Jagdpanzer V Jagdpanther (Hunting Panther), SdKfz 173

The Jagdpanther was, like its tank cousin, arguably the best of its kind. It was a result of the Army's specification for a more powerful tank hunter than those serving in 1943 in Russia. The first prototype was built in October 1943, and entered production in February 1944. The Jagdpanther had a fixed armored superstructure on top of the hull and chassis of the PzKpfw V and mounted the dreaded 88mm PaK 43 anti-tank gun. The vehicle's profile had very clean lines and well-sloped armor plates, making it virtually invulnerable frontally to almost all anti-tank guns, even though it was weaker in the rear. Its high-velocity gun could destroy any armored fighting vehicle at all practical combat ranges. The crews appreciated its good mobility and spacious interior, in addition to the firepower and protection. However, only 382 were built due to Allied bombing.

Click on one of the thumbnails below to view the full picture.
	Technical data and/or diagram of Jagdpanzer V Jagdpanther.
	Jagdpanther of schwere Panzer Abteilung 654 at Mailly-le-Camp, 1944.
	The crew attending to a Jagdpanther.
	A Jagdpanther at Mailly-le-Camp in 1944.

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