Panther Ausf. G

The Panzerkampfwagen V series, or Panther series as it is more commonly known, was developed in response to Germany's completely unprepared encounters with Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks that outclassed the older Panzer IIIs and IVs on almost every level. A new design with significantly improved armor and armament was immediately pushed forward, one that eventually evolved into the Panther. The first 200 vehicles were deployed in 1943 in time for the largest tank battle in history at Kursk, where they scored numerous kills but - due to the apocalyptic nature of the battle - ultimately were mauled and reduced to a force of a little over 40. By war's end, only 4,800 Panthers of all models had been produced, the lion's share being Ausf. G's like the tank pictured above. With a simplified design, Panther Ausf. G's saw significant action during the Battle of the Bulge.

Panther Ausf. G Vehicle Stats:
Type: Heavy tank
Manufacturer: MAN, Daimler-Benz, MNH.
First deployed: March 1944

Crew: 5
Length: 8.86 m
Width: 3.42 m
Height: 2.98 m
Weight: 45.5 tons

Armor: 110mm
Armament, primary: 1 x 75mm KwK 42 L/70 main gun
Armament, secondary: 3 x 7.92mm MG-34 machineguns
Ammo stowage, primary: 79 rounds
Ammo stowage, secondary: 5,100 rounds

Powerplant: Maybach HL 230 P30 700hp V-12 water-cooled diesel engine
Max speed: 55 km/h
Max range: 200 km

Operators: Germany