Tiger tank facts for kids
A Tiger tank usually refers to one of several powerful German tanks from World War II. These tanks were known for their strong armor and big guns. They were some of the most feared tanks on the battlefield.
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What Are Tiger Tanks?
The term "Tiger tank" can mean a few different types of tanks. Each one played a role in military history. These tanks were developed by Germany during the 1940s.
The Tiger I Tank
The Tiger I was officially called the Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. E. It was a heavy tank produced from 1942 to 1944. The Tiger I was famous for its thick armor and powerful 88 mm gun. This gun could destroy most enemy tanks from a long distance.
Design and Features of Tiger I
The Tiger I weighed about 54 tons. It had a crew of five soldiers. Its design focused on protection and firepower. However, its heavy weight sometimes made it slow and difficult to move in certain terrains. It also used a lot of fuel.
The Tiger II Tank
The Tiger II was also known as the Königstiger, which means "King Tiger". Its official name was Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B. This tank was an even heavier and more powerful version of the Tiger I. It was produced from 1943 to 1945.
Improvements in Tiger II
The Tiger II had thicker armor and an even more powerful 88 mm gun. This gun was longer and could fire shells with more force. The tank's front armor was sloped, which made it better at deflecting enemy shots. It weighed nearly 70 tons, making it one of the heaviest tanks of the war.
The Tiger (P) Prototype
The VK 4501 (P), or Tiger (P), was a prototype tank. It was designed by the Porsche company. This tank was a test version for the Tiger I. It competed against a design from Henschel.
Why the Tiger (P) Was Not Chosen
The Tiger (P) had an advanced gasoline-electric drive system. However, it had some technical problems. Because of these issues, the Henschel design was chosen for the Tiger I production. Only a few Tiger (P) prototypes were built. Some parts of the Tiger (P) were later used for other vehicles, like the Ferdinand tank destroyer.
