In 1938, plans were already being drawn up for the eventual replacement of the Panzerkampfwagen PzKpfw IV tank. It was not until August of 1942, however, that the Tiger would see combat. Designs were proposed for a tank that could maintain a vehicle speed of 25 mph and mount effective weaponry and armor. Two such tanks were prototyped and ready for Hitler's birthday (one designed by Henschel and the other by Porsche). In the end, the Henschel design proved worthy to the Fuehrer and went forward into production.

Over 1,350 Tiger tanks were produced from 1942 into late summer 1944. Overall, it was a tremendous design, fielding a powerful main gun, good armor protection for both crew and ammunition but suffered from being less than agile on the battlefield.

The powerful anti-aircraft/anti-tank 88mm gun was already a well-respected and proven weapon in either role. The fact that the weapon was put on a mechanized platform only assisted in generating fear across many fronts. The mere appearance of a Tiger IV on the battlefield was enough to change the tactics of many a platoon CO.

Despite its ferocious presence, the Tiger suffered its share of drawbacks, particularly in production and battlefield maintenance. The system was just too complicated to produce in large numbers to meet demand. The system itself was rather slow and cumbersome as well. The detailed suspension system itself was prone to collecting debris that were so common on European battlefields.

The Tiger was eventually superceded by the even more powerful Tiger II, or 'King Tiger', tanks.

Specifications for the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Heavy Tank:

Designation: Panzerkampfwagen (PzKpfw) VI Tiger
Classification: Heavy Tank
Service Date: 1944
Weight: 69.68 tons
Length: 27 feet, 0 inches (with main gun); 20 feet, 4 inches (hull)
Height: 9 feet, 3.25 inches
Width: 12 feet, 3 inches
Armor: 1.02 - 3.94 inches
Maximum Speed: 24 mph
Maximum Range: 62 miles
Engine: Maybach HL 230 P 45 12-cylinder petrol engine generating 700 horsepower.
Crew: 5

Armament: 8.8cm (88mm) KwK L/71; 2 x MG 34 7.92mm machine guns
Ammunition: 84 rounds (8.8cm gun); 5,850 rounds (MG 34 Machine guns)

The Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger used a version of the feared anti-aircraft/tank busting gun known as the '88'. It could penetrate any known allied armor. A single Panzer Tiger VI could single-handedly turn the tide of any infantry battle if present.

The vehicle could also be fitted with various tracks to assist in in traversing over a variety of terrain such as snow and mud (common on the West Front in Russia).