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Based on the demand of the troop for a heavy assault gun armed with a 12.8 cm gun, the Panzerjäger Tiger (m. 12,8 cm Pak 80 L/55) (Sd. Kfz. 186) was developed beginning in 1943. It was also designated Jagdtiger. In February 1944, the first two prototypes were finished. The first vehicle had a track drive assembly designed by Porsche, the second vehicle had the standard track drive assembly of the Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B. Serial production started in July 1944 with the track drive assembly constructed by Porsche. Only 11 Jagdtiger were finished with this Porschelaufwerk.
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Beginning in September 1944, the standard Henschellaufwerk was used. The exact number of finished Jagdtiger is unclear. Most probably 84 (Fgst. 305083 today in Kubinka) vehicles were made. Allegedly four of these vehicles were armed with the 8,8 cm Pak L/71 without gun sights. Most probably, the few Jagdtiger finished in May 1945 were blown up in the Nibelungenwerk. (Photo: NARA)
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