The German Panther tank - a forefather of the modern battle tank
and one of the most deadly of World War II.
45 tonnes of rolling steel, equipped with deadly armour-piercing rounds
and state-of-the-art plate armour.
Its presence on the battlefield was to change the course of the war
and leave a legacy that remains with us to this day.
Operation Barbarossa - the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
Around four million German troops were sent to fight,
along with 600,000 vehicles. It was the largest military operation in history.
But while the German army made some initial headway,
they didn't count on Soviet ingenuity.
Now, the Soviets focused on making the T34s easy to produce,
allowing them to be manufactured in their thousands.
Half a dozen anti-tank guns fire shells, which sound like a drumroll.
But he drives staunchly through our line like an impregnable prehistoric monster.
It is remarkable that lieutenant Steup's tank made hits on the T-34,
once at about 20 metres, and four times at 50 metres,
with Panzergranate 40, without any noticeable effect.
German command began researching the Soviet war machine
to develop a countermeasure. Their plan? The ultimate anti-tank tank.
The first step: heavy armour.
More than three inches of steel plate for the turret, at a slope to deflect shell hits.
Only a direct impact by the heaviest weapons would guarantee penetration.
The main gun was a 7.5 cm calibre Rheinmetall-Borsig.
One of the most powerful deployed in World War II.
Its long barrel and large explosive propellant charges
gave it exceptional accuracy and armour-piercing capabilities.
Two machine guns would give the tank anti-infantry capabilities.
Broad wheels would distribute the tank's weight more evenly,
helping the Panther to navigate the treacherous Soviet terrain.
The heart of the monster, a Maybach V12 petrol engine,
capable of delivering 650 hp,
allowing the tank to travel at speeds of up to 47 km/h.
Its name? The Panther. A dangerous and agile beast.
It was designed to be the perfect response to a superior force,
and something the Germans hoped would turn the tide of the war.
In theory, a fearsome predator.
But in the field, there were unforeseen circumstances.