World of Tanks - FERDINAND
Official German designation: Sturmgeschutz
(StuG) 8.8cm Pak43/2 (Ferdinand/Elefant)
The StuG 8.8cm was based on the unsuccessful Porsche Tiger chassis fitted with
a heavily armored superstructure in the front and a mounted 8,8cm Pak 43/2 L/71
gun.
A total of 90 vehicles were produced; they first saw combat in the Battle of
Kursk (Operation Citadel).
It was built in 1943 under the name Ferdinand, after its designer Ferdinand
Porsche, but was soon renamed. After the Battle of Kursk, the remaining 48
vehicles were pulled out of service and given an overhaul. This included a
ball-mount machine gun in the front along with a commander’s cupola. The name
Elefant was soon decided upon.
The vehicle was received with mixed feelings. It provided good protection with
its thick armor but was severely unreliable in its mechanics due to the use of
non-standard parts.
Nevertheless, the Ferdinand/Elefant might well have been the most successful
tank destroyer employed during the war, with a kills to losses ratio of
approximately 10:1.
Type: Tanks
Period: Second World War
Skill: 3
Model Dim.: 24.2 cm
Box Dim.: 373 x 241 x 60 mm