The German Jagdtiger (Sd.Kfz. 186) with Henschel suspension was the heaviest operational armoured fighting vehicle of World War II, designed as a massive tank destroyer built on an extended Tiger II chassis. Introduced in late 1944, it mounted the formidable 12.8cm Pak 44 L/55 gun—the most powerful anti-tank weapon ever fitted to a wartime AFV—capable of destroying any Allied tank at extreme ranges. The Henschel-suspension version, which made up the majority of production, used torsion bars similar to those of the Tiger II, offering better reliability than the alternative Porsche suspension. Armour protection was enormous, with a 250mm thick casemate front, making the Jagdtiger nearly impervious to frontal fire.
 
However, its immense weight of nearly 75 tonnes caused frequent mechanical breakdowns, slow mobility, and significant fuel consumption—serious drawbacks during Germany’s collapsing logistics in 1945. Despite these issues, the Jagdtiger was deadly when used defensively, especially in ambush positions where its gun and armour gave it unmatched battlefield dominance. It saw limited action with Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilungen 512 and 653 on both Western and Eastern Fronts in the final months of the war. Though produced in small numbers, the Henschel-suspension Jagdtiger remains one of the most iconic examples of late-war German heavy armour—impressively powerful, but ultimately too heavy, complex, and resource-intensive to change Germany’s fate.
 
Multi part resin model.
 
Printed by Imperator Models on License from Wargame 3D.