Jagdpanzer - Deutschland: Bücher - Geschichte (3/3)

This volume in the Spielberger series presents the Wehrmacht's heavy tank destroyers: Ferdinand, Jagdpanther and Jagdtiger with previously unpublished photos and action reports.

This book covers the development and use of the Jagdpanzer armored fighting vehicles, including the Jagdpanzer IV and Jagdpanther.

By 1944, the evolution of armoured doctrine had produced very different outcomes in Britain and Germany. Offering a good balance of speed, protection and firepower, the British Cromwell tank was much faster than its German opponent, but the Jagdpanzer IV tank destroyer had a high-velocity main gun and a lower profile that made it formidable on the defensive, especially in ambush situations.

The two types would fight in a series of bloody encounters, from the initial days of the struggle for Normandy through to its climax as the Allies sought to trap their opponents in the Falaise Pocket.

Using archive photographs, specially commissioned artwork and battle reports, this fascinating study expertly assesses the realities of tactical armoured combat during the desperate battles after D-Day.

The Panzerjäger Tiger (P) emerged as a formidable tank destroyer, deployed in limited numbers by the Wehrmacht. Originating from an early design of the Panzer VI Tiger tank, particularly the prototype by Ferdinand Porsche, this series of 90 vehicles, initially named Ferdinand, underwent a transformation after underwhelming performance at Kursk. Following rebuilding and modification, the surviving 48 units were rebranded as Elefant.

This volume chronicles the combat history of both the Ferdinand and Elefant through vintage photos. It also delves into the background of the ill-fated Porsche Tiger design.
The publication features 100 vintage photos and over 110 full-color images of the only two surviving examples, offering detailed insights into the construction and wartime adaptations of these potent tank destroyers.

The two volume study of Germany's heaviest Jagdpanzer (tank destroyer) is the result of nearly twenty years of exhaustive research.
This volume one, Technical History, presents a well-structured and highly detailed technical analysis of this complex tank destroyer.
Using manufacturer's documentation, drawings, and photographs combined with Intelligence analysis, this work details the origin, design, construction and assembly of the vehicle. The armor, armaments, engine, transmission, suspension systems, electrical and optical equipment, together with the operation and maintenance procedures are included to complete this definitive analysis.