Trial by Fire: Was the Ferdinand's Combat Debut at Kursk Truly Disastrous?

The Ferdinand later to be renamed the Elefant, is one of the most unique designs to come out of the Second World War. Based on a failed Tiger proposal from Ferdinand Porsche, it was transformed into an entirely different vehicle with a different purpose. Designed primarily for tank destruction, the vehicle was equipped with an 88 mm Pak 43 gun. The formidable 88 mm Pak 43 L/71 gun exhibited such power that it could penetrate the front armor of the Soviet IS-2 at a range of 2,300 meters—well-before the IS-2 could approach within 500 meters to unleash a round capable of piercing the Ferdinand's armor. The final Ferdinands were completed in May 1943 and rushed to the eastern front ready for their participation in the Battle Of Kursk. #ww2tanks #tankbattle #kursk