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The VK4501 (P) also known as the Tiger (P) was a prototype [[German]] [[heavy tank]] designed and built in 1942.
The VK4501 (P) also known as the Tiger (P) was a heavy tank prototype produced by [[Germany]] in 1942.


{{Infobox Weapon
{{Infobox Weapon
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==Development==
==Development==
On the 21st May 1942 Henschel and Porsche at a meeting in Germany were asked to submit designs for a heavy tank with a of weight 45 tons and capable of arming the 88mm KwK L/56. Both Henschel and Porsche tanks were to be fitted with the same turret supplied by Krupp. Porsche worked on updating the VK3001(P) medium tank and adapted parts used on it for the new tank. The new Porsche tank, designated VK4501(P) was to be powered by twin air cooled gasoline Porsche Type 101/1 engines which were to be mounted to the rear. The twin engines would then drive two generators, on either side of the tank, which would then in turn powered two motors which drove the tracks. But the engine along with its drive system were prone to break down and needed almost constant maintenance. This and it being less maneuverable than its competitor was the reason why Henschel's prototype, the [[Tiger]], was adopted for production. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.achtungpanzer.com/panzerkampfwagen-vi-tiger-p-vk4501p-porsche-typ-101.htm|title=Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger (P)|date= |accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref>
On the 21st May 1942 [[Henschel]] and [[Porsche]] at a meeting in Germany were asked to submit designs for a 45 ton heavy tank and capable of arming the high velocity 88mm KwK L/56 gun which was derived from the German 88mm [[flak gun]]. Both the Henschel and Porsche tanks were to be fitted with the same turret supplied by [[Krupp]]. The Porsche company worked on updating the [[VK3001P]] medium tank, Porsche's medium tank prototype, and adapted parts used on it for the new tank.
The new Porsche tank, designated the VK4501(P) was to be powered by twin air cooled gasoline Porsche Type 101/1 engines which were mounted to the rear of the tank. The twin engines would then drive two generators, one either side of the tank, which would then power two motors which would drive the tracks. But the engine along with its drive system were very prone to break down and needed almost constant maintenance to keep the tank running. This and the tank being less maneuverable than its competitor was the reason why Henschel's prototype, the [[Tiger]], was adopted for production instead. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.achtungpanzer.com/panzerkampfwagen-vi-tiger-p-vk4501p-porsche-typ-101.htm|title=Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger (P)|date= |accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref>


Only one tank went into service as a command tank and served in Panzerjager Abteilung 653.
Only one tank went into service as a command tank and served in Panzerjager Abteilung 653.


The VK4501(P) chassis was chosen to be the basis of a new heavy tank destroyer which would eventually be called the [[Elefant]] and mount the new 88mm [[Pak 43/2]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panzer-der-wehrmacht.de/PanzerVI/VK4501P.htm|title=Panzer VI "Tiger" (P)|date= |accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref>
The VK4501(P) chassis was later chosen to be the basis of a new heavy tank destroyer which would eventually be called the [[Elefant]] and mount the new 88mm [[Pak 43/2]]. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panzer-der-wehrmacht.de/PanzerVI/VK4501P.htm|title=Panzer VI "Tiger" (P)|date= |accessdate=2011-10-17}}</ref>

The VK4501(P)'s chassis and many of the Elefant's components were later used in developing the VK4502(P) prototype heavy tank. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://henk.fox3000.com/maus.htm|title=VK4502(P)|date= |accessdate=2011-10-24}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 11:09, 24 October 2012

VK4501(P)

The VK4501 (P) also known as the Tiger (P) was a heavy tank prototype produced by Germany in 1942.

VK4501 (P)
TypeHeavy tank
Place of originNazi Germany
Production history
ManufacturerPorsche
No. built1 Served as Command Tank
Specifications
Mass59 tonnes (65 short tons; 58 long tons)
Length9.34 m (30 ft 8 in)
Width3.38 m (11 ft 1 in)
Height2.80 m (9 ft 2 in)
Crew5

Armor80–100 millimetres (3.1–3.9 in)
Main
armament
8.8 cm KwK 36 L/56
Secondary
armament
2 x 7.92 mm MG 34
Engine10 Cylinder Porsche 101/1
320 hp
Operational
range
80 km (50 mi) (road)
Maximum speed 40 km/h (25 mph)

Development

On the 21st May 1942 Henschel and Porsche at a meeting in Germany were asked to submit designs for a 45 ton heavy tank and capable of arming the high velocity 88mm KwK L/56 gun which was derived from the German 88mm flak gun. Both the Henschel and Porsche tanks were to be fitted with the same turret supplied by Krupp. The Porsche company worked on updating the VK3001P medium tank, Porsche's medium tank prototype, and adapted parts used on it for the new tank.

The new Porsche tank, designated the VK4501(P) was to be powered by twin air cooled gasoline Porsche Type 101/1 engines which were mounted to the rear of the tank. The twin engines would then drive two generators, one either side of the tank, which would then power two motors which would drive the tracks. But the engine along with its drive system were very prone to break down and needed almost constant maintenance to keep the tank running. This and the tank being less maneuverable than its competitor was the reason why Henschel's prototype, the Tiger, was adopted for production instead. [1]

Only one tank went into service as a command tank and served in Panzerjager Abteilung 653.

The VK4501(P) chassis was later chosen to be the basis of a new heavy tank destroyer which would eventually be called the Elefant and mount the new 88mm Pak 43/2. [2]

The VK4501(P)'s chassis and many of the Elefant's components were later used in developing the VK4502(P) prototype heavy tank. [3]

References

  1. ^ "Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger (P)". Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  2. ^ "Panzer VI "Tiger" (P)". Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  3. ^ "VK4502(P)". Retrieved 2011-10-24.