The Panther’s main armament was a high velocity, smooth bore 75 mm cannon. It was one of the most effective and superb guns in the history of warfare. Specifically, this gun was more than 17  1/2 feet in length, making it an astounding 71 calibers larger and longer than an M4 Sherman or Soviet T 34/76. This gave the Panther an incredible advantage in a shoot out against any Allied tank or tank destroyer of the Second World War. Also, German engineers supplemented the torque within the firing mechanism, and put a larger fuse on the Panther’s shells. So, technically, the Panther’s main gun was even more powerful and destructive than that of the Tiger I, and had a superior muzzle velocity as well. All of this innovative thinking, allowed the Panther to destroy enemy tanks, and/or completely penetrate more than 4 inches of solid steel at the phenomenal range of more than 1.3 miles!

In addition, a little known fact about the German Panther was that it actually carried three different types of ammunition for its main gun. The longest type was primarily used for dealing with enemy tanks at long range, while the second and third types were designed to deal with enemy tanks during short range fire fights and enemy fortifications respectively. All told, the Panther roared into battle with at least 81 rounds of ammunition for its main gun; and sometimes as much as 100 rounds. Most importantly, despite all of these technological innovations, the Panther actually cost less to manufacture than the Tiger I did.

The Panther also had several other characteristics that made it a first class fighting machine. They were: excellent fuel efficiency [Twice that of a Tiger I], excellent maneuverability [It could spin around in a complete circle while firing its main gun], a double torsion bar suspension system, two MG 34 medium machine guns for secondary killing power [One was mounted on the left side of the hull {if facing the tank}, while the other was mounted on the left side {Once again if facing the tank} of the main gun mantel; with 5100 rounds for each gun].

The Panther also displayed an impressive top speed of 34.2 miles per hour over a good road, and could clear obstacles almost 20 degrees steeper than an American Sherman could. In addition to this, the latest model Panthers [The G and H versions] were equipped with night vision infrared optics for the driver, commander, and main gunner. This was truly a tchnological achievement of monumental proportions. It actually allowed the Panther’s crew to see about 200 feet ahead of them in total darkness, as if it were daylight. Post World War Two tanks did not even possess this feature until the mid to late 1950’s.! All told, the Germans would manufacture 6009 Panthers right up until the end of the war in Europe.

Without a doubt, the German Panther Tank was a very worthy companion to the Tiger I. Its classic blend of speed, maneuverability, fuel efficiency, firepower, and armor protection were a quantum leap over any other tanks previously, as well as many more afterward.