An ingenious usage of an outdated chassis, the Hetzer was derived from the Czech Panzerkampfwagen 38. The Pzkpfw. 38 was a somewhat decent tank used by the Germans at the very beginning of the war. It was outclassed soon after by the Allied tanks. Later in the war, the Germans put these old tanks to use by converting them to tank destroyers. Armed with a 75mm gun, they were a highly efficient way to take out armour. They were small, quick, and adequately protected. Sloped armour was a great improvement. Many were bought by the Swiss government after the war and were put into service.