Five Bergepanzer Tiger (P) armoured
recovery vehicles were converted in Autumn 1943, using three from Tiger (P)
prototypes and two more from battle-damaged Ferdinands not suitable for the
Elefant modification. The conversion was completed in a similar manner to the
Ferdinand self-propelled gun. The engines were mounted in the centre of the
tank chassis, and a new superstructure was added at the rear. A ball-mount was
provided for the sole armament, a 7.92mm MG34. Other than a small derrick
crane, rams and timber beams, no special recovery equipment was fitted.
There were two main changes, the zimmerit and the remote controlled gun on top of the superstructure. The mudguards were changed as well, with added supports for them like for the Elefants. The cooling grids were modified, like for the Elefants.
So, we have at least two main variants that mirror the changes done for the Elefants.
But there were other differences, as the one allocated to the 1st Kompanie (and sent to Italy) had some unique features. It shared the longer front mudguard support with the Elefants of the same Kompanie, and had no holes for the driver’s visor, Also, the zimmerit pattern was differente at least on the front
Probably, this was the Bergetiger (p) depicted with lots of detail right after production, as it is clear that it has not the forementioned holes for the driver.
There were two main changes, the zimmerit and the remote controlled gun on top of the superstructure. The mudguards were changed as well, with added supports for them like for the Elefants. The cooling grids were modified, like for the Elefants.
So, we have at least two main variants that mirror the changes done for the Elefants.
But there were other differences, as the one allocated to the 1st Kompanie (and sent to Italy) had some unique features. It shared the longer front mudguard support with the Elefants of the same Kompanie, and had no holes for the driver’s visor, Also, the zimmerit pattern was differente at least on the front
Probably, this was the Bergetiger (p) depicted with lots of detail right after production, as it is clear that it has not the forementioned holes for the driver.
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