Can anyone document A.A. Machine Gun mounts,either factory
or field modification, for Tiger I or Panther D,with early production
style cupola?? If no documentation available,any logical suppositions??
Many Thanks for any help
Roowalker
I assume, and put the emphasis on ASSUME, because I don’t know…but I think it has something to do with the Luftwaffe having some margin of air superiority in '42 when the designs were, in the case of the Tiger 1, fielded, and in the case of the Panther D conceptualized. The lesson of the Elephant at Kursk probably led to the “Fliegerwhatever” being added to aid not only with air defense but ground action as well.
Panther Ausf D with early cupola didn’t provide for an AA mount from the factory as seen in this photo:
but this pic apparently shows an added ring attached to the cupola
I’ll dig through my pics a little more, sorry I cant offer info on the Tiger.
The Early Panther Ausf D did not have AA MG mounts as Derek has said. The above pic is of a very early Ausf D now a memorial in Holland (the only known survivor in the world). The lack of the cupola hatch lock determines it’s age.
Production orders August 1943 called for the addition of a simple ring to the cuppola top with an ‘L’ shaped bar welded to that as a support for the MG like this:
The ring for the mount actually comes in the DML Panther D kit as an ‘extra’ item. The DML Ausf D is not a true ‘Kursk’ Model as dictated on the box, but can be backdated with the addition of Mig Productions air intakes on the engine deck (well worth the small price they ask for them) and the correct options being taken. The box top picture is a great reference, as it shows up instructional errors like the addition of 2 headlights, not one as per the instructions, etc.
If you can get hold of Tanks in detail 3, PzKpfw V Ausf A,D & G, Panver V Panther, ISBN 0-7110-2941-5 and Tanks in detail 5, PzKpfw VI Ausf E & B, Panzer VI Tiger I & II, ISBN 0-7110-2984-9 published by Ian Allan show AA anti aircraft mounts fitted.
YESSS!! Exactly what I was hunting… Had seen this arrangment on Panther
some time ago,& could not recollect where … “Old-Timers” must be setting
in.
Many Thanks,Folks!!!
The Roowalker