Panther F, Berlin 1945
1/72 Scale Model Tank
Among all variants of the Panther Tank, the Panther Ausf F is certainly the most rare and mysterious.
Design work on the Panther II, or Ausf. F, began in February 1943. The main aim was to secure maximum interchangeability of parts with the Tiger II heavy tank in order to ease manufacturing. The Panther II had a hull similar to the Tiger, although with increased side armour, and also shared identical wheels, track, suspension and brakes. The major change was a new, narrow turret, sometimes called the Panzerturm Schmal (Schmalturm turret). Compared to the original, this turret was lighter, had a reduced frontage, could take a larger gun, and was quicker to build. It also fitted the same turret ring and had thicker armor. It included a stereoscopic rangefinder and gyrostabiliser and could fit the L/70, L/100 guns or even the same 88mm gun as the Tiger II. An upgraded engine was also included. The failing economic situation in Germany at the end of the war halted Panther II production at the prototype stage.
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