Design Overview & Tactical Role
The Tiger II ('Königstiger' or King Tiger) combined the impenetrable sloped armor concept of the Panther with the devastating long-barrel 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 cannon. Weighing nearly 70 metric tons, its frontal glacis plate was never penetrated in combat by any Allied anti-tank gun. However, its immense weight strained its transmission and final drives in the closing stages of the war.
Combat History & Battle Records
First seeing action during the Normandy Campaign in July 1944, the King Tiger led SS-Panzer spearheads during the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive) and fought bitterly around Lake Balaton in Hungary and in the final defense of Berlin.
Related Armored Vehicles (World War II)
Modern
2014
Modern
2001
Cold War
1965
World War II
1942