New tank without armaments - in good condition

The new tank on the move without ammunition. The history of the [law | Wiki text] The first work on the creation of the tank "Tiger" began in 1937. At this point in the Wehrmacht did not have heavy tanks breakthrough, similar in purpose to the Soviet T-35 or the French Char B1. On the other hand, in the planned military doctrine (the proven later in Poland and France) sedentary heavy machines was virtually no space, so the requirements of the military to such tanks were rather vague. However, Erwin Aders, one of the leading designers of the company "Henschel» (Henschel) began to elaborate the 30-ton "breakthrough tank» (Durchbruchwagen). During the 1939-1941 biennium. Firm "Henschel" has built two prototypes, known under the designation DW1 and DW2. The first prototype was without a tower, the second tower was installed on the serial PzKpfw IV. The thickness of armor prototypes did not exceed 50 mm. After the attack of the Third Reich against the Soviet Union by the German military it became obvious need for qualitative strengthening of the Wehrmacht tank fleet. German Medium Tank PzKpfw IV Ausf. EF greatly inferior to the main characteristics of the Soviet medium tank (in the German classification of those years Mittlerschwerer - a heavy medium) T-34 mod. 1941 Analog KV-1 tank troops in the Wehrmacht was not at all. At the same time, a significant number of fighting episodes, in the hands of competent Soviet tank "tridtsatchetvёrki" and HF demonstrated that good visibility, excellent ergonomics is still not fully compensate for the weak armor and weapons PzKpfw IV Ausf. EF - overcoming the chaos and confusion of the first phase of the war, these machines have become a growing hazard for the Wehrmacht. In addition, during the war, the German troops are increasingly faced with pre-prepared enemy defense, where the need for heavy breakthrough tank has not been questioned. Solve the problems of divided into two areas - the modernization of the existing samples of armored vehicles (PzKpfw III and PzKpfw IV) and the accelerated creation of its counterpart of the Soviet KV-1. Shortly after the attack on the Soviet design bureau two prominent engineering companies, "Henschel" and "Porsche", received tactical and technical requirements for heavy tank breakthrough design weight of 45 tons. At the disposal of the head of the first CB Erwin Aders already been significant developments on luggage DW1 and DW2, while the head of the "competitors" Ferdinand Porsche only dabbled in tank. Presentation of the prototypes was dedicated to the April 20, 1942 - the birthday of the Fuehrer's time to develop and build prototypes were few. Erwin Aders and members of his Bureau went the traditional route of the German school tankostroitelnoy by heavy tank for the new layout scheme the same as that of the PzKpfw IV, and apply the tank invention Designer G. Knipkampa - "staggered" arrangement of rollers in two rows. Before it was used only on trucks and armored personnel carriers of the company «Hanomag», use it for the tank was new in the world tank manufacturing. There was thus successfully solved the problem of improving the ride and, consequently, improve the accuracy and firing on the move. The prototype of the company Henschel was designated VK4501 (H). Ferdinand Porsche, better known at the time innovative work in the automotive industry (including sports), he tried to move his approach into a new area. His prototype was implemented solutions such as high longitudinal torsion bars in the suspension system and electric transmission. However, compared with the prototype of the company "Henschel" Machine FA Porsche was structurally more complex and require more scarce materials, such as copper (used in generators needed for electric transmission). Dr. F. Porsche prototype was tested under the designation VK4501 (P). Knowing the attitude towards him Fuhrer and confident in the victory of his brainchild, FA Porsche, without waiting for the Commission ordered the launch of the chassis under its new tank without trials, beginning with the term of the supply by Nibelungenwerk in July 1942. However, when displayed on kummersdorf selected tank company Henschel, because of the greater reliability of the chassis and the best cross-country terrain, partly - due to lower financial expenses. The tower was also borrowed from the tank Porsche, since the tower ordered for a tank company Henschel were in the process of improvements or in the prototype stage. In addition, under the above combat vehicle designed tower with a gun KWK L / 70 7,5 cm., The caliber of which (75 mm) in 1942 did not satisfy the needs of the Wehrmacht. As a result of this hybrid chassis firm "Henschel and Son" and the tower of Porsche famous throughout the world under the designation Pz VI «Tiger» Ausf E, and the "Tigers" Porsche have been produced in an amount of 5 machines, however, from making 90 chassis was created 89 heavy assault weapons, received the name of his "father", FA Porsche - "Ferdinand."