The origin of the German program for a heavy tank dates back from 1937, when it was discussed for the first time the convenience of a tank
which weighed from 30 to 35 tonnes. Later, the traumatic encounter of the Wehrmacht with the KV-1 and T-34 tanks led to a
specification for a heavy tank which were sufficiently armored to withstand any existing anti-tank weapon and capable of carrying
the prestigious 88-millimeter cannon in a fully rotating turret. The prototypes which competed to become the PzKpfw VI Tiger were exhibited
for the first time the 20th April 1942. Despite having exceeded the stipulated weight in 10 tonnes, the project by Henschel was chosen
over the less conventional project by Porsche, whose propulsion plant used both gasoline and electricity. The production of the VK 4501 (H),
with the denomination PzKpfw VI Tiger Ausf H, was ordered in August 1942.
[1] 88-millimeter 56-caliber cannon
[2] 7.92-millimeter MG34 machine gun (co-axial)
[3] 7.92-millimeter MG34 machine gun (hull)
[4] Ammunition pouches for MG34
[5] Smoke dischargers
[6] Escape hatch
[7] Commander's seat
[8] Commander's traverse handwheel
[9] Pistol porthole
[10] Traverse gearbox
[11] Commander's shield
[12] Gunner's traverse handwheel
[13] Gunner's elevation handwheel
[14] Gunner's seat
[15] Pedal for firing the co-axial MG34
[16] Binocular telescope
[17] Air cleaning system
[18] Maybach petrol engine
[19] FuG 5 radio transmitter-receiver device
[20] Ammunition bins for 88-millimeter cannon
[21] Pedal for hydraulic traverse
[22] Hydraulic traverse control
[23] Disc brake drum
[24] Steering unit
[25] Steering wheel
[26] Gearbox
[27] Driver's seat
[28] Handbrake
[29] Accelerator pedal
[30] Brake pedal
[31] Clutch
[32] Shock absorber
[33] Torsion bar suspension
[34] Interleaved support wheels
[35] Commander's cupola
[36] Fan drive clutch lever
[37] Air intake valve control
[38] Petrol primer
[39] Petrol tap
[40] Ammunition pouches for MG34
[41] Layer of "Zimmerit" applied over the whole tank as a protection against magnetic mines