The Ferdinand, or Elefant tank destroyer stands out as one of the most unique designs emerging from the Second World War though its legacy is often marred by perceptions of failure.
It is viewed by many as Hitler's absurd culmination to his obsession with heavy tanks and super-weapons. But why did the tank prove to be such a disaster and if it was a complete failure, why were so many constructed?
The Ferdinand was mounted with Germany's newly developed 88 millimeter Pak43 gun.. This formidable anti-tank gun was one of the most powerful of its time, capable of effectively engaging even the latest Allied tanks until the very end of the war.
The front of the casemate boasted a thickness of 200 millimeter, providing substantial protection. This made the frontal armor twice as thick as that of the Tiger I tank.
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