The Mighty German Tanks of World War II: A Size Comparison
The German tanks of World War II were some of the most formidable weapons ever seen on the battlefield. From the nimble Panzer I to the massive Tiger II, these machines were designed to dominate the battlefield. But just how big were these tanks? In this article, we'll take a look at the size of some of the most famous German tanks, from the light tanks to the super heavy tanks.
Light Tanks
The light tanks of the German Army were designed for speed and maneuverability. They were often used for reconnaissance and scouting, but they could also be used in combat. Some of the most famous light tanks of the German Army include:
- Panzer I: This tank was the first tank produced by Germany and was initially designed as a training tank. It was armed with two machine guns and had a top speed of 30 kilometers per hour. It weighed 5.4 tonnes.
- Panzer II: This tank was an improved version of the Panzer I, and it was armed with a 20mm cannon and a machine gun. It had a top speed of 40 kilometers per hour and weighed 9 tonnes.
Medium Tanks
The medium tanks of the German Army were the workhorses of the Wehrmacht. They were well-armored and had powerful guns, making them capable of fighting against both enemy tanks and infantry. Some of the most famous medium tanks of the German Army include:
- Panzer III: This tank was designed to fight against enemy tanks. It was armed with a 50mm cannon and had a top speed of 35 kilometers per hour. It weighed 20 tonnes.
- Panzer IV: This tank was initially designed as an infantry support tank, but it was later upgraded to fight against enemy tanks. It was armed with a 75mm cannon and had a top speed of 38 kilometers per hour. It weighed 25 tonnes.
- Panther: This tank was designed to be superior to the Soviet T-34 tank. It was armed with a 75mm long-barreled cannon and had a top speed of 46 kilometers per hour. It weighed 45 tonnes.
Heavy Tanks
The heavy tanks of the German Army were designed to be the ultimate fighting machines. They were heavily armored and had powerful guns, making them capable of destroying any enemy tank or fortification. Some of the most famous heavy tanks of the German Army include:
- Tiger I: This tank was one of the most feared tanks of World War II. It was armed with an 88mm cannon and had a top speed of 38 kilometers per hour. It weighed 57 tonnes.
- Tiger II: This tank was an improved version of the Tiger I. It was armed with an 88mm cannon and had a top speed of 38 kilometers per hour. It weighed 70 tonnes.
Super Heavy Tanks
The super heavy tanks of the German Army were designed to be the ultimate weapons of war. These tanks were extremely large and heavy, making them difficult to move and transport. They were also very expensive to produce. Some of the most famous super heavy tanks of the German Army include:
- Landkreuzer P1500 Monster: This tank was never built, but it was designed to be a massive 1,500-tonne tank that would be armed with two 280mm cannons. It was intended to be used to break through enemy defenses and destroy fortifications.
Conclusion
The German tanks of World War II were some of the most powerful weapons ever seen on the battlefield. They were designed to dominate the battlefield and they were often successful in doing so. However, they were also very expensive to produce and maintain, and they were not always effective against the more numerous and maneuverable tanks of the Soviet Union.