VK4501

The VK4501 (P), also known as the Tiger (P), was an unsuccessful heavy tank prototype produced by Porsche in Germany in 1942.

Development
On the 21st May 1942, Henschel and Porsche at a meeting in Germany were asked to submit designs for a 45 ton heavy tank capable of mounting the high velocity 88 mm KwK L/56 gun which was derived from the German 88 mm flak gun. Both the Henschel and Porsche tanks were to be fitted with the same turret supplied by Krupp. The Porsche company worked on updating the VK3001P medium tank, Porsche's medium tank prototype, and adapted parts used on it for the new tank.

The new Porsche tank, designated the VK4501(P) was to be powered by twin air cooled gasoline Porsche Type 101/1 engines which were mounted to the rear of the tank. The twin engines would then drive two generators, one either side of the tank, which would then power two motors which would drive the tracks. But the engine along with its drive system were very prone to break down and needed almost constant maintenance to keep the tank running. This, and the tank being less maneuverable than its competitor, was the reason why Henschel's prototype, the Tiger I, was adopted for production instead.

The VK4501(P) chassis was later chosen to be the basis of a new heavy tank destroyer which would eventually be called the Elefant and mount the new 88 mm Pak 43/2.

Only one tank went into service at the Battle of Kursk as a command tank over the Ferdinand (Elefant) unit, and served in Panzerjäger Abteilung 653.

The VK4501(P)'s chassis and many of the Elefant's components were later used in developing the VK4502(p) prototype heavy tank.