TANKS IN DETAIL 5: PZKPFW VI AUSF E & B PANZER VI TIGER I & II. This item is unavailable.TANKS IN DETAIL 5: PZKPFW VI AUSF E & B PANZER VI TIGER I & II

First edition softback of no 5 in the Tanks in Detail series, 96 pages packed with photographic illustrations of the German Tiger Tanks of WWII. Ink name blacked out on half title page but near fine otherwise. ISBN: 0-7110-2984-9

In May 1941, the German Army commissioned the design of a new medium tank, with the prototype to be ready for trials on Hitler's birthday - 20 April 1942. The companies chosen were Porsche (VK4501P0) and Henschel (VK4501H) and during trials it became obvious that the Henschel model was far superior and was subsequently selected for production. Designated Panzerkampfwagen VI, Tiger I, and fitted with a very powerful 88mm KwK36 L/56 gun, it became the most feared tank on the battlefield. A total of 1,348 were produced by Henschel from July 1942 until August 1944. A few were converted to Befelswagen (command tanks). Another version built was the 65-ton Sturmorser-Tiger, a heavy assault howitzer, but by 1945 only 18 had been completed. The later model Tiger II was fitted with a smooth streamlined turret and an even more powerful 88mm KwK L/71 gun (probably the best tank gun of the war). This massive tank was known to Allied troops as the King or Royal Tiger after the Germans nicknamed it Koenigs Tiger. A few were converted to command tanks. During the production period, January 1944 to March 1945, a total of 377 Tiger IIs were completed.

Designed with the modeller, preservationist and the wargamer in mind, Ian Allan Publishing's new 'In Detail' series will provide readers with a comprehensive history of the type of tank, self-propelled gun or military transport featured. Each volume will include extensive facts about the unit in service, along with information on variants, markings, unit allocations etc. Alongside the comprehensive illustrative section, which will include detailed shots of models in colour, the books will also include scale drawings and comprehensive guidance notes on camouflage.