German WW2 era Heavy Tank Destroyer
Official designation:- Sd.Kfz.184 Panzerjäger Tiger (P)
Manufacturer:- Porsche GmbH
Built:- March 1943 to May 1943, converted November 1943
Total Production:- 91
Main Armament:- 88mm Pak 43/2 L/71 (StuK 43/1)
The Elefant was built as the Ferdinand in mid1943, using the spare hulls left over from Porsches unsuccessful Tiger Heavy Tank design which was cancelled in favour of the Henschel design. After the Battle of Kursk the 48 surviving Ferdinands were returned to Porsche and modified with increased armour, a commander cupola and the application of Zimmerit paste, among other updates. After this the type was renamed as the ‘Elefant’. They served until the end of the war, seeing action in Italy, Poland and finally in the Battle for Berlin.
Only two now survive, this example was captured by Soviet forces at Kursk and taken to Kubinka for testing. Restored to an original colour scheme, it is now on display in Hall 10 of the Patriot Museum Complex.
Park Patriot, Kubinka, Moscow Oblast, Russia.