German WW2 era Heavy Tank Official designation:- Sd.Kfz.181 Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger Ausf E Manufacturer:- Henschel Built:- 1942 to 1944 Total Production:- 1,347 Main Armament:- 88mm KwK 36 L/56 One of the most well-known tanks of all time, the Tiger I was the first German tank to have the 88mm KwK 36 gun. It was originally designed as an offensive breakthrough weapon, but by 1942 when it entered active service the situation required it to be used as a mobile anti-tank weapon, for infantry support, or as a defensive weapon. Although feared, they were over engineered and production was expensive and complicated. A Tiger cost more than four StuG III tank destoyers. Tigers initially suffering with track failures and breakdowns, partly due to their weight and they also had a limited range due to heavy fuel consumption. The Tiger first saw action at Leningrad in September 1942, later joining the North African campaign in Tunisia during December 1942. They also served in Italy, Sicily, in Normandy and on the Eastern Front and they remained in use until the end of the war. Until mid-1944 there were no Allied tanks which could successfully engage a Tiger, before the appearance of the Sherman Firefly, T-34/85 and IS-2. Only seven examples of the Tiger 1 survive. This one has recently been repainted into an accurate colour scheme and markings. It is on display in Hall 10 of the Patriot Museum Complex. Park Patriot, Kubinka, Moscow Oblast, Russia.