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Description
A VK30.02(DB) how it may have appeared in service in Northern Italy, 1945.

Daimler Benz’s submission for the VK30 project, which would eventually become the Panther. There were four companies that entered the competition to design a new, heavy medium tank to match the new Soviet T-34, Henschel, Porsche, MAN, and Daimler Benz. Henschel’s design was already outdated, resembling an oversized Panzer IV, having a short 7.5 cm (2.95 in) KwK 37 L/24. Porsche’s design, the Typ 100 Leopard (not to be confused with the VK16.02), was designed in tandem with the VK45.01 Tiger (P), but was dropped as the Tiger program took off. MAN and Daimler’s VK30.01s were the true contenders, and both were ordered to make a second, improved model. MAN’s design won the competition, and was hurried into production as the Panther Ausf.D; even though Albert Speer preferred Daimler’s design.

The Daimler Benz VK30.02 was a nimble and fast medium tank project at 35 tons, with roughly the same weight size and mobility as the T-34, but with a far better gun and optics. The first design version incorporated well-tested and less labor-intensive solutions, like leaf spring suspensions combined with doubled small roadwheels and return rollers. It was to be propelled by a Daimler Benz diesel engine, with the drive sprockets at the rear.

The Daimler VK30.02 could have been substantially cheaper to produce as well, perhaps enough to see 8-9,000 in service instead of the 6300 Panthers eventually produced by MAN’s factory. The MAN design, however, had a roomier turret, and more modern suspension, with larger tracks and fared better on soft ground. In addition, it was propelled by the same engine as the Tiger, with standardization helping both to ease production and maintenance. In March 1942, after intensive trials, the Daimler-Benz design was rejected and the MAN project was chosen instead.

Idea is Not Mine !

Description
A VK30.02(DB) how it may have appeared in service in Northern Italy, 1945.

Daimler Benz’s submission for the VK30 project, which would eventually become the Panther. There were four companies that entered the competition to design a new, heavy medium tank to match the new Soviet T-34, Henschel, Porsche, MAN, and Daimler Benz. Henschel’s design was already outdated, resembling an oversized Panzer IV, having a short 7.5 cm (2.95 in) KwK 37 L/24. Porsche’s design, the Typ 100 Leopard (not to be confused with the VK16.02), was designed in tandem with the VK45.01 Tiger (P), but was dropped as the Tiger program took off. MAN and Daimler’s VK30.01s were the true contenders, and both were ordered to make a second, improved model. MAN’s design won the competition, and was hurried into production as the Panther Ausf.D; even though Albert Speer preferred Daimler’s design.

The Daimler Benz VK30.02 was a nimble and fast medium tank project at 35 tons, with roughly the same weight size and mobility as the T-34, but with a far better gun and optics. The first design version incorporated well-tested and less labor-intensive solutions, like leaf spring suspensions combined with doubled small roadwheels and return rollers. It was to be propelled by a Daimler Benz diesel engine, with the drive sprockets at the rear.

The Daimler VK30.02 could have been substantially cheaper to produce as well, perhaps enough to see 8-9,000 in service instead of the 6300 Panthers eventually produced by MAN’s factory. The MAN design, however, had a roomier turret, and more modern suspension, with larger tracks and fared better on soft ground. In addition, it was propelled by the same engine as the Tiger, with standardization helping both to ease production and maintenance. In March 1942, after intensive trials, the Daimler-Benz design was rejected and the MAN project was chosen instead.

Idea is Not Mine !