VK 20

Starting in 1938, the VK 20 series were the proposed replacements of the Panzer IV and Panzer III tanks with entries by MAN, Krupp and Daimler Benz. It was initially projected to weigh 20 tonnes but grew to 24 tonnes. By November 1941, the designs almost reached completion but against the better judgement of Wa Pruef 6, political interference on December 1941 lead to all of the designs being dropped. The root of this adverse decision came from encounters with increasing numbers of T-34 and KV-1 tanks. The search for a new 30 tonne tank, the VK 30 series that would become the Panther, replaced it. This decision would place the rushed MAN Panther into production as Germany's new standard medium tank, which was plagued with issues never fully addressed especially those caused by MAN's final drive. It would also arrive too late, with Germany's position in a steep decline, having lost the initiative.

VK 20.01(III)
Daimler Benz was awarded a contract to develop a 20 ton replacement for the Panzer III. Unlike the Z.W. 40, the VK 20.01(III) was a complete departure from previous designs. It was one of the first tanks to designed to use interleaved road wheel suspension (Schachtellaufwerk). The advantage of which was a shorter ground contact length for improved steering with the tanks weight distributed over larger diameter road wheels, which lasted longer and provided a smoother ride over rough terrain. By 14 December 1938, Daimler Benz completed a design project using the HL 116, which developed 300 metric hp.

VK 20.01(D)
Daimler Benz having been forced to accept untested components in their Panzer III Ausf E, gained permission to pursue their design without interference from Wa Pruef 6. This allowed them to adopt leaf springs as torsion bars held the following key disadvantages: wasted space inside vehicle, poor access to repair and replace torsion bars, instability as a weapons platform due to the individual sprung wheels and the lack of a satisfactory shock absorber design addressing the instability. The Panzer III Ausf E's hydraulic steering, which did not function as planned was also dispensed with. It was to be replaced with a system using mechanical levers as long as no better alternative was available. The tank design was to be completed by December 1940 and if the MB 809 diesel engine could be delivered by February 1941, a complete experimental chassis was to follow. The MB 809 had a continuous power rating of 350 metric hp, increasing to up to 400 metric hp without fuel injection. With fuel injection, its power could be increased to 450 metric hp. Design of a diesel motor was deemed necessary to utilize strategic fuel specifically demanded by Hitler. The design of the MB 809 was completed in June 1940 with the first motor running on the test stand on February 1941 followed by its acceptance test in 12 March 1941. The motor arrived in Berlin-Marienfelde to be installed in an experimental chassis. On 22 December 1941, a report to the directors of Daimler-Benz stated: "Based on experience in the Russian campaign, the new tank just developed by Daimler-Benz was now obsolete. Utilizing the already developed tank, studies were being conducted on a new design with thicker armour and heavier armament."

Proposed armament

 * 5 cm KwK 38 L/42
 * 5 cm KwK 39 L/60
 * 7.5 cm KwK 44 L/43 (later redesignated as KwK 40)