Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B – Tiger II – Sd.Kfz. 182 – Königstiger – Porsche Turret

Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B – Tiger II – Sd.Kfz. 182

The Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B, commonly known as the Tiger II or Königstiger (Eng. King Tiger), was a German heavy tank used during World War II. It was designed to overcome the limitations of the earlier Tiger I model, with a focus on increased armor protection, firepower, and mobility. Introduced in 1944, the Tiger II was powered by an 800-horsepower Maybach HL230 P30 engine, enabling it to achieve a top speed of 38 km/h (24 mph) on-road, though its weight of around 69 tons severely limited its cross-country performance.

The tank’s most notable feature was its thick, sloped armor, ranging from 80 mm to 150 mm in thickness. This made it highly resistant to most Allied anti-tank weapons at the time. Its primary armament was the formidable 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun, capable of penetrating the toughest enemy tanks, including the Soviet T-34 and American Sherman.

Despite its formidable combat capabilities, the Tiger II had significant logistical and operational drawbacks. Its heavy weight caused frequent mechanical failures, and its fuel consumption was extremely high. Furthermore, its size and weight made it vulnerable to airstrikes. Over 400 units were produced before the war ended, but the Tiger II remains one of the most iconic tanks of World War II due to its design and battlefield performance.

This Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B has a Porsche Turm / Turret. Both turret-types of the two King Tiger Tanks in the Tank museum are inaccurately named. The Henschel turret and the Porsche turret are both made by Krupp.