Jagdtiger

Jagdpanzer VI "Jagdtiger"



Introduction
During the second world war took place in Germany, in addition to the fighters Elefant, yet another development program aimed at obtaining a heavy tank destroyer. Its origins can be traced back to the year 1942, when Adolf Hitler pushed for the speedy completion of the development of towed anti-tank gun caliber 128 mm. Early in 1943, it appears the proposal on the location of the massive guns on a tank chassis. According to the regulations of the 21.3.1943 of the initially mentioned about the difficult Sturmgeschützu, which would be capable of destroying enemy armored targets at more than 3000 m. the Wooden mock-up tank destroyer, based on the tank Tiger II was presented the army and the party commission in the východopruském Arysu 20.8.1943. After that followed the production of the first prototype. His exams were officially launched 6.4.1944 in Kummersdorfu.After the completion of the test program, which he left at the members of the commission a favorable impression, was ordered into serial production vehicles Jagdtiger. The Program closely watched Hitler himself, that the production ordered the personal command of 12.10.1944. The first order was for 150 machines, and should have been delivered after 30 pieces a month. The start of production, however, was ready since July. The production of participated companies: Krupp Essen, Bergische Stahlindustrie Remscheid and Oberhütten Malapane. The assembling is carried out in the factory Nibelungwerke, which was originally the austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Nibelungwerke built tank destroyers in the race Saint Valentin.Made machines have been tested in the austrian Dollersheimu.


Design
As has already been said the Jagdtiger was based on the Tiger II, respectively, of its chassis. On its basis then created two variants, one Porsche the second Henschelova. When dr.Ferdinand Porsche designed a pair of external torsion bars with individual suspension of the wheels, while Henschelova version had individual internal torní rods with dual wheels. The wheels had a diameter of 800 mm for Henschelova Jagdtigeru and 700 mm in the Porsche. Porsche Jagdtiger was 1.2 tons lighter and required about 450 working hours less. The engine was the same as for the Tiger II – water-cooled Maybach HL230P30V12 with the power of 700 hp at 2600 rev/min. The maximum speed amounted to 34,6 km/h on paved ground and in the field could be reduced to 10 km/h. More TTD here. The crew consisted of 6 men. In the fighting compartment in the front part of the hull beside him sat the driver and radio operator/gunner of the machine gun (as well as in the Tiger II). Into the machine vztupovali individual hatches, located above your seats. In the interior of the superstructure should be your posts of the four other men – commander, gunner and two loaders who were able to vztup in a vehicle, whether or not to use the back door on the superstructure, which served for nákládáni ammunition, or in the fight for her firing. Part of the production bore in the front plate of the hull folding fork, which during transport to serve as a support mainly. The armor was made of homogeneous rolled nickel steel.
For the Jagdtiger was the selected anti-tank gun 128mm PaK 44 L/55 which was the same gun as the tank Maus. Elevation angle of the guns ranged from minus 7.5 to +15°, lateral gun arc then amounted to +10°. The gun had a maximum range of 22 410 m. Electrical systems cannon work with a voltage of 12V and was covered by a massive odlévaným shield Saukopfblende (total 4 types). For the cannon had to be transported 38-40 pieces of sectioned ammunition (projectile and patron) and type: Panzergranate 39, Panazergranate 40/43 and Sprenggranate L/50. Secondary armament to ensure the machine gun MG-34, which was in kulovitém střelišti on the right side. Sometimes in the vehicle drove another machine gun, which was to be placed on the roof of the car. The number of produced Jagdtigeru not quite sure, but the exact number will probably be 88 pieces, table, production I post later.


Modification and editing
Probably the greatest modifications what to design for was the already mentioned "dvojverznost" - Porsche x Henschel. On The Fgst. 305003 and Fgst.305004 were mounted protection for the exhaust and the machine Fgst.305003-Fgst.305010 was applied Zimmerit, even if not for long and on Henschelovy Jagdtigery wasn't applied at all. From February 1945 he was up on the superstructure mounted crane. Other modifications mostly concerned the armament. Some Jagdtigery were fitted with a machine gun MG-42 on the motor cover, as a protection against aircraft, but most likely not for this purpose used, since, as he wrote one author "...only a suicidal maniac would in an open terrain shot from a machine gun on Typhoon or Mosquit.“ Machines equipped with this gun were: Fgst.305020, Fgst.305058 and Fgst.305083. Due to the lack of cannons-caliber 128 mm, it was a couple of machines vybavevo cannons of the type of 88 mm PaK 43/3 L/71, cars equipped with this weapon then label: PanzerJäger Tiger mit 88mm PaK 43/3 (Sf) Sd.Kfz 185 or Jagdtiger D. In November 1944, Krupp designed for the Jagdtiger longer gun - 128 mm PaK L/66, the superstructure would be above through the engine cover, in order to be at all the gun unloaded, the project was not implemented. It was also intended to arm Jagdtiger gun 88 mm KwK 43 L71, this project was also implemented as well as a third project, when Adolf Hitler wanted to Jagdtigery reshape the flame tanks.


Operating history
The first unit that received Jagdtigery was schwere PanzerJäger Abteilung 653, as a substitute for machines Elefant. The unit was organized into a staff company and three kompanií armed vehicles Jagdtiger. Each company is tabulating consisted of three Zug, after three vehicles Jagdtiger and in addition owned a further two machines Jagdtiger as a command vehicle.
The unit was sent to-Fallingbostel, where she practiced in the use of the Porsche Jagdtigeru. The first machines came in September 1944 when the unit was still a few Elefantů (those were included in the 2.Company and Jagdtigery embraced their place in 1.Kompanii). The first three machines, which the unit received were: Fgst.305006, Fgst.305007 and Fgst.305008. In October 1944 sPzJägAbt653 left this place and was assigned to 17.Armee in Poland, at the same time even 3.Company has received several Jagdtigerů. Production was slow, and in November 1944, the unit only 12 machines and during that month received an additional 6 machines. In December 1944 it was planned that a part of the Jagdtigerů participate in the offensive in the Ardennes. 16 Jagdtigerů was loaded on the trains and two of the three trains were unloaded 50 km behind the front, as part of the 6.SS Armee. Some of the resources, but it is reported that Jagdtigery offensive in the Ardennes ever saw, and as reason is given the logistical situation deteriorated just offensive, the weather, and that there are no photos, no which are Jagdtigery in the Ardennes. Well you can take how you want... During December 1944 and January 1945 was Jagdtigery equipped with 2.Company. In January 1945, several Jagdtigerů attending the operation Nordwind, as part of the 17.SS-Panzergrenadier Division, but sPzJägAbt653 was still loaded on the wagons, when the operation began. 9.1.1945 was the first Jagdtiger destroyed by the bazooka. Use Jagdtigerů was limited and reports of high numbers of failures were sent to Hitler. Several Jagdtigerů was zajmuto the allied troops and the irony is that most of the Jagdtigerů was found in good condition, but when the crew of their machines destroyed, were found in such a state, that of them there was no longer any use. In the middle of January 1945 was 3.Company Jagdtigerů still on the Maginot line. At the beginning of February 1945 had sPzJägAbt653 41 Jagdtigerů, of which 19 needed repair. The unit was relocated to Hagenauského forest 18.2.1945, where it was used as indirect artillery at a distance of around 20 km. At the end of February 1945, most units Jagdtigerů waiting in hidden positions, awaiting allied attacks. During the beginning of march 1945 was sPzJägAbt653 "ozdravena" corrected Jagdtigery and waited for orders. 11.3.1945 unit has reached maximum capacity. In the night from 15.-16.3.1945 was sPzJägAbt653 involved in heavy fighting when the allies bombed and later attacked German positions and SpzJägAbt653 was sent to counterattack. The allies and the Germans utžili heavy losses. Jagdtigery made heavy losses to the allied tanks and infantry, but allied artillery began to fire and the Germans subsequently needed to send 21 Jagdtigerů away. A month later, it was proven that Jagdtigery are capable of destroying enemy tanks at a distance of more than 4000 m; the whole column of tanks Sherman was destroyed in heavy fire, while their crew panic. After summoning air support began sPzJägAbt653 subside, right after that what in the sky appeared the P-47. 5 Jagdtigerů been affected, of which 4 were destroyed. sPzJägAbt653 was withdrawn from the queue, to avoid further losses. Several other Jagdtigerů was destroyed by allied infantry and tanks, of which one was even destroyed when the fierce fire of the three Shermans. At Neustadt 3 Jagdtigery managed to destroy 25 M10 and Sherman, though they got a few hits, suffered no losses and were able to download. At the beginning of April 1945 left the unit only 24 Jagdtigerů. After the first nine days this figure had fallen to 17 and some of the crew were sent to Nibelungenwerke. 24.4.1945 was only 1 Jagdtiger able to operate and 14 waiting for repair. In may 1945 sPzJägAbt653 retreated to Austria to Nibelungenwerke, during the trip it broke down 10 Jagdtigerů and the crew is fired into the air. After arrived to the destination, it was by the allied planes destroyed 8 Jagdtigerů collected on the production strips (apparently they were machines with the 88 mm PaK 43/3). The unit continued its resistance to the 7.5.1945, when sPzJägAbt653 gave up. In some publications can be found mention of the conflict of Jagdtigerů with the soviet heavy tanks IS-2, the fight was apparently on austrian territory in the framework of this unit.


The second unit, which has received Jagdtigery was schwere PanzerJäger Abteilung 512. Her story begins in January of 1945, when it was formed, but only in February 1945 received the first Jagdtigery and it because of time constraints. The unit started with 5 Jagdtigery, officially assigned 30.1.1945. The largest number of Jagdtigerů, which unit owned the 33 pieces. The other 6 machines was also received in February 1945. During the first half of march 1945, 2.Company still losing money training. Because most of the crews were trained on the use of Tiger tank, not the Jagdtiger is in popularity and due to the lack of a turret, a little adaptability, etc. the Unit wanted to do a wedge a crack into the queue of the Rhine, but had many logitických problems and was thus able to arrive to the goal in time. Although she had a license plate.Jg.Abt.512 opportune time to strike, she couldn't take advantage, instead, lost 2 Jagdtigery after the crew panicked and abandoned their machines, apparently due to enemy aircraft. 24.3.1945 was 5 Jagdtigerů used as a "guard" the rear guard after a failed allied attack. 1.Company license plate.Jg.Abt.512 had small successes, destroyed 2 Shermans, but lost 4 Jagdtigery for mechanicé defects. Then at the end of march 1945, received 4 the Sturmgeschütz III and 4 Pz.Kpfw. IV. After a small fight they were Jagdtigery diverted to Unně to help Model. 3.Company license plate.Jg.Abt.512 proděla little action in Paderborn, where the unit managed to detain the allies and threw them back together with a few Tigers I and Tigers II behind the line of the queue, but eventually was destroyed. During April 1945, the license plate number.Jg.Abt.512 participated in several great events. Especially 9.4.1945, where 1.company has led the battle with the amount of Shermans and other vehicles from the position of "citadel below". 4 Jagdtigery, 4 Sturmgeschützy III's and 3 Panzer IV to open fire destroyed 11 tanks and other 30 machines. Some enemy tanks were zasažany for more than 4000 m! The unit only lost 1 Jagdtiger, again after the arrival of the P-47. 1.Company still destroyed 5 Shermans before she got married in Iserlohnu. 2.Company continued to fight, but with small results. 15.4.1945 to sPzJägAbt512 without a fight gave up at Schillerplatzu in Iserlohnu.


It is uncertain whether they were Jagdtigery in other units, it is often stated the following:
3.Company from Panzerjäger LehrAbteilung 130 (most likely, ' cause somewhere the crew had to be trained)
schwere Panzer Abteilung 510 (2 Jagdtigery?)
schwere SS Panzer Abteilung 501 (4-6 Jagdtigerů – April/may 1945)
the Panzer-Company Kummersdorf (1 piece)


Conclusion
The Jagdtiger was certainly an impressive and scary (for the allies) creation. On the other hand, I have to ask the question whether it wasn't a waste of steel and manpower that could be used need to build fighters Jagdpanther or Tiger II ? A small number of the machines produced already could not affect the course of the war. Many Jagdtigerů was destroyed by their own crews for mechanical defects and other destroyed machines on the debit of accounts, in particular the enemy air force. Inter alia, in the summer of 1945, the american army tried zajmutého Jagdtigera, which was able to pierce the frontal armor of the tank M26 Pershing at a distance of 2100 m. Today we can see the survivors Jagdtigery here:


England, Bovington Camp, https://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/home.html – Fgst.305004
United states, Aberdeen Proving Ground, https://www.ordmusfound.org/ – Fgst.305020
Russia, tank museum, Kubinka, https://www.tankmuseum.ru/ – Fgst.305083.

Drevená maketa Jagdtigera.

www.bundesarchiv.de
Michael Winninger - OKH Toy Factory, The Niebelungenwerk: Tank production in St. Valentin, Müller history facts, rok vydania 2013, ISBN: 978-3-905944-04-4

Prototypy vo výrobe. Prvý prototyp Jagdtigera (Fgst. Nr. 305001) s podvozkom Porsche a druhý prototyp s podvozkom Henschel (Fgst. Nr. 305002).

www.bundesarchiv.de
Michael Winninger - OKH Toy Factory, The Niebelungenwerk: Tank production in St. Valentin, Müller history facts, rok vydania 2013, ISBN: 978-3-905944-04-4
tanks--encyclopedia-com.translate.goog

The first ever Jagdtiger prototype with a Porsche chassis was built in the autumn of 1943. It was not a full-scale prototype because the vehicle was not armed with a gun. Given the atypical front towing lugs integrated into the hull side armour, I dare say that it is probably the first ever built Tiger II platform, which may have been created before the actual tank prototype Tiger II. The first Tiger II V1 prototype did not have such a shape of towing lugs. The vehicle probably did not have a standard serial number, according to the established designations of German prototypes it is possible that it was designated as Jagdtiger V1 (?).

Michael Winninger - OKH Toy Factory, The Niebelungenwerk: Tank production in St. Valentin, Müller history facts, year of publication 2013, ISBN: 978-3-905944-04-4

The Jagdtiger on the chassis of the Porsche.

...

...

...

http://afvinteriors.hobbyvista.com/archive.html

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

Some nice pictures on the Jagdtigříky:.

Photo

Photo
Source forum.panzer-archiv.de


Valley

Jagdtiger, Bovington Tank Museum, 2003. The shown machine was confiscated by the British at the end of the war in Haustenbecku in Sennelageru in Germany. To Great Britain was shipped in 1946, after which followed his examination by the british army. The displayed vehicle has a production chassis number 305004 and was built in August 1944.

.

Jagdtiger, Bovington Tank Museum, 2005.

Jagdtiger, Bovington Tank Museum, 2008. (©Radek Havelka)

source: www.the-blueprints.com

.

Photo gallery of the different cover Jagdtigeru here..

The main fault of all heavy German tanks was the engine.Maybach HL230,was in itself a great product,but already in Panther and especially in Tiger it had huge difficulties to "tighten" these tanks.In Panther there were not so big problems but in much heavier Tiger the weight exceeded by 25% the value set by technical conditions of the engine.And the Tiger weighed "only" 57 tons!This defect was mainly reflected in the failure rate and consumption, when the Jagdtygr with its 71 tons could "drain" its entire tank of almost 900 liters in 2 hours of driving in the terrain, which rather, thanks to the under-engineering, resembled the crawling of the Soviet legless hero Meresiev.Also in this tank was underestimated the factor of secondary defensive armament.

JagdTiger vs M10



In the first part of the document, you can clearly see the missing pair of running wheels on the left side of the machine.

Then there we see three surrendering Jagdtigers of the 2nd Schweren Panzerjäger-Abteilung 512, Iserlohn, Ruhr, April 1945. Note that the German crews ( civilian health ) are intermixed with the American infantry, and probably only the driver ( perhaps with a supervisor ) is left inside. The Jagdtigers with white stripes of cloth on their antennae are parked in a square crowded with American and German equipment, and the crews board their machines for the last time. One of the crew members also exits with his deck machine gun dismounted...

Otherwise still ńaké additional info to that video what put the Sallet. The "scene" takes place on the square, Schillerplatz and the american troops belongs to 99th Infantry Division, specifically, 394th Infantry Regiment (Lt. Col. Robert L. Kriz, 2nd Bn. WHAT).