Tank hunter prototype - German Armored Forces & Vehicles | Gallery

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#1

Tank hunter prototype

This prototype vehicle is the Ardelt-Rheinmetall 8.8cm PaK 43 Waffenträger. The idea behind this weapon system was a self-propelled mount for the powerful but heavy 8.8cm antitank gun, as towed versions of this gun were too cumbersome for crews to move readily. The idea was that the gun could be dismounted if need be or used directly from this mobile plaform. Ardelt and Rheinmetall build the first prototype and tests were conducted in April, 1945 but it never saw operational service.

This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.ww2incolor.com/gallery/german-armored-forces-vehicles/46692/tank-hunter-prototype
#2

One of the three competing designs for a leichte waffenträger,
I believe this one was the Rheinmetall-Borsig prototype which according to some sources also had input from Ardelt,

Ardelt built one that was accepted for production and was based on the Panzer 38(t) running gear.

The third prototype was by Krupp Steyr and based on the RSO running gear.

#3
#4

When I first saw this, I was thinking “photoshop.” Very interesting weapon’s platform, bad timing though. :slight_smile: