American Panther Tanks

Description

The first book and reference guide to photographically examine all five surviving Panther tanks in the US
Three chapters cover the design and development of the Panzer V Panther tank
The only surviving example of the Panzer II tank hull is examined in comprehensive detail
An excellent reference book for military modellers, historians and tank wargamers (Hell Let Loose, War Thunder, World of Tanks) interested in the iconic Panther with authentic camouflage livery
386 colour illustrations
American Panther Tanks: An Examination of the Five Surviving Panzer V Tanks Including the Rare Panther II might be considered as a strange title for a book; however, there are five Second World War examples in the US. It is believed that fourteen captured Panzer V Panther tanks were shipped to the United States after hostilities ended in 1945. Most were cut-up and scrapped after being used for testing and target practice on live firing ranges. The Panzer V Ausf.A Panther tank at the American Heritage Museum, Hudson, Massachusetts, near Boston, has been completely restored to an extremely high standard. The other four Panther tanks are at Fort Benning, Columbus, Georgia, under the care of the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Collection (U.S. AACC). They are awaiting their turn to be restored.

The first four chapters briefly cover the development and production of the Panzer V Panther tank from the first version, the Ausf.D, to the second version, the Ausf.A. This is followed by the final production version, the Ausf.G, using photographs from other surviving Panther tanks around the world. The fifth chapter explores the design history of the Panther II prototype hull and only one was built.

The remaining chapters are dedicated to a photographic walkaround of the surviving Panther tanks in the US.