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Jagdpanther - Definition and Overview |
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The Jagdpanther ("Hunting Panther") was a tank destroyer built by Germany during World War II; it had a fixed gun (i.e. no turret). It was based on the chassis of the Panther tank. To accommodate the gun the sides of the Panther tank were extended up to provide a roomy interior, while maintaining a very low profile.
It was armed with an the same long-barrelled 88 mm gun as the Tiger II, and a 7.92 mm machine gun in the hull (front glacis plate). Despite the limitations of vehicles without turrets (limited gun movement left/right) the Jagdpanther was considered a very good machine. A powerful engine gave it a good power to weight ratio. This meant that jagdpanther had a good performance in the battlefield. Camouflage was easy due to its low profile.
All this made the jagdpanther widely and rightly feared, it especially excelled in defensive positions. Based on the existing Panther chassis, it did not suffer too many mechanical problems.
Around 400 were produced in 1944 and 1945. They equipped Heavy Tank Destroyer Battallions and served mainly on the Eastern Front , though significant numbers were concentrated in the West for the Ardennes Offensive.
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