produced, the heavy Panzer units of the German Army played a key role in the battles fought in North Africa, Italy, the Western Front and particularly in the East. In the seventh and final book on the Tiger in this series Dennis Oliver examines the first tanks that left the production line to go into service on the Eastern Front in an effort to break the Russian defences around Leningrad. As reinforcements steadily arrived, the same units played an important part in the blunting of the Soviet offensive efforts and in the retaking of Kharkov in eastern Ukraine in early 1943, a tactical achievement that is studied in military academies around the world today. In addition to archive photographs and painstakingly researched, exquisitely presented color illustrations, a large part of this book showcases available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of the Tigers of 1942 and early 1943.