Ferdinand/Elefant

A concise, visual guide to Porsche's giant tank hunter.

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The Panzerjäger Tiger (P) was a powerful tank destroyer fielded in small numbers by the Wehrmacht. As indicated by the Panzerjäger Tiger (P) name, this series of 90 vehicles was based on an early design of the Panzer VI Tiger tank, specifically the unsuccessful tank design prototype by Ferdinand Porsche. In fact, as initially fielded, the series of giant tank killers was given the name Ferdinand. After disappointing performance at Kursk, the 48 surviving Ferdinands were returned to the factory for rebuilding and modification. Shortly thereafter, the name of the vehicles was changed from Ferdinand to Elefant. Through vintage photos, this new volume illustrates the combat history of both the Ferdinand and Elefant, additionally providing background information illuminating  the development of the ill-fated Porsche Tiger design. The 100 vintage photos are augmented by over 110 full-color photos of the only two surviving examples, illustrating the nuances of the construction and wartime modification of these formidable tank destroyers.