Jagdtiger (SdKfz 186) "Hunting Tiger" was a tank destroyer made on the slightly extended chassis of the Tiger II "King Tiger". It featured very heavy armor and a powerful 128mm L/55 PaK44 gun capable of defeating any tank fielded in WW2, even at long ranges though due to shortages a number had the 88 mm PaK 43/3. It had 250mm armor on the front glacis, which made it practically invulnerable to any frontal fire. However, the Jagdtiger had no turret, and the main gun had a limited traverse of only 10 degrees, meaning the entire vehicle had to turn to aim at enemy tanks. It suffered from the same maladies as the King Tiger: an underpowered engine, frequent breakdowns, and poor maneuverability. These problems, along with the lack of a turret, made it extremely vulnerable to infantry with anti-tank weapons. Still, when properly supported, the Jagdtiger had the potential to be a formidable opponent, especially at longer ranges. However, Jagtigers only saw limited deployment and use owing to a small production further reduced by equipment shortages, low reliability, and gasoline shortages.

Production

150 ordered. Production figures range range somewhat depending on source, such as if prototypes are included and if ones made after VE day are included. Totals range from about 77 to 85 produced from July 1944 to April of 1945. Approximately 48 from 7/44 to end of 12/44;36 from 1/45 to 4/45. Fgst. numbers from 305001 to 305088 (such as examples from May 45, and pre-production prototypes, and whether incomplete chassis's count). Some sources say no more were completed after February. Towards the end some were lacking eqipment and could not be used operationally, or could not be deployed to units.

• February 1944 - 2 - Fgst. #305001-305002
• July 1944 - 3 - #305003-305005
• August 1944 - 3 - #305006-305008
• September 1944 - 8 - #305009-305016; after Fgst. 305011 no Zimmerit was factory applied.
• October 1944 - 9 - #305017-305025
• November 1944 - 6 - #305026-305031
• December 1944 - 20 - #305032-305051
• January 1945 - 10 - #305052-305061
• February 1945 - 13 - #305062-305074
• March 1945 - 3 - #305075-305077
• April 1945 - 7 - #305078-305084
• May 1945 - 4 - #305085-305088

Surviving Jagdtigers by Fgst numbers include- #305004 in Bovington Tank Museum , England; #305020 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, US. #305083 in the Kubinka tank museum , Russia.

External links

• Battletanks.com
• Panzerworld