Trumpeter | 07292 | King tiger (Porsche Turret) with Zimmerit | 1:72

Plastic model kit, glue and paint are not included.

History

The Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger II Ausf. B, also known as the King Tiger (Sd.Kfz. 182, VK 4503(H)), was the most powerful German heavy tank of World War II. Entering service in 1944, it combined the formidable 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun with exceptionally thick sloped armor, up to 185 mm at the front, making it nearly invulnerable to most Allied tank and anti-tank weapons.

Development of the Tiger II began in 1942 as a successor to the Tiger I, with design work carried out by Henschel and Krupp. In January 1943, Adolf Hitler ordered the new tank to be equipped with the long 88 mm gun and heavy frontal and side armor. Production ran from 1944 to 1945, with about 489 units built. Despite its unmatched firepower and protection, the Tiger II suffered from mechanical problems, high fuel consumption, and logistical difficulties due to its massive weight of nearly 70 tons.