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Science & Nature • Military Technology

Tiger II

The Tiger II was a German heavy tank used during the Second World War.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Tiger II was a German heavy tank used during the Second World War. Officially designated Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B, it was also known as the Königstiger, or King Tiger, and was the last German tank to enter series production during the war. It was armed with an 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun and was heavily armoured, but its large size contributed to mechanical and logistical problems.

Development and design

The Tiger II was developed as a heavy breakthrough tank with stronger armour and armament than earlier German tanks. It used the 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun and was intended to dominate armoured engagements at long range.

Combat use

The Tiger II first saw use in 1944, including during the Normandy campaign. It was feared for its firepower and protection, but its weight and complexity limited operational effectiveness.

Production

Tiger II production began in January 1944 and ended in March 1945. Sources differ slightly on total output, commonly giving 489 or 492 vehicles.

Legacy

The Tiger II became one of the most famous German tanks of the war and is often cited as a symbol of heavy tank design. Surviving examples are preserved in museums and collections.

Key facts

  • The Tiger II was developed and produced in Germany during the Second World War.
  • It entered combat in 1944, including service during the Normandy campaign.
  • The tank combined thick armour with a powerful long-barrel 88 mm gun.
  • It was the last German tank to enter series production in the war.
  • Production took place at Henschel between January 1944 and March 1945.
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Canadian context

The Tiger II is of interest to Canadian readers as a major German armoured vehicle of the Second World War and a common subject in military history, museum interpretation, and war-gaming communities in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Tiger II?
The Tiger II was a German heavy tank used in the Second World War.
What was its official name?
Its official German designation was Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf. B.
Why was it called the King Tiger?
King Tiger was an Allied nickname derived from the German name Königstiger, meaning “king tiger.”
What gun did it use?
It was armed with the 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71 gun.
How many Tiger IIs were built?
Sources commonly give a total of 489 or 492 vehicles.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_II
    Supports: official designation, aliases, and general identification as a German heavy tank
  2. The Tank Museum — https://tankmuseum.org/tank_collection/tiger-ii
    Supports: production dates, Normandy use, alternate names, and total produced
  3. Normandy Bunkers — https://www.normandybunkers.com/tanks-and-vehicles/tiger-ii
    Supports: technical overview, armament, armour, and service characteristics
  4. Panzernet — http://www.panzernet.net/panzernet/en/tanky/pz7.php
    Supports: technical specifications including weight, engine, speed, armament, and range