The German Jagdpanther is a notable World War II tank destroyer built on the Panther tank chassis, praised for its combination of firepower and protection. This late variant mounts the Pak43/3, L71 88mm gun within a box-shaped superstructure, fitted with 80mm frontal plates and 50mm angled side armor. The mantlet, nicknamed "Saukopf", is about 100mm thick, offering extra frontal defence.
Driven by a Maybach V12, the Jagdpanther weighed around 46 tons and struck a balance between mobility and armour. Production began in January 1944 at the MIAG company, and field reports led to progressive upgrades, including larger idler wheels and improved crew compartment heating on later builds. Its combat debut came during the Normandy campaign in June 1944, and total production reached 415 vehicles by April 1945.
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