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| ? | {{:{{PAGENAME}}/Sidebar}} | | + | #REDIRECT[[Tank:G64_Panther_II]] |
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| ? | {{panel title|icon=[[image:Germany-Panther II.png|link=|left]]|rMargin=248px|content= | | + | |
| ? | The Panther II is a [[Germany|German]] tier 8 [[Medium Tanks|medium tank]]. A step-up in the world from the [[PzKpfw V Panther]], it is best to understand you are still in the same role. While being more powerful and maneuverable than the [[PzKpfw V Panther]], a [[M26 Pershing]] will definitely beat you in a close-quarters fight. Knowing this, it is best to take advantage of your long-range [[Gun|accuracy]] and stay just behind, or alongside your team's [[Heavy Tanks|heavies]] to avoid close-quarters combat. If you get in a dogfight, ramming is a viable tactic because of your tank's weight, so you can potentially do a lot of [[Gun|damage]]. Consider this option a last resort however, as your tank is rather slow and unwieldy. A Panther II has a higher profile than its two counterparts, the [[M26 Pershing]] and the [[T-44]], which means you are easier to spot than other [[Medium Tanks|mediums]], so position yourself on the battlefield very carefully. You aren't the fastest [[Medium Tanks|medium]] out there, and moving from position to position leaves you vulnerable. | | + | |
| ? | :The Panther II leads to the [[E-50]]. | | + | |
| ? | }}{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Modules}}{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Equipment}}{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Consumables}} | | + | |
| ? | {{Panel Gallery|Gallery| | | + | |
| ? | [[File:Panther II front view 1.jpg |160px|Panther II front left view]] | | + | |
| ? | [[File:Panther II front view 2.jpg|160px|Panther II front right view]] | | + | |
| ? | [[File:Panther II back view 1.jpg|160px|Panther II back left view]] | | + | |
| ? | [[File:Panther II back view 2.jpg|160px|Panther II back right view]] | | + | |
| ? | }} | | + | |
| ? | {{History|info= | | + | |
| ? | The early impetus for upgrading the Panther came from the concern of Hitler and others that it lacked sufficient armor. Hitler had already insisted on an increase in its armor once, early in its design process in 1942. Discussions involving Hitler in January of 1943 called for further increases in armor, resulting in the tank initially referred to as the Panther 2 (it became the Panther II after April 1943). This upgrade increased the glacis plate to 100 mm (3.9 in), the side armor to 60 mm (2.4 in), and the top armor to 30 mm (1.2 in). Production of the Panther 2 was slated to begin in September 1943. | | + | |
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| ? | In a meeting on February 10, 1943, further design changes were proposed, including changes to the steering gears and final drives. Another meeting on February 17, 1943 focused on sharing and standardizing parts between the Tiger II tank and the Panther 2, such as the transmission, all-steel roadwheels, and running gear. Additional meetings in February began to outline the various components, including use of the 88 mm L/71 KwK 43 gun. In March 1943, MAN indicated that the first prototype would be completed by August 1943. A number of engines were under consideration, among them the new Maybach HL 234 fuel-injected engine (900 hp operated by an 8-speed hydraulic transmission). | | + | |
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| ? | Thus, plans to replace the original Panther design with the Panther II were already underway before the first Panther had even seen combat. But, from May to June 1943, work on the Panther II ceased, as the focus was shifted to expanding production of the original Panther tank. It is not clear if there was ever an official cancellation; this may have been because the Panther II upgrade path was originally started at Hitler's insistence. The direction that the design was headed would not have been consistent with Germany's need for a mass-produced tank, which was the goal of the Reich Ministry of Armament and War Production. | | + | |
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| ? | One Panther II chassis was completed and eventually captured by the U.S. It is now on display at the Patton Museum in Fort Knox. The turret from a Panther (I) Ausf G is mounted on this chassis. | | + | |
| ? | }} | | + | |
| ? | {{Panel Gallery|Historical Gallery| https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Panther_II.Fort_Knox.jpg | | + | |
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| ? | {{Panel content|style=collapsed|title=Sources and External Links|content= | | + | |
| ? | [[File:Panther_II.Fort_Knox.jpg|160px|Panther_II.Fort_Knox.jpg]] | | + | |
| ? | }} | | + | |
| ? | {{German Tanks}} | | + | |
| ? | {{Medium Tanks}} | | + | |
