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Sd. Kfz. 182 PzKpfw VI King Tiger Heavy Tank with Henschel Turret - schwere Panzer Abteilung 507, Germany, April 1945

By: Dragon Models

Type: Scale Model

Product Line: Can.Do Pocket Army - WWII Tanks (1/144)

Last Stocked on 10/13/2024

Product Info

Title
Sd. Kfz. 182 PzKpfw VI King Tiger Heavy Tank with Henschel Turret - schwere Panzer Abteilung 507, Germany, April 1945
Publisher
Publish Year
2003
Dimensions
6x8x2"
NKG Part #
2147797453
MFG. Part #
DRA20020
Type
Scale Model

Description

In January 1943, a new Tiger tank was ordered by the Waffenant, this time with a turret large enough to mount the fearsome 8.8cm L/71 gun. Besides improving its tank killing capabilities, the new Tiger was also intended to be more survivable on the battlefield. To achieve this, the thickness of the frontal armor was increased to 150mm, while the side armor remained constant at 80mm. A wooden mock-up showing the immense size of the vehicle was displayed on October 20th, 1943 and immediately became the center of attention to all that saw it. Production of the vehicle began soon thereafter in November 1943 although the first 50 vehicles sported the Porsche turret with its curved front plate.

On December 6th, the Waffenant deemed that the shot-trap formed by the turret be eliminated. This was achieved by Henschel re-designing the turret and gun mantlet, in such a manner as to decrease the frontal area while at the same time incorporating a bell-shaped mantlet. By March 1945, 489 Royal Tigers (a.k.a. Konigstigers or "King Tigers") had been produced. Apart from five vehicles issued to the Feldherrnhalle division, all of the Tiger II heavy tanks were assigned to independent schwere Panzer detachments due to the tank's staggering size and weight, as well as its relatively slow rate of maneuver.

Includes diorama base w/display case.