Sd.Kfz. 181 Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B 'Tiger II'
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Background
The first records of a heavy Panzer are from 1937, when the first contract was awarded to Henschel. Porsche initiated their own design in 1939, using very advanced components, including a gasoline-electric drive. Henschels design was technically more simple, but for the same reason it was favoured by Wa.Prüf. 6, the office responsible for the design of Panzers. On a meeting on May 26th 1941, the heavy Panzers were discussed. Until then, it had been decided that the weapon to be used was the 8.8cm KwK 36 L/56, which was initially a FlaK.
Both vehicles featured sloped armour. Because of this, two things are clear. First, the design of heavy Panzers were not because of the KW 1 and T-34. Records actually indicate that it was in fact British tanks that were feared. Second, sloped armour was not begun because of the encountered Russian tanks.
The turrets were to be produced by Krupp, both for the Porsche and Henschel design.
Technical history
On the meeting, it was decided that 20 heavy Panzers were to be made ready for each Panzerdivision imidiately. The heavy Panzer was to be able to attain at least 40 km/h, and that the effectiveness of the 8.8cm KwK 36 L/56 was to be increased so that it could penetrate 100mm armour from 1500 meters. The Henschel vehicle was to use the 7.5cm Waffe 0725 (if sufficient Tungsten ammunition could be stockpiled), and the Porsche design, VK 45.01 (P) was to use the 8.8cm FlaK 41, if possible. Porsche found it impossible to mount the FlaK 41 in the turret (designed by Krupp, having a turret diametre of 1900mm as opposed to the 2000mm turret suggested by Porsche), which was originally to use the 8.8cm KwK 36 L/56. Krupp didn't like the idea either, as it was Krupp competitor Rheinmetall-Borsig that produced the FlaK 41.
Hitler was, however, very fond of the idea of using the FlaK 41. He repeatedly asked of any progress to the turret, and insisted of its use without any significant modifications of the turret itself. This was supported by a number of other high-ranking officials.
In a letter from Oberst Fichtner, head of Wa.Prüf. 6, it is mentioned (quite untrue) that Krupp did decrease the turret diameter with 150mm, despite the request for a large turret diametre by Porsche. Because of this, both Krupp and Rheinmetall-Borsig were to present a turret mounting the FlaK 41. Porsche initiated the production of 6 turrets with a diameter of 1900mm, mounting the 8.8cm KwK 36, and did not ask for 2000mm until it was discovered that the FlaK 41 would not fit inside the turret.
The design for a new weapon, the 8.8cm KwK 43 L/71, was begun. Both Krupp and Rheinmetall-Borsig made prototypes. Krupps design was a completely new design, whereas Rheinmetall-Borsig just re-designed the FlaK 41. Krupps version was slightly shorter, but also used shorter (but thicker) rounds, and was alltogether better for the role. Krupp designed a turret that could fit in both Porsches and Henschels design with only minor modifications. In the beginning, the barrel was constructed as a one-piece barrel, but later it was separated into two, thus giving both easier construction and longer living time to the barrel.
Because of the delay, it was decided that the first 100 VK 45.01 (P) (Fgst. 150001-150100) should mount the KwK 36, using a loner 8.8cm gun from vehicle 101.
The first design for the Tiger II, the Tiger (H) Ausf. H2, followed the initial VK 45.01 (H) (with the KwK 36) after the meeting on May 26th 1941, using a L/70 gun. This design was, hwever, abondoned quickly.
Porsche made their design, VK 45.02 (P), featuring 80mm armour on all sides. This armour was, however, sloped heavily so to provide increased protection. The engine was relatively weak, and the maximum speed was only 35 km/h. The weight was 65 tons. The suspension was very similar to that of the Tiger (P) and Ferdinand/Elefant, but used rubber tyres. The ground pressure was quite high; 1.22 kg/cm². The design still used the advanced gasoline-electrical drive. The production was reach 15 vehicles a month, but because of several problems, the contract was cancelled November 3rd 1942, and only 3 prototypes were delivered. These prototypes differed from each other to some extent, but were generally inferior to Henschels design.
Henschels design, VK 45.03 (H), was not initiated until Porsches contract had been canceled. After encouragement, Henschel did begin the design work, so that the provious design could be replaced. Because of several changes in the demand from Hitler, such as increased armour and better maneuverbility, the work was slowed down. Many of these decisions were concerning the standardisation between the Tiger II and Panther II, but as production plans for the Panther II were cancelled, the specifications were changed again.
Both the Henschel and Porsche design were designed to host the Krupp turret. Because of the cancellation of the contract with Porsche, a number of in-progress turrets for the Porsche chassis were ordered to be completed for mounting on the Henchel chassis. As components were ready to produce 50 turrets for the Porsche chassis, these were mounted on the first 50 Henschel chassis so as to prevent further delays in the production program. Because no good solution could be given to the shot trap in the turret, the turret remained unmodified. The turret differed from the Henschel in that it had a rounded front and mantle (which proved very strong against enemy fire), and a flatter angle on the sides, which meant that the comanders cupola left a bulge in the side of the turret.
Two command versions of the Tiger II was made. Both carried only 63 grenades, 17 less than the standard Tiger II. The first type, Sd.Kfz. 267, had a FuG 8 radio, using a star antenna. The second type, Sd.Kfz. 268, had a FuG 7 radio, using a 1.4 meter rod antenna.
3 prototypes, V1-V3, were made in November and January. From then on, the Fgst. numbers started at 280001, with the goal of 1500 Tiger II. Because of bombing raids against the Henscel factory in September and December 1944, where almost the entire factory was destroyed, the production was severely damaged. Had these bombing raids not occurred, the total number of Tiger IIs produced would have exceeded 1000 vehicles.
The engine used was the Maybach HL 230 P 30. This could seem like a weak engine for a vehicle weighing almost 70 tons, but bue to the advanced components, it gave a maximum speed of 41.5 km/h. The armouor was very thick, and gave very god protection. The frontal armour was inpenetratable by any Allied gun, and the side armour was also quite strong.
Modifications
Modifications to the design started as early as January 1944. At this time, it was decided that curved front fenders should be used in stead of flat ones. February, bend exhaust pipes replaced straight one, so as to prevent the exhaust fumes from being sucked into the engine. A device to heat the cooling water was also installed, to easy the start during the winter. In May, a new type of track replaced the old, as the old type was worn very uneven, and had a tendency to climb off the drive sprocket. Furthermore, a new type of aiming device was mounted.
In June 1944, it was discovered that the Tiger II didn't need a submersion kit, and the use was therefore disbanded. 2 'Pilzen' mounts for a three ton crane were welded to the top of the turret. In July, 4 track link hangers were mounted to the side of the turret. This was also back-fitted to older vehicles. During August, it was ordered to paint 2-3 out of every ten track link on the transport tracks red. Furthermore, the Henschel factory was to begin painting the vehicles in the ambush pattern themselve, and to leave the inside of the vehicle in the red primer.
In September, application of Zimmerit ceased at the factory. A disk was to be aplpied over air telescoping intake, to prevent penetration of the fuel tank. Although the order first appeared in October, Henschel stopped painting the Tiger IIs in Dunkelgelb as early as September. The vehicles were to have a thin coat of Dunkelgelb on parts of the camouflage pattern, along with Rotbraun and Olivgrün. Feldgrau was authorized to be used in stead of Dunkelgelb, if this couldn't be found. It is not know if any vehicles actually had Feldgrau on them.
By October 1944, the 20-ton jack was no longer issued for the Tiger II, and therefore, the mounts on the rear plate were not mounted. During November and December, Dunkelgrün was to be applied to all delivered armour components, and Henschel was to paint the vehicles in a base colour of Dunkelgrün. The Waffenamt approved a modification to mount armour plates over the air intakes, but the order was not effectuated.
Starting in January, Tiger IIs began to appear having a small 'shield' over the gunners sight, to prevent rain from ruining the view. In March, the last few Tiger IIs to be produced had the single-link Kgs 73/800/152 tracks. On some of the vehicles still left at the factory, 3 track link hangers for the late trak links were mounted. The mount for the commanders machine gun was removed. Small rings were mounted on the turrets to fasten branches.
Operational history
At the beginnign of its career, the Tiger II, like the Panther, had a number of automotive problems. These problems were severe, and cause numorous engine fires and breakdowns. After being worked out, the Tiger II did prove to be an exellent machine. One of the main problems was the lack of skilled drivers. Many of the drivers came directly from the training grounds, and thus had no idea how to treat the Tiger II.
The units that recieved the Tiger IIs were heavy tank battalions of both the SS and Heer. The SS didn't recieve more than their fair share of the Tiger IIs, as it will appeard from the table below. The maximum number of vehicles in a battalion was 45, separated in 3 companies of 14 each plus 3 command vehicles. Unit Date of arrival Front section Number of Tiger IIs Notes
Panzer Kompagnie (Funklenk) 316 (attached to Panzer Lehr Division) March 14th 1944 Western front 5 Broke down and were destroyed to prevent capture
s.H.Pz.Abt. 501 July-August 1944 Eastern front 45
s.H.Pz.Abt. 503 medio June 1944
August-September 1944
September-October 1944
Western front
Western front
Eastern front
12
14
45
Also had 33 Tiger Is at the time
s.H.Pz.Abt. 505 August 1944
August-September 1944
Eastern front 6
39
4 of these were not used by the unit
3 were lost to fires, but were replaced
s.H.Pz.Abt. 506 September 1944 Western front 45
s.H.Pz.Abt. 507 Match 9th 1945
March 22nd 1945
March 31st 1945
Western front 4
11
6
A further 6 were taken from s.H.Pz.Abt. 510 and 511
s.H.Pz.Abt. 509 December-January 1944-1945 Eastern front 45
s.H.Pz.Abt. 510 (3. Kompanie) March 31st 1945 Western front 8
s.H.Pz.Abt. 511 (3. Kompanie) March 31st 1945 Western front 8
s.SS.Pz.Abt. 501 (1. Kompanie) Medio August 1944 Western front 14 Also had 30 Tiger Is at the time
s.SS.Pz.Abt. 501 October-November 1944
December 1944
February 1945
February-March 1945
Western front
Western front
Eastern front
Eastern front
14
20
6
13
A further 11 were confiscated from s.H.Pz.Abt. 509
26 Tiger IIs were available when unit was tranferred to the east
s.SS.Pz.Abt. 502 February-March 1945 Eastern front 31
s.SS.Pz.Abt. 503 October 1944
January-February 1945
Eastern front 4
29
Additional 6 aquired from s.SS.Pz.Abt. 502
Conclusion
The Tiger II was one of the best, if the the best, tank during World War II. It combined good speeds and performance, with heavy armour and the best German gun of the war - and one of the best of all the countries combined. Many people think that the Tiger II is a heavy beast that could not move at all. The capabilities of the Tiger II did, however, outclass many other Panzers, such as teh StuG III and Pz.Kpfw. IV. It was a vehicle the tank crews were glad to drive in, and which performed well in combat.
Many times have Allied crews tried to engage a Tiger II, but seen that their rounds have just bounced of the armour. Although the armour on the Tiger II was inferior to that of the earlier Panzers, the think armour, along with the sloping armour, prevented penetration. As a matter of fact, the 75mm M3 could only penetrate the Tiger IIs armour at the sides of the hull, and from within 100 meters/300 feet.
Tables
Production numbers
Data table
Detailed production statistics for Sd.Kfz. 181 Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B 'Tiger II'
Month, year Number produced Goal Notes
November 1943 1 1
December 1943 0 2
January 1944 5 3
February 1944 5 5 5 delivered
March 1944 6 6 1 delivered
April 1944 6 12 6 delevered
May 1944 15 20 19 delivered
June 1944 32 25 24 delivered
July 1944 45 45 49 delivered (of which 3 were command vehicles)
August 1944 94 80 77 delivered (of which 3 were command vehicles)
September 1944 63 100 86 delivered (of which 4 were command vehicles)
October 1944 26 120 13 delivered
November 1944 26 40 35 delivered (of which 3 were command vehicles, and 4 were rebuild vehicles)
December 1944 56 60 51 delivered (of which 4 were command vehicles)
January 1945 40 60 42 delivered (of which 2 were rebuild vehicles)
February 1945 42 35 35 delivered (of which 3 were command vehicles and 1 was a rebuild vehicle)
March 1945 30 45 31 delivered (of which 6 were rebuild vehicles)
Total 492 659 475 (of which 20 were command vehicles and 13 were rebuild vehicles)
To tables index
Technical data table for Sd.Kfz. 181 Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B 'Tiger II' (late production turret)
Measurements:
Length (with gun) 10.286m
Length (without gun) 7.38m
Width 7.755m
Height 3.09m
Weight 69.8 tons
Automotive specifications:
Engine Maybach HL 230 P30 V-12 water cooled 23 liter gasoline
Horsepowers 600 @ 2500 rpm
Transmission OG 40 12 16B
Track length ??
Track contact surface 4.12m
Track width 800mm
Tread surface ??
Links per track 2x46 links
Track type Gg 24/800/300
Suspension type Torsion bars
Number of roadwheels on each side 9 double
Road wheel type Steel
Road wheel size 800x??mm
Automotive capabilities
Speed (maximum) 41.5kmph
Speed (on road) 38kmph
Speed (cross-country) 15-20kmph
Range (on road) 170km
Range (cross-country) 120km
Climbing (step) 850mm
Climbing (degrees) 35°
Trench crossing 2.5m
Fording depth 1.6m
Ground clearaence 500mm
Ground pressure (hard surface) 1.03 kg/cm²
Ground pressure (when sinking 20cm) 0.78 kg/cm²
Steering ratio 1.48
Weight-to-power ratio 8.6 hp/ton
Fuel capacity 860 liters
Fuel consumption (on road) 5.06 liters/km
Fuel consumption (cross-country) 7.17 liters/km
Minimum turning radius 2.08m
Weapons data:
Primary weapon 8.8cm KwK 43 L/71
Ammunition 86 grenades (80 in the early production turret)
Gun sight 'T.Z.F.9d' 2.5x, 14°
Elevation -8° - +15°
Traverse 360° (hydraulic and hand traverse)
Firing height 2.26m
Secondary weapon(s) 2x7.92mm MG-34 (1 coaxial in turret, one in ball mount)
Ammunition 5850x7.92mm
Gun sight T.Z.F.2 (1.8x 18°)
Elevation -10° - +20°
Traverse 15° both sides (hand traverse)
Others:
Manufacturer Henschel, Krupp (turrets)
Fgst. numbers 280001-280050 (early production turrets) and 280489 (late production turrets)
Radio (internal) Intercom
Radio (external) Fu 5 and Fu 2
Crew 5 (Driver, radio operator, gunner, commander and loader)
Armour Front upper hull: 150mm/40°
Front lower hull: 100mm/-40°
Rear hull: 80mm/60°
Front floor: 40mm/0°
Rear floor: 25mm/0°
Hull lower side: 80mm/90°
Hull upper side: 80mm/65°
Roof: 40mm/0°
Turret front: 180/80° (100mm rounded for early turret)
Turret rear: 80mm/70°
Turret sides: 80mm/70° and rounded
Front turret roof: 40mm/12°
Middle turret roof: 40mm/0°
Rear turret roof: 40mm/-8°
Mantel: 80mm/rounded
Related sections on this site
Picture Archive
Pz.Kpfw. VI Tiger II production statistics
The Jagdtiger
The weaknesses of the Maybach HL230 engine
Explanation for the names 'King Tiger' and 'Porsche Turret'
Sources:
Panzer Tracts No. 6 'Schwere Panzerkampfwagen'; Thomas L. Jentz and Hilary Doyle; Panzer Tracts
New Vanguard 1 'King Tiger Heavy Tank 1942-1945'; Thomas L. Jentz, Hilary Doyle and Peter Sarson
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