Difference between revisions of "Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_panzerbefelhswagen_VI_P}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_panzerbefelhswagen_VI_P
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. The Pz.Bfw. VI (P) is an up-armoured variant of the [[VK 45.01 (P)]], with an extra 100 mm of armour bolted onto the front plate.
 +
 
 +
It uses the same turret and gun as the Tiger H1 and the same hull as the Ferdinand. Notable differences include a rear-mounted transmission (no more catching fires from frontal shots), a turret without electric drive (its traverse speed is therefore very slow) and the possibility to fire APCR shells.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
The hull it uses is similar to the Henschel, it has the same 102 mm of front armour, and 82 mm of side and rear armour, only with different shapes. However, additional 102 mm armour plates are bolted to the front, making it a total of 204 mm of steel (the same amount of hull armour can be found on the [[Ferdinand]]).
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Cupola)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 102 + 102 mm (8°) ''Front plate'' <br> 62 mm (78°), 102 + 102 mm (30°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 82 mm (46°) ''Lower glacis'' || 82 mm || 82 mm || 26 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 100 mm ''Turret front'' <br> 90 - 200 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 82 mm || 82 mm || 26 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Cupola || 80 mm || 80 mm || 80 mm || 26 mm
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* Lower side hull is only 62 mm thick so watch out.
 +
* An additional 26 mm of armour is bolted in front of the machine gun port on the hull.
 +
* Turret front covered by gun mantlet has variable thickness depending on exact place, ranging from 90 to 200 mm of armour.
 +
* Driver's viewport is actually far from being a weak spot, it still counts as part of 200 mm of front armour + 40 mm.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 +
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
Unlike the Henschel's [[Tiger H1]] and most other tanks, it is powered by a rather unusual combination of 2 hybrid gasoline-electric engines. This brings some unusual handling characteristics into play. For example, because it is driven by the electric engine, it can go backwards just as fast as forwards, so it has one of the highest reverse speed in the game. On the other hand, its top speed in both directions is limited (only 31 km/h, and it feels like it could go faster without the limit). It is also a little heavier than the Henschel, has narrower tracks, and its engine output is lower. Soft terrain isn't a friend of this vehicle.
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=807|rbMinHp=553}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|KwK36 (88 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[KwK36 (88 mm)|88 mm KwK36]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 80 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 6.1 || 8.4 || 10.2 || 11.3 || 12.0 || rowspan="2" | 9.62 || rowspan="2" | 8.51 || rowspan="2" | 7.84 || rowspan="2" | 7.40
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 4.5 || 5.3 || 6.4 || 7.0 || 7.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Ammunition ====
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
* '''Pzgr. 39''' - Stick with this type of shell as it's the best. It will do incredible damage to any encountered tank, except SPAA, AA guns, or AI artillery. It may struggle with some heavier tanks like the IS-1, IS-2, or American heavy tanks at long ranges, but well-placed shots from close range or sides will do the job; all other medium and light tanks will be history as soon as this shell make a contact with them. This shell, however, will almost always over-penetrate all but the most armoured SPAA vehicles, so it is best to use HE or machine gun fire.
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
* '''PzGr 40''' - As the APCR round for the gun, this will give the tank the greater edge needed to take out heavily protected tanks.
 +
* '''Hl.Gr. 39''' - The HEAT shell is best avoided as it deals less damage than the APBC Shell and has a much lower muzzle velocity, meaning that the gun has to aim ridiculously high for sniping. It also offers less penetration than APBC at all ranges.
 +
* '''Pzgr.''' - This shell is best used in a 0.3 uptier or full down-tier (200 and 220 SP respectively). It has 168 g instead of the 64 g of explosive mass on the Pzgr 39. While its muzzle velocity is slightly higher (810 m/s) the penetration goes down to 153 mm (0 m/0°). The additional explosive mass can help with taking out enemies in a single shot more often but the Pzgr. 39 is usually more than enough to destroy enemies and it offers slightly higher penetration too.
 +
* '''Sprgr. L/4.5''' - The HE shell is completely ineffective against all but SPAA and the machine gun mounted on the Tiger has proven quite capable of dealing with these. Keep a small supply of this shell on hand if planning to flank the enemy and take out their SPAA or artillery, but avoid them for everything else.
 +
 
 +
{{:KwK36 (88 mm)/Ammunition|PzGr 39, PzGr 40, Hl.Gr 39, Pzgr., Sprgr. L/4.5}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.9.0.62''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! 5th<br>rack empty
 +
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''80''' || 65&nbsp;''(+15)'' || 49&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 33&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 17&nbsp;''(+63)'' || 9&nbsp;''(+71)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+79)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 
 +
* As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
 +
* Flank racks empty: 17&nbsp;(+63) shells.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[MG34 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG34]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 1,800 (150) || 900 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
With this tank, a calm and patient player will be able to rip apart lots of enemies, before being knocked out. The Tiger I P can easily survive a duel with other Henschel Tigers, because its hull armour is much stronger, and they use the same turret, that is rather hard to be penetrated by Short 8.8cm guns they use.
 +
 
 +
One of the flaws of its armour design is that it cannot be effectively angled AT ALL. Because of its front hull cheeks, that are only 82 mm thick, even the slightest angling makes them very vulnerable to all guns, and to make matters even worse, ammunition is stored right behind them on both sides (unless one carries less ammunition).
 +
 
 +
The gameplay is very similar to the [[Tiger E]]. Avoid direct close range confrontations (although the Porsche can hold its ground a lot better there), where its weak spots can be targeted, or be flanked easily, and rather use its excellent accurate gun to outrange the opponents from afar while using the terrain and various obstacles as cover (Hulldown manoeuvre). Refrain from angling the armour, as opposed to Box-shaped Henschel Tigers, because of the vulnerable front hull cheeks and much thinner side armour. 204 mm of front hull armour can defeat a lot of shells even completely un-angled, and even more at a high distance.
 +
 
 +
Remember about the high reverse speed (31 km/h), if the situation is becoming dire, try to retreat from it by reversing while still facing the opponents with 200 mm of front armour and dangerous gun.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Lastly, remember that that the Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P's BR is quite high, and it can meet opponents that are almost invulnerable to the 88 mm gun from the front (even when using APCR), and/or can still instantly destroy the Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P with one well-aimed shot.
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Strong frontal armour
 +
* Low chance of fire from front shots thanks to the rear-mounted transmission
 +
* Accurate gun for long ranges
 +
* Has APCR ammunition
 +
* Reverse speed is just as fast as forward drive
 +
* Has the reliable Pzgr. round
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Huge, exposed sides due to vehicle length and front hull cheeks are prominent weak points
 +
* Small weak spot on the hull (machine gun port)
 +
* Often not enough penetration against higher BR vehicles it faces
 +
* Mobility and top speed is average, turning the tank bleeds speed quickly
 +
* Slow turret traverse
 +
* Gun mantlet presents a big weakness due to some flat areas
 +
* The 204 mm of frontal armour will not stand against high-powered rounds
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
===Development===
 +
In 1942, a program to submit a heavy tank design weighing 45 tons mounting the 88 mm KwK 36 cannon derived from the successful 88 mm FlaK gun was launched on May 21. Two companies, Henschel and Porsche were contracted to design the tank hull that could mount the turret designed by Krupp.
 +
 
 +
Porsche's development for this project was to upgrade their existing VK 30.01 (P) medium tank design, adapting parts from the tank into their new heavy tank. This heavy tank designed by Porsche was designated the '''[[VK 45.01 (P)|VK 45.01 (P)]]''' and was powered by twin air-cooled gasoline Porsche Type 101/1 engines that were in the rear of the tank. Each engine drives a separate generator on each side of the tank that would then each power one of the two electric motors for each track. This design resulted in the tank being prone to breakdown due to complexity, high-maintenance, and deficiency in copper quality available for use.
 +
 
 +
The vehicle was displayed to Hitler on his birthday on April 20, 1942, alongside the Henschel version VK 45.01 (H). Unlike the Henschel variant, which had the turret mounted mid-hull, the Porsche version had the turret mounted far forward on the hull in order to make space for its rear engines and drive system. The tank was then evaluated by a technical committee headed by Albert Speer and it was found that the Henschel design was superior to the Porsche design as it was more mobile, more reliable, and easier to enter production. The Henschel version was accepted into service by the German Wehrmacht and was designated the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]], while the Porsche variant was sidelined. Only five VK 45.01 (P) were produced before its rejection.
 +
 
 +
===Usage===
 +
Before even the evaluations began, Porsche was so confident that their design would be chosen that one hundred chassis of the VK 45.01 (P) was already produced. With the Henschel version chosen, the chassis was no longer needed to be made into a tank format, but it would be a waste to simply scrap them. These chassis were converted into casemate structures that could mount the new 88 mm Pak 43 cannon, which was longer and more powerful than the KwK 36 on the Tiger I. This would be called the ''[[Ferdinand|Ferdinand]]'' tank destroyer, later redesignated as the ''Elefant''. Three VK 45.01 (P) was also converted into recovery vehicles designated the ''Bergepanzer Tiger(P)''.
 +
 
 +
Out of the five VK 45.01 (P) produced from its development to its rejection, only one saw service in World War II. The tank had the chassis number 150013 and was converted into a command tank, thus was designated the '''Panzerbefehlswagen VI (P)'''. As a command tank, the tank would have much more radios than usual to allow for command communication between tank units and headquarters. Another feature on the Panzerbefehlswagen VI (P) was that an extra 100 mm of armour was welded onto the front hull armour, bringing the original 100 mm hull armour to 200 mm effective in thickness. The tank was used by Hauptmann Grillenberg in turret number 003 and the tank saw service on the Eastern Front with the Ferdinand units, serving in Tank Destroyer Battalion 653. It was deployed in April 1944 but was then lost in July of the same year.
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Tiger Porsche heavy tanks built by Ferdinand Porsche (Nibelungen-Werke) were developed to compete with Erwin Aders's tanks (Henschel), but they essentially lost the competition. Most of the completed bodies equipped with track assembly and engines went toward the construction of the Ferdinand/Elefant tank destroyers.
 +
 
 +
However, several (at least ten) bodies of the future Porsche tank were built in 1942 and equipped with Krupp turrets. Several of these prototypes underwent testing at the Dyullerskheym training ground in the summer/fall of 1942 and were even used by the 503rd tank battalion as training vehicles.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:ArtImage Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P.png|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_panzerbefelhswagen_VI_P Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Sights
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/675135/en/ RideR2's Realistic and semi-realistic gunsight reticles for German vehicles.]
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/1043715/en/ Caff_Gunner's (Germany) Historical and semi-historical gun reticles.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[Tiger I (Family)]]
 +
** [[VK 45.01 (P)]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{Germany heavy tanks}}
 +
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 21:06, 19 October 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P
germ_panzerbefelhswagen_vi_p.png
GarageImage Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P.jpg
ArtImage2 Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P.png
Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P
Germany flag.png Germany
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.7 5.7 5.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:6 090 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The Panzerbefehlswagen VI P is a premium rank IV German heavy tank with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.45 "Steel Generals". The Pz.Bfw. VI (P) is an up-armoured variant of the VK 45.01 (P), with an extra 100 mm of armour bolted onto the front plate.

It uses the same turret and gun as the Tiger H1 and the same hull as the Ferdinand. Notable differences include a rear-mounted transmission (no more catching fires from frontal shots), a turret without electric drive (its traverse speed is therefore very slow) and the possibility to fire APCR shells.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull204 / 82 / 82
Turret120 / 82 / 82
Crew5 people
Visibility107 %

The hull it uses is similar to the Henschel, it has the same 102 mm of front armour, and 82 mm of side and rear armour, only with different shapes. However, additional 102 mm armour plates are bolted to the front, making it a total of 204 mm of steel (the same amount of hull armour can be found on the Ferdinand).

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Cupola)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 102 + 102 mm (8°) Front plate
62 mm (78°), 102 + 102 mm (30°) Front glacis
82 mm (46°) Lower glacis 		82 mm 82 mm 26 mm
Turret 100 mm Turret front
90 - 200 mm Gun mantlet 		82 mm 82 mm 26 mm
Cupola 80 mm 80 mm 80 mm 26 mm

Notes:

  • Lower side hull is only 62 mm thick so watch out.
  • An additional 26 mm of armour is bolted in front of the machine gun port on the hull.
  • Turret front covered by gun mantlet has variable thickness depending on exact place, ranging from 90 to 200 mm of armour.
  • Driver's viewport is actually far from being a weak spot, it still counts as part of 200 mm of front armour + 40 mm.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB34 / 31 km/h
RB and SB32 / 29 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight60.0 t
Engine power
AB1 192 hp
RB and SB625 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB19.9 hp/t
RB and SB10.4 hp/t

Unlike the Henschel's Tiger H1 and most other tanks, it is powered by a rather unusual combination of 2 hybrid gasoline-electric engines. This brings some unusual handling characteristics into play. For example, because it is driven by the electric engine, it can go backwards just as fast as forwards, so it has one of the highest reverse speed in the game. On the other hand, its top speed in both directions is limited (only 31 km/h, and it feels like it could go faster without the limit). It is also a little heavier than the Henschel, has narrower tracks, and its engine output is lower. Soft terrain isn't a friend of this vehicle.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 34 31 60 807 1,192 13.45 19.87
Realistic 32 29 553 625 9.22 10.42

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 607 Sl icon.png
RB2 786 Sl icon.png
SB3 891 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts340 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 190 / 220 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement ger.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank ammo.png
88mm_ger_kwk36_Pzgr_APCBC_ammo_pack
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods tank ammo.png
88mm_kwk_36_43_HEAT_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods tank ammo.png
88mm_kwk_36_43_APCR_ammo_pack

Armaments

Main armament

88 mm KwK36 cannon
Ammunition80 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
9.6 → 7.4 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 16°
Main article: KwK36 (88 mm)
88 mm KwK36 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 80 -8°/+16° ±180° N/A 6.1 8.4 10.2 11.3 12.0 9.62 8.51 7.84 7.40
Realistic 4.5 5.3 6.4 7.0 7.5

Ammunition

  • Pzgr. 39 - Stick with this type of shell as it's the best. It will do incredible damage to any encountered tank, except SPAA, AA guns, or AI artillery. It may struggle with some heavier tanks like the IS-1, IS-2, or American heavy tanks at long ranges, but well-placed shots from close range or sides will do the job; all other medium and light tanks will be history as soon as this shell make a contact with them. This shell, however, will almost always over-penetrate all but the most armoured SPAA vehicles, so it is best to use HE or machine gun fire.
  • PzGr 40 - As the APCR round for the gun, this will give the tank the greater edge needed to take out heavily protected tanks.
  • Hl.Gr. 39 - The HEAT shell is best avoided as it deals less damage than the APBC Shell and has a much lower muzzle velocity, meaning that the gun has to aim ridiculously high for sniping. It also offers less penetration than APBC at all ranges.
  • Pzgr. - This shell is best used in a 0.3 uptier or full down-tier (200 and 220 SP respectively). It has 168 g instead of the 64 g of explosive mass on the Pzgr 39. While its muzzle velocity is slightly higher (810 m/s) the penetration goes down to 153 mm (0 m/0°). The additional explosive mass can help with taking out enemies in a single shot more often but the Pzgr. 39 is usually more than enough to destroy enemies and it offers slightly higher penetration too.
  • Sprgr. L/4.5 - The HE shell is completely ineffective against all but SPAA and the machine gun mounted on the Tiger has proven quite capable of dealing with these. Keep a small supply of this shell on hand if planning to flank the enemy and take out their SPAA or artillery, but avoid them for everything else.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
PzGr 39 APCBC 165 162 151 139 127 117
PzGr 40 APCR 211 207 191 172 155 140
Hl.Gr 39 HEAT 110 110 110 110 110 110
Pzgr. APCBC 153 151 140 128 116 106
Sprgr. L/4.5 HE 18 18 17 15 14 13
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
PzGr 39 APCBC 773 10.2 1.2 14 108.8 48° 63° 71°
PzGr 40 APCR 930 7.3 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Hl.Gr 39 HEAT 600 7.64 0 0.3 1,100 62° 69° 73°
Pzgr. APCBC 810 9.5 1.2 14 215.04 48° 63° 71°
Sprgr. L/4.5 HE 820 9 0.2 0.1 900 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
80 65 (+15) 49 (+31) 33 (+47) 17 (+63) 9 (+71) 1 (+79) No

Notes:

  • As they are modeled by sets of 2, shells disappear from the rack only after you fire both shells in the set.
  • Flank racks empty: 17 (+63) shells.

Machine guns

7.92 mm MG34 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 800 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: MG34 (7.92 mm)
7.92 mm MG34
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,800 (150) 900 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

With this tank, a calm and patient player will be able to rip apart lots of enemies, before being knocked out. The Tiger I P can easily survive a duel with other Henschel Tigers, because its hull armour is much stronger, and they use the same turret, that is rather hard to be penetrated by Short 8.8cm guns they use.

One of the flaws of its armour design is that it cannot be effectively angled AT ALL. Because of its front hull cheeks, that are only 82 mm thick, even the slightest angling makes them very vulnerable to all guns, and to make matters even worse, ammunition is stored right behind them on both sides (unless one carries less ammunition).

The gameplay is very similar to the Tiger E. Avoid direct close range confrontations (although the Porsche can hold its ground a lot better there), where its weak spots can be targeted, or be flanked easily, and rather use its excellent accurate gun to outrange the opponents from afar while using the terrain and various obstacles as cover (Hulldown manoeuvre). Refrain from angling the armour, as opposed to Box-shaped Henschel Tigers, because of the vulnerable front hull cheeks and much thinner side armour. 204 mm of front hull armour can defeat a lot of shells even completely un-angled, and even more at a high distance.

Remember about the high reverse speed (31 km/h), if the situation is becoming dire, try to retreat from it by reversing while still facing the opponents with 200 mm of front armour and dangerous gun.

Lastly, remember that that the Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P's BR is quite high, and it can meet opponents that are almost invulnerable to the 88 mm gun from the front (even when using APCR), and/or can still instantly destroy the Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P with one well-aimed shot.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong frontal armour
  • Low chance of fire from front shots thanks to the rear-mounted transmission
  • Accurate gun for long ranges
  • Has APCR ammunition
  • Reverse speed is just as fast as forward drive
  • Has the reliable Pzgr. round

Cons:

  • Huge, exposed sides due to vehicle length and front hull cheeks are prominent weak points
  • Small weak spot on the hull (machine gun port)
  • Often not enough penetration against higher BR vehicles it faces
  • Mobility and top speed is average, turning the tank bleeds speed quickly
  • Slow turret traverse
  • Gun mantlet presents a big weakness due to some flat areas
  • The 204 mm of frontal armour will not stand against high-powered rounds

History

Development

In 1942, a program to submit a heavy tank design weighing 45 tons mounting the 88 mm KwK 36 cannon derived from the successful 88 mm FlaK gun was launched on May 21. Two companies, Henschel and Porsche were contracted to design the tank hull that could mount the turret designed by Krupp.

Porsche's development for this project was to upgrade their existing VK 30.01 (P) medium tank design, adapting parts from the tank into their new heavy tank. This heavy tank designed by Porsche was designated the VK 45.01 (P) and was powered by twin air-cooled gasoline Porsche Type 101/1 engines that were in the rear of the tank. Each engine drives a separate generator on each side of the tank that would then each power one of the two electric motors for each track. This design resulted in the tank being prone to breakdown due to complexity, high-maintenance, and deficiency in copper quality available for use.

The vehicle was displayed to Hitler on his birthday on April 20, 1942, alongside the Henschel version VK 45.01 (H). Unlike the Henschel variant, which had the turret mounted mid-hull, the Porsche version had the turret mounted far forward on the hull in order to make space for its rear engines and drive system. The tank was then evaluated by a technical committee headed by Albert Speer and it was found that the Henschel design was superior to the Porsche design as it was more mobile, more reliable, and easier to enter production. The Henschel version was accepted into service by the German Wehrmacht and was designated the Tiger I, while the Porsche variant was sidelined. Only five VK 45.01 (P) were produced before its rejection.

Usage

Before even the evaluations began, Porsche was so confident that their design would be chosen that one hundred chassis of the VK 45.01 (P) was already produced. With the Henschel version chosen, the chassis was no longer needed to be made into a tank format, but it would be a waste to simply scrap them. These chassis were converted into casemate structures that could mount the new 88 mm Pak 43 cannon, which was longer and more powerful than the KwK 36 on the Tiger I. This would be called the Ferdinand tank destroyer, later redesignated as the Elefant. Three VK 45.01 (P) was also converted into recovery vehicles designated the Bergepanzer Tiger(P).

Out of the five VK 45.01 (P) produced from its development to its rejection, only one saw service in World War II. The tank had the chassis number 150013 and was converted into a command tank, thus was designated the Panzerbefehlswagen VI (P). As a command tank, the tank would have much more radios than usual to allow for command communication between tank units and headquarters. Another feature on the Panzerbefehlswagen VI (P) was that an extra 100 mm of armour was welded onto the front hull armour, bringing the original 100 mm hull armour to 200 mm effective in thickness. The tank was used by Hauptmann Grillenberg in turret number 003 and the tank saw service on the Eastern Front with the Ferdinand units, serving in Tank Destroyer Battalion 653. It was deployed in April 1944 but was then lost in July of the same year.


Archive of the in-game description

The Tiger Porsche heavy tanks built by Ferdinand Porsche (Nibelungen-Werke) were developed to compete with Erwin Aders's tanks (Henschel), but they essentially lost the competition. Most of the completed bodies equipped with track assembly and engines went toward the construction of the Ferdinand/Elefant tank destroyers.

However, several (at least ten) bodies of the future Porsche tank were built in 1942 and equipped with Krupp turrets. Several of these prototypes underwent testing at the Dyullerskheym training ground in the summer/fall of 1942 and were even used by the 503rd tank battalion as training vehicles.


Media

Images
  • ArtImage Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P.png
Skins
Sights

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Germany heavy tanks
Tiger 1 (Henschel)  Tiger H1 · Tiger E · ␠Tiger
Tiger 1 (Porsche)  VK 45.01 (P) · Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P
Tiger 2  Tiger II (P) · Tiger II (H) · Tiger II (H) Sla.16 · Tiger II (10.5 cm Kw.K)
Super heavy tanks  Maus · E-100
Trophies 
Great Britain  ▀Pz.Kpfw. Churchill
USSR  ▀KV-IB · ▀KW I C 756 (r) · ▀KW II 754 (r)

Germany premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  Pz.II C (DAK) · Pz.Sfl.Ic · Pz.Sp.Wg.P204(f) KwK · Sd.Kfz. 140/1 · Sd.Kfz.234/1 · Ru 251 · SPz 12-3 LGS · TAM 2IP
Medium tanks  Nb.Fz. · Pz.III N · Pz.Bef.Wg.IV J · ▀M4 748 (a) · ▀T 34 747 (r) · Ersatz M10
  mKPz M47 G · Turm III · Leopard A1A1 (L/44) · Leopard 2 (PzBtl 123) · Leopard 2A4M
Heavy tanks  ▀Pz.Kpfw. Churchill · ▀KV-IB · ▀KW I C 756 (r) · ▀KW II 754 (r)
  VK 45.01 (P) · ␠Tiger · Pz.Bef.Wg.VI P · Tiger II (H) Sla.16
Tank destroyers  Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · 15 cm Pz.W.42
  Brummbär · Panzer IV/70(A) · VFW · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1 · Elefant · 38 cm Sturmmörser

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