At the height of the Second World War, under a directive from Adolf Hitler, Germany embarked on creating the heaviest tank the world had ever seen, the Panzer VIII Maus. This 188-ton steel colossus was a marvel of engineering, a behemoth designed to dominate the battlefield with its considerable size and firepower.
In the early 1940s, the German military leadership envisioned groundbreaking military technology that, if realized more swiftly and extensively, could have significantly impacted the course of World War II. These innovative concepts, ranging from practical advancements like the first assault rifle and intercontinental ballistic missiles to more extravagant creations, such as the Panzer VIII Maus super-tank, represent both the pinnacle of military ingenuity and the eccentricities of their creators.
Developed upon Hitler’s request by Porsche, the 188-ton Maus epitomized impracticality, its introduction amidst fuel shortages baffling even contemporary observers. Hitler’s erratic decision-making, driven by a desire to outdo Allied developments, resulted in projects like the Maus that defied conventional military logic.
Development of the Panzer VIII Maus super-heavy tank began in 1941 with Krupp’s studies of Soviet tanks like the KV series. By early 1942, Krupp had designed prototypes, including the hybrid Tiger/Maus, later known as the PzKpfw. VIII, and another super heavy design, the PzKpfw. VII Lowe, or “Lion,” which never reached the prototype stage. In March 1942, the order for the Maus was placed, with specifications for a 188-ton tank armed with a 105mm L/60 or L/72 gun.
Ferdinand Porsche oversaw Maus production, with Krupp responsible for the hull, turret, and armament. Despite past failures, Porsche received approval from Hitler, possibly as compensation, with the tank described as “indestructible.” The contract set a deadline for an operational prototype by spring 1943, with design revisions including turret-mounted 150mm and 105mm guns. Armament considerations ranged from the 150mm L/40 gun to naval guns and 128mm flak guns.
In January 1943, Hitler intervened in the Maus tank’s development, ordering turret-mounted 128mm and 75mm guns, with plans for larger guns in the future. The original design for 100 rounds of ammunition storage was altered due to constant armament modifications, resulting in reduced space.
Delays in production pushed the first vehicle’s completion from spring to summer 1943, with plans for only five tanks per month. Initially named VK10001 Porsche Type 205, the tank was later nicknamed Maeuschen (“Mousy”) before being officially named Maus in February 1943. Alkett, responsible for assembly, completed the first prototype in December 1943, lacking a turret, and conducted tests revealing issues with its powerplant and mobility due to its immense weight. Despite modifications, the prototype could only reach 13km per hour, far below the planned 20km per hour. Interestingly, this prototype was camouflaged and disguised as a captured Russian vehicle during testing.
In March 1944, the second prototype of the Maus tank, known as V2, was completed, differing from the first prototype (V1) in several aspects. Initially lacking a powerplant, the V2 was later equipped with a Daimler-Benz MB 517 diesel engine in mid-1944, although its performance was not significantly improved. The V2 was armed with a powerful armament including a 128mm KwK 44 L/55 gun, a coaxial 75mm KwK 44 L/36.5 gun, and a 7.92mm MG34 machine gun, providing formidable firepower capable of penetrating the armor of various enemy tanks at ranges over 3,500 meters.
Despite its impressive armor thickness of up to 14 inches and the inclusion of mounts for a Zeiss rangefinder in the turret, the Maus faced challenges with engine power and mobility. Additionally, its unique volute spring suspension and wide tracks designed by Skoda contributed to its distinctive appearance and limited mobility. Despite ongoing testing and development, production of the Maus was ultimately halted in August 1944, and all existing hulls were ordered to be scrapped, ending the ambitious project.
Despite encountering significant developmental challenges, the Panzer VIII Maus provided designers with the opportunity to experiment with advanced features, including an auxiliary power plant. This plant allowed for pressurization of the crew compartment, enabling the tank to submerge when fording rivers and offering improved protection against gas and chemical weapons. While the Maus was designed to ford rivers up to 45 feet deep, practical limitations restricted it to approximately 25 feet due to bridge weight limitations.
Crew safety during submersion was ensured through sealed hatches and vents, aided by pressurization, and a large cylindrical chimney serving as an escape passage if needed. Tanks were intended to ford in pairs, with one powering the electric transmission of the other via cable, while the auxiliary power also facilitated cabin heating, battery recharging, and an advanced electric steering system. Despite its engineering complexity, the electric transmission was considered by some German designers as the optimal choice for heavy tanks, building upon previous experimentation with this technology in vehicles like the Elefant assault gun.
On November 4, 1943, Hitler’s indecision led to the cessation of Maus development, with only one vehicle to be completed for further evaluation, and his previous order for 150 vehicles was canceled in October 1943. The impracticality of the Maus became apparent as German ground forces faced increasing vulnerability to Allied air attacks, rendering such a massive tank highly susceptible. Despite claims that Hitler intended to deploy the Maus to bolster Atlantic coastal defenses on the Western Front, production delays prevented its timely deployment, particularly before D-Day.
Conflicting accounts surround the fate of the Maus prototypes, with some suggesting destruction at the Kummersdorf proving grounds, while others claim limited combat deployment near Zossen and Kummersdorf. However, none of these accounts can be verified, and the remnants of the Maus were discovered by Allied troops after the war. Only two prototype Maus vehicles were ever built, and although they were never fully equipped with armament, the Maus remains a symbol of extravagant engineering ambition and a drain on German resources during the final years of the war.
Relevant articles:
– Panzer VIII Maus, Military Wiki | Fandom
– Second World War Weapons That Failed, iwm.org.uk
– A Maus Tale, tankmuseum.org
– The Panzer VIII Maus: The Heaviest Tank Ever Built, Warfare History Network, Jul 11, 2023