D.M.L. DRAGON

SERIES – Armor

DRR 60111 - Jagdtiger (Porsche Version),Sd. Kfz. 196 w/Zimmerit coating

sPzJgAbt 653 Alsace 1945

1:72 Scale, Box Size: 7.2"x3.1"x3.7"; model aprx size L 4 ¼” (5 ¾” w/gun), W 2 1/8” **

RELEASED: 2005

CONDITION: stock, as issued

”Dragon 1/72 Armor (by Dragon Models) – This line features static pre-assembled, pre-painted models made of both diecast and plastic. Each item is fully detailed and historically accurate.

Features:
- completely new-tooled
- true-scale model of the Jagtiger (Porsche Version)
- Historically accurate three-tone camouflage
- die cast upper hull
- Detailed and weathered track links
- display case

About the Jagdtiger (Hunting Tiger):
The German Jagdtiger (SdKfz 186) "Hunting Tiger" was a tank destroyer made on the slightly extended chassis of the Tiger II "King Tiger". It featured very heavy armor and a powerful 128mm L/55 PaK44 gun capable of defeating any tank fielded in WW2, even at long ranges. It had 250mm armor on the front glacis, which made it practically invulnerable to any frontal fire. However, the Jagdtiger had no turret, and the main gun had a limited traverse of only 10 degrees, meaning the entire vehicle had to turn to aim at enemy tanks. It suffered from the same maladies as the King Tiger: an underpowered engine, frequent breakdowns, and poor maneuverability. These problems, along with the lack of a turret, made it extremely vulnerable to infantry with anti-tank weapons. Still, when properly supported, the Jagdtiger was an extremely formidable opponent.”***

This seventy tons beast has other designation: Jagdpanzer VI, Pz Jag Tiger, 12.8cm PaK44 auf Pz Jag, Tiger Sd.Kfz.186. and was the most powerful tank destroyer of the WW II.  In early 1943 the orders were given to design a heavy, self-propelled anti-tank gun armed with 12.8cm gun mounted on King Tiger chassis, which was extended for 260mm.  Prototypes were ready in spring 1944.  Though with the same designation production models had two different suspension types one designed by Porsche (P) other by Henschel (H).  Visually it could be easily recognized by road wheels type and number.  Porsche type had 8 700mm in diameter road wheels while Henschel type had 9 800mm in diameter road wheels of the same type as on late production Tiger I and King Tiger.  According to some sources original two prototypes were built with (P) type and was found unsatisfactory so Henschel redesign the suspension and 77 units were produced from July 1944 to March 1945 with only two prototypes with P suspension were produced.  Other sources say that two original prototypes were built with different suspension H and P and production counts for 74 units with (H) suspension and 11 with (P) suspension, which were produced from February to September 1944.  They say that (P) type was much more easier and faster to built one (also much less expensive) compare to (H) type.  In October 1944 150 units were ordered but production priority was originally given to Jagdpanther, by the January 1945 the priority had been revised but by that time German industries simply was unable to produce sufficient quantity.   There were three major projects for the Jagdtiger variants.  All three propositions included alternative armament.  In April 1945 four units armed with 8.8cm L/71 were produced and were designated as Panzerjager Tiger (SdKfz185).  Two other were never materialized.    Krupp proposed longer barrel (L/66) 12.8cm gun, and a flame-thrower variant.

It was armed with 12.8cm L/55 gun fired two-piece rounds handled by two loaders (so the crew was of 6 men) and was arguably the most powerful anti-tanks gun of WW II (the super heavy tank prototype Maus was armed with the same gun).  The maximum range for the gun was 22,410m / 13.55miles.  According to the US Army test the frontal armor of the US heavy tank – M26 General Pershing was penetrated at 2,100m / 1.27miles.

Though virtually invisible for most Allie tanks it was the biggest enemy of its own.  It was even more underpowered than King Tiger (70600 kg (H) and 68800kg (P) with 700hp engine).  The stress on the engine and transmission was much greater not only because the total weight increase but also even worst because it fixed gun (w/only 10 degree of traverse) often required to move the whole tank (SPG) in order to aim at an enemy.  Overstressed engine, clutch, gearbox and suspension were subjects to constant failure. It also had extremely high appetite for a fuel.   Most units were destroyed or abandoned by Germans due to these reasons.

Only two combat units were equipped with the Jagdtiger (sPzJdAbt 653 and sPzJdAbt 512).  653^rd participated in Ardennes Offensive / The Battle of Bulge.   And later along with 512^th participated in the defense of Germany on both fronts.  However, according to some sources in April/May 1945 4 to 6 Jagdtigers were issued to sSSPzAbt 501 (101) though originally Hitler prohibited to issue any Jagdtigers to Tiger battalions.

Though it was unmaneuverable and unreliable this tank killer was a deadly beast when used as a defense weapon and no Allie attacking tanks had a chance to survive in case if such weapon was properly positioned.

Zimmerit paste coating was used as an effective protection against magnetic mines installed by the allies anti tank infantry teams.  Developed by Zimmerit Company was in use 1943 until late 1944.  It also improved camouflage of a vehicle due to its uneven surface and reduced light reflection.

**Age over 14 collectable item.