Panzer VI Ausf. B "Konigstiger" tank brick model

The Panzer VI Ausf. B, better known as the "Königstiger" or "King Tiger," was one of the most powerful tanks fielded during World War II. Introduced in late 1944, the King Tiger represented the pinnacle of German armoured vehicle design during the conflict. It combined the thick armour of the Tiger I with the sloped armour of the Panther series, making it nearly impervious to Allied anti-tank weaponry of the time.

The King Tiger was equipped with the formidable 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 anti-tank gun, capable of defeating any Allied armour from considerable distances. This heavy tank weighed about 68 tons and was powered by a Maybach HL230 P30 engine, although its massive weight and powerful armament came at the cost of mechanical reliability and fuel efficiency.

Despite its impressive design, the King Tiger was plagued by mechanical failures and logistical challenges, which limited its effectiveness. With a production total of only 492 units, its impact on the war was less significant than its technological marvel suggested. The King Tiger saw action on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, including in the Battle of the Bulge and the defense of Germany in 1945. Post-war, it became a symbol of the technological extremes of World War II armoured warfare.