Difference between revisions of "Elefant"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=germ_panzerjager_tiger_P_elefant
 
|code=germ_panzerjager_tiger_P_elefant
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|market=id50181_elefant_germany
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 gift rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Wind of Change"]] as reward for [[Battle Pass: Season VII, "Armoured Elephant"]].
+
At the conclusion of the Battle of Kursk, the German experience with the [[Ferdinand]] had been disappointing due to the constraints the large and heavy vehicle imposed, as well as desired improvements that needed to be implemented to the design. Recalled back to the factories in January 1944, the Ferdinand underwent design improvements such as the inclusion of a bow machine gun, a commander's cupola, application of ''zimmerit'' and other changes to the armour profile for better blast and shrapnel protection of the engines. These modifications were completed and began to be sent back into combat as early as February. By May 1944, an order was made by German Army High Command that the Ferdinand was to assume the new name "Elefant". The Elefant continued to see use, notably in the Italian Theatre and the Eastern Front, all the way until the Battle of Berlin in 1945.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ([[Abbreviations#.28DE.29_Sd.Kfz._Index|Sd.Kfz. index:]] '''Sd.Kfz. 184''') was introduced during [[Update "Wind of Change"]] as reward for [[Battle Pass: Season VII, "Armoured Elephant"]]. Aside from the addition of the machine gun and cupola, the vehicle is functionally the same as the standard Ferdinand, boasting the long 88 mm PaK 43 cannon to penetrate all types of armour and an impressive 200 mm frontal plate for protection. However, the Elefant is big, heavy, and slow, so being outnumbered by the enemy can quickly lead to a lucky few of them to outflank and destroy the Elefant through its very long side profile, where the armour is thin, or the protruding casemate structure, where the ammunition is stored. However, players maximizing the Elefant's long-range capabilities can quickly lock down a sector of the map from anyone who dares roll into the 88 mm's sight.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 37: Line 40:
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=753|rbMinHp=469}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=888|rbMinHp=553}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 66: Line 69:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:PaK43 (88 mm)/Ammunition|PzGr 39/43, PzGr 40/43, Hl.Gr 39, Sprgr.43}}
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| PzGr 39/43 || APCBC || 237 || 234 || 222 || 207 || 194 || 181
 
|-
 
| PzGr 40/43 || APCR || 279 || 273 || 252 || 227 || 205 || 185
 
|-
 
| Hl.Gr 39 || HEAT || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110
 
|-
 
| Sprgr.43 || HE || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
|-
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
| PzGr 39/43 || APCBC || 1,000 || 10.16 || 1.2 || 14 || 108.8 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
|-
 
| PzGr 40/43 || APCR || 1,130 || 7.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
|-
 
| Hl.Gr 39 || HEAT || 600 || 7.64 || 0 || 0.3 || 1,100 || 62° || 69° || 73°
 
|-
 
| Sprgr.43 || HE || 820 || 9.4 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,000 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Ferdinand.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the [[Ferdinand]] (identical)]]
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.17.0.69''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 118: Line 81:
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
 
! 4th<br>rack empty
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''38''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''38''' || 27&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 15&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 8&nbsp;''(+30)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+37)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 143: Line 104:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
''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).''
+
The Elefant's natural role is as a long-range sniper thanks to its excellent firing range and frontal armour of more than 200 mm. Due to the frontal armour, this tank destroyer should always face the enemy to make use of it. Even though the Elefant is a heavy tank destroyer, it can rapidly drive backwards, which allows it to reposition more quickly than Soviet tank destroyers like the the SU-152 and the ISU-152.
 +
 
 +
In a team, the Elefant acts as a heavy sniper, taking out enemies from afar while being almost immune to any tank shells. However, don't get too close to frontlines, since an enemy tank could slip through and flank the Elefant, which would put it in real danger.
 +
 
 +
Another possibility is as a frontline brawler once most of the enemies have been cleared out. While it is not recommended, with flanking support of allies, the Elefant can venture further into enemy lines and take out everything that comes your way, but still watching for light tanks that will try to exploit the limited gun traverse to hit from the sides.
 +
 
 +
The most dangerous enemies of the Elefant are medium tanks and light tanks which can slip behind the Elefant since the back armour is weak. The Elefant has bad manoeuvrability and turning around is very slow.
 +
 
 +
IS-2 heavy tanks are a real threat to Elefant, as well as TDs of the same rank when firing sideways. Always face your armour frontally and take cover when possible.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 150: Line 119:
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Long 88 mm gun with high penetration
 +
* Good frontal armour
 +
* Good forward and reverse speed
 +
* Defensive MG, great for taking out open-topped vehicles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Casemate layout means, if the tracks are both disabled, or your driver is knocked out, or the engine is disabled, you're easily flanked and destroyed
 +
* Weak side armour
 +
* Defensive MG has a limited traverse: it can only target enemies in the front
 +
* Rifle-calibre MG is only useful for taking out open-topped vehicles or pinging targets
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
''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).''
+
The history of the Elefant begins with the program to develop the Tiger 1, both Porsche and Henschel would compete and submit designs for trials, where eventually one would be chosen for production. Porsche's design was the infamous [[VK 45.01 (P)]], a design riddled with mechanical issues apparent even during the trials, while Henschel's design was the VK 45.01 (H) which would ultimately end up being chosen and would enter production as the Tiger H1.
 +
 
 +
Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the company Porsche was far too confident in his VK design, so much so that even before the trials for the Tiger had begun he had created 90 VK hulls. It was decided that these would not go to waste, and a majority were turned into the casemate assault gun known as the Ferdinand, which would mount the long 88. cm gun eventually seen in vehicles such as the Tiger II (H), Nashorn or Jagdpanther; while 1 of the VK hulls would become the Panzerbefehlswagen VI (P).
 +
 
 +
The Ferdinand tank destroyer would first see service during Operation Citadel, specifically during the battle of Kursk to mixed results. The aforementioned mechanical problems would plague it during the battle; however when used in its intended role, the Ferdinand would be quite successful.
 +
 
 +
Following the battle, the remaining Ferdinands would be sent back to Germany for repairs and modifications. Here is where the Elefant was born. Additional frontal armor, a hull mounted machine gun for self-defense purposes and a commander's cupola taken from a StuG III G would be the new additions to the vehicle, before it was sent to Italy, with disastrous results.
 +
 
 +
Little is known about the Elefant's service following this, however at least two individuals survived to take part in the Battle of Berlin, but their ultimate fate remains unknown.
 +
 
 +
One Elefant remains, formerly part of an exhibit in the Bovington Tank Museum it is now in storage in Fort Lee VA.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_panzerjager_tiger_P_elefant Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|5E2X7q_tIgM|'''The Shooting Range #306''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:52 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|IfxpIFoBLoc|'''Battle Pass: Armoured Elephant''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 02:35 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 167: Line 160:
 
* ''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.'' -->
''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;''
+
* [[Ferdinand]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 175: Line 167:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/7659-development-battle-pass-vehicles-spg-elefant-en|[Devblog] Battle Pass vehicles: SPG Elefant]]
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}
 
{{Germany tank destroyers}}
 
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Germany premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 15:37, 21 October 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
Elefant
germ_panzerjager_tiger_p_elefant.png
GarageImage Elefant.jpg
ArtImage Elefant.jpg
Elefant
Show in game
MARKET

Description

At the conclusion of the Battle of Kursk, the German experience with the Ferdinand had been disappointing due to the constraints the large and heavy vehicle imposed, as well as desired improvements that needed to be implemented to the design. Recalled back to the factories in January 1944, the Ferdinand underwent design improvements such as the inclusion of a bow machine gun, a commander's cupola, application of zimmerit and other changes to the armour profile for better blast and shrapnel protection of the engines. These modifications were completed and began to be sent back into combat as early as February. By May 1944, an order was made by German Army High Command that the Ferdinand was to assume the new name "Elefant". The Elefant continued to see use, notably in the Italian Theatre and the Eastern Front, all the way until the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

The Panzerjäger Tiger (P) Elefant (Sd.Kfz. index: Sd.Kfz. 184) was introduced during Update "Wind of Change" as reward for Battle Pass: Season VII, "Armoured Elephant". Aside from the addition of the machine gun and cupola, the vehicle is functionally the same as the standard Ferdinand, boasting the long 88 mm PaK 43 cannon to penetrate all types of armour and an impressive 200 mm frontal plate for protection. However, the Elefant is big, heavy, and slow, so being outnumbered by the enemy can quickly lead to a lucky few of them to outflank and destroy the Elefant through its very long side profile, where the armour is thin, or the protruding casemate structure, where the ammunition is stored. However, players maximizing the Elefant's long-range capabilities can quickly lock down a sector of the map from anyone who dares roll into the 88 mm's sight.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull200 / 80 / 80
Turret200 / 80 / 80
Crew6 people
Visibility120 %

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.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom
___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet
___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Reverse gearbox
Forward and backward movement is possible at the same maximum speed
Speedforward / back
AB33 / 33 km/h
RB and SB31 / 31 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
6 back
Weight65.0 t
Engine power
AB1 192 hp
RB and SB625 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB18.3 hp/t
RB and SB9.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 33 33 65 888 1,192 13.66 18.34
Realistic 31 31 553 625 8.51 9.62

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 998 Sl icon.png
RB3 097 Sl icon.png
SB4 234 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts340 000 Sl icon.png
Aces890 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 180 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 140 / 210 / 250 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 184 / 184 / 184 % 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 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

Ammunition38 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-8° / 14°
Horizontal guidance-14° / 14°
Main article: PaK43 (88 mm)
88 mm PaK43 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 38 -8°/+14° ±14° N/A 7.0 9.7 11.8 13.1 13.9 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 4.8 5.6 6.8 7.5 8.0

Ammunition

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 39/43 APCBC 237 234 222 207 193 180
PzGr 40/43 APCR 279 273 252 227 205 185
Hl.Gr 39 HEAT 110 110 110 110 110 110
Sprgr.43 HE 19 19 17 16 14 14
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 39/43 APCBC 1,000 10.16 1.2 14 108.8 48° 63° 71°
PzGr 40/43 APCR 1,130 7.3 - - - 66° 70° 72°
Hl.Gr 39 HEAT 600 7.64 0 0.3 1,100 62° 69° 73°
Sprgr.43 HE 820 9.4 0.2 0.1 1,000 79° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Ferdinand (identical)
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
38 27 (+11) 15 (+23) (+30) (+37) No

Machine guns

Ammunition600 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
Hull 600 (150) 900 -5°/+10° -10°/+5°

Usage in battles

The Elefant's natural role is as a long-range sniper thanks to its excellent firing range and frontal armour of more than 200 mm. Due to the frontal armour, this tank destroyer should always face the enemy to make use of it. Even though the Elefant is a heavy tank destroyer, it can rapidly drive backwards, which allows it to reposition more quickly than Soviet tank destroyers like the the SU-152 and the ISU-152.

In a team, the Elefant acts as a heavy sniper, taking out enemies from afar while being almost immune to any tank shells. However, don't get too close to frontlines, since an enemy tank could slip through and flank the Elefant, which would put it in real danger.

Another possibility is as a frontline brawler once most of the enemies have been cleared out. While it is not recommended, with flanking support of allies, the Elefant can venture further into enemy lines and take out everything that comes your way, but still watching for light tanks that will try to exploit the limited gun traverse to hit from the sides.

The most dangerous enemies of the Elefant are medium tanks and light tanks which can slip behind the Elefant since the back armour is weak. The Elefant has bad manoeuvrability and turning around is very slow.

IS-2 heavy tanks are a real threat to Elefant, as well as TDs of the same rank when firing sideways. Always face your armour frontally and take cover when possible.

Pros and cons

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:

  • Long 88 mm gun with high penetration
  • Good frontal armour
  • Good forward and reverse speed
  • Defensive MG, great for taking out open-topped vehicles

Cons:

  • Casemate layout means, if the tracks are both disabled, or your driver is knocked out, or the engine is disabled, you're easily flanked and destroyed
  • Weak side armour
  • Defensive MG has a limited traverse: it can only target enemies in the front
  • Rifle-calibre MG is only useful for taking out open-topped vehicles or pinging targets

History

The history of the Elefant begins with the program to develop the Tiger 1, both Porsche and Henschel would compete and submit designs for trials, where eventually one would be chosen for production. Porsche's design was the infamous VK 45.01 (P), a design riddled with mechanical issues apparent even during the trials, while Henschel's design was the VK 45.01 (H) which would ultimately end up being chosen and would enter production as the Tiger H1.

Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the company Porsche was far too confident in his VK design, so much so that even before the trials for the Tiger had begun he had created 90 VK hulls. It was decided that these would not go to waste, and a majority were turned into the casemate assault gun known as the Ferdinand, which would mount the long 88. cm gun eventually seen in vehicles such as the Tiger II (H), Nashorn or Jagdpanther; while 1 of the VK hulls would become the Panzerbefehlswagen VI (P).

The Ferdinand tank destroyer would first see service during Operation Citadel, specifically during the battle of Kursk to mixed results. The aforementioned mechanical problems would plague it during the battle; however when used in its intended role, the Ferdinand would be quite successful.

Following the battle, the remaining Ferdinands would be sent back to Germany for repairs and modifications. Here is where the Elefant was born. Additional frontal armor, a hull mounted machine gun for self-defense purposes and a commander's cupola taken from a StuG III G would be the new additions to the vehicle, before it was sent to Italy, with disastrous results.

Little is known about the Elefant's service following this, however at least two individuals survived to take part in the Battle of Berlin, but their ultimate fate remains unknown.

One Elefant remains, formerly part of an exhibit in the Bovington Tank Museum it is now in storage in Fort Lee VA.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

External links


Germany tank destroyers
Pz. I Derivatives  Panzerjäger I
Pz. II Derivatives  15cm sIG 33 B Sfl
Pz. 38(t) Derivatives  Marder III · Marder III H · Jagdpanzer 38(t)
Pz. III Derivatives  StuG III A · StuG III F · StuG III G · StuH 42 G
Pz. IV Derivatives  Jagdpanzer IV · Panzer IV/70(A) · Panzer IV/70(V) · Dicker Max · Nashorn · Brummbär · VFW
Pz. V Derivatives  Jagdpanther G1 · Bfw. Jagdpanther G1
Pz. VI Derivatives  Sturer Emil · Elefant · Ferdinand · 38 cm Sturmmörser · Jagdtiger
Wheeled/Half-track  8,8 cm Flak 37 Sfl. · Sd.Kfz.251/9 · Sd.Kfz.251/10 · Sd.Kfz.251/22 · Sd.Kfz.234/3 · Sd.Kfz.234/4 · 15 cm Pz.W.42
ATGM Carrier  RakJPz 2 · RakJPz 2 (HOT) · Wiesel 1A2
Other  Waffenträger · M109G · JPz 4-5 · Raketenautomat · VT1-2

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