Self-propelled guns "Jagdtigr": The history of the creation and characteristics of the "tank destroyer"

SAU "Jagdtigr" or Panzerjager Tiger Ausf. B, which was produced in Nazi Germany in 1944-1945, became a highly controversial weapon. On the one hand, the "self-propelled gun" fully met the expectations placed on it, becoming a full-fledged "fighter tanks". On the other hand, a number of technical shortcomings created difficulties in its use.

The Jagdtigr self-propelled guns were based on the heavy German tank Tiger II, in the wheelhouse of which the designers managed to place a Flak 40 128-mm anti-aircraft gun with a barrel length of 55 calibers.

The armor-piercing of the aforementioned gun was really impressive at that time. The self-propelled guns could effectively hit tanks at a distance of up to 3,5 km. The 28-kilogram projectile left no chance for the Allied tanks. At the same time, our IS-2 could not withstand a hit from the Jagdtigr.

However, this formidable machine also had significant drawbacks. As mentioned above, the Panzerjäger Tiger Ausf B was based on the "King Tiger", which in itself was a very heavy vehicle and had problems with the chassis.

In turn, the Jagdtigr self-propelled guns received even more powerful armor and a heavy gun. The Maybach HL engine barely coped with the load, and the Germans had nothing to replace it with.

As a result, the “monster” could not accelerate faster than 17 km / h over rough terrain, and its off-road power reserve was only enough for 70 km.

However, the Panzerjager Tiger Ausf B proved to be an effective tank destroyer. However, she could not play a significant role during the Second World War. The German industry managed to produce only about 80 units of this equipment.

About stories creation and characteristics of the giant "tank destroyer" tells the Russian expert and writer Alexander Volgin.

Comments

[Mavrikiy]

For the defense of the area, it will go almost perfectly, but the goal for the attack aircraft is quite for itself. A fighter with no "natural enemies"

[Catfish]

Fighter with no "natural enemies" feel

Except for "faustniks".

[hohol95]

The concussion of the crew from a large-caliber OFS hit should not be forgotten.

[Mavrikiy]

Quote: Sea Cat

Except for "faustniks".

Nonsense. Self-propelled guns on the defensive, not on the offensive. You still need to get to it, through machine guns and minefields. And distances, not in favor of the faustpatron.

[Catfish]

Nonsense, of course, until they hit the board.

[hohol95]

First, these "Miracle SPGs" had to be delivered to the front line.
And during their appearance in combat units with logistics, the Teutons had big problems.

[Eug]

And through snipers. Well, for howitzers from closed positions, the goal is also very interesting, even if it is dug in.

[Hitriy Zhuk]

The IS-1 (or a towed similar 90mm gun) is also suitable for defense, roughly speaking we pour a hill in front, put 2 tanks back to back.
And now you can hammer into the sides of the enemy.
Why hit on the forehead when you can on the sides?

And for the enemies - I think a bunch of grenades / a bottle of lighters cleverly thrown from a trench will ruin it.
This is not Warthunder (such a cool toy, but without infantry and actively milks the player for in-game purchases). In reality, there are infantry and artillery, and not just tanks / aircraft. And all sorts of generals.

[Buyan]

A self-propelled gun for bogging down in the mud, but as a defensive weapon it was excellent, the price and lack of materials ruined it. Ferdinand Porsche is still a good engineer, although he messed up with the suspension at the German menagerie

[ZIF122]

Otto Carius, a German ace and author of the book "Tanks in the Mud" fought on it at the end of the war and spoke unflatteringly about him!

[novel66]

still tigers in the mud

The text of your comment is too short and in the opinion of the site administration does not carry useful information.

[ZIF122]

Yes, it's true "Tigers in the Mud"!

[Comrade Kim]

Quote: ZIF122

spoke ill of him!

That one is redneck.

[rocket757]

The complexity of design solutions greatly interfered at the moment when it was necessary here and now.

[hohol95]

They paid more for the complexity of money ...
Just business...

[rocket757]

It's also true ... there is something permanent in the world, forever. The owners of the military-industrial complex always want more money.
However, the military also always want a bigger "club"!

[Crisp]

Quote: rocket757

The complexity of design solutions greatly interfered at the moment when it was necessary here and now.

The inconsistency of dozens of advisers demanding to satisfy their requests. Read the fable "The Elephant the Painter". Roughly the same situation. When they don’t interfere, pushing under the elbow, they made excellent cars.

[hohol95]

The life-giving pendal was sometimes useful to German designers.
Fortunately for us, they were very rarely kicked and they "frolicked" for their own pleasure!

[Azat15]

the story itself is interesting.
In reality, starting from 42, the Germans from 7.5 panthers and 88 tigers calmly hit all targets at any distance. Even the new IS-2, which appeared only at the end of 44, did not guarantee protection.
The question is what for to spend money on a 128 mm heavy tank destroyer?

[Eug]

..."The self-propelled guns could effectively hit tanks at a distance of up to 3,5 km."
Well, if it hits - at such a distance. And the line of sight on the European theater of operations rarely exceeds 2 km. So, as for me, a clear redundancy, as a result - overweight. And a clear illustration of the "overload" of the technical specifications, seemingly necessary, but in fact complicating and increasing the cost of the design, requirements that actually reduce output to 80 pieces ....

[Altmann]

I believe that this self-propelled gun was followed not only by Russian heavy equipment. The idea is good, and the processing of modern weapons was a great success in the Russian army. This is a kind of great-grandfather of this modern weapon.

[Viktor Sergeev]

It is difficult to imagine a more stupid machine for the war of motors. A mobile pillbox, which will break down while it arrives, but consumes a lot of money and resources.