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Tiger I

Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf. E

heavy tankHenschel & Son · 1942–1945

OVERVIEW

The Tiger I was one of the most feared tanks of WW2. Its combination of the legendary 88mm gun and thick armor made it a formidable opponent that could destroy Allied tanks at ranges where they could not effectively fight back.

HISTORIAN'S COMMENTARY

Before the Storm

Introduced between 1942 and 1945, Tiger I entered service as a heavy tank in Germany armored formations, built by Henschel & Son.

In the Field

With 88mm KwK 36 L/56, armor up to 100 mm on the front, and a top speed around 45 km/h, this 57-ton machine carried both promise and mechanical burden. About 1,347 were produced for a war that demanded constant replacement.

Historian's Note

On the battlefield it was expected to break prepared lines and survive punishment that would stop lighter vehicles. Its legacy is tied to survivability at the point of contact, though weight and logistics always set hard limits.

SPECIFICATIONS

Crew5
Weight57 tonnes
Main Armament88mm KwK 36 L/56
Armor (Front)100 mm
Armor (Side)80 mm
Armor (Rear)80 mm
EngineMaybach HL230 P45 (700 hp)
Max Speed45 km/h
Range195 km
Production1,347 built

DEVELOPMENT

Developed by Henschel under the direction of Ferdinand Porsche (who submitted a competing design). The Tiger I was designed as a breakthrough heavy tank with an emphasis on firepower and protection, accepting compromises in mobility and reliability.

COMBAT HISTORY

First deployed in September 1942 near Leningrad, the Tiger I quickly earned a fearsome reputation. Its 88mm gun could destroy any Allied tank at ranges exceeding 2,000 meters. However, it was expensive, complex, and mechanically unreliable, limiting its strategic impact.

NOTABLE USES

  • [01]Michael Wittmann's legendary engagement at Villers-Bocage (1944)
  • [02]Heavy Tank Battalion 501-510 on the Eastern Front
  • [03]North Africa Campaign with 501st Heavy Panzer Battalion
  • [04]Battle of Kursk (1943)

CONTINUE RESEARCH

Country + Class

Germany TANKS

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Comparisons

  • Tiger I vs M4 Sherman

    Heavy armor and long-range lethality versus reliability, logistics, and mass deployment.

Battle Context

  • Kursk

    Armor-centric systems associated with one of history’s largest tank battles.

  • North Africa Campaign

    Desert-theater weapons and vehicles tied to Mediterranean and North African operations.

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