Panzerjäger Tiger (P) Ferdinand (ENG)

The Panzerjäger Tiger (P), more famously known as the Ferdinand and later the Elefant, was a German heavy tank destroyer of World War II. Built on the rejected Tiger (P) prototype chassis designed by Ferdinand Porsche, approximately 90 units were produced in 1942-43 to counter formidable Soviet tanks like the T-34. Weighing 65 tonnes, the vehicle was a formidable defensive platform. Its primary asset was a massive 88 mm KwK 43/2 L/71 cannon, mounted in a fixed casemate. This gun could penetrate the heaviest enemy armor, including that of the Soviet JS-2, at extreme ranges. Furthermore, with 200 mm of frontal armor, the Elefant was nearly invulnerable to attacks from the front. However, this power came at a cost. The vehicle was extremely slow and mechanically unreliable, limiting its offensive capabilities. Consequently, it was best employed as a specialized ambush weapon or in a direct infantry support role..