Pzkpfw VI Ausf E & B: Panzer VI Tiger I & II (Tanks in Detail 5)

In May 1941, the German Army commissioned the design of a new medium tank, with the prototype to be ready for trials on Hitler's birthday - 20 April 1942. The companies chosen were Porsche (VK4501P0 and Henschel (VK4501H) and during trials it became obvious that the Henschel model was far superior and was subsequently selected for production. Designated Panzerkampfwagen VI, Tiger I, and fitted with a very powerful 88 mm KwK36 L/56 gun, it became the most feared tank on the battlefield. A total of 1,348 were produced by Henschel from July 1942 until August 1944. A few were converted to Befelswagen (command tanks). Another version built was the 65-ton Sturm÷rser-Tiger, a heavy assault howitzer, but by 1945 only 18 had been completed. The later model Tiger II was fitted with a smooth streamlined turret and an even more powerful 88 mm KwK L/71 gun (probably the best tank gun of the war). This massive tank was known to Allied troops as the King or Royal Tiger after the Germans nicknamed it K÷enigs Tiger. A few were converted to command tanks. During the production period, January 1944 to March 1945, a total of 377 Tiger IIs were completed. Designed with the modeler, preservationist and the wargamer in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'in Detail' series is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive history of the type of tank, self-propelled propelled gun and military transport featured. Each volume will include detailed history of the unit in service, along with information on variants, markings, unit allocations, etc. Alongside the comprehensive illustrative section, which will include detailed shots of models in color, the books will also include scale drawings and comprehensive guidance notes on camouflage. With interest in all forms of military equipment from World War 2 increasing; this new series from Ian Allan Publishing comes at an appropriate time. It will be much sought after historians, modelers and war gamers alike.